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Peachtree Audio - Page 48

post #1411 of 1868
8/21/11 at 8:17pm
You could always rip your DVD-As and play the files back with the Squeezebox. The Squeezebox can handle 24bit, 96khz files.
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post #1412 of 1868
8/21/11 at 9:25pm
That's true. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of my high-rez discs are DVD-A. Most are SACD.
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post #1413 of 1868
8/23/11 at 5:22pm
Long-time lurker, first time poster!

Read up on the last 20+ pages of this thread as I figured I'd get some more feedback on the iNova before I make the effort to go for an audition, but was just curious what everyone's thoughts were regarding the performance of the tube compared to the original Nova. I've read a lot of reports of people not hearing any difference with the tube engaged or not, so with the new hardware, I'm wondering if there's any more of a substantial difference now?

I'm planning on using this as my primary amp for listening to my vinyl, which currently plays on a Dual 1019 via a Bellari VP129 preamp. I realize the preamp is not considered anything special, but it doesn't color the music at all and gives me a pretty consistent sound so I really enjoy it, especially for the price I paid.

As a side-note, I've got a pair of Klipsch RB-15 bookshelf speakers which I love (and currently use as part of my "matched" Klipsch 5.1 reference system I've assembled over the years). I'm considering dumping the sub, center, and rear channels just to focus on music with the iNova as the centerpiece of my new system, and was curious if anyone had any thoughts on speakers like this with the iNova. They're very compact and have pretty "easy" requirements, so to speak: Crossover frequency: 2.84kHz. Frequency response: 70Hz-20kHz, ±3dB. Sensitivity: 93dB/2.83V/m. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms. Power handling: 75W (300W peak).

Thanks!

Dan
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post #1414 of 1868
8/23/11 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by the safari man View Post

Long-time lurker, first time poster!

Read up on the last 20+ pages of this thread as I figured I'd get some more feedback on the iNova before I make the effort to go for an audition, but was just curious what everyone's thoughts were regarding the performance of the tube compared to the original Nova. I've read a lot of reports of people not hearing any difference with the tube engaged or not, so with the new hardware, I'm wondering if there's any more of a substantial difference now?

I'm planning on using this as my primary amp for listening to my vinyl, which currently plays on a Dual 1019 via a Bellari VP129 preamp. I realize the preamp is not considered anything special, but it doesn't color the music at all and gives me a pretty consistent sound so I really enjoy it, especially for the price I paid.

As a side-note, I've got a pair of Klipsch RB-15 bookshelf speakers which I love (and currently use as part of my "matched" Klipsch 5.1 reference system I've assembled over the years). I'm considering dumping the sub, center, and rear channels just to focus on music with the iNova as the centerpiece of my new system, and was curious if anyone had any thoughts on speakers like this with the iNova. They're very compact and have pretty "easy" requirements, so to speak: Crossover frequency: 2.84kHz. Frequency response: 70Hz-20kHz, ±3dB. Sensitivity: 93dB/2.83V/m. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms. Power handling: 75W (300W peak).

Thanks!

Dan

I just got my Nova today!

I can definitely hear a difference when I turn the tube on and off - especially with vinyl. Now that sharp/slow filter setting button is a different story...

I think you should try your RB-15's and see how they sound. I'm sure they'll be fine. I've only listened a little bit, but so far I'm very happy with my Nova.
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post #1415 of 1868
8/23/11 at 7:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by palmfish View Post

I just got my Nova today!

I can definitely hear a difference when I turn the tube on and off - especially with vinyl. Now that sharp/slow filter setting button is a different story...

I think you should try your RB-15's and see how they sound. I'm sure they'll be fine. I've only listened a little bit, but so far I'm very happy with my Nova.

thanks - but you got the original Nova, not the new iNova? just curious because i'm probably looking at the iNova for myself...
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post #1416 of 1868
8/23/11 at 8:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by the safari man View Post

thanks - but you got the original Nova, not the new iNova? just curious because i'm probably looking at the iNova for myself...

