Peachtree GaN 1 Beta

Just got done working out the kinks of setting up my Lumin U1 Mini with the GAN1.

Here’s the pieces that aren't obvious: turn on Custom Re-Sampling. For DSD128, DSD64, 44.1kHz PCD -- all 3 of these should be set to 176.4kHz. All other set to Native. PCM Output Bit Depth set to 24.

With those settings, I can play both red book CDs and high resolution files (96/24, 192/24).

For anyone who may think about using an Audio GD DI-20HE with their GAN 1 or VTV D300, I want to give a warning.  DO NOT power on the DI-20HE if the amp is already on.  Only power on the amp after the DI-20HE has powered on and completed its initialization. I don't know about the GAN 1 but on my VTV D300, the scream of a banshee will likely come screaming out of the speakers during initialization.  No music lover wants that type of noise and at that extreme level coming out of their speakers. 

BTW, I'm hearing these improvements on the Soul 6 speakers but I'm really hearing this on my Sennheiser IE900 IEMs. Yes, my 390W VTV D300 speaker amp is also used for powering highly sensitive in-ear monitors (with a converter box, of course). And it works very well. 

The Lumin U2 is an excellent streamer.  I'm very happy with the purchase.  The RCA SPDIF output is good but the USB output with my two DDCs is special.  Currently, The U2's USB output feeds an Ideon Audio 3R Master Time which feeds an Audio GD DI-20HE.  USB cables are Zavfino Majestic and Sablon EVO.  SPDIF cable is current generation Sablon with Bocchino Paladium RCAs.  The DI-20HE is signal grounded with its external clock (LHY Audio OCK-1) to a Puritan Audio Routemaster Signal Ground Unification System.  The clock canle is current gen Sablon  

For the network, it's currently TP Link mesh router > Uptone EtherRegen > Sonore opticalModule connected by fiber to the Lumin U2. 

This is very elaborate, I know, but the sound is very addictive to say the least.  The Lumin U2 replaces a Lumin U1 mini with LHY LPS conversion. The U2 has brought an ease to the sound. In other words, my already low listener fatigue was made even lower. The second thing it has brought is ... information.  That's a weird word to describe music but I think it summarizes very well what I'm hearing because I'm literally hearing more information. I'm hearing more of the details contained in the music.  For example, there is airiness but it's dense.  That's an oxymoron so let me try to explain.  When the bass hits, it feels heavier and fuller, and yet it's very articulate, detailed, and ... airy... the reverb of the bass hit lingers just ever so slightly longer to create a better sense of the air.  It's this type of information  I'm hearing and the great news is, it's not limited to the bass.

I have not described the power side of my system which is just as elaborate but I will save this for another night. 

I have an LHY Audio SW-10 switch coming any day now.  I plan to replace the opticalModule with the SW-10 and send fiber both to it and from it to the Lumin U2.  The SW-10 has two SFP cages to do this.  It also has a 10MHz clock output which will be used to clock the DI-20HE and it will replace the OCK-1 clock. 

@viethluu Get it modded by Ric and then decide if the hype is real, ha ha. This modded amp is amazing.

I just bought an amp stand (with wheels) for my CODA #16. That arrives soon. Once it does, I will be doing head-to-head comparisons with the following:

• Lumin X1 SPDIF stream out (fibre in) | modded PeachTree GAN1
• Lumin X1 analog out (fibre in) | Benchmark LA4 preamp | CODA #16

I will be using a KEF LS50 Meta until I sell some speaker cables, then the LS50 will be replaced by the KEF Reference 1 Meta (or maybe Magico A1)

At this point I am not sure which setup will be preferred. That is how good the GAN1 sounds in my office system. Now my speakers are not big, and the room is small so maybe the GAN1 is benefiting from that.

When I get the KEF Blade 2 Meta in the Fall for a bigger room, I am going to try the GAN1 on it to see if it can hang with the CODA system. That is the CODA systems intended purpose. I am very happy to sell more gear and save money if it makes sense sonically.

