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
kuribo
524 posts
 

@donnylovely 

Old tech, this is class d circa 1985. Without any actual understanding or knowledge of class d, that doesn't mean anything to you. The technology has matured and is now capable of much better than out of date designs without post filter feedback. But ignorance is bliss. Enjoy!

By the way, the measurements are out there. Get off your hind end and find if you actually have any interest in intelligently discussing this amps shortcomings. Otherwise you, like your amp, are just distortion boxes.

donnylovely
105 posts
 

@kuribo You obviously haven’t looked at the design to tell if that’s true or not. How much better can it be? What specifically would you do differently? Where are these mythical measurements of yours? How come you’re the only one that can see them? Why won't you share them with us? I’m thinking they don’t exist. The measurements just post seemed like they were news to you. 🤔 So weird. It’s almost like you have no idea what you’re talking about and that you just made up a story in your head so that you could practice being bitter. Why are you keeping them a secret? Oh why lol

kuribo
524 posts
 

@donnylovely 

 

 

You obviously haven’t looked at the design to tell if that's true or not. . Where are these mythical measurements of yours?

 

 

I have looked at the design and the data sheets while you clearly haven't. Nor do you understand what an output filter is, nor what the implications are of open loop (zero feedback) design. The more you shoot your mouth off the more obvious it is that you have no idea of the issues.

donnylovely
105 posts
 

@kuribo What would you change with the output filter then? What do you see wrong with the design other than it being "old"? How come you are not sharing any of the info with us still? How come the measurements just posted was news to you? Why can’t you give us any facts? Why do you just avoid the topics and complain about some other random thing?

kuribo
524 posts
 

@donnylovely 

Come back after you have learned something about class d. I have made the issues with this amp abundantly clear to anyone with a minimum of technical knowledge about class d amp design. You can find the data sheets on Mauser, and there is all you need to know about class d amp design and theory at the link I posted below. It's not worth my time to continue this one sided discussion.

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