I took delivery of one of these yesterday. To my ears it is superb. I can echo most of John’s observations: better bass control, better instrument placement. If it matters, the again 1 was paired with some Focal 1038BE floorstanders. The sound gave me goosebumps, which I don’t recall happening before.
But, but, but, amplification using PWM (pulse width modulation) is class D, just because you change the output transistors or when you change from PCM to PWM doesn't change that. I understand they want to market their solution as different than others, but it's till class D.
If your primary criteria is convenience, then yes separates are not the future. If your primary criteria is quality of fidelity and you have the means to pursue that path, then separates are unavoidable. The saying, "If you try to be the master of all things, you'll find that you're the master of none" fully applies to our pastime.
I think for simplicity this is a great solution not taking up tons of space. I have one critical question though. If GaN1 only allows volume control from Powernode, does that mean it’s not bit-perfect? Since PCM to PWM conversion without a pre-amp to control the volume, digital output level is changed by a streamer, right? That means it’s losing information. Can you verify how Peachtree is ensuring the lossless in volume control?
Really enjoyed this even though I had no idea what he was taking about. The last amp I brought was in about 1980 as part of a Pioneer system. Seems things have changed a bit since then.
The Welsh/Canadian John Roberts who founded GanSystems the company that makes GanFET for PeachTree was an audiophile at heart. He founded SiGE Semiconductors essentially because he was looking for better Wireless Speakers and in 2008 he founded GanSystems because he thought that gallium nitride transistors would make for a better audio amplifier. In your FutureFi Series, I think it is inevitable that you will see more GanFET based amplifiers. Given that GanFET's are (or will be shortly) cheaper, more powerful, more efficient and have such a higher switching speed that most applications for these transistors are still in development. They are an ideal transistor for powered speaker topologies. This PeachTree amp is the kind of product (even if it isn't perfect) that has me looking forward to the future of HiFi.
Hi!!! Really really thank you for all the time that you give to us. Sorry for my English I’m French but every time I look at your video I’m impressed. I know that’s your job. Well donne!
I have Orchard's GaN Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra 2.0, with the mono upgrade, max caps and the custom power supplies. I has lots of detail, is fast and dynamic, with a pure sound. I would love to see it reviewed.
Hi John, I am very curious and interested for you to review the Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 with a pair of Lyngdorf’s MH-2 (wall mounted) & a pair of BW-2 (corner placement). It would be interesting to see how this whole Lyngdorf system would compare to a more traditional system. Thanks.
I had the Peachtree Nova 300 and it was probably the worst sounding integrated amp I’ve ever heard. I don’t know how this gets the praise that it does.
One of the best reviews you have done. And believe a World first for such innovative product. Although I liked a lot the fresh idea and revolutionary approach, I would buy a Class D power amp. Believe this kind of connection (via coaxial cable) is kinda limiting the sources. Surely a super simple/convenient setup for people who stream music but definitely not for people who still buy and listen to CDs. Unless someone can find a CDp with digital inputs, DAC + coaxial output. But beside all that I really enjoyed your video review as always. Very impressed you tested this amp in two different places/cities with different setups. Really nice. P.S. : Your 'work place' in Lisbon is so beautiful, just ROCKS!!!
Yes, definitely. GaN FET amp is a DAC with power enough to directly drive speaker coils, while being fast and precise enough. Traditional DAC can only output analog signal without much power. Class d amp was powerful enough but its MOSFET output was not precise. NAD or Qualcomm acquired DDFA tech 10 years ago which uses digital feedback to eliminate the impreciseness of MOSFET, but DDFA is proprietary and expensive. Now GaN FET is becoming powerful, precise, and cheap, which means hifi amps can be cheaply built into individual wireless speakers, frequency crossovers and home theater channels separation can all be digitally processed before directly feeding the speaker coils. Apple HomePod is doing quite well with room correction and wireless synchronization. As a result, HiFi and home theater will become so easy and cheap to setup, that every one takes them for granted like smartphones.
The best DAC, is no DAC! I’ve had this amp/node combo for about 9mo and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I upgraded the node with a linear ps and it took the whole kit to a new level. I don’t love the 24bit digital volume control from the node, but it is very acceptable. I am looking to upgrade the node to a Lumin U2 mini (possibly the ifi Neo Stream or the new fiio R7, if I decide to save $). Currently, I‘m running my sub with high level output from the amp. There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding being able to handle other sources, besides streaming. It depends on what digital preamp is being used, but you literally connect any source as you would to any analogue preamp. I run optical from my Cyrus cd player (transport in my case) to the node and bypass both DACs. The GaN 1 can be used just as you would any other non-integrated power amp, you just need a preamp with digital output. If connecting a TT, there will be ADC involved, so maybe not the best choice for the vinyl lovers, but that’s really it. Peachtree has been very forthcoming about this amp not being “for literally everyone”. I replaced my Rega Elex R/NAD C658 combo with the GaN/node and have never looked back. I’m certain that a higher end streaming pre will take this amp to yet another level and I’m looking forward to the ride!
Regarding the 'skeletal' tonal mass of the TDAI-1120, my Tannoy XT6F floorstanders go down to about 25hz at an perfectly audible (feelable) level when powered by it. As I was using a Cambridge CXA60 previously, and not hearing such frequencies, I thought the speakers were the limitation. It was the amp and the little Lyngdorf definitely works well with the speakers, although they are rated at 90.5 dB.
the future of preamplifiers is the past - tubes, the problem with a single digital input amp is that you can't hook it to a tube preamp or any standard ss preamp either.
John did admit this was/is a niche product. The Node is basically the preamp. I have my CD player attached and, if I wanted, my turntable, though not at the same time unless an A/B switching device is used.