BTW - the speaker cables I am selling are Audience FrontRow long enough only for monoblocks. I am selling them because they are too short for the GAN1. I sold one of my 2 Benchmark AHB2’s because the modded GAN1 was better. The cables were used with the 2 AHB2’s.

BTW2 - the new speaker purchase is the result of the GAN1 not easily incorporating my now sold KEF KC62 sub. The LS50 Meta + KC62 sub are great but the sub failed a few times on me and the GAN1 sounds too good to not use, so out went the KC62. The next speaker will negate the need for a sub in my small room.

I'll wait for Technics to provide an integrated like their SU-G700 with more power, say 200W. I had that integrated but just lacked power for my Acoustats. Excellent however with their SB-C600 speakers.

Laptop with JRiver and USB is all I'll need to feed it. I do not believe in streaming, so can forgo all the associated nonsense.

Yes, I am aware that the high end Technics amp is only 150W. I can still wait and hope. No way Technics can sit on the 70W spec in the near future.

There are plenty of well executed GaN amplifiers on the market, AGD, Atma-Sphere, Peachtree, Gold Note to name a few. The issue is the use of a Node for a preamp. 

Too much hype has been created around this amp haha. I have known several people who are selling it for cheap after buying into the hype. 

Correct, the Lumin U2 and other "U" Lumin units don't have DACs and are pure streamers.  I'm excited to try the fiber input of the U2. This is the future and the future is now. I think this can simplify the network side of my system.  The U2 has a special USB output but I'm doubtful this alone can replace my USB reclocker. I usually find that improvements along the USB chain are cumulative.  

My Lumin X1 DAC is useless with the PeachTree GAN1. That is the DAC chip in the X1 is totally skipped. I only use the SPDIF stream output from the X1. Now this stream is rather good since it originated from a Fibre Optical input into the X1.

The new Lumin U2 eliminates the DAC inside the unit (I think).

In my situation, I use the X1 as both a SPDIF streamer and an analog DAC out to my RAAL VM-1a headphone amp. So, I am maximizing the use of the X1.

I'm still confused on the benefits of using a lumin dac/streamer combo

vs the just a lumin streamer with this amp

@sirnui I am going to assume your U2 is the same as my X1 minus the DAC chip. The streamer on the X1 is louder, faster sounding, and maybe more aggressive sounding (that could be related to the increased loudness). I am comparing this to my Sonore OpticalRendu. I had 3 of these great streamers but sold 2 of them because the X1 replaced them. Not sure which is better, they sound different, but both are excellent.

@yyzsantabarbara Same here. I turned my sub down to 1 click above minimum gain.

I have a number of boxes and cables I can remove from the system if the U2 is good enough to dethrone that small collection.  The rack looks cluttered at the moment.  I'm hoping simpler is better in this case.

To describe just a slice of the boxes I currently have a Lumin U1 Mini with LHY Audio LPS feeding USB to an Ideon Audio 3R Master Time DDC feeding USB to an Audio GD DI-20HE DDC.  I would be mightily impressed if the U2 allows me to remove at least one of the DDCs.   

@sirnui Congrats, the streamer is well worth it for the GAN1. Mine is modded and sounds incredible with the Lumin X1 using Fibre Optic input streaming and SPDIF output streaming. I also bought the optional remote control which is very useful.

@dolfan I am getting more bass out of my modded GAN1. I kept 1 of my 2 Benchmark AHB2's and the differences between the 2 amps is easily evident. The AHB2 is still the most crystal clear, but the GAN1 is more powerful, and I find the better overall amp. The GAN1 seems to be getting better still with more hours. 

@yyzsantabarbara Well, I ended up buying that U2 unit and it's on a UPS truck right now coming my way. There is also a brand new one for sale here on AGon for a good price (less than MSRP) for anyone interested. This one doesn't come with remote like the unit I bought but still a good deal in my opinion for a new unit. 

