For starters, it sounds to me as if the Peachtree is faulty. You've swopped in a different integrated, and it's louder? Have you tried the same line-source through the several different line-source inputs? Process of elimination is the only way to figure out exactly what's happening.
Set me straight, don't pull punches
Esteemed contributors
I, a neophyte, present myself as supplicant for knowledge in all aspects of my system.
(Feel free to skip ** sections **, included only to rationalize intent)
**I don't know how much info you want, but know that I have done a fair amount of research and read lots of opinions, but have skipped steps in setting up an intermediate listening rig*
I recently picked up a Peachtree nova300 to replace a Marantz 2238b driving B&W 685 bookshelf speakers and 12" DefTec sub.
I'm having troubles. My TT output is extremely quiet, and running digital files makes the speakers voice timidly - not at all what I expected from 300w. I got much stronger response from the "38w" Marantz.
Are my speakers mismatched?
**I wanted to have the ability to include my wife in enjoying the set-up, and the Sabre DAC specifically designed for iOS devices removed the fear of vinyl handling, turntable cueing and the like.**
I changed everything at once. I had been using 12 gauge radioshack speaker wire. I upgraded to AudioQuest X2 (directionality running the proper direction) and audioquest bananna clips.
I have a technics 1300 TT that isn't giving me much volume, which is a huge disappointment, because my main input is a vinyl collection I have been building for a few years.
I thought the peachtree had a dedicated phono input designed specifically for MM cartridges.
I can't find branding anywhere on my cart, but had been under the impression it was MM, not MC.
**I actually found the turntable inside a cabinet I bought that had been sitting outside on a deck in SD for a few seasons, so I'm surprised and pleased it works as well as it does (a little sticking on the speed/pitch adjustment knobs, and 45rpm runs too quick, cannot be slowed further)**
Anyway. I have been putting off buying a pre-amp to reduce extra equipment.
**I inherited an Arcam d9 that I wanted to A/B test against my marantz, but I preferred the simplicity that the peachtree integrated offered.**
I feel like I'm stranded in Wyoming, not included in any audio circles that could help me troubleshoot these issues. Connecting with anyone would be awesome, I'm just hoping this post doesn't go completely unnoticed due to my ignorance.
Another consideration, I have access to discounted Pro-Ject equipment, so specific direction on the models they offer would be particularly helpful
Thank you for any and all feedback. Try to sell me on something
I, a neophyte, present myself as supplicant for knowledge in all aspects of my system.
(Feel free to skip ** sections **, included only to rationalize intent)
**I don't know how much info you want, but know that I have done a fair amount of research and read lots of opinions, but have skipped steps in setting up an intermediate listening rig*
I recently picked up a Peachtree nova300 to replace a Marantz 2238b driving B&W 685 bookshelf speakers and 12" DefTec sub.
I'm having troubles. My TT output is extremely quiet, and running digital files makes the speakers voice timidly - not at all what I expected from 300w. I got much stronger response from the "38w" Marantz.
Are my speakers mismatched?
**I wanted to have the ability to include my wife in enjoying the set-up, and the Sabre DAC specifically designed for iOS devices removed the fear of vinyl handling, turntable cueing and the like.**
I changed everything at once. I had been using 12 gauge radioshack speaker wire. I upgraded to AudioQuest X2 (directionality running the proper direction) and audioquest bananna clips.
I have a technics 1300 TT that isn't giving me much volume, which is a huge disappointment, because my main input is a vinyl collection I have been building for a few years.
I thought the peachtree had a dedicated phono input designed specifically for MM cartridges.
I can't find branding anywhere on my cart, but had been under the impression it was MM, not MC.
**I actually found the turntable inside a cabinet I bought that had been sitting outside on a deck in SD for a few seasons, so I'm surprised and pleased it works as well as it does (a little sticking on the speed/pitch adjustment knobs, and 45rpm runs too quick, cannot be slowed further)**
Anyway. I have been putting off buying a pre-amp to reduce extra equipment.