I'll do you one better: get ahold of a Technics SU-G700M2 (GaN) integrated which came way before the Peachtree and does all the same things. Absolute Sound called it a taste of the ultra high end at 1/10th the cost. I've had mine since it came out and will not part with it unless/until I can afford the Technics SU-R1000. It's that good. The Peachtree has plenty more power (200W vs 70W) but the sound of the Technics is sublime, and they did it first.
The SU-700M2 has GanFET in it's power supply, the output stage remains a MOSFET, however the SU-R1000 does have GanFET in the output stage as well as the power supply. Technics call the GanFET output stage something like Active Distortion Cancelling. Both are using the same GanFET transistors from GaNSystems. Cheers.
I have not seen this specific amp yet. but I do believe that AB class amps will vanish within 3-4 years at best. AB class are only 50% efficient. the rest? gets wasted as heat. I own two Crown XLS 2002. one for the mains and one for the subs. I can honestly say. if you have an AVR (or an 11.2 or higher processor )with XLR outputs and you have a high-quality signal coming from the AVR/ processor..then a good-quality amp will amplify whatever get gets from the AVR or the processor. This is a very interesting concept. Thanks for the video,
A year since its introduction and Peachtree Audio still only promotes the BS Node as the preamp. Instead of releasing their own preamp to fully support the GaN 1, they introduced an integrated preamp (the "Carina"). I'd like to find someone who has paired the GaN-1 with a lossless variable digital output device from Lumin. Such a combination has the potential to provide a high level of sound reproduction.
I use mine with the new Holo Audio Red streamer (lowest ever measured jitter) and a Blue Jeans Belden 1695A Digital Audio Cable. The results are incredible.
Hello John, Thanks for the info on the GaN 1. Do you have any idea when the Gan 1 is coming to Europe? Nowhere to be found on the internet. Same with the Gan400 and the predac from Peachtree .
This would pair perfectly with a miniDSP SHD or SHD Studio (depending on whether you need analog input) for a digital preamp with room correction. Essentially the preamp section of the NAD M10v2, but with much more extensive DSP/bass management functionality.
Hmm, would you think this would be a good paring with the new EverSolo DMP-A6 Streamer?? I got one on order. Supposed to be the Bluesound Node killer, with it's amazing app.
I love love analogue and the physical interaction of vinyl and cds, but the ease and simplicity of the systems you demonstrated in this video are really appealing. Very well made video John. I can absolutely see the place and appeal of this product.
There are a number of DAC that can be a digital front end/pre-amp, but I have to think if you are going to do a stand-alone power amp there is no reason not to do a stand-alone pre-amp. Nearly always the volume controls will be superior, and it will just give you more flexibility in general.
WiiM mini has no Coax just Optical which you can convert, the WiiM Pro might have Coax not sure. That makes it a Juicy Budget Streamer, Hi-Quality Amp Combo.
I have owned this unit, high value amplifier, Lumin products are compatible via a BNC to Coaxial cable and will provide significantly better volume control via their Leedh processing and overall better sound compared to the Node, having said that the Node itself is a tremendous value
@@DarkoAudio they send a full range signal through dual xlr/rca outputs, one of which can be used for a subwoofer and I've done that, ironically, Lumin does not recommend this., another option is to use a sub with high level connection to the amp, an alternative to a Lumin/Node that I'm now guessing would provide a significant enhancement would be an NAD C658 (has every feature imaginable) direct to Gan1
I wish the C658 had digital outs, but unfortunately it doesn’t. I had one paired w/ my Elex R and would’ve gladly kept it when I replaced the Rega w/ the GaN 1, if the C658 had been compatible. I also run it w/ a T/9x sub and use a high level speakon cable. I’m considering replacing my node + lps upgrade with a U2 Mini, Holo red using Roon for volume, or an SHD Studio. I’d love for my attenuation to be lossless at lower volumes.
Awesome review, thanks. Many DACs these days will work with this Peachtree because they offer variable output, and can therefore operate as a preamp. On the more affordable end, many units from Topping and SMSL have this feature. It’s wonderful that new approaches to the engineering problem of music reproduction are still emerging. Exciting times. :) (EDIT: Please see nymarty’s comment below.)
You wouldn’t connect a DAC to this. DACs convert digital to analog. The Peachtree Gan1 needs a digital signal. You would use it with the Node or a Lumin U2 Mini or other streamers.
What are you using to display the music on the Samsung frame? I have a blue sound powernode connected to kef ls50 metas and wanted a visual display for album artwork without the limitations of the inbuilt apps on the TV of audio output. Thanks!
For their next iteration, I'd like to see Peachtree Audio create a version of the GaN-1 with eARC as the digital input. Right now, the integrated amp market doesn't really focus on the eARC connection, and Peachtree could capitalize on that. Create a one-box solution, where everything is controlled with one remote. The biggest issue to an eARC version may be adding a sub. I know from experience that class D amps don't play well with subs connected via speaker binding posts. I wonder if GaN behaves differently with subs connected via the speaker binding posts.
I think I may have a solution to connect the GaN-1 to a TV without using a Node--by using a toslink-to-coax converter like iFi's SPDIF iPurifier. Also, Peachtree and REL both suggest connecting a sub to ground when connecting a sub to a class D amp via speaker binding posts. I think the average consumer will want a solution that's simpler to set up. But the above solution may provide great performance/$. One downside to the solution with the SPDIF converter is that it doesn't include triggering. I would want the GaN-1 to turn off and on when the TV turns off and on. eARC would have this triggering built-in. While the GaN-1 does have a 12v trigger input, it would require a unit like the Node with a 12v trigger output to enable that functionality. I'm after a one-remote, one-box solution to add speakers to a TV, which also happens to be high-performing and good value for money. That meet those requirements, Right now, Cambridge and NAD look like the best solutions. But a GaN-1 with eARC could be the best value option in this category.
