2. amps-preamps
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Peachtree GaN 1 Beta

Before I start my post here is my current system for reference:

Auarlic Aries G1 --> Denafrips Terminator or SW1X DAC --> Audio GD HE1 XLR preamp or Sachs preamp --> various tube amps --> Cube Nenuphar Mini's w/ a pair of REL S510 subs. Cables and power conditioning commensurate with the rest of the system.

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As warmer months approach I have been looking for a cool running amp to replace my Line Magnetic LM-518 and other tube amps for a few months as they run pretty hot.

I've been interested in the GaN FET amps and just purchased a used LSA Voyager 350 Gan FET amp which I should receive in a few days. I've tried class D amps before and while they checked a lot of boxes I just didn't feel drawn in. However, I like to explore so I figured I'd try the GanFET and since the amp has zero feedback and my speakers seem to prefer amps with little or no feedback I figured it be worth checking out.

Today, Peachtree Audio sent out an email inviting users to a beta of their new Gan 1 amp. Here are some excerpts from their email:

 

What is the GaN 1?

In basic terms it is a 200 Watts-Per-Channel (WPC) Power Amplifier designed to be the sole interface between your digital audio device with a variable output, like a Bluesound NODE, and your speakers. The GaN 1 is a simple, pure and cost-effective audio solution: connect the GaN 1 to a streamer and a pair of speakers and you have an amazing Hi-Fi system. That's it...no DAC, no preamp and no input switching. The signal path from the music to your speakers is remarkably short and free of artifacts. Want to hear the intricate details in your music that have always been there, but you couldn't quite make them all out before? Then the GaN 1 is for you!

What makes the GaN 1 so special?

First and foremost is the GaN-FET amplifier module. It has several inherent advantages in a power amplifier that even the best MOS-FET designs simply cannot achieve. A GaN-FET power stage provides a precise high-power reproduction of the Class-D PWM signal with extremely high linearity. This linearity eliminates the need for ANY feedback, ultimately allowing for the best possible audio quality providing clean, clear middle and high frequencies and a tight, solid reproduction of low frequencies. GaN-FETs track the complex audio waveforms MUCH more accurately than MOS-FETs, resulting in significantly more transparent and natural sound. The difference is something even a casual listener can hear and appreciate. The GaN 1 is also designed so that it does NOT require a digital-to-analog-converter (DAC). The digital audio signal at the input directs the amplifier outputs to drive the speakers. Although DACs have continued to improve over the years, there is no DAC better than NO DAC! This concept is not new as similar devices known as "Power DACs" made quite a splash in our industry years ago. But this time around, by executing the concept with GaN-FETs, the bar is raised to an entirely new level.

Key Features at a Glance:
▪ 200 WPC state-of-the-art GaN-FET module
▪ ZERO feedback design
▪ Regulated 450-Watt power supply
▪ Coaxial S/PDIF input with native support up to 24-bit / 192kHz
▪ DAC-less design
▪ Power on/off trigger port
▪ All aluminum chassis
▪ No cooling fans

 

This sounded really interesting to me and since I have a good streamer I signed up for the amp beta only. One aspect that intrigues me is to create an extremely minimal signal path. My speakers are single driver, crossover-less design. Employing the GaN 1 will mean the system will be Auralic Aries --> GaN 1 --> Cube Nenuphar Mini's. Will that lead to a more engaging sound vs the full system? Will the Voyager GaN 350 outperform a tube amp in the full system? Who knows, should be fun to find out....

Now, I have no idea how either of these GaN FET amps will work with my speakers. The Cube Nenuphars seem to prefer amps with low damping and no negative feedback, which is more common with SET tube amps and Class A solid state amps. I'm not sure of the damping factor of the GaN FET amps, but both are Zero feedback designs, and both have way more wattage than I need. For reference, I have a 1.5 wpc 45 tube amp that sounds amazing with the Cubes, so high wattage is not required. I am interested though in what these amps will sound like compared to my tube amps, and I am particularly interested in what the streamer direct to amp Peachtree will sound like.

I am also looking to acquire a First Watt SIT-3, which is a great match with the Cubes, but now that they are no longer produced prices have gone above my current comfort level. If I can get one I will throw it into the experiment.

The Peachtree won't be shipped until sometime in June, or possibly later. In the meantime I will get the LSA Voyager in the next few days. I might even be able to get it hooked up this weekend so stay tuned, should be an interesting experiment...
abd1
mbolek
182 posts
 

On one had you rave about the sound.....and then with the other hand you say its best use is using it with cheap streamers in a secondary system......HUH? How can you be raving about the sound in your main system and say this?

My statement should have been that most people would not spend the money on the 150 and just use the digital out to the GaN1.  Agree using the best possible streamer will enhance the GaN1 performance.

Ric - I love your idea with using the Flex and may have to look at using (2) GaN1s for an active system with my Camerton's and Purifi woofers.   Interesting....

mbolek
182 posts
 

Here is a link to a review of a bunch of digital cables (all with bnc connectors). The same difference would still be there if using rca connectors. This will give you an idea of the differences EVERYTHING makes. We have only just begun!

Curious that you don't feel that BNC connectors/connections make a difference.  Aren't they supposed to be superior to RCA since they are truly 75ohm terminations.

ricevs
1,543 posts
 

I did not say that bnc connectors were inferior or superior to rca. You would have to listen to the connectors to know which is better. What is on the GaN 1 is an rca. If you add an adapter, then you add the "sound" of an adapter. If someone really has to have a BNC connector then I could add one to the GaN 1 as part of a mod. Personally, I would not do that.....just use a better rca connector and better wire going to the board....but who knows?

The 75 ohm thing is really only one small factor in the sound of things. Years ago I bought this "pure 75 ohm" digital cable from Goldmund....that was suppose to be baked in an oven to insure perfect 75ohm......well, I made my own digital cable in a few minutes using high purity six nines copper twisted together and just regular rca’s.....and it slaughtered the Goldmund cable for sound purity. My cable was who knows what impedance. There are sooooooooooooooooo many things that make a sonic difference. Getting hung up on 75 ohm or whatever single thing will not get you great sound.

mbolek
182 posts
 

Ok.  So for anyone that cares, here are my mods to the GaN1.

 

1.  Replaced power inlet/fuse with a pure copper (Viborg) IEC.

2.  Replaced internal power wiring with VenHaus 12awg wire.

3.  Added KLE copper binding posts

4.  Triple C (Audio Revere) speaker jumpers to the GaN1 modules.

 

Pics added to my profile.  Love doing these mods. never really know if they make any difference.  I always tell myself that it sounds better....

Thinking that I'll bypass the RCA plug and run a direct connection to the PCB.  The internal wire is standard OEM.

Know the power and binding post connections feels more secure, I love using pure copper.  Never worried about the oxidation as I have seen more tarnishing with silver coated terminals.

@ricevs  take note to the twists on the speaker jumpers, opposite turns for positive/negative, does everything matter.....just kidding

mbolek
182 posts
 

Yeah,  I'm not going to add RCA/BNC adapters to the mix.  We'll never find a streamer that has a BNC digital coax connector.  I remember the old days using BNC, just liked the secure connection.

As I mentioned in the previous post, may run the coax straight to the board.  

After listening for the last hour, something is better.  I'm thinking the speaker jumpers may be the improvement.  I never liked the ferrite beads (what was on the stock speaker wires).  I really don't buy into the power side, other than a more secure/tight connection.

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