@audiocanada get the Node power supply upgrade from beatechnik on cbay. Get the Isopods on glamazon. Linkup network cables. Play with some power cords and fine tune your speaker positions. ?Digital cable. Little things pay big with the Gan.

I sent in my Gan 1 to @ricevs  for mods. I really enjoyed the stock version but took a chance. He put in new IEC and I got the WBT binding post option plus whatever else he does. It's a different amp. Much larger soundstage, speakers disappear on all but the worst recordings, much more musical, more depth.  Really surprised at the amount of difference. It's only got 50 hours or so on it so more to come. Glad I took a chance.

can anybody help with the following,

A)lumin u2 mini streamer only vs a lumint3, what would be the difference connected directly to the Gan1

B)I have the Gan1 connected to Harbeth 30.2 XD's from a node, anybody tried something similair.....seems a bit dry with the harbeths

C)would something like a NAD C658 offer more gain and get more volume over the node to gan1 (output seems low for 200w)

Looks very enticing.  It checks off a few boxes for sure. 

I just saw this ad on USAM for a streamer that also does SPDIF. I think it is the same as my Lumin X1 minus the DAC section. If so, then it will work great with the PeachTree GAN1.

Lumin U2 (NOT MINI) Streamer - Silver w Remote Kit Photo #4406379 - US Audio Mart

anybody using a rel with high level?

would it be the same method as a connecting a regular class ab amp?

I've used Canare BNC to RCA and RCA to BNC adapters with the VTV D300 and I'm happy with their performance. If you already have a good SPDIF cable, I would recommend to try the adapters first.  There may not be a problem here to fix. 

or should i just get a rca to bnc adapter?

can someone please confirm if I can safely connect my Lumin T2 directly to Gan1 via BNC to RCA cable?

if so, anybody know where to get a good cable?  I only see cheap ones on amazon

@yyzsantabarbara Thanks for the info.  My Lumin is the U1 Mini with SBooster power supply, and my existing cord is 1m.  I'm guessing it will work, but was thinking about upgrading that cord anyway. 

Hopefully I'll have time next weekend to play with the GAN1. 

@lee_short I do not know exactly what I have, but It is a SPDIF, with RCA at GAN1 end and BNC at streamer end. This worked with the Lumin X1 as a streamer and the Sonore OpticalRendu connected to a Sonore UltraDgital streamer which had BNC connector.

The Lumin X1 is amazing with the GAN1 since it has volume control via a optional remote. The streamer sounds great and the remote is not bad, I was expecting a lot worse on the volume control.

I sold another item that I did not want to setup with the GAN1, the KEF KC62 sub. Another 2 more items to go before I upgrade the speakers for this amp.

@yyzsantabarbara 

"you need a 1.5m BNC to RCA 75 ohm coaxial cable."

This is oddly specific, I'd think any 75 ohm BNC to RCA would work.  Did they actually say that, or is 1.5m just what you ended up buying?

Exciting times for sure. I’m also impressed with my self-modded VTV D300 amp. The stock D300 performed at a similar level to my previous system which consisted of a 6K traditional amp, 1.7K XLR cables, and 3K DAC. For about the price of the XLR cables alone, the D300 gave me the same level of performance. This is a real bargain! And after doing the mods which I estimate is about $400 including parts and tools, the D300 is now at another level and I believe would beat my old system. My speakers are Zu Audio Soul 6 which have a live in your listening room sound. The D300 has only increased the sense of liveliness and realism. I believe the GAN 1, especially a modded GAN 1, would do the same if it were in my system.

For years I’ve enjoyed headphone listening over listening to the 2 channel system. But now with an amp like the D300 and the Soul 6 speakers, I find listening to the 2 channel system to be slightly more enthralling than headphones. This is a surprising statement for me and this is not to reduce my joy with headphone listening in any way because that is still a very addictive activity. The 390W D300 is also at times reconfigured to power my headphone system but I use a converter box before the power reaches my sensitive Sennheiser IE900 IEMs. Sounds amazing with headphones.

I have also sold some gear recently and have started to reinvest those funds in other parts of the system. The fun continues.

