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
ricevs
1,543 posts
 

Yup, you will have to use a converter.....usb to coax. Here is one of many:

https://www.sonore.us/ultraDigital.html

There will be units with multiple inputs, including usb input, volume control built in, xover/equalizer built in and multichannel out so you can use this one integrated amp to drive speaker drivers directly.....one box solution.....you just make your own speaker and hook this thing up and play with the settings....easy as pie.....and better than $100K systems based on the old paradigm (DAC, cable, Preamp, cable, normal amp, whole bunch of xover parts then the speaker drivers). We no longer need any of that stuff....none of it. Of course, this will not be tube sound and not all will like it. But, if you want pure transparency and super detail and goosebumps and wowiezowie.....this will do.

I will have my webpage done by tomorrow (maybe even tonight) and post the link to all this madness.....he he.

yyzsantabarbara
4,779 posts
 

I have a USB optimized front end, the Sonore opticalRendu fed by a EtherRegen. I am going to use the just purchased Sonore UltraDigital and use it with the oR and eR combo. This is all Fibre Optical and my best streaming setup. I have 2 other opticalRendu but no FMC (like the eR) in front of those 2.

I spoke by email with 3 principles of Sonore UltraDigital . They responded this way:

1) No problem it will work with ROON DEVICE VOLUME setting. Many people use as I am thinking of doing.

2) It will have dropouts with ROON DEVICE VOLUME use FIXED instead

3) It will work.

So not the clearest feedback but I bought the UltraDigital today anyways and will test this out against my reference office system (only ROON streaming).

Cost of the contender:

- Peachtree GAN1 $1399

- UltraDigital $499

- WyWire ’Silver’ SPDIF $299 on sale and it will be BNC to RCA terminated

- EtherRegen $600ish with wall wort PS (as recommended)

- Sonore OpticalRendu ROON Only version $999 + $750 for Sonore LPS + $250 USB cable

This is $4800 worth of gear and nothing I would consider a weak link. It should be an apples-to-apples comparison for the most part.

I will use ROON as my streaming client and control volume from that (hopefully works).

 

 

 

 

 

debjit_g
257 posts
 

I would agree with @grannyring. With today's digital setup, a usb input would just made it a lot viable option. Many with highend streamers would have to use a digital convertor which somewhat defeats the purpose of simplicity GAN1 brings to the table. Also, I am not sure about digital volume control - I have experimented with Roon's DSP volume in the past and didn't like it much.

debjit_g
257 posts
 

@abd1 did you receive either the Voyager or the GaN1. I am curious about your impression with the Cubes. Can you please provide an update ?

dspringham
53 posts
 

Also agree about the omission of a USB input which would seem a superior choice for interface. Would there be a specific technical reason for SPDIF only as it relates to data conversion to PWM or just a lower cost, more easily implemented interface?

Regarding volume control in the digital domain (ie streamer), it seems many have dissed the notion due to "dropped bits/reduced resolution". I’m wondering if the advantages of the minimalist signal path utilizing the GAN-1 are potentially lost (or muted) due to software based attenuation (volume control) at the source. Or alternatively, do the benefits of the simplified chain more than make up for any detrimental effects of the software volume control.

Most streamer volume control options interface via a "slider" or other GUI based option on a control device so I’m wondering if one would miss the "tactile" feel of a high quality physical remote control (think Devialet). MiniDSP looks like it utilizes one of those cheap "credit card" type remotes - not much enjoyment there.

Very interested in the concept and potential of the GAN-1, however would like to see more ideas for source devices regarding volume control options.

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