Wyred 4 Sound or Peachtree audio

I've got the Peachtree Grand Integrated X-1 (440wpc) powering Wilson Benesch Arcs...obviously not as demanding a load, but the amp previously had to drive some 84dB sensitivity B&W and those were harder to drive and the Grand pushed them beautifully. I've never owned W4S stuff, but read great things about it. I also have an Audio Research tube integrated in another room, using EH6550 tubes, and I've done some side-by-side comparisons just for kicks and in a blind test I don't think I could tell the Peachtree apart from the Audio Research, other than that the Peachtree can get much louder. That the Peachtree sounds every bit as good as the Audio Research says a lot about how far Class D amps have come, and how good they sound relative to class A/B amps, at least in my case. I bet either way, Peachtree or W4S, those Maggies would absolutely sing.

Just caught the other part of your question - about fewer components. That was my goal too - I like that the Grand has a built in ESS9018 DAC with asynch USB, makes my system so simple, just one device for pre, amp, and DAC, fewer cables, less space needed, less heat. I know W4S makes the same kind of fully integrated components, I think it's a great trend. I'm in Arizona, and in summertime it's too hot to have lots of components throwing off heat. Simple is so nice.

Well,all I can say is the Grand X1 is every bit as smooth sounding as just about any a/b solid state amp.I have long standing admirer of Mark Levinson amplifier,and probably the best amps ever made in their price! But I would live to see the day that a class D ,or switching amplifier could stack up against MK products or even Krell for that matter! I myself do not presently drive loads that require gobs of power( Gemme Tanto V 2s) at a rating of 92.5 sensitivity,but my Tantos can handle all of the Peachtrees 770 wpc can throw at them!But the real surprise came when i brought them to buddys house who owns a pair of Eggleston Andras that are being driven by a Krell FPB 700 cx.Even though the Krell had incredible iron fist like grip on the power hungry Andras,the Peachtree was a close second for authotitary in control and power.But what was just as amazing was how musical the Grand X 1 was in comparison to the Krell.I personally have no experience with the W4S amps,but have also read many great reviews on them also.

Zyac39, I think the Grand X1 probably gets overlooked because Peachtree doesn't have the name panache like some other higher-end brands. And maybe because the rest of the Peachtree line sits under the $2K mark, people just think of them only within that specific budget category and the Grand X1 gets lost in the shuffle. Having now lived with mine for more than a year, I consider it not just a statement piece for Peachtree, but a superb component. But it does fly under the radar for most people.