I use a Lumin X1 DAC/Streamer to stream to my modded GAN1 via Fibre input to the X1 and X1 SPDIF out to the GAN1. I use the Leedh volume control of the X1. This is a digital only solution. I also was able to use my Sonore OpticalRendu streamer using a USB-2-SPDIF converter ($500) from Sonore. I used ROON and I was able to setup variable volume on this GAN1 endpoint to make the volume work. It approaches the quality of the Lumin X1 stream, though it has to do that extra conversion. The stock GAN1 I had was rather good. The modded GAN1 is amazing and was so good that I sold $7K of gear and will be upgrading my speakers from KEF LS50 Meta + KC62 sub to Kef Reference 1 Meta (no sub). This eliminates the slightly problematic way of setting up a sub with the GAN1. Going forward I will mostly use the modded GAN1 as a RAAL CA-1a headphone amp via a RAAL TL-1b amp interface box. The modded GAN1 approaches the sound quality of my main office system on 2-channel. This system is CODA #16 amp | Lumin X1 DAC | Benchmark LA4 preamp. It is way more expensive, but I am not sure if it is better. I will likely use the GAN1 in the KEF Reference 1 Meta on very hot days. BTW - the GAN1 cannot be used as an amp for the RAAL SR1a headphones (my better phones) because it lacks analog input which is needed to apply baffle compensation. I will use my CODA #16 amp for the RAAL SR1a. The RAAL VM-1a headphone only amp is better than both the GAN1 and CODA #16, but it is not an apples-to-apples comparison.
Hmm, GaN amps with no feedback have proven to be poor performers, not sure why designers are doing this. There is no reason to not use feedback IF it is applied intelligently. If one is interested in more detail on this, listen to some of the interviews with Bruno Putzeys on Class D amplifier design. Additionally, as the GaN 1 only accepts SPDIF input, the quality of the SPIDF source is going to be critical, and one can do a lot better than a Bluesound product for that. Also, I would suggest using Roon for volume control in this case, as its volume control operates with 64 bits of precision.
Actually feedback is a design trade off. We use a HYPEX NCore (Bruno designed) amplifier in our Carina and it sounds very, very good but compared to the GaN 1, it is no contest. The GaN 1 is more transparent and musical and the differences are audible to most listeners...even through modest loudspeakers. I encourage you to listen to a well designed GaN amp and compare it to a high feedback switching amp and see what you think. I'm fortunate that I can do this whenever I want, but when I read comments like this, it tells me there is a lot of misinformation out there that doesn't match what we are hearing here every day.
You ignore the reason he likes having a subwoofer out on these units. Connecting to the Rel through the speaker terminals only provides a low pass filter--good for the sub, but it does nothing for the speakers. Subwoofer out from Bluesound Node or Nad M10, (and others) allows both high pass and low pass filtering thus reducing the load on the speakers...low pass feeds the sub, high pass removes the lower frequencies from the feed to the speakers. Yes using the Rel will work and probably sound fantastic, but the benefit of subwoofer control software in your amp is even better performance from your speakers.
Hi John! since you mentioned It in the video, i would ask about the quality and transparency of the ADC and DAC elaboration applied to an analogue signal by a bluesound node. Is It good enough for you? I am not used to real High end audio, but i have a decent turntable/cartridge set up that i like. A product like bluesound Node would solve many issues for me in terms of functions (eq/crossover/streaming) within my poor budget. Thanks and kudos for your job
It's not really an amp. This replaces a DDC, DAC, preamp, power amp and all the cables. In fact this sounds as good as my reference system for the same price as the interconnects on that system.
I wonder how many more companies are gonna go this route? I have a Technics Sug700 and love it. I dont have anymore class ab to test it back and forth. I do know class ab have more body. Im guessing class d will now move to this all digital thing? I laugh sometimes when I look at my dacs and cd players....dacs are useless with this setup. They just collect dust now😅 I have no reason to go back for now. All I need is my phone or a laptop anymore direct into the amp. Not really any way to change the sound, you know what I mean. Cables maybe? Smsl Da9 with Topping d50s if I want a different sound. Good enough for me. Good interesting vid. Thanks👍
John. It seems like a lot of people are confusing this amp with an integrated amp instead of a pure amp. It needs some sort of preamp. Most manufacturers have a preamp in their lineup that would give them all the input connections they would want.
I guess if you don’t have blue sound and using let say a raspberry pie you can get a topping d10s and use it as a bridge since it has a coaxial out to feed the Peachtree Gan 1
It is perhaps nitpicking, but with such an elegant amplifier, to me it doesn't feel right to bypass the Peachtree for the lows and use a subwoofer like you do here: from BlueSound output to subwoofer is a completely different signalpath with slightly different latency. The BS uses a DAC for the subwoofer out, and the class-D subwoofer also processes the signal, so there could be a few ms difference. So okay, moot point if you're not cutting off at 200 but at
It is indeed nitpicking, especially when I didn't use a sub in the second system. I explicitly used a sub in the first system a) because without it, the Kaya S12 don't sound as good and b) to show their versatility of the NODE as a digital pre-amp.
I am interested in learning how you connected your subwoofer, which has a left & right input, to the blue sound node which has (it appears) one output for the sub. If you used the single LFE input on your sub, can you tell me - does the result sound as good as if you had been able to use the left & right input?
NAD have been doing this for years, fx in the excellent NAD C390DD (Direct Digital) integrated amp.. I have one, with an optional analog MDC card, with Phono and balanced inputs.