I have been listening to the GAN1 for almost the whole day (and yesterday) and this amp sounds great, even without the necessary sub. I am very impressed by this amp.

I also sold 1 of my Benchmark AHB2 amps today. I am keeping the other one because listening to my tuner was a PIA with the GAN1. It takes me 10 seconds to flip the speaker cables so not a problem.

Once I raise enough cash from gear sales, I am going to pair the GAN1 with the KEF Reference 1 speaker. That monitor will not need a sub in my room.

I had a interesting demo session with my friend. The GAN1 sounded bad to him on the RAAL SR1a via a adapter box. He is used to the RAAL VM-1a so everything else sounds inferior. As I also said in my posts about the VM-1a.

We then put his Bryston 2B-SST on the system, replacing the GAN1. Again, he said it sounded bad. This made him say it is the adapter box that is the culprit. He knows how the 2B-SST should with the track we played. My adapter box is the old version.

He gave me the new adapter box to try out, which I did at home. Bad news is that it sounds much better than the old box, so that is about another $1K out the door. Goods news is is that it sounds better.

With regards, to my system. I decided to put back the AHB2 with my LA4 preamp, to listen to KCRW from 9-12. I cannot listen on headphones when I need to move about in the morning.

So I now need to change the speaker cable into the speakers from the GAN1 and AHB2 when I need to listen to the tuner. Not the end of the world and I am happy with the setup.

Another thing, a single AHB2 has more bass than 2 monos in with my LS50 Meta. I had the same thing with my Thiel CS3.7. I did not expect that with the LS50 Meta. The LS50 Meta + KC62 sub is going to be replaced by most likely the KEF Reference 1 Meta (getting a deal on the Ref 1).

The reason for the more bass from the single AHB2 could be because I have to now use the Benchmark speaker cable. I have no time to figure out if this is the true cause.

The tuner is out of consideration on the GAN1. However, my VM-1a headphone amp, which is better than the GAN1, has XLR inputs and I will use it with the RAAL SR1a earphones for the 3 hours in the morning as I listen to KCRW on my Magnum Dynalab MD108T.

Normally I have the Lumin X1 DAC’s XLR on the VM-1a however, this morning I rearranged my gear and have the Lumin XLR and the MD 108T XLR’s grouped together so it will be a breeze to flip them back and forth.

My RAAL SR1a with the VM-1a is better than the GAN1 and KEF LS50 Meta. However, the sound out of the LS50 Meta is incredible, even without the sub. I do prefer 2-channel listening since it less physically restrictive but the SR1a is almost 2-channel like, not like regular headphones.

I should be content with this current LS50 Meta sound, but I know there is more available if I put in a sub. The Yamaha NS3000 without the sub will be better than the naked LS50 Meta and have more bass. The NS3000 was reviewed to be a more refined KEF Reference 1, which I totally believe since I have heard the NS5000 and the non-meta Reference 1.

Yamaha NS-3000: High-end Høyttalere I Miniutgave (lbtechreviews.com)

I will put a few photos of my new setup in the evening. I am taking most of the gear down to Ventura, CA today for a listening session. I will post the feedback, could be good or bad, everyone hears differently.

@ricevs I hope you can post some comparisons between the Peachtree GAN1 and whatever VTV amp you are modding. I realized I did not solve my initial problem of getting an amp for my RAAL SR1a + amp adapter box for another room. So, I either get another GAN1 or a VTV.

I forgot I also have all the gear from Sonore to stream to the SPDIF.

BTW - I am keeping the Benchmark LA4 preamp, DAC3B, and the Sonore streaming pieces. The following are going bye-bye:

• Benchmark AHB2 x 2
• FrontRow Speaker cable
• KEF LS50 Meta
• KEF KC62 sub

Other than using the high level speaker inputs like REL not sure what else you’d do.

How are you going to use a tuner with Gan1?  A2D converter?

Can anyone tell me what my implementation options are for adding my KEF KC62 sub with the GAN1?

