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
dolfan
109 posts
 

I sent in my Gan 1 to @ricevs  for mods. I really enjoyed the stock version but took a chance. He put in new IEC and I got the WBT binding post option plus whatever else he does. It's a different amp. Much larger soundstage, speakers disappear on all but the worst recordings, much more musical, more depth.  Really surprised at the amount of difference. It's only got 50 hours or so on it so more to come. Glad I took a chance.

dolfan
109 posts
 

@audiocanada get the Node power supply upgrade from beatechnik on cbay. Get the Isopods on glamazon. Linkup network cables. Play with some power cords and fine tune your speaker positions. ?Digital cable. Little things pay big with the Gan.

sirnui
83 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara Well, I ended up buying that U2 unit and it's on a UPS truck right now coming my way. There is also a brand new one for sale here on AGon for a good price (less than MSRP) for anyone interested. This one doesn't come with remote like the unit I bought but still a good deal in my opinion for a new unit. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,895 posts
 

@sirnui Congrats, the streamer is well worth it for the GAN1. Mine is modded and sounds incredible with the Lumin X1 using Fibre Optic input streaming and SPDIF output streaming. I also bought the optional remote control which is very useful.

@dolfan I am getting more bass out of my modded GAN1. I kept 1 of my 2 Benchmark AHB2's and the differences between the 2 amps is easily evident. The AHB2 is still the most crystal clear, but the GAN1 is more powerful, and I find the better overall amp. The GAN1 seems to be getting better still with more hours. 

sirnui
83 posts
 

I have a number of boxes and cables I can remove from the system if the U2 is good enough to dethrone that small collection.  The rack looks cluttered at the moment.  I'm hoping simpler is better in this case.

To describe just a slice of the boxes I currently have a Lumin U1 Mini with LHY Audio LPS feeding USB to an Ideon Audio 3R Master Time DDC feeding USB to an Audio GD DI-20HE DDC.  I would be mightily impressed if the U2 allows me to remove at least one of the DDCs.   

More to discover