HI John, thank you for your review of an interesting approach to amplification. One question regarding Tidal and MQA - my understanding is that you cannot output the tidal feed "unfolded" from a digital output - so is that a limitation of this setup? Despite the future of MQA being uncertain - I'm committed to Tidal and MQA at the moment and I'm sure like many others could only consider a setup that supports the format. Look forward to all your content - very entertaining and informative. With kind regards William
It doesn’t fully unpack mqa. The source (node) just does the 1st unfolding. I don’t use Tidal, but I will occasionally use the mqa radio paradise channels. Sounds great. ETA: not endorsing mqa at all, just giving an example of it still functioning
@@wernerogiers6357 Yes I agree it is a compromise - but for me at the moment it is worth it - I have a number of MQA enabled DACs for different situations (sitting room, desk and portable) a couple of years ago when I tested various streaming options, at least to my ears Tidal was by far the best hires sounding service available. I will re-visit it at some point but for now this product would not be for me, however I would be interested in the technology in an integrated streamer / amp that did the full MQA unfold. Happy listening.
Good question. Had not thought of that possible complication. I too rely on Tidal for all of my streaming. As I think about it though it does seem that Tidal offers most MQA titles also in non-MQA form, so perhaps that helps. But perhaps the non-MQA version is not of a high enough resolution to be satisfactory for some listeners.
hey man, I need your help I have a lot of CD i will love to make a home server to store all my CDs, what is the best way can I go about doing that energy help will be nice p.s. I don't have a lot of money thanks you have a good day one love...
Well boys and girls, IMHO the GanFet topology is the future of solid state/digital amplification. As commenter Arjun below states, the Bluesound Node cannot reveal just how good the Peachtree is, the Node being the weakest link in John's shown setup. Which is not to slam the Node in the least. Arguably, it rules its price point. As for competitors to the Peachtree, there are quite a few competing offers available at least as far as using GanFets; The Audion Monoblock Amplifier, VTV Amplifiers and Orchard Audio has been offering GanFet amplification for some time. Underwood's LSA amps use GanFets as well. The Technics 'Grand Class' SU-G700M2 and SU-R1000 Integrated Amplifiers also feature GanFet transistors. Side note: in one of those bewildering marketing moves, the $10k SU-R1000 does NOT include Technics "LAPC (Load Adaptive Phase Calibration) for optimum matching to any speaker" but which IS included in the $3k SU-G700M2... no doubt the $10k model is superior to the $3k model but the calculus that led Technics to drop it from the $10k model escapes me.
I use a Node 2 which I connect to my Lyndorf TDAI2170 with coax and then feed my Classe CA220 poweramp. With room treatment and RoomCorrection and a REL subwoofer this work super good.
I took delivery of one of these yesterday. To my ears it is superb. I can echo most of John’s observations: better bass control, better instrument placement. If it matters, the again 1 was paired with some Focal 1038BE floorstanders. The sound gave me goosebumps, which I don’t recall happening before.
John clearly doesn't have a wife, children or a dog. That apartment is immaculate and minimalist.
Lol.... I hear ya....
He’s living the dream
Looks like cat guy
But, but, but, amplification using PWM (pulse width modulation) is class D, just because you change the output transistors or when you change from PCM to PWM doesn't change that. I understand they want to market their solution as different than others, but it's till class D.
The mere fact that it’s a *separate* power amplifier makes it not “the future” of anything, IMO.
If your primary criteria is convenience, then yes separates are not the future. If your primary criteria is quality of fidelity and you have the means to pursue that path, then separates are unavoidable. The saying, "If you try to be the master of all things, you'll find that you're the master of none" fully applies to our pastime.
Hope not. Co-ax only input? Good luck with that.
This is the most confusingly interested i've ever been.
Absolutely. When you pair the Peachtree Gan-1 with the Minidsp SHD Studio you will have the benefit of both worlds as I did.
Can you tell me if the GaN-1 with the MiniDSP SHD Studio sounds better than the GaN-1 with the BS Node?
I think for simplicity this is a great solution not taking up tons of space.
I have one critical question though. If GaN1 only allows volume control from Powernode, does that mean it’s not bit-perfect? Since PCM to PWM conversion without a pre-amp to control the volume, digital output level is changed by a streamer, right? That means it’s losing information. Can you verify how Peachtree is ensuring the lossless in volume control?
Really enjoyed this even though I had no idea what he was taking about. The last amp I brought was in about 1980 as part of a Pioneer system. Seems things have changed a bit since then.
The Welsh/Canadian John Roberts who founded GanSystems the company that makes GanFET for PeachTree was an audiophile at heart. He founded SiGE Semiconductors essentially because he was looking for better Wireless Speakers and in 2008 he founded GanSystems because he thought that gallium nitride transistors would make for a better audio amplifier.
In your FutureFi Series, I think it is inevitable that you will see more GanFET based amplifiers. Given that GanFET's are (or will be shortly) cheaper, more powerful, more efficient and have such a higher switching speed that most applications for these transistors are still in development. They are an ideal transistor for powered speaker topologies.
This PeachTree amp is the kind of product (even if it isn't perfect) that has me looking forward to the future of HiFi.
Actually we use GaN-FET module from EAS not GaNSystems, although we have nothing but respect for the folks at GanSystems.
Hi!!! Really really thank you for all the time that you give to us. Sorry for my English I’m French but every time I look at your video I’m impressed. I know that’s your job. Well donne!
I have Orchard's GaN Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra 2.0, with the mono upgrade, max caps and the custom power supplies. I has lots of detail, is fast and dynamic, with a pure sound. I would love to see it reviewed.
Hi John, I am very curious and interested for you to review the Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 with a pair of Lyngdorf’s MH-2 (wall mounted) & a pair of BW-2 (corner placement). It would be interesting to see how this whole Lyngdorf system would compare to a more traditional system. Thanks.