I am putting together a list of items that I am going to advertise to sell tomorrow. I am wondering whether to keep the fine sounding KEF KC62 or sell it. I plan on buying a bucket list speaker to replace the LS50 Meta in my office (with more bass), the Yamaha NS3000. The NS5000 is actually the bucket list speaker but it is way too powerful for my office, so the NS3000 will have to fill in. A sub is not essential with the NS3000.

My strong impression of the GAN1 + Lumin X1 has given me the confidence to sell the following gear,

• Benchmark AHB2 x 2 (monos)
• Audience FrontRow speaker cable with SpeakON at amp end and banana at speaker end, 44 inches long. Perfect for the AHB2’s. Too short for the stereo GAN1. Can be re-terminated by Audience.
• Benchmark LA4 (50% chance I buy this again)
• Benchmark DAC3B
• KEF LS50 Meta
• KEF KC62 sub (I would like to keep this if I can integrate it with the GAN1)
• Sonore OpticalRendu

I am also considering the KEF Reference 1 meta and non-meta. The KEF can be bought in the USA while the NS3000 seems to be available only from Canada.

@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...

I forgot to mention that the AHB2 was better at low volume than the GAN1. Though now that I have the RAAL gear I do not listen at low volume while the family sleeps. Now, It is hard rocking all the time. :)

The Lumin X1 direct to amp, is almost as good as the Benchmark LA4 preamp and AHB2 monos at low volume. That Leedh volume is great. The only deficiency is that at very low volume it does not scale up in a constant intervals, like the LA4 preamp. That is nit picking though.

@ricevs I sure hope you didn't charge yyz for your mods.  Especially after his advertising...

I am setting up a GoFundMe on my behalf. I will post the link shortly.

Just like any component, the GaN 1 needs to be tuned up. The feet and platform underneath the amp will make a tremendous difference. Adding damped weight on top could help (footer dependent). The choice of power cord can make all the difference in the world.....same with the choice of digital coax cable. Read what Audio Bacon says about different audio cables (especially coax cables). You really need to get your whole system off the grid using the Giandel 5000 pure sine wave watt inverter......you only need a single 100 amp hour LifePo4 battery with a GaN 1 (it idles at 18 watts). You will hear a whole nuther level of detail when you put a great inverter on your system (and your system will always sound the same....not better at night or whenever you turn something off).....and another jump comes from a great line filter like the Puritan when used after the inverter and also using a dedicated ground rod for your stereo and ground filtering is another step up. The GaN1 and VTV D300 (more power and possibly more grunt....will be testing the modded VTV D300 soon)....are so inexpensive you can use the money saved to really tweak your system.

mbolek, I sure hope you don't charge people for work you do.  Getting paid for hard work and knowledge is unamerican. When someone posts here about their thoughts on an amp it is because they want to.  My paid ads on the amp will be on Audiogon soon.  I don't do free mods in exchange for people posting positive comments.  Certainly is helpful and kind when someone goes out of their way to describe in detail what something does......products, mods, whatever.   Most people who I talk to say I charge way, way to little for my work.

I honestly CAN say that every mod I did made a significant sonic improvement.

I only had the stock GAN1 for a day and it was breaking in as I was listening to it. I did not hear the bad sound that Ric or Scott at Verdant Audio first heard. I do remember that the stock GAN1 (brand new) was not that great on the LS50 Meta so I quickly moved it to the VM-1a.

It showed great promise on the VM-1a amp and that was going to be the intended future use. However, the amp today sounds incredible on the LS50 Meta. I am also someone who has had close to 10 amps in this room over the last 3 years. The GAN1 sound is similar in quality to the best of those amps. Though I get that sound with less gear. No extra DAC or preamp needed, that is the secret sauce in this GAN1.

BTW - the Peachtree GAN1 is an amp I am not selling, The LSA Voyager 350 GAN (also modded by Ric)  could not beat my former CODA #8 and was sold. The GAN1 can hang in some ways with the CODA #16. That is great.