Yes, I have the regular Nova.

If you can tell the difference between a 6N1P and 6922 tube, my hat is off to you! I auditioned both Novas (and the iDecco) extensively using my headphones (Sennheiser HD650) and my music and I couldn't hear any differences between them.

Seriously though, I honestly don't understand the iNova. If someone really thinks they can hear the difference between 24/96 and 32/192 (I know I can't), would they really use an iPod as their source? I personally couldn't justify spending an extra $600 for a feature I'll never use (iPod dock).
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post #1417 of 1868
8/24/11 at 5:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by palmfish View Post

Yes, I have the regular Nova.

If you can tell the difference between a 6N1P and 6922 tube, my hat is off to you! I auditioned both Novas (and the iDecco) extensively using my headphones (Sennheiser HD650) and my music and I couldn't hear any differences between them.

Seriously though, I honestly don't understand the iNova. If someone really thinks they can hear the difference between 24/96 and 32/192 (I know I can't), would they really use an iPod as their source? I personally couldn't justify spending an extra $600 for a feature I'll never use (iPod dock).


hah, well i doubt i could tell the difference either - but Peachtree says the iNova is basically a new beast, so I'm thinking there are more than a couple of minor differences between them... whether or not that's worth $600, I don't know.
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post #1418 of 1868
8/24/11 at 6:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by the safari man View Post

hah, well i doubt i could tell the difference either - but Peachtree says the iNova is basically a new beast, so I'm thinking there are more than a couple of minor differences between them... whether or not that's worth $600, I don't know.

I'd be curious to hear your impressions. Let me know what you think!
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post #1419 of 1868
8/24/11 at 4:37pm
Yes there seems to be a big difference between the two, for one the Inova uses the Sabre ES9016 dac were the nova uses the ES9006 dac, same family but completely different sound signature and build. But still the ES9016 used in a amp at this price level is a little surprising, I don't understand why they wouldn't use the ES9018 dac top of the line. Even the Oppo BD-95 uses two ES9018's, as opposed to the older Oppo BD-83SE that did use the ES9016 dac.

And I would of thought staying with the 6922 would be a better way to go because of the very nice nos Siemens and Telefunken 6922's, as were it seems you are limited to the cheap Russian made 6N1P.
ss
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post #1420 of 1868
8/25/11 at 6:46am
I'm curious if anyone here has auditioned a Nova powering Linn Majik 140 or Epos M-16I speakers. My current speakers are 20 year old Speakerlabs with a sensitivity rating of 93db. I guess I'm wondering how they sounded overall, and if the Nova had enough oomph to power them to a relatively high listening level. My Nova is the centerpiece of my two channel setup for my main listening room.
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post #1421 of 1868
8/25/11 at 11:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sillysally View Post

Yes there seems to be a big difference between the two, for one the Inova uses the Sabre ES9016 dac were the nova uses the ES9006 dac, same family but completely different sound signature and build. But still the ES9016 used in a amp at this price level is a little surprising, I don't understand why they wouldn't use the ES9018 dac top of the line. Even the Oppo BD-95 uses two ES9018's, as opposed to the older Oppo BD-83SE that did use the ES9016 dac.

And I would of thought staying with the 6922 would be a better way to go because of the very nice nos Siemens and Telefunken 6922's, as were it seems you are limited to the cheap Russian made 6N1P.
ss

This has been pondered a few times, so let me set the record straight.
Here are the upgrades. Collectively, they make a huge difference in the performance.
First, the 9016 sounds loads better than the 3 year SR 9006. We wanted to save the 9018 for something really special...
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post #1422 of 1868
8/26/11 at 8:35am
I recently moved my Nova from a spare bedroom into the living room. I have it plugged into a cheap powerstrip surge protector with a few other pieces of gear (Oppo player, Technics Turntable, Cambridge Phono preamp, and Squeezebox). This was the same as in the bedroom.