Or FR-1 speakers
I had the Peachtree Nova 300 and it was probably the worst sounding integrated amp I’ve ever heard. I don’t know how this gets the praise that it does.
well it's not the nova 300 so...
could a Wiim Pro be a good match with the Peachtree?
One of the best reviews you have done. And believe a World first for such innovative product. Although I liked a lot the fresh idea and revolutionary approach, I would buy a Class D power amp. Believe this kind of connection (via coaxial cable) is kinda limiting the sources. Surely a super simple/convenient setup for people who stream music but definitely not for people who still buy and listen to CDs. Unless someone can find a CDp with digital inputs, DAC + coaxial output.
But beside all that I really enjoyed your video review as always. Very impressed you tested this amp in two different places/cities with different setups. Really nice.
P.S. : Your 'work place' in Lisbon is so beautiful, just ROCKS!!!
i don't understand your logic regarding cd-players. most cd-players have a digital output.
Yes, definitely. GaN FET amp is a DAC with power enough to directly drive speaker coils, while being fast and precise enough. Traditional DAC can only output analog signal without much power. Class d amp was powerful enough but its MOSFET output was not precise. NAD or Qualcomm acquired DDFA tech 10 years ago which uses digital feedback to eliminate the impreciseness of MOSFET, but DDFA is proprietary and expensive. Now GaN FET is becoming powerful, precise, and cheap, which means hifi amps can be cheaply built into individual wireless speakers, frequency crossovers and home theater channels separation can all be digitally processed before directly feeding the speaker coils. Apple HomePod is doing quite well with room correction and wireless synchronization. As a result, HiFi and home theater will become so easy and cheap to setup, that every one takes them for granted like smartphones.
The best DAC, is no DAC! I’ve had this amp/node combo for about 9mo and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I upgraded the node with a linear ps and it took the whole kit to a new level. I don’t love the 24bit digital volume control from the node, but it is very acceptable. I am looking to upgrade the node to a Lumin U2 mini (possibly the ifi Neo Stream or the new fiio R7, if I decide to save $). Currently, I‘m running my sub with high level output from the amp. There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding being able to handle other sources, besides streaming. It depends on what digital preamp is being used, but you literally connect any source as you would to any analogue preamp. I run optical from my Cyrus cd player (transport in my case) to the node and bypass both DACs. The GaN 1 can be used just as you would any other non-integrated power amp, you just need a preamp with digital output. If connecting a TT, there will be ADC involved, so maybe not the best choice for the vinyl lovers, but that’s really it. Peachtree has been very forthcoming about this amp not being “for literally everyone”. I replaced my Rega Elex R/NAD C658 combo with the GaN/node and have never looked back. I’m certain that a higher end streaming pre will take this amp to yet another level and I’m looking forward to the ride!
Regarding the 'skeletal' tonal mass of the TDAI-1120, my Tannoy XT6F floorstanders go down to about 25hz at an perfectly audible (feelable) level when powered by it. As I was using a Cambridge CXA60 previously, and not hearing such frequencies, I thought the speakers were the limitation. It was the amp and the little Lyngdorf definitely works well with the speakers, although they are rated at 90.5 dB.
I feed mine with a Holo May Red streamer and it sounds as good as the Holo May KTE DAC, Holo Audio Serene and Pass Labs X250.8. Quite amazing.
Are you serious?
What do you use for volume control? I have a Red going into a Pontus 2 to preamp and amp now.
@@stijnvanderlooy5311 yes.
@@nymarty I control volume in the Roon app.
I'm curious about it's use with headphones like susvara. Are you into headphones too?
How does it compare with the Peachtree Gan400?
A future comparison between the Gan1/TheNode and the Nad M23/TheNode would be a must.
the future of preamplifiers is the past - tubes, the problem with a single digital input amp is that you can't hook it to a tube preamp or any standard ss preamp either.
John did admit this was/is a niche product. The Node is basically the preamp. I have my CD player attached and, if I wanted, my turntable, though not at the same time unless an A/B switching device is used.
I'll do you one better: get ahold of a Technics SU-G700M2 (GaN) integrated which came way before the Peachtree and does all the same things. Absolute Sound called it a taste of the ultra high end at 1/10th the cost. I've had mine since it came out and will not part with it unless/until I can afford the Technics SU-R1000. It's that good. The Peachtree has plenty more power (200W vs 70W) but the sound of the Technics is sublime, and they did it first.
The SU-700M2 has GanFET in it's power supply, the output stage remains a MOSFET, however the SU-R1000 does have GanFET in the output stage as well as the power supply. Technics call the GanFET output stage something like Active Distortion Cancelling.
Both are using the same GanFET transistors from GaNSystems. Cheers.
This would be very cool with a minimalist streamer like a Raspberry Pi variant or a Wiim Pro with a Roon server
but only if these can do volume control on the coax digital output...
I enjoyed that Mr Darko. I will have to watch it again, later when I can concentrate. Thanks.
🤗 INFORMATIVE 👍ENTERTAINING 👍 And LIKE YOUR ATTITUDE 👍💚💚💚
I have not seen this specific amp yet. but I do believe that AB class amps will vanish within 3-4 years at best. AB class are only 50% efficient. the rest? gets wasted as heat.
I own two Crown XLS 2002. one for the mains and one for the subs. I can honestly say. if you have an AVR (or an 11.2 or higher processor )with XLR outputs and you have a high-quality signal coming from the AVR/ processor..then a good-quality amp will amplify whatever get gets from the AVR or the processor.
This is a very interesting concept. Thanks for the video,
This type of amplifier came out 25 years ago in 1998 as the Tact Millennium
NO!