Done with my work-work for now. 

I wrote about how I will use the GAN1 because it was a mystery to me at first with the amp having only a single SPDIF input. I also did not want to get the Bluesnode streamer. I think getting the Lumin X1 was a very lucky break. It seems perfect for how I am now sending music to the LS50 Meta and VM-1a (for the phones).

When my KEF KC62 sub died I revisited my initial complaints about the AHB2 and LS50 setup. It was lacking low end power and a little flat sounding. Adding the KC62 to the setup made the sound great, I loved it. 

Today, without the sub the AHB2 came in last place in my shootout. The AHB2 has the most razor sharp outlines on the soundstage. The music is also the most clean sounding. This is something that I was always drawn to whenever I came back to the AHB2. However, that is with the KC62 sub and the Lumin X1 DAC.

The CODA #16 with the Lumin X1 DAC is a firehose of music. I am seriously concerned that the amp will blow up the drivers. The amount of sound and BASS I get from the small LS50 is incredible. This is clean, detailed, and powerful sound. Just a hair less clear sounding than the AHB2 but miles ahead in power. This has so much power that I was getting a bit of fatigue in my small room. I realized that I cannot listen to this amp in this small room for 8+ hours a day.  However, this amp has got me excited to pair it with the KEF Blade 2 Meta later this year in my larger  Livingroom.

The Peachtree GAN1 and Lumin X1 SPDIF stream via fibre optic input stream was more like the CODA #16 than the AHB2. The bass was more than the AHB2 and the clarity and detail on the music was like the CODA #16 and Lumin X1.  That is a tad less razor sharp but rounder and warmer sounding, likely preferred by most over my AHB2 clarity preference. 

The GAN1 bass was not as good as with the AHB2 + KC62 sub but it was at a point where the low end was sort of sufficient. I wish it would be easy to incorporate the sub into the GAN1. I do not want to hook up speaker cables into the sub and then speaker cables to the LS50 Meta. That does not seem like the right way for me to do the sub integration. I will figure out something later on this sub issue.

The music from the GAN1 is rather big. Similar to the CODA #16 in that it is wide and deep. However, the firehose intensity of the sound is not as strong. I never got any fatigue with the GAN1 (or AHB2's).

The integration of the DAC into the GAN1 seems to be a killer approach. I got the sense that I was hearing more (not detail), just a fuller dose of music.

In my home, the king of the hill is still the RAAL SR1a | VM-1a  Lumin X1 (via fibre). I would love to have this same GAN + DAC tech inside the VM-1a. This Sunday, I am taking the GAN1 | Lumin X1 | VM-1a to one of the designers of the VM-1a. We had planned on meeting weeks ago for some computer/audio networking issues. I told him how good this GAN1 amp was and that he needed to hear this tech. His ears are the best and I am interested to get his feedback.

@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.

I should add some congratulations to Ric, some real fine work with the mods.

I have been listening to the GAN1 amp + CODA #16 amp + Benchmark AHB2 mono amps + Lumin X1 DAC/Streamer + Benchmark LA4 preamp in various combos with the KEF LS50 Meta speakers. It turned out to be a lucky break that my KEF KC62 sub died last week and I sent it in to KEF for repair. So my LS50 Meta is naked. I also used the same used $200 WyWire Platinum speaker cable on all 3 amps.

A long story short, there is a new sheriff in town. It is called the PeachTree GAN1 by Ric Shultz.

I am selling my 2 AHB2 monos (maybe keep 1). Selling my Audience FrontRow speaker cable for the AHB2. They only work with the AHB2 since they have SpeakON termination at the amp end. I will buy a replacement FrontRow cable for the GAN1.

