2. amps-preamps
  3. 176422-76351

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
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.

abd1 OP
156 posts
 

@debjit_g 

This thread has been interesting to follow. I started it when I originally received the promo offer from Peachtree and was intending to try a GaN1. However, things changed and I cancelled my order. I did wind up with an LSA GaN 350 amp and it sounds fantastic with the Cube Nenuphar Mini's. The Cubes tend to "prefer" low damped, no feedback amp designs and can sound amazing with very low powered amps (I've used 2 wpc tube amps that sound great) so I wasn't sure how the GaN amps would sound. I've used other higher powered solid state amps that sound flat and a bit dry with the Cubes. The GaN 350 amp just sounds so clean but not harsh and the detail is extraordinary. I put on one of my wife's favorite Michael Stipe tracks and she said she's never heard his voice so clear and "in the room." Strings are so vibrant you can practically feel the vibration. I've been impressed with this amp and I sometime wonder if the GaN1 would sound even better since it direct. However, ultimately, I still prefer tubes. Even though I'm not getting the detail there's an expansiveness and weight that I like with tube amps. However, I could easily see living happily with the GaN 350 amp, especially with other speakers. Which reminds me that I did use it with some Usher BE718 speakers it was a fantastic match as well. If those were my permanent speakers it would be hard to move away from the GaN 350. My main purpose with the GaN 350 was to have a cooler amp for summer. I thought of keeping it for next summer but there's so many amps I want to try. So I am selling my GaN 350. You can pm me if you're interested. It is one of the best solid state amps I've had at any price and I highly recommend it.

ricevs
1,543 posts
 

Yes, lots of used GaN350s out there.  Looks like LSA has discontinued it and are probably working up an amp based on the much better sounding digital boards from EAS (if you talk to EAS they will tell you that the digital boards are more transparent).  Even the best digital amp system that can be made (yet to be done) will not sound like tubes.....there will always be those that prefer the "sound" of tubes....

I should have my webpage about all things: (digital amp/digital crossover/off the grid power/making your own speakers) up tonight or tomorrow and will share the link.

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