A year since its introduction and Peachtree Audio still only promotes the BS Node as the preamp. Instead of releasing their own preamp to fully support the GaN 1, they introduced an integrated preamp (the "Carina").
I'd like to find someone who has paired the GaN-1 with a lossless variable digital output device from Lumin. Such a combination has the potential to provide a high level of sound reproduction.
I use mine with the new Holo Audio Red streamer (lowest ever measured jitter) and a Blue Jeans Belden 1695A Digital Audio Cable. The results are incredible.
I thought Gan Fet was a bounty hunter in Star Wars? 😂
Hello John, Thanks for the info on the GaN 1. Do you have any idea when the Gan 1 is coming to Europe? Nowhere to be found on the internet. Same with the Gan400 and the predac from Peachtree .
This would pair perfectly with a miniDSP SHD or SHD Studio (depending on whether you need analog input) for a digital preamp with room correction. Essentially the preamp section of the NAD M10v2, but with much more extensive DSP/bass management functionality.
Yes I was going suggest that too. The miniDSP SHD volume control is applied to the digital output.
I recommend another vegetal GAN amp: Orchard Audio. They perform like a peach! 🍑 😜
Same tech as the NAD M32? That was my favourite amp for bass control and spaciousness
No, I believe the M32 uses Hypex class D
For that price I would take Lyngdorf SDA 2400 used without even thinking twice. :/
Hmm, would you think this would be a good paring with the new EverSolo DMP-A6 Streamer?? I got one on order. Supposed to be the Bluesound Node killer, with it's amazing app.
I would be interested in this answer also. Seems the Eversolo does not have subwoofer out though.
Disappointed that Peachtree has moved away from the curved sides and beautiful case of previous Nova and Gan400 products.
I believe they did it to keep the cost down
Could you please make a video where you explain audiophile jargons like micro dynamic, macro dynamics, imaging, etc.?
Technics integrated amps have gallium switches with no DAC.
Wiim Pro / Sonos Port / Sonos Connect all have hi-res digital coax outputs.
Interesting product. Are you planning on reviewing Vidar 2? Cheers!
I love love analogue and the physical interaction of vinyl and cds, but the ease and simplicity of the systems you demonstrated in this video are really appealing. Very well made video John. I can absolutely see the place and appeal of this product.
GaN + DSP ==> yes
no negative feedback loop ==> no
There are a number of DAC that can be a digital front end/pre-amp, but I have to think if you are going to do a stand-alone power amp there is no reason not to do a stand-alone pre-amp. Nearly always the volume controls will be superior, and it will just give you more flexibility in general.
WiiM mini has no Coax just Optical which you can convert, the WiiM Pro might have Coax not sure. That makes it a Juicy Budget Streamer, Hi-Quality Amp Combo.
I have owned this unit, high value amplifier, Lumin products are compatible via a BNC to Coaxial cable and will provide significantly better volume control via their Leedh processing and overall better sound compared to the Node, having said that the Node itself is a tremendous value
Do the Lumin units also have a subwoofer output?
@@DarkoAudio they send a full range signal through dual xlr/rca outputs, one of which can be used for a subwoofer and I've done that, ironically, Lumin does not recommend this., another option is to use a sub with high level connection to the amp, an alternative to a Lumin/Node that I'm now guessing would provide a significant enhancement would be an NAD C658 (has every feature imaginable) direct to Gan1
I wish the C658 had digital outs, but unfortunately it doesn’t. I had one paired w/ my Elex R and would’ve gladly kept it when I replaced the Rega w/ the GaN 1, if the C658 had been compatible. I also run it w/ a T/9x sub and use a high level speakon cable. I’m considering replacing my node + lps upgrade with a U2 Mini, Holo red using Roon for volume, or an SHD Studio. I’d love for my attenuation to be lossless at lower volumes.
Nice video! I'm imagining you going through airport security with a power amplifier 😅 It would be interesting to see the x-ray scan of the amp!
It does seem the future of amplification and
with such a digital lean it's surprising it doesn't encompass a streamer.
Awesome review, thanks. Many DACs these days will work with this Peachtree because they offer variable output, and can therefore operate as a preamp. On the more affordable end, many units from Topping and SMSL have this feature. It’s wonderful that new approaches to the engineering problem of music reproduction are still emerging. Exciting times. :) (EDIT: Please see nymarty’s comment below.)
Agreed.
You wouldn’t connect a DAC to this. DACs convert digital to analog. The Peachtree Gan1 needs a digital signal. You would use it with the Node or a Lumin U2 Mini or other streamers.
@@nymarty I see my mistake now. You’re right. Thanks @nymarty 👍
minidsp shd studio and the peachtree gan 1 must be a match made in heaven
What are you using to display the music on the Samsung frame? I have a blue sound powernode connected to kef ls50 metas and wanted a visual display for album artwork without the limitations of the inbuilt apps on the TV of audio output. Thanks!
Second that, anyone?
That’s Roon.
For their next iteration, I'd like to see Peachtree Audio create a version of the GaN-1 with eARC as the digital input. Right now, the integrated amp market doesn't really focus on the eARC connection, and Peachtree could capitalize on that. Create a one-box solution, where everything is controlled with one remote.
The biggest issue to an eARC version may be adding a sub. I know from experience that class D amps don't play well with subs connected via speaker binding posts. I wonder if GaN behaves differently with subs connected via the speaker binding posts.
I think I may have a solution to connect the GaN-1 to a TV without using a Node--by using a toslink-to-coax converter like iFi's SPDIF iPurifier.
Also, Peachtree and REL both suggest connecting a sub to ground when connecting a sub to a class D amp via speaker binding posts.
I think the average consumer will want a solution that's simpler to set up. But the above solution may provide great performance/$.
