2. amps-preamps
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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
lewinskih01
909 posts
 

I'm quite interested in GaN 1.

FWIW, I read Ralph's (atmasphere) comments as constructive to learning. In fact over the years I learnt a lot from his posts. For example, his posts helped me understand things about single ended triodes and how to use them with excellent results, despite him not building/selling SETs. 

Back to GaN 1: I see comments talking highly about its midrange. How is the bass? 

Looking to read more from folks who share the experience with it!

kitsap2
24 posts
 

@lewinskih01 - I find the bass excellent but with the caveat that I'm not an audiophile.  I have normal hearing (always passed my annual flight physical aural tests with flying (no pun intended) colors).  As with most recordings, the mastering is key.  My speakers have eight inch transducers (not my naming of them, but the manufacturer) and some recordings have thundering bass, while other recordings have less but well detailed.

I'm just returning home from overseas for 4 months, and am looking forward to listening to my GaN 1, Bluesound Node, and Tekton speakers as soon as I get over the time zone difference.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
treepmeyer
122 posts
 

Got my Gan1 and Node a week ago but only hooked it up yesterday.  Even without adequate burn-in, initial impressions are very favorable.  I've been listening to RP mellow mix, Stockholm Jazz Quartet and Melody Gardot - and all at low volume.  A real pleasure.  Clarity and precision without fatigue.  The word that comes to my mind is "delicious".  I find I want more.  I'll listen to a greater range of music in the next few weeks at more volume and report back.  I've also ordered a PD interface and Jay's Audio lps for the Bluesound Node.  I expect SQ will get better.  So far I'm a happy camper.

lewinskih01
909 posts
 

@kitsap2 thanks for the feedback. For my reference, which amp are you comparing the GaN1 bass with?

kitsap2
24 posts
 

@lewinskih01 I can't give you a fair answer due to a subwoofer I had used with the previous amp and the Tektons.  When I switched out the previous amp (Nova150), I ditched my subwoofer and went with just the Tektons.

I do augment the Tektons, at times, with boosts to bass at lower listening levels, like a "loudness" switch.  When I do that, I'm using Airplay2 to send music from the computer to the Node→GaN1→Tektons.

 

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