I purchased a new Grand X-1 Hybrid 3 years ago directly from Peachtree as it had been discontinued. Lucky to get one and have been happy with it ever since. When new in my systems it blew me away with more of everything from Beefheart's, "Crazy Little Thing" to Chris Christopherson's last one man album. I had to play with it and have rolled different tubes until I tried a matched pair of Gold Lions. The improvement was subtle but rich and deep and better with time.
The folks I talked with at Peachtree were frank about taking flack for the price of their product. The corporate story was to be affordable and the $4,500 ticket was over the top for their fans... except it wasn't. Not even close to the top. The amp was discontinued to re-focus the corporate attention and a decision not to 'compete' in the 'hybrid' market. The current 500 watt model without the tube 'preamp' is basically the same unit, sans tubes. The price reflects that too and is more consistent with goals. After all, we already have McIntosh for weight and big bucks.
In Michigan I can now head to my studio, fire up a new release on vinyl from Savoy Brown and a 80 year old guitarist, and fire up some OG Kush too. Now turn it up.
The folks I talked with at Peachtree were frank about taking flack for the price of their product. The corporate story was to be affordable and the $4,500 ticket was over the top for their fans... except it wasn't. Not even close to the top. The amp was discontinued to re-focus the corporate attention and a decision not to 'compete' in the 'hybrid' market. The current 500 watt model without the tube 'preamp' is basically the same unit, sans tubes. The price reflects that too and is more consistent with goals. After all, we already have McIntosh for weight and big bucks.
In Michigan I can now head to my studio, fire up a new release on vinyl from Savoy Brown and a 80 year old guitarist, and fire up some OG Kush too. Now turn it up.