Intriguing...may have to try it out.
Just sent Peachtree an inquiry. Any details on a return policy for this Beta program?
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? |
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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!
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Showing 29 responses by mbolek
@newbluesuit Volume will be controlled by the streamer. You will not lose any resolution (signal) going through the GaN1. In theory, this will be the most direct way to amplify a digital source. |
What really caught me was how dead silent this thing is. I'm primarily listening to audio from my OLED TV and it is tremendous (thru my Rose 150). Voicing is amazing and watching sports (ESPN) is impressive. Don't know how much the Rose helps (just passing a digital coax), but hate by-passing their ESS DAC. I don't know about front ending this thing with something other than a cheaper Node or iFi. Sweet spot seems to be a great second room system. |
I'll finally be able to listen/eval the GaN1. Swapped out the GaN400 and will be using the Rose 150 as the digital front end. It is dead silent (GaN400 has a slight turn on/off pop), no speaker hiss at all. Probably not the long term pairing with the Rose, but could be a great combo for a Node/iFi/Minidsp Flex front end.
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Here is the feedback from the Rose engineers... Basically, for OPT OUT/ AES/EBU, and COAX OUT, the maximum possible transmission rate is 24Bit/192KHz. I make all my own cables, take a look at my system details. |
Here ya go Ric....put a couple pics in my profile This thing sounds so good. I remember the old days and stacking multiple components to achieve the perceived best audio performance. I feel bad because I love building all my cabling and this trend reduces it down to PCB traces. Very simplistic interior. Cheap CMC binding posts, basic IEC inlet, RCA wiring. I’ll modify all this stuff. My ears are old, so not convinced it will make any difference... Just to note. I have the Peachtree GaN400 and I think I like the GaN1 better.
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My statement should have been that most people would not spend the money on the 150 and just use the digital out to the GaN1. Agree using the best possible streamer will enhance the GaN1 performance. Ric - I love your idea with using the Flex and may have to look at using (2) GaN1s for an active system with my Camerton's and Purifi woofers. Interesting.... |
Curious that you don't feel that BNC connectors/connections make a difference. Aren't they supposed to be superior to RCA since they are truly 75ohm terminations. |
Ok. So for anyone that cares, here are my mods to the GaN1.
1. Replaced power inlet/fuse with a pure copper (Viborg) IEC. 2. Replaced internal power wiring with VenHaus 12awg wire. 3. Added KLE copper binding posts 4. Triple C (Audio Revere) speaker jumpers to the GaN1 modules.
Pics added to my profile. Love doing these mods. never really know if they make any difference. I always tell myself that it sounds better.... Thinking that I'll bypass the RCA plug and run a direct connection to the PCB. The internal wire is standard OEM. Know the power and binding post connections feels more secure, I love using pure copper. Never worried about the oxidation as I have seen more tarnishing with silver coated terminals. @ricevs take note to the twists on the speaker jumpers, opposite turns for positive/negative, does everything matter.....just kidding |
Yeah, I'm not going to add RCA/BNC adapters to the mix. We'll never find a streamer that has a BNC digital coax connector. I remember the old days using BNC, just liked the secure connection. As I mentioned in the previous post, may run the coax straight to the board. After listening for the last hour, something is better. I'm thinking the speaker jumpers may be the improvement. I never liked the ferrite beads (what was on the stock speaker wires). I really don't buy into the power side, other than a more secure/tight connection. |
I have both and they are really good! The GaN1 opens up options to simplify a dedicated streaming configuration. Although, I’m planning on using two of them in an active setup using a miniDSP SHD on the front end. I have one already hooked up and it sounds fantastic driving a full range Camerton Binom-A2s. I have a Class D mini GaN5 on Purifi subs and it is quite impressive. With that said, the GaN400 has more power and I’m very happy using it with my Rose 150B driving Wharfedale Elysian 2s. It sounds better and than my previous reference Purifi amps.