**I inherited an Arcam d9 that I wanted to A/B test against my marantz, but I preferred the simplicity that the peachtree integrated offered.**
I feel like I'm stranded in Wyoming, not included in any audio circles that could help me troubleshoot these issues. Connecting with anyone would be awesome, I'm just hoping this post doesn't go completely unnoticed due to my ignorance.
Another consideration, I have access to discounted Pro-Ject equipment, so specific direction on the models they offer would be particularly helpful
Thank you for any and all feedback. Try to sell me on something
24 responses Add your response
@gs556 there is a loop functionality where I could attach a DAC or an equalizer. My only other audio source I have is a marantz 5025B tape deck, which I'll hook up and experiement with different input channels. (I had a 5-cd carousel that wouldn't give me anything, so I'm on the prowl there as well) I'm wondering if running the marantz as the phono input and use the peachtree's much higher watt ceiling headroom would change the sound quality? If it isn't head and shoulders improvement over the Marantz, why include it in the chain at all? I'm also switching the speaker wire back to the previous arrangement to see if those make a difference in sound quality. I'll return and report |
Ok, it took my wife making adjustments and pushing the buttons the way I SHOULD have to switch from the AUX2 to the phono stage. My issue was impatience, incompetence tinged with insecurity that I could break the input channel if I held it longer than the 5 seconds prescribed in the manual. I skimmed the instruction manual, missing the step where I HOLD the aux button UNTIL the indicator switch changes from blue to green, which turns off the digital inputs and uses the separate analog circuitry. I was pressing and holding...incorrectly? Pivoting... I hooked up the tape deck, but there is a hum every other time I push the play button, where the DB meter is maxing out and there is a loud buzzing. Do I just need to get the heads cleaned? We have already established that I should hold off on my own alterations, repairs etc until I can apprentice under someone who knows |
Loud buzzing might indicate a ground loop. This is easily solved by an isolation transformer. Prices range from $20 to hundreds. I suggest the same ones I use for digital inputs, made for car audio, which cost $20 for 2 channels: 1st Source GL-100 Ground Loop Isolator. The GL-100 comes with RCA inputs and outputs, so it is easily inserted into the signal line. Just plug one end into the cassette deck L&R outputs, the other end into the interconnects to the amp. One of these is good to have around for trouble-shooting, and if it works, you have identified the problem, and can upgrade to Lundahl or Sowter if you feel inclined. But I wouldn’t bother until you go further upmarket. |
According to the instructions, the AUX2/Phono switch merely switches the AUX/Phono input from line level gain to the higher gain needed for an MM cartridge, along with the equalization necessary for proper phono playback. I'm assuming that your turntable is now working OK on the AUX2/Phono input and that you have plugged your tape deck into the AUX1/HTB input. You want the AUX1/HTB light to be blue if you intend to control the volume of the tape deck with the Peachtree volume control. |
All is well at base camp Hum is gone when playing the tape deck thanks to the ground loop suggestion from @terry9 After I re-installed larger speakerwire. I think I still like the sound of the Marantz though. Woops! but having a remote and DAC playback for my wife will be worth acquiring the peachtree |
@mpdahl, I appreciate your wry humor and literary style; but you are far too self deprecative. there are other solutions to a ground loop problem than an isolation transformer. This may be another fun area to research. I'd start by getting one of these handy tools: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Receptacle-Outlet-Tester-RT110/206517828 |
mpdahl, I, too, am isolated with you in Wyoming. My technical knowledge is very limited, but I have been involved with audio for quite a while and with Audiogon for a good while. The latter involvement has greatly helped with the development of my system and with guidance about what to listen for. I'm glad a solution has been provided for your problem. Welcome aboard and I hope you stay involved! |