This will be my new setup in my office:

• Lumin X1 stream via SPDIF to GAN1. I have a remote control and the X1 has the amazing Leedh algorithm working for volume on this SPDIF output stream
• Lumin X1 as a DAC into my RAAL VM-1a tube headphone amp
  • I have a 15 foot Benchmark StarQuad XLR to go from the X1’s new location to my audio rack where the VM-1a resides. The X1 resides on the floor in-between the speakers, next to the GAN1 (on a block of wood)
• KEF LS50 Meta (without the KC62 sub, selling it)
  • Trying to determine if the KEF Reference 1 Meta will fit into my 12 x 11 x 9 (plus 4 addition feet with a removed closet door (my desk is in there)
• My only issue is getting my amazing Magnum Dynalab MD108T tuner to work but I can use the RAAL VM-1a headphone amp with the RAAL SR1a during the 3 hours I listen to radio (KCRW from 9AM - 12PM). I never consider it a downgrade when I listen to the RAAL phones.

My Livingroom system will be the following:

• CODA #16
• Accuphase T-101 tuner
• Benchmark LA4 preamp
• Benchmark DAC3B (sounds good with the CODA #16)
  • eventually getting a Playback Designs DAC/SACD player to replace my Sony SCD-1 that died 2 weeks ago
• KEF Blade 2 Meta speakers

I got to get back to work. If I have time I will give some observations on the sound differences between all the gear.

I am now using the Lumin X1 with Leedh volume to stream and volume. Sounds real fine.

It is 2AM and I cannot stop listening or start the work I was supposed to do.

My Audience AU24 SX cables from the amp to the adapter box seems to have baked in a bit because the sound has improved. WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS is better now, maybe the amp does have enough power.

I can say for sure that this 2-channel amp is by far the VERY BEST I have had with the RAAL Adapter box. I am going to move my RAAL VM-1a to my bedroom.

I have a second free RAAL adapter box and I am thinking of buying a second GAN1 to put that in the family room. Now that the Lumin X1 can stream and do volume via SPDIF I have an extra streamer and another short speaker cable in storage.

Tomorrow let me see how this amp is with the KEF LS50 Meta. Whatever the case, the fact that I am moving the VM-1a to another room is mind boggling to me. I would have never thought that was possible.

BTW - I am fond of using Lynard Skynyrd SWEET HOME ALABAMA to hear how detailed DAC is. At the 57 second mark there is a background singer saying SOUTHERN MAN. On most gear I do not hear that vocal. On the GAN1 I do hear it not too faintly but not loud either. On the X1 and VM-1a it seems about the same.

I got a reply from Lumin on how to setup the volume for the GAN1.

 

You need a 1.5m BNC to RCA 75 ohm coaxial cable.

Connect the X1 BNC to the GaN 1.

In Lumin app, change output to SPDIF.

If not using Roon: After changing the output, turn on Custom Re-sampling. Change DSD64 / DSD128 to PCM 176.4kHz.

If using Roon: Turn off Custom resampling. In Roon DSP Engine, change DSD to 176.4kHz.

Turn volume down.

Play a 44.1kHz file or a default radio station such as Radio Paradise FLAC.

I just got the great idea of GROUPING my ROON stream to both the Lumin X1-to-VM-1a amp and the Sonore OpticalRendu-to-GAN1. So, the same fibre stream is going to two different amps at the same time. I just need to disconnect the headphone cable from 1 amp to the other to quickly compare the same song.

The VM-1a sounds better as expected but it is very close (which is the shocking part, no 2-channel has come this close). The VM-1a sounds more powerful but tonally they sound similar. Let me now try a very demanding track.

When I want to see if an amp can deliver the power, I put on Led Zeppelin’s WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS. On the VM-1a and the CA-1a headphones the sound is the very best I have heard the song. On the SR1a earphones it is the second best I have heard it. The CA-1a is a more dynamic phone. The GAN1 does not seem to be able to scale the power requirements to really hit as hard as the RAAL VM-1a amp.

Here is some context on the power requirements of the RAAL adapter box when connected to a 2-channel amp. In the past, I used to have a CODA #8 (with meters) and it was connected to a Thiel CS3.7 speaker. The Thiel is a very hard speaker to drive, and the CODA #8 did a great job. The power draw on the amp was not that much at my regular listening levels. The meters did not move that much. When I put the RAAL adapter box after the CODA #8, CODA the meters would fly with approximately the same volume. The adapter box draws a lot of current. I think about 300 watts @8 Ohms is the sweet spot for a 2-channel amp to really drive the earphones with dynamic music, like WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS.