The problem is sometimes the power will not come on, even if I go push the button on the unit. It stays red. The only rememdy is to unplug the unit and plug it back in, it powers up just fine then. What could be causing this? I also have my TV/DVD/DVR/surround receiver on the same electrical circuit but they are one a separate outlet about 10 feet away and I never have both on at the same time. It's a 20 amp line and I think it just has a few other things like lights and a ceiling fan on it as well. In the bedroom it was in before the gear was the only thing on the circuit. It's not a huge deal to unplug it each time but I just want to make sure I'm not doing any damage to the unit.
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post #1423 of 1868
8/26/11 at 9:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jlc76 View Post


The problem is sometimes the power will not come on, even if I go push the button on the unit. It stays red. The only rememdy is to unplug the unit and plug it back in, it powers up just fine then.

JLC, please write our service dept at service@peachtreeaudio.com
We'll get an RA to you and have a look and get you taken care of right away.
Best wishes and sorry for the temporary interruption in service...
David Solomon
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post #1424 of 1868
8/26/11 at 12:05pm
Hi All,
I wanted to share some info about our latest piece, the Grand Pre, derived from the name Grand Prix... We've been working on this "no holds barred" preamp dac for the last two years.
We were in the last listening and tweaking session before the unit launches in November, thus all the smiles... Yes, this November. lol.
We tried to think of everything you would need based of feedback from the last 6 years. Hope you like.


Peachtree Audio Grand Pre $3,000

  • Full featured passive Dac/Pre
  • Stereo Tube buffer designed by Bascom King (Switch in and out on the fly)
  • ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC
  • USB 24/192 Asynchronous
  • Balanced In/Out
  • 2 SE out
  • Galvanic isolation
  • 2 coax, 2 optical,1 BNC 24/192
  • 2 Aux
  • HP switchable filter
  • Home Theater Bypass
  • 2v-15v trigger
  • Multi-voltage switch
  • Headphone
  • VCA Volume control
  • Remote control
  • ¾” Aluminum front panel
  • Titanium knobs and buttons
Pictures: GP front, back. Jon Derda, Jim Spainhour, David Solomon
LL
LL
LL
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post #1425 of 1868
8/26/11 at 4:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peachtree Audio View Post
Hi All,
I wanted to share some info about our latest piece, the Grand Pre, derived from the name Grand Prix... We've been working on this "no holds barred" preamp dac for the last two years.
We were in the last listening and tweaking session before the unit launches in November, thus all the smiles... Yes, this November. lol.
We tried to think of everything you would need based of feedback from the last 6 years. Hope you like.


Peachtree Audio Grand Pre $3,000

  • Full featured passive Dac/Pre
  • Stereo Tube buffer designed by Bascom King (Switch in and out on the fly)
  • ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC
  • USB 24/192 Asynchronous
  • Balanced In/Out
  • 2 SE out
  • Galvanic isolation
  • 2 coax, 2 optical,1 BNC 24/192
  • 2 Aux
  • HP switchable filter
  • Home Theater Bypass
  • 2v-15v trigger
  • Multi-voltage switch
  • Headphone
  • VCA Volume control
  • Remote control
  • ¾ Aluminum front panel
  • Titanium knobs and buttons
Pictures: GP front, back. Jon Derda, Jim Spainhour, David Solomon

Oh man. You're killing me. I'll have to get a second job.
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post #1426 of 1868
8/26/11 at 5:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peachtree Audio View Post
This has been pondered a few times, so let me set the record straight.
Here are the upgrades. Collectively, they make a huge difference in the performance.
First, the 9016 sounds loads better than the 3 year SR 9006. We wanted to save the 9018 for something really special...
Yes I agree that the 9016 chip properly implemented in a DAC has much better AQ than the 9006, but one of the main reasons for that improved AQ is that the 9016 and the 9018 uses a very nice internal clock where the 9006 does not. The only reason why I didn't want to suggest the differences is because folks are still buying the Nova.

