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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
kitsap2
24 posts
 

@ricevs  I appreciate your timely comment/post.  This thread is full of very satisfied, friendly participants and owners of the GaN 1.  There, however, is one individual, who will go unnamed, that is very unhappy.  Your advice is gold.  I leveled the axe at it/him and for that, my post was deleted by the moderator.  I understand why, my fault.

And the one part of your post that really rings true is that "they" always have to have the last word.  Classic!

Happy New Year to all!

Ag insider logo xs@2x
treepmeyer
122 posts
 

I have been following this thread with interest, especially as I have ordered a Gan1 and expect delivery any day.  I appreciate the criticisms and cautions (if not the tone of delivery).  I have a healthy respect for the "scientific" approach to audio equipment, meaning objective measurements and explanations of the physics involved.  It is helpful to avoid drinking anyone's Koolaid or succumbing to confirmation bias.  These are always risks.  However, for me the listening experience trumps all else.  The many positive comments from discerning Agon listeners - who actually have the Gan1 to hear - means quite a bit to me.  In any event I will shortly find out for myself.

Best wishes to everyone for the new year,  and please, respect and tolerance for each other.

kitsap2
24 posts
 

@treepmeyer,  I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the GaN 1 after you've had some time with it.  As the president of Peachtree said, it's not for everybody (paraphrasing).  But it definitely fits my needs and desires and I couldn't be more satisfied.

Happy New Year and new gear, 2023!

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,844 posts
 

 Why continue raining on other's parade when you don't agree with their enthusiasm, or beliefs.  It's rather confounding.

@kitsap2 FWIW, the manufacturer of the amp did get on this thread and confirmed something that @kuribo caught quite a bit of heat for here: the issue that a zero feedback class D amp will have frequency response that is load dependent. 

That issue does appear to be minor, but kuribo was not wrong.

WRT the issue of mods. I'm just using these two bits as examples: The output filter is a critical bit of engineering in any class D amplifier. It can have an enormous effect on the spurious noise generated by the amp- noise that can radiate into other components and can interfere with things like WiFi operation and digital circuits in general. Bypass caps in the circuit have a similar effect and are often chosen with care for their characteristics.

In a zero feedback amp these things can be quite critical because there is no feedback to offer any kind of correction.

When these things get changed out or removed, its guaranteed that the amp will need testing to know if it still meets important critical specs such as noise radiation thru the air or on the AC line. If this testing is not performed, if the mods are not done properly, don't be surprised if certain FM stations don't show up on your FM tuner because a buzzy sound has replaced them. So make sure that adequate testing has been performed when you have mods done. This testing should be done at the same level as if the amp were to be exported to the European Union. If it can surpass those marks it should be OK.

kitsap2
24 posts
 

@atmasphere,  Appreciate your explanation.  I can't argue with that.  But none of the participants here were seeking "you-know-who's" advice.  That's all.  "You-know-who" felt it was necessary to "rain on the parade" regardless.  It became monotonous, and yet "he" didn't let up.

Anyway, I'm done, I've said what was on my mind and had my post deleted.  At the end of the day, it's the pure pleasure of our hobby that matters.  And that's all it is, a hobby.  Not life, or death.  Who gives a rats ass about trivial crap that doesn't mean a thing in the grand scheme in life.  We're here today, but maybe not tomorrow.  Enjoy what you have, who you have and live life to its fullest.

Again, Happy New Year.

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