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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
dspringham
53 posts
 

Regarding use of MiniDSP Flex for digital domain volume control, the specifications state that the SPDIF digital outputs have a sample rate of 96khz. Sounds like this would be a limiting factor going into the GAN 1 which can accept up to 192khz rates. Am I missing something?

mbolek
179 posts
 

@abd1 Would love to be able to listen to the Cubes.  I'm planning on using the Camerton Binom's for my active setup.   A GaN1 per side driving the Cam's and Purifi woofers.   I'll start with the MiniDSP SHD as the front end and look to see how it performs.

I had the Peachtee GaN400.  It paired nicely with my Rose 150B.   Had too many Class D amps (Purifi, nCore, Hypex) and recently sold it.   I'm using the Rose with a Class D mini GaN 5 and have no complaints.   

Have to say that the simplicity of the GaN1 is brilliant.  Sound wise it betters the GaN400.  Not saying it will eliminate DAC's in the world but I do like the KISS approach.

@ricevs Originally was expecting an active Ravenna system using the Cam/Purifis (from your old buddy at Mivera...).   Never panned out...so this may be a good replacement.   

mbolek
179 posts
 

Regarding use of MiniDSP Flex for digital domain volume control, the specifications state that the SPDIF digital outputs have a sample rate of 96khz. Sounds like this would be a limiting factor going into the GAN 1 which can accept up to 192khz rates. Am I missing something?

Great point.  This could be a limiter for the Flex.   Assuming my SHD has the same sample rate.  Need to check this out...

The Rose outputs 24bit/192KHz and sounded fantastic (Qobuz).  No volume degradation issues with Rose.

ricevs
1,543 posts
 

When you do not know that EVERYTHING makes a difference then you concentrate on the only things you can see/know. 24/192 might sound a little better than 24/96 into the amp.......but there are so many things that make WAY more difference than that. For instance, the digital cable from the coax jack to the amp board is totally ordinary with ordinary connectors on it. I would remove the input jack board and check underneath that board to see if there is a coupling cap and or 75 ohm resistor there. If there are parts there then replace those parts with better ones and then hardwire  a super sounding cable from that board directly to the amp board (no connectors on either end). If there are no parts underneath the input connector board then solder a super wire directly onto the pins of the input jack.....bypassing the board altogether. This will make much more difference than going between 96K and 192K. Of course, there are other things to try on the amp board.

The power supply to the Flex should be killer....and best if hardwired.

vaejoviscarolinanus
18 posts
 

I have not heard the Gan 1 but I have a Gan400 and I am using a Schitt freya+ tube preamp with and it pairs well with the Magnepan LRS+ . I am using the Wiim pro streamer with a Allo nirvana power supply feeding the SMSL do 100 dac . All analog cables are connected via balanced cables . The soundstage is astonishing with depth and the resolution of this system is superb for the price point. I’m waiting for my magnariser stands to be delivered soon. 

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