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
yyzsantabarbara
4,797 posts
 

I had the modded Peachtree GAN1 and the PeachTree GAN400 in the house for the past month. I was using the GAN400 on the Magnepan LSR+, which I like a lot. I found the GAN400 with a Holo Serene preamp and Shitt Yggi+ LM rather good. A bit of hardness on the top end (very minor) that was not in the GAN1. 

I returned the GAN400 last week and bought a used Benchmark AHB2 (again) for $2K to be used in the same small room. I will have 2 systems the GAN1 and a KEF LS50 META + KEF KC62 sub. The sub is not essential for the LSR+, but does help. 

Since I need both analog sources and streaming, I will use the GAN1 with the 5 lb LRS+ and the AHB2 with the KEF LS50 Meta. Both will be great and not too much of an issue having both speakers in the same room. Nothing I will freak out about.

The GAN1 is almost there in terms of features. It just needs analog input support and also subwoofer support. I know the BluesNode can provide this but my fibre optical streaming is better.

I also recently tested the modded GAN1 with the Yamaha NS5000, which I have in my larger Livingroom. I needed to crank up the volume a lot to get very good sound from the system. I felt the speaker needed more power, so I have the CODA #16 on it instead, with a Benchmark LA4 preamp.

 

mr_bill
347 posts
 

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has any updates to this thread. My Ric modded Gan1 will be done soon.
Will be using an ifi Zen Stream. I think the ZS sounds a little better than my Aries Mini and both have good software volume control.
I’ve never tried any of the new Auralic Aries streamers but they are priced a lot higher. I’ve read about Lumin mini but done think I’m interested in it or the Sonore. 
Anyone else have any compatible streamer recommendations for Gan1?

 

mr_bill
347 posts
 

Here’s another thought:

Would this work to run an fm tuner or a phono stage into a Gan1? It has a gain control and so do some tuners and preamps with phono?

All you’d have to do is move your coax SPDIF from your streamer to this unit with other end in the Gan1.


https://avahifi.com/collections/accessories/products/dva-a2d

kitsap2
24 posts
 

Hi Mr Bill

As far as connecting a turntable to your GaN1, I use the Bluesound Node, and with that, you can connect a turntable to the Node via the Node's 3.5mm audio cable input jack.  This 3.5mm audio input jack is a dual purpose use as it is also a TosLink ipunt via the use of an adapter that comes with the Node.  I use that adapter to connect my Marantz CD player to the Node.

If I were to connect my turntable to the Node, it would be turntable>Phono Preamp>Node 3.5mm audio input.

Please report your view of your soon to arrive modded GaN1 amp!  Really looking forward to hearing all about it!

Cheers,

Tom

lanx0003
813 posts
 

Anyone else have any compatible streamer recommendations for Gan1?

Any streamer with AES or SPDIF digital output in coaxial, xlr, bnc, or Toslink formats can be connected to the coaxial port of GaN 1. If the streamer lacks a coaxial digital output port, a converter from AES, BNC, or Toslink to coaxial is available as an option. However, the catch is that SPDIF supports a maximum bit depth and sample rate of 24/192 for digital audio signals.

It’s a pity for me since I have a collection of DSD files that I enjoy listening to. I suggest that Peachtree considers adding a USB port and due computing power to process those higher resolution music files. I believe Schiit is also considering taking that direction.

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