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Peachtree Nova or Jolida Hybrid Integrated

I am looking for a hybrid integrated for an entry level system. I am considering the Peachtree Nova or the Jolida 1501BRC. They seem relatively similar (tube pre, Mosfet power) with the Peachtree adding a DAC. If I go with the Jolida, I am considering the Musical Fidelity V-DAC or something similar. I want the tube pre for an open warm sound,but do not want to deal with a tube power amp. The room is not large (15x15) in a apartment building, so playing really loud is not an issue. Music is jazz and classical (mostly small group, not large orchestra). Speakers will be Totem Arros. The Arros are 87 db and 4 ohm, but I have been told that either of these amps will drive them at modest levels. Anyone compared these 2 integrated or run either with Arros? Unfortunately, it is not easy for me to audition either of these with the Arros. I would like to use a Pathos Classic One (I already have one), but it is a little out of the price range for this system. Thanks for any help.
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jazzerdave
163 posts
 
I would take Zeekzaak's opinions with a grain of salt (the same goes for me and everyone else here who doesn't hear things exactly as you do). I've had the same exact unit (the iDecco). I've driven the original Advents, Usher S-520's, and Decware ERR's with the iDecco. I have amps with more detail and dynamic range, but the Peachtree has a good tonal balance and is very musical. It's far from the best amp I've heard, but I haven't listened to a ton of amps that cost much less than the iDecco itself. I've also been told that the iNova's amp is bigger improvement than just adding a few decibels of headroom.

If you were asking about a fully tubed Jolida, I would probably get the Jolida (I'm a tube guy first and foremost). I think you would enjoy either product, but I definitely recommend giving the Peachtree a shot.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
If you are mostly using digital sources, the Peachtrees have excellent DACs in them. I heard demos of iPods plugged into the Wadia ITransport 170 with an S/PDIF coax to the Peachtree, and it was excellent sound. In fact Magnepan was using this signal chain as a demo to demo their new Mini Maggies. To be fair, they were using the Peachtree as a DAC/linestage, sending the pre-out to three Brystons to drive the rather inefficient Magnepan panels. Still, the actual quality of the signal was excellent, including the best drum playback I've ever heard (and I'm a lifelong drummer).

If you go the Jolida/VDAC route, you should probably also budget another $99 to get Audio Advisor's Pangea aftermarket power supply.

OTOH I also have a Jolida phono stage and line stage, and like them very much as well. I think you'd get good sound with either signal chain.
dtc's avatar
dtc OP
1,047 posts
 
I ended up with a Naim Nait 5-i2, purchased in Europe to avoid the power issues. Matches very well with Totem Sttafs that I endup up with.
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