One downside to the solution with the SPDIF converter is that it doesn't include triggering. I would want the GaN-1 to turn off and on when the TV turns off and on. eARC would have this triggering built-in. While the GaN-1 does have a 12v trigger input, it would require a unit like the Node with a 12v trigger output to enable that functionality.
I'm after a one-remote, one-box solution to add speakers to a TV, which also happens to be high-performing and good value for money. That meet those requirements, Right now, Cambridge and NAD look like the best solutions. But a GaN-1 with eARC could be the best value option in this category.
I use a Lumin X1 DAC/Streamer to stream to my modded GAN1 via Fibre input to the X1 and X1 SPDIF out to the GAN1. I use the Leedh volume control of the X1. This is a digital only solution.
I also was able to use my Sonore OpticalRendu streamer using a USB-2-SPDIF converter ($500) from Sonore. I used ROON and I was able to setup variable volume on this GAN1 endpoint to make the volume work. It approaches the quality of the Lumin X1 stream, though it has to do that extra conversion.
The stock GAN1 I had was rather good. The modded GAN1 is amazing and was so good that I sold $7K of gear and will be upgrading my speakers from KEF LS50 Meta + KC62 sub to Kef Reference 1 Meta (no sub). This eliminates the slightly problematic way of setting up a sub with the GAN1.
Going forward I will mostly use the modded GAN1 as a RAAL CA-1a headphone amp via a RAAL TL-1b amp interface box. The modded GAN1 approaches the sound quality of my main office system on 2-channel. This system is CODA #16 amp | Lumin X1 DAC | Benchmark LA4 preamp. It is way more expensive, but I am not sure if it is better. I will likely use the GAN1 in the KEF Reference 1 Meta on very hot days.
BTW - the GAN1 cannot be used as an amp for the RAAL SR1a headphones (my better phones) because it lacks analog input which is needed to apply baffle compensation. I will use my CODA #16 amp for the RAAL SR1a. The RAAL VM-1a headphone only amp is better than both the GAN1 and CODA #16, but it is not an apples-to-apples comparison.
What mods for the GaN1? DIY?
The strange names of all these components go by so fast, it sounds like a foreign language.
Hmm, GaN amps with no feedback have proven to be poor performers, not sure why designers are doing this. There is no reason to not use feedback IF it is applied intelligently. If one is interested in more detail on this, listen to some of the interviews with Bruno Putzeys on Class D amplifier design. Additionally, as the GaN 1 only accepts SPDIF input, the quality of the SPIDF source is going to be critical, and one can do a lot better than a Bluesound product for that. Also, I would suggest using Roon for volume control in this case, as its volume control operates with 64 bits of precision.
Actually feedback is a design trade off. We use a HYPEX NCore (Bruno designed) amplifier in our Carina and it sounds very, very good but compared to the GaN 1, it is no contest. The GaN 1 is more transparent and musical and the differences are audible to most listeners...even through modest loudspeakers. I encourage you to listen to a well designed GaN amp and compare it to a high feedback switching amp and see what you think. I'm fortunate that I can do this whenever I want, but when I read comments like this, it tells me there is a lot of misinformation out there that doesn't match what we are hearing here every day.
@@peachtreeaudio2267 How does the Gan 1 do with 12 ohm speakers like Zu DWX or Zu DW6? Does the higher impedance accentuate the treble?
Not in my future setup but maybe somebody else’s
Is it possible you overlooked the possibility to connect a subwoofer via a REL Neutrik connection? That way your streamer does not need any sub out...
You ignore the reason he likes having a subwoofer out on these units. Connecting to the Rel through the speaker terminals only provides a low pass filter--good for the sub, but it does nothing for the speakers. Subwoofer out from Bluesound Node or Nad M10, (and others) allows both high pass and low pass filtering thus reducing the load on the speakers...low pass feeds the sub, high pass removes the lower frequencies from the feed to the speakers.
Yes using the Rel will work and probably sound fantastic, but the benefit of subwoofer control software in your amp is even better performance from your speakers.
Hi John! since you mentioned It in the video, i would ask about the quality and transparency of the ADC and DAC elaboration applied to an analogue signal by a bluesound node. Is It good enough for you? I am not used to real High end audio, but i have a decent turntable/cartridge set up that i like. A product like bluesound Node would solve many issues for me in terms of functions (eq/crossover/streaming) within my poor budget. Thanks and kudos for your job
I have what i have....Will never buy another amp....but this looks interesting for those who aren't finished!
It's not really an amp. This replaces a DDC, DAC, preamp, power amp and all the cables. In fact this sounds as good as my reference system for the same price as the interconnects on that system.
I wonder how many more companies are gonna go this route? I have a Technics Sug700 and love it. I dont have anymore class ab to test it back and forth. I do know class ab have more body. Im guessing class d will now move to this all digital thing? I laugh sometimes when I look at my dacs and cd players....dacs are useless with this setup. They just collect dust now😅 I have no reason to go back for now. All I need is my phone or a laptop anymore direct into the amp. Not really any way to change the sound, you know what I mean. Cables maybe? Smsl Da9 with Topping d50s if I want a different sound. Good enough for me. Good interesting vid. Thanks👍
I remember the same question around 2014, I went and listened and the answer then was no
Hi Darek, wheee to buy that little beast in Europe, shipping to France?…
Micro dynamically relaxed!!! I’m sorry, what!!
I wonder if my PI2AES streamer, which I run with Volumio, can work with Peachtree Audio Gan. I don't know how I could handle the volume...
Orchard Audio have tiny high power GAN amps but I don't think they have digital inputs.
Very interesting set up. Thanks.
Lots of great info and new terminology for me in just the first 4 minutes of this video! An "Amplifiers for Dummies" book is on my reading list.
