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.

__________________________________________________________________

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
thespeakerdude
483 posts
 

Some of that was over my head, but I have people who can explain it to me. Thank you.

kitsap2
24 posts
 

@thespeakerdude, "over my head" is the understatement of the year in my case!  I am nothing more than an end user and music listener.  I'll listen to music playing from my iPhone stuffed in my front jacket pocket while hiking up a hill, as well as in my living room from an integrated amp/receiver to my main speakers.  I do like quality sound, but music is the priority over equipment.

The Peachtree (and I am a Peachtree enthusiast going on four years) GaN 1 sounds fantastic with my Tekton speakers.  Really like the auto-off after 15 minutes or so.  The amp gets only slightly warm over extended playing, and that is another great feature!  I also have a Marantz CD player, acting as a transport connected to the Bluesound Node, though rarely use it.

All in all, the GaN 1 is exactly what I was looking for.  Love it!

dolfan
109 posts
 

@kitsap2  I agree with your review. I have the Tekton Perfect Set Speakers. If you get an IEC adapter for the Node and use a better cord you will improve the sound quite a bit. I also put a better cord on the amp another jump in sound quality. Watching the game last night the orchestra sounded wonderful!

Happy listening, dolfan

sirnui
82 posts
 

I had to cancel my GaN 1 order because my VTV D300 Digital Amp came in for delivery a few days back. I imagine it would perform similarly to the GaN 1 since it also uses an EAS board. I’m liking a lot what I’m hearing. It’s left on 24/7 for breakin and it’s getting better. It doesn’t beat my traditional DAC and amp just yet but it’s close to doing so and I may prefer it in the near future. The reviewer in the youtube video said the GaN 1 was improved with a DDC. I can say the same is true for the D300. My Audio-GD DI-20HE DDC came in today and although not broken in, it has made the music very fun to listen to. I enjoy what it’s doing. My SPDIF cable is a Shunyata Omega Clock 75 cable with BNC connectors. I have to use an adapter for the D300 but I plan to exchange the RCA connector for a BNC connector to eliminate adapters. The D300 is plugged into a Shunyata Typhon T2 conditioner. The T2 was partially made for power amps. The music is flowing tonight.

@ricevs Thanks again. You made me aware of the D300 and I appreciate your enthusiasm for audio and knowledge.

sirnui
82 posts
 

@ricevs I also bought a Lumin U1 Mini with Sbooster upgrade for the LEEDH digital volume control.  It sounds good. Controlling the volume from my phone is both good and bad.  It's convenient when I'm using the phone but it's inconvenient when I'm not because then I need to unlock the phone and then open the app.  Lumin makes a physical remote but I will wait on it for now. 

More to discover