Now when you are upgrading from the 9016 to the 9018 chip , there are much smaller changes in AQ of-course this is saying that the designers implementation of these DAC chips were done right.
So now with your new DAC/Amp, I would think you would need to go with a very high end headphone, like a HD800 or better still the HE6 to appreciate the differences. But for the HE6 to be properly powered I would have my reservations about your Amp/DAC's being able to properly drive the HE6.

ss
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post #1427 of 1868
8/26/11 at 6:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peachtree Audio
Hi All,
I wanted to share some info about our latest piece, the Grand Pre, derived from the name Grand Prix... We've been working on this "no holds barred" preamp dac for the last two years.
We were in the last listening and tweaking session before the unit launches in November, thus all the smiles... Yes, this November. lol.
We tried to think of everything you would need based of feedback from the last 6 years. Hope you like.

Peachtree Audio Grand Pre $3,000


[*]Full featured passive Dac/Pre[*]Stereo Tube buffer designed by Bascom King (Switch in and out on the fly)[*]ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC[*]USB 24/192 Asynchronous [*]Balanced In/Out
[*]2 SE out
[*] Galvanic isolation[*]2 coax, 2 optical,1 BNC 24/192
[*]2 Aux[*] HP switchable filter[*]Home Theater Bypass [*]2v-15v trigger
[*] Multi-voltage switch[*]Headphone [*]VCA Volume control[*]Remote control[*]¾" Aluminum front panel[*]Titanium knobs and buttons

Pictures: GP front, back. Jon Derda, Jim Spainhour, David Solomon
Drool...
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post #1428 of 1868
8/27/11 at 12:03pm
Well, my Carver is gone and the Nova & Squeezebox are in! What a leap I made from spinning CD's and transmitting through RCA cables to streaming FLAC via Wi-Fi and Coax.

It sounds great!

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post #1429 of 1868
8/27/11 at 3:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vbf View Post
Hi Koven,

I have B&W 805s paired with the nova and they sound great...all in rosewood, zonos inside...good looking yet simple setup with truly hifi sound
I can not give you audiophile grade benchmark but I am yet to find a real weakness in my system. Even bass level sounds pretty decent without sub.
vbf
I have the same setup B&W 805 Matrix but without Sonos. I agree completely. The sound is fantastic and I have been very impressed with the level of tight bass. I don't believe I will be adding a subwoofer at this time.
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post #1430 of 1868
8/27/11 at 4:48pm
I've been paying attention to the audio quality of my Nova when I (dis)engage the tube and also the "digital filter slope."

I can definitely hear the difference with the tube on or off, and my preference depends on the particular recording I'm listening to. On the other hand, I am hard pressed to hear a difference with the "digital filter slope" settings.

I noticed on the back of the manual that the button is labelled "Bass EQ" and I can only assume that this was a pre-production model used for the photograph, but I do think I hear slightly more bass with the button pushed in (slow).

So, I've read through this whole thread and all the professional reviews and nobody really explains what this button actually does. Which setting is the "default" or "flat" setting and which one adds coloration or warmth or whatever to the source?

Is it just a little bass boost button or is it truly slowing/smoothing the response of the DAC? Is it smoothing the edges (rounding off the corners) off the data stream? Which position do you all leave yours in and why?
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post #1431 of 1868
8/29/11 at 5:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by palmfish View Post

Well, my Carver is gone and the Nova & Squeezebox are in! What a leap I made from spinning CD's and transmitting through RCA cables to streaming FLAC via Wi-Fi and Coax.

It sounds great!

What speakers are you using?
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post #1432 of 1868
8/29/11 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peachtree Audio View Post

What speakers are you using?

I have Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450's.