Mpdahl, are you happy with the new setup? If so, don’t read any further, if not consider my comments below. Also, it maybe too late to do anything so if that’s the case consider it nonsense reading :). What bothers me here is that you said that you prefer the sounds of your old Marantz twice. Personally, I would never buy audio equipment that I’m not satisfied especially compared to my previous component. Is the Marantz broken? I haven’t heard a Peachtree in a while, but I never enjoyed class D amps. I suspect you like your Marantz more partially because it’s a class A/B amp. A few years ago, I looked at Peachtree, Rogue Audio and a few others and honestly for the price and what was included I wanted to love the Peachtree but I ended buying the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2 with a standalone DAC. For the sound quality was night and day. You’ve spent a lot of money, don’t settle for something your not completely happy with. Not sure about the return policy of your Peachtree but you could consider a cheaper option which maybe a better choice for you and your wife is to get yourself the Bluesound Node 2. It’s a very capable music streamer with a built-in DAC. You can connect this to your Marantz. Your wife could stream and use her iPhone to the Bluesound and from the saving buy yourself a Tidal music subscription for you and your wife, if you don’t have one already. Possible option 2, return the Peachtree and consider different integrated. Again, if your happy disregard. Good Luck and Happy listening. |
@nycjlee I am in a holding pattern at present because I was able to get "industry accomodation pricing" on the Peachtree - where 1.) all sales are final and 2.) I'm expected to hold for 12 months before I can resell. I like the idea of Bluesound Node. I appreciate your suggestion. Im not mad, just disappointed. Let me explain how. I am running a subwoofer for my lower freq's and I liked the ability to adjust the output for "bass" on the Marantz receiver and compensate with the knob on my subwoofer. I feel I get more out of my bookshelves when they are only running mid and high. The Peachtree is trying to make them throw bass notes, which hamstrings their performance. I intend to test out other speakers to see if other sets of air movers do more justice to the class D configuration. Most likely scenario - (which I don't particularly want my wife to know) - using the HT bypass function in a bonafide home theater arrangement for front L&R channels - while having the ability to use in a two channel set up for music. But that's one day, not today. I have been looking at stepping up to bigger speakers, and am itching to see if 300wpc Peachtree will make an adequate soundstage with better components. Specifically full-range speakers. There is a metaphor I'm grasping for - instead of using mud as the medium, I'm looking for clay...and maybe one day to marble. But if I'm buying components that are more and more "sand" based....(can I go so far?) I don't want to end up neck deep in sinking sand. Anyway. I am very interested in what I can get from Best Buy (see above, accomodation pricing) I can use the Magnolia HT room to test B&W's new 700 series. I liked the CM10 with tweeter-on-top. Obviously prejudiced in that direction. The Martin Logan electrostats are by far the best speaker I've ever auditioned for precise soundstage (albeit in the store, Kurt Vile "I was all talk" made me jump because I didn't know the Congo hits would be popping at different proximities from my head - I kept ducking) but the extremely narrow sweet spot wouldn't be ideal for the strange configuration at our house. Would you prefer the ML Motion line to the B&W? |
A note about Wyoming, I've been binge watching "Longmire" and now I know that Wyoming is wracked with weird crime and endless vistas. And cows. Also, I recently bought a relatively inexpensive pair of new Klipsch Heresys that are astonishingly good. They would fit in well with Western decor like mounted Elk heads, shotguns, and pickup trucks (although it's rare to have a pickup truck IN your house, but hey, it's Wyoming). |
@wolf_garcia Longmire is actually shot in everywhere BUT Wyoming - mostly New Mexico. Which is a bummer. But buffalo wy is a pleasant spot. Not much to see or do in town, but the big horn mtns are a delight to hike. The only exposure MOST people get is I-80, unquestionably the worst sliver of the mountain west. It keeps most folks out of the Wind River, Big Horn and Snowy mountain ranges. No complaints from the locals. Another lame realization, the Hateful 8 by Quint Tarantino was set in Wyoming and shot south in Colorado. And there are are plenty of front-porch benches made out of ford tailgates...almost inside decor |
I love Wyoming in general, Buffalo is a great little town, as is Ten Sleep, especially the brewery. Usually get out there each year for a visit. Big Horns, Sunlight Basin, Wind River, Tetons, & Beartooths into Montana. I own a pair of B&W 685s. They are a very good budget bookshelf, however not sure the best for integration with a sub if having to run them full range. Bass might get heavy in the 50-80 hz range. A trip to Denver might be in order. Make prior arrangements for auditioning. |