Love your glasses... and video of course.
John. It seems like a lot of people are confusing this amp with an integrated amp instead of a pure amp. It needs some sort of preamp. Most manufacturers have a preamp in their lineup that would give them all the input connections they would want.
If only there was a second digital input for my CD player!
I think the GoldNote PA 10 is GaN into mosfet? Not sure
I guess if you don’t have blue sound and using let say a raspberry pie you can get a topping d10s and use it as a bridge since it has a coaxial out to feed the Peachtree Gan 1
The SABAJ A30a is a more versatile and Much cheaper alternative
New channel - Luggage Fi
Orchard Audio has an amp that follows the same technology
Could potentially use a mini dsp flex as a digital preamp for this, and have dirac
PrimaLuna EVO400i review when?
I don't want volume control on my digital path.
Controlling volume in the digital domain, it should not degrade the sound.
Technics has digital amps with GAN output
Would really like your opinion on the Hypex Nilai and how it compares with this.
It is perhaps nitpicking, but with such an elegant amplifier, to me it doesn't feel right to bypass the Peachtree for the lows and use a subwoofer like you do here: from BlueSound output to subwoofer is a completely different signalpath with slightly different latency. The BS uses a DAC for the subwoofer out, and the class-D subwoofer also processes the signal, so there could be a few ms difference. So okay, moot point if you're not cutting off at 200 but at
It is indeed nitpicking, especially when I didn't use a sub in the second system.
I explicitly used a sub in the first system a) because without it, the Kaya S12 don't sound as good and b) to show their versatility of the NODE as a digital pre-amp.
I am interested in learning how you connected your subwoofer, which has a left & right input, to the blue sound node which has (it appears) one output for the sub. If you used the single LFE input on your sub, can you tell me - does the result sound as good as if you had been able to use the left & right input?
It depends on what you are listening, but in general the sound will be as good.
NAD have been doing this for years, fx in the excellent NAD C390DD (Direct Digital) integrated amp.. I have one, with an optional analog MDC card, with Phono and balanced inputs.
"NAD C390DD" - not sold anymore, and is not a GaNFET. Also, in the current NAD lineup I do not see a DAC-less amplifier.
High end amp is a high end amp... technology can't get better.
Linn LK280 owner.
Fight me?
I was a Linn fanboy too till a friend played his Levinson ProAc system for me. Sorry buddy.
Stop promoting Linn. We do not care what you use.
How about that review of the TDAI 3400 :-)
May I use Ifi zen stream Roon ?
The room sounds nice.
I like how u got the sub out in the room.
I do the same.
HI John, thank you for your review of an interesting approach to amplification. One question regarding Tidal and MQA - my understanding is that you cannot output the tidal feed "unfolded" from a digital output - so is that a limitation of this setup? Despite the future of MQA being uncertain - I'm committed to Tidal and MQA at the moment and I'm sure like many others could only consider a setup that supports the format. Look forward to all your content - very entertaining and informative. With kind regards William
It doesn’t fully unpack mqa. The source (node) just does the 1st unfolding. I don’t use Tidal, but I will occasionally use the mqa radio paradise channels. Sounds great.
ETA: not endorsing mqa at all, just giving an example of it still functioning
MQA always was a bad idea. This is one of the reasons.
@@wernerogiers6357 Yes I agree it is a compromise - but for me at the moment it is worth it - I have a number of MQA enabled DACs for different situations (sitting room, desk and portable) a couple of years ago when I tested various streaming options, at least to my ears Tidal was by far the best hires sounding service available. I will re-visit it at some point but for now this product would not be for me, however I would be interested in the technology in an integrated streamer / amp that did the full MQA unfold. Happy listening.
Good question. Had not thought of that possible complication. I too rely on Tidal for all of my streaming. As I think about it though it does seem that Tidal offers most MQA titles also in non-MQA form, so perhaps that helps. But perhaps the non-MQA version is not of a high enough resolution to be satisfactory for some listeners.
Love listening to your voice. (Happy Linn owner.)
Is the DAC process performed by software or firmware?
Who knows?
What does Linn use? Have you reviewed a Linn amp?
I believe the claim is "low global negative feedback"
The claim is zero negative feedback.
hey man, I need your help I have a lot of CD i will love to make a home server to store all my CDs, what is the best way can I go about doing that energy help will be nice p.s. I don't have a lot of money thanks you have a good day one love...
Would this amount beat my parasound 2250 v2 in sound quality 🤔
Well boys and girls, IMHO the GanFet topology is the future of solid state/digital amplification. As commenter Arjun below states, the Bluesound Node cannot reveal just how good the Peachtree is, the Node being the weakest link in John's shown setup. Which is not to slam the Node in the least. Arguably, it rules its price point.
As for competitors to the Peachtree, there are quite a few competing offers available at least as far as using GanFets; The Audion Monoblock Amplifier, VTV Amplifiers and Orchard Audio has been offering GanFet amplification for some time. Underwood's LSA amps use GanFets as well. The Technics 'Grand Class' SU-G700M2 and SU-R1000 Integrated Amplifiers also feature GanFet transistors.
Side note: in one of those bewildering marketing moves, the $10k SU-R1000 does NOT include Technics "LAPC (Load Adaptive Phase Calibration) for optimum matching to any speaker" but which IS included in the $3k SU-G700M2... no doubt the $10k model is superior to the $3k model but the calculus that led Technics to drop it from the $10k model escapes me.
Gan Nam Style!
Glad I'm not the only one that thought of that as soon as he said Gan-1 😂
I use a Node 2 which I connect to my Lyndorf TDAI2170 with coax and then feed my Classe CA220 poweramp. With room treatment and RoomCorrection and a REL subwoofer this work super good.