Honestly though, the speakers sound fine but it's the headphone experience that is more important to me with this system. I have Sennheiser HD600's.
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post #1433 of 1868
9/1/11 at 9:17am
I am considering the Peachtree Nova. Has there been an recent changes to the internal hardware versus, units from say, a year ago? thanks
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post #1434 of 1868
9/1/11 at 9:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vacquah View Post

I am considering the Peachtree Nova. Has there been an recent changes to the internal hardware versus, units from say, a year ago? thanks

No, it's the same. To clear up the difference between the iNova and Nova.
The iNova improvements and additions are the 9016 32bit DAC which in itself was a huge improvement. Now you can do 24/96 straight out of the USB. Second, we upgraded the 60 plus caps in the amp and pre. This gave us a tighter bass response and greatly increased high frequency. Next was the addition of the "Pure Digital" iPod dock. And finally the 6N1P as many of our customers said they could not hear the difference... We never meant it as an EQ, just a slight change in top end response really. It is slight on the Nova, but more pronounced on the iNova. Lastly, the iNova has a NOS switch which we believe to be more musical as it is bit perfect.

Hope this helps,
David
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post #1435 of 1868
9/1/11 at 9:50am
Thanks David for the prompt reply. So does it mean the DAC in the iNova is an improved version of the Nova? I don't need the INova - I am pairing this with a Sonos ZP80.

Also, can I support 2 speaker pairs with this? ( or how will I do that?). I am initially planning to power a pair of outdoor speakers with this ( way overkill ) but eventually plan to drive a nice high end pair of speakers in the living room. ( got B&W 805s I can use) Possible?
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post #1436 of 1868
9/1/11 at 3:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vacquah View Post

Thanks David for the prompt reply. So does it mean the DAC in the iNova is an improved version of the Nova? I don't need the INova - I am pairing this with a Sonos ZP80.

Also, can I support 2 speaker pairs with this? ( or how will I do that?). I am initially planning to power a pair of outdoor speakers with this ( way overkill ) but eventually plan to drive a nice high end pair of speakers in the living room. ( got B&W 805s I can use) Possible?


I can help a bit here. The DAC in the iNova is an ESS Sabre DAC, like that in the Nova, but it's a higher resolution DAC. Higher resolution = better sound.

The Nova should power only one pair of speakers. If it's possible to add an A/B switch in the wall, or an impedance matching speaker selector, you could possibly power two pair. Typically only one pair at a time with the A/B switch.

Or you could get a separate power amp to drive the second pair of speakers, but you'd likely want to come up with a way to control the volume separately, since the Nova volume control would be controlling both sets of speakers. An L pad may come in handy in this situation.

Or if you have an old receiver or integrated amp laying around, you could use the line level output from the Nova to send the signal to this device, which can power the outdoor speakers while taking advantage of the DAC in the Nova. I ran two pair of outdoor speakers this way for a time, but recently ran out of room in my cabinet for the old Sherwood S-9910 that was driving them.
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post #1437 of 1868
9/1/11 at 8:41pm
Terrya: Great Info. I will try option 3- though need to find a cheap integrated amp for that. Don't have one lying around.

Is there any plan to upgrade the DAC to the higher resolution version of the INova?

Lastly, how transferable is the warranty on this? Looking at used options as well. thx.
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post #1438 of 1868
9/3/11 at 4:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vacquah View Post

Terrya: Great Info. I will try option 3- though need to find a cheap integrated amp for that. Don't have one lying around.

Is there any plan to upgrade the DAC to the higher resolution version of the INova?

Lastly, how transferable is the warranty on this? Looking at used options as well. thx.

Not this generation. The warranty remains from the first user. If they had it 6 mo, you would still have 6 mo.
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post #1439 of 1868
9/4/11 at 8:36am
I will be buying this at the end of the year.. How does it handle headphones with 5-25 ohms? Would it ruin my headphones or the DAC?
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post #1440 of 1868
9/6/11 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KBI View Post

I will be buying this at the end of the year.. How does it handle headphones with 5-25 ohms? Would it ruin my headphones or the DAC?

Hi KBI,
Not enough info...
What are the headphones. I can look up the specs or perhaps I will know by experience. Best wishes,
David
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