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@abd1 Would love to be able to listen to the Cubes. I'm planning on using the Camerton Binom's for my active setup. A GaN1 per side driving the Cam's and Purifi woofers. I'll start with the MiniDSP SHD as the front end and look to see how it performs. I had the Peachtee GaN400. It paired nicely with my Rose 150B. Had too many Class D amps (Purifi, nCore, Hypex) and recently sold it. I'm using the Rose with a Class D mini GaN 5 and have no complaints. Have to say that the simplicity of the GaN1 is brilliant. Sound wise it betters the GaN400. Not saying it will eliminate DAC's in the world but I do like the KISS approach. @ricevs Originally was expecting an active Ravenna system using the Cam/Purifis (from your old buddy at Mivera...). Never panned out...so this may be a good replacement. |
Great point. This could be a limiter for the Flex. Assuming my SHD has the same sample rate. Need to check this out... The Rose outputs 24bit/192KHz and sounded fantastic (Qobuz). No volume degradation issues with Rose. |
@ricevs I did swap out the stock coax. Added an AECO RCA and used the Illumati hook up wire. Nice cheap mod and believe it is another improvement.
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@ricevs I figured the the Illumati would be better than stock. Maybe, maybe not. It is a damn skinny wire. Added a couple of pics to my profile. I may try using some Triple C copper as the interconnect. Kinda cool that a $1500 box can have so much potential. It is dead quiet, no heat and sounds better than my reference Purifi. I stopped trying to justify Class A many years ago.... @yyzsantabarbara If Andrew can’t add speakons for you, have Ric swap out. Not more than $10...if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
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@donnylovely Thx. I always thought better conductors, better connectors and more secure connections make a difference. I really don’t remember how the amp sounded stock. It was good, but sounds really good now. I’ll have the ability to compare when I get my 2nd amp. Should be an interesting listen. |
I received my second GaN1. Hooked it up with my minidsp SHD and have a nice active config with my Camerton/Purifis. I’ll end up tweaking this one also. Not for the potential performance gains, but just like having better conductors, more secure connections and cleaner signal paths. As I mentioned in previous posts, I prefer this amp over the other GaN based and Class Ds that I have had (Peachtree GaN400, Class D Mini GaN 5, Hypex, nCore, Purifi). Love the fact it is dead quiet, no speaker hiss, turn on/off noise. Sounds fantastic at both low and high volumes. A very enjoyable listening experience. |
@ricevs I sure hope you didn't charge yyz for your mods. Especially after his advertising... The GaN1 is definitely a disruptor within the current amplifier landscape. I have had mine for over six months and it betters any previous Class D that I have had. This includes early Hypex, nCore, Purifi, Teac, NAD, Class D Audio, GaN400. It is neck and neck with my current reference (Hifi Rose RA180). I did my mods and it was less than $50. I eliminated some of the switching, replaced internal wiring/binding posts/connectors. Trust me, the stock version sounds really good and the only reason I did it was for fun. I honestly can't say that it sounds any better. For me, incorporating better conductors/connectors and more secure connections are more of a priority.
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@yyzsantabarbara I should have the Maria next week. I'm very lucky to be so close to John at Lone Crow. BTW, he is a great guy. After to talking with Mark for almost an hour, these 200/800s are very interesting devices. I'll PM you with more details, no need to put this out to all the gasbags... |
Can you imagine that Andrew @peachtree can’t dial in a digital amp. All my same mods don’t make the amp sound any better. If you think changing anything on the PS side enhances the audio, you have another thing coming. Please don’t let Ric tell you otherwise...Snake This is a great amp. Going back and forth with a Rose RA180. The cool thing is that I listen to these amps. My Rush buddy does the same.. |
Yes. I bought one of the first ones in last year. Did my mods, check my pics. Ordered a second to look at an active vertical speaker config with a Minidsp SHD. No difference in sound. These amps are dead silent, very impressive. I have built, or used Hypex UcD, nCore (M10,Teac), Purifi, PT GaN, Class D GaN, Rose, NAD.... To date the Rose RS150/RA180 to Nova 5s gets me to a really enjoyable experience... |
Here are my mods. I think Ric charges ~$500.00 Fururtech IEC, no fuse. $10 Chris VenHaus quad star 12awg copper direct to PS board. $20 OCC5N Silver with air dialectic tubing (WillyWonka) 75ohm Digital coax from circuit board to new AECO RCA. Partsconnexion. $60 Triple C direct speaker connect to KLE pure copper binding posts. $80 I did these mods to create a cleaner signal path, eliminating unnecessary switches, fuses, upgrading wiring. In most cases newer electronics have secondary fusing at the power supply board/circuitry, so eliminating the IEC inlet fuse is not a concern for me.
And,,,,I don't sell this....
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