It seems like the GAN1 could use a bit more power with the RAAL Adapter box.

None of this really matter when one connects the GAN1 to some 2-channel speakers (forget about the RAAL). I am looking forward to that on Friday. The sound is really opening up now. On slower less demanding music it hard to tell the difference between the GAN1 and the VM-1a (that is shocking).

These are the other 2-channel amps I have tried in the same comparison.

- CODA #8 (the CODA #16 will be compared tomorrow)

- KRELL Duo 175XD

- Benchmark AHB2 stereo and mono

- Parasound A21+

- NAD M22 V1

- LSA Voyager 350 GAN

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I got the modded GAN1 amp and my RAAL SR1a phones back today. I will give a description of the setup I will be using in the next few days.

I was not able to figure out how to use the Lumin X1 DAC’s SPDIF streaming output with the GAN1. The X1 takes fibre in and outputs to SPDIF but I got no sound on the amp. If I can figure out how to do this and also control volume via the XI then I will have my best streaming source.

I pivoted from the X1 and put in my Sonore OpticalRendu + UltraDigital streamer

Sonore - Sonicorbiter

This is fibre optical-2-USB-2-SPDIF. It is not too bad. Not as good as fibre-2-usb or just fibre directly into the X1.

All my gear in this chain needs about 10 hours to settle in since it has been disconnected for 3 months and some not really burned in (ultraDigital and some SPDIF cables).

It is late at night, so I am listening with my RAAL SR1a earphones. The GAN1 is connected to the RAAL amp adapter box via a 1-foot Audience AU24 SX speaker cable. I control volume using ROON software.

In the morning I will move the amp next to my Benchmark AHB2 monos and CODA #16 amp. I will use the same streaming setup to drive my KEF LS50 Meta speakers.

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Listening to some Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder at the moment and it is definitely better than stock. Now I loved the stock sound of the GAN1. Ric hated it and Scott at Verdant Audio posted that it was bright. I heard nothing like that and thought it was the very best 2-channel amp I have heard with the RAAL SR1a via the RAAL adapter box. Better than my prior best 2-channel combo, CODA 07x preamp | Musetec 005 DAC | KRELL Duo 175XD | cables and streamer. All of that cost about $30k and is now sold. The STOCK GAN1 was better than that combo on the RAAL, not 2-channel. Which was an incredible result for me and that is why I wanted to see if Ric’s mods can take it even higher.

As I am listening, th music already sounds beautiful and will only get better with a few more hours. If I can replace the king of the hill, my RAAL VM-1a headphone amp from my office with the GAN1, then that is the greatest compliment I can give it.

The GAN1 will never be as good as the VM-1a because it has to go through the RAAL amp adapter box, the VM-1a does not. However, if I can get about 80%-85% there then I will move the VM-1a to my bedroom. I bet that is what will happen given how it is sounding now.

This Saturday I am meeting up with one of the designers of the RAAL VM-1a amp. I told him that I will be bringing the modded GAN1 for him to hear. I think he will be very impressed as I am now.

Listening to Isac Hayes WALK ON BY. A song that really moves me and hits hard with its’ soul and brilliance. I hear all that with the modded GAN1, this is really sounding good.

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More to come on 2-channel, which I am sure what people really want to hear about.

@mbolek I have a call with the dealer on Tues. Along with the sonics, I am interested in how the WiFi will work with ROON. Also, whether it has a has a remote control.

The bi-amping feature is another thing I want to understand.

Hope you can post on how it sounded and a comparison to some other gear.

@ricevs 

@yyzsantabarbara 

I'm in Santa Rosa and will be checking out the Maria next week.  Looks interesting...

Yyz, you and I both like to have our vintage analog tuners playing too!