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Peachtree Audio - Page 6

post #151 of 1868
6/7/09 at 3:08pm
Thread Starter 
Any new updates on the preamp version of the Nova? Any ideas on pricing, upgrades over the Nova and projected availabilty?

Bill
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post #152 of 1868
6/8/09 at 7:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by raymondbeautrix View Post

I just got my Nova in piano black a few days ago. Sadly, my good speakers (Neo-2x) are being worked on and I won't see them for another few days, so I really can't comment on the quality of the equipment yet...

Anyway, my question is what is meant by 'standby mode'. Does that just mean you're keeping the unit running (i.e. if its on USB input, that blue light stays on). Or is standby when the power button is red (I assume this just means it's off).

I'm burning in the amp around the clock so it makes no difference now. I assume standby just means to keep the input on but if I'm wrong, would someone please let me know?

Thanks,
Ray

Hi Ray,
When you use the remote to power off the Nova, it will be in standby. Very little current draw, but it does keep the circuit at idle and warm so the unit is not starting from hard cold.
Hope this helps,
David Solomon
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post #153 of 1868
6/8/09 at 11:41am
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Originally Posted by MrBerwell View Post

9 times out of 10, people will perceive the louder input as sounding "better", which is why it's important to try and match volumes as closely as possible when doing a/b comparisons.

I'm sure the volume has a lot to do with it as mentioned in my original post. It was difficult to match the volume when switching inputs back and forth quickly. The main reason I'm using the analog output on the Oppo is to take advantage of hi-rez material. This wouldn't be an issue with the DAC in the Nova which is capable of playing 24/96 material. The DAC in the Decco is limited to 16/44.1, which sounds great for sources like my squeezebox or CDP.

I'm planning on upgrading to the Nova at some point unless a Nova preamp/dac becomes available.
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post #154 of 1868
6/10/09 at 10:40am
Hi all,

I talked to Dave S. on the phone asking specifically about the usb as I'm used to using a Lavry and EMU1212M via coax or toslink to pass native 24/96 material as well as 44kHz material upsampled in software.

He stated that it would be okay to pass 24/96 over Toslink or Coax as their usb protocol doesn't do anything above 44.

So, here's the problem. EMU cards can't switch on the fly. What I used to do was set the system at 96kHz and have J. River Media Center do re-sampling of anything less than 96 (hi-rez downloads and vinyl are 24/96)

I can set J. River to use "source sample rate" which will allow the NOVA to upsample 44kHz content, but what is going to happen when the NOVA gets native 96kHz material.....?

How about if I resume my old setup and use a software resampler to send the NOVA 96kHz....sorry for the ignorance I have just ever owned an upsampler before.

thanks!
Jon

Quote:
Originally Posted by signal path jim View Post

let me give this a shot.

The Nova's DAC is 24/96. There was initially some confusion because the Sabre DAC we use is capable of 24/192 but only when using a receiving chip for the SPDIF inputs. But we found out that if you go directly in to the Sabre DAC like we do and not use a receiving chip it sounds better. However that means it isn't capable of 24/192. One thing to keep in mind in the 24/96 vs. 24/192 discussions. You can only hear a positive difference between the two when using audio content that is actually streaming at 24/192; and since less than 1/10th of 1% of all recorded music is at that resolution we decided to utilize the direct 24/96 circuit for better sound on a wider variety of available recordings. If you are upsampling a redbook cd to 24/96 or 24/192 there is virtually no difference on most DACs that are capable of both resolutions. The general quality of the DAC is much more important. I know this must sound confusing but there is a logical reason why we chose 24/96 instead of playing the numbers game.
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post #155 of 1868
6/10/09 at 11:30am
The usb port only does up to 44khz? I thought in the specs it could do the same 24/96 upsampling as the other ports. Am I mistaken?

Perhaps I should ask in general, is USB in any way less desirable than toslink?

Lastly, on the standby issue... I guess basically current's running through your nova even when you 'turn it off'. I guess when it's suggested to not 'turn off' the nova to save power, they mean actually unplug it.
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post #156 of 1868
6/10/09 at 12:43pm
From what I gather, Toslink is immune to RFI & EMI but nowadays with the level of complexity on the jitter control, this doesn't matter much.

USB when implemented in async (a la Wavelength DACs) is supposed to be well designed.

From a logistical perspective, if your using a PC source that has no coax or toslink output, USB would be handy.

I believe the MAC book toslink output re-samples, and only MAC book pro does not, for example.

I distinctly remember Dave telling me USB can not take anything higher than 44kHz.

EDIT - I see Dave is "here", hi Dave!

DC
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post #157 of 1868
6/12/09 at 7:35am
I got a reply at AA:

Quote:
Don't know about the Peachtree but the PS Audio DLIII is an upsampling DAC and it plays native 24/96 material at the native 24/96 rate.
I would imagine the Peachtee does the same.
Joe

J
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post #158 of 1868
6/13/09 at 11:06am
It is still boxed while I await the delivery of my ACI Sapphire XLs.
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post #159 of 1868
6/13/09 at 9:01pm
Got my Nova. Love it.

Mine seems to run pretty hot over the right grill on top. Anybody else observing the same?

Also, anybody notice the tube difference? I notice a slight change at higher volumes.
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post #160 of 1868
6/14/09 at 12:54pm
Mine runs hot there too, but I do have it in a 5.5" tall space with about 3/4" top/bottom to breathe.

Also, no problem sending 24/96 to the Nova (coax) although I don't know if it is being re-sampled.

DC
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post #161 of 1868
6/15/09 at 4:24pm
Is it OK to run the power for a Nova through the kind of battery-based UPS that I use on a computer? The power output of these is based on a composition of square waves that approximates a sine wave, as I understand it. I have in mind something like an APC RS series. I intend to run my DVR off the UPS since it is really just a computer with some TV tuners in it. But I wasn't sure how devices with lots of analog circuits do with this kind of power source.
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post #162 of 1868
6/16/09 at 1:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwinner View Post

Is it OK to run the power for a Nova through the kind of battery-based UPS that I use on a computer? The power output of these is based on a composition of square waves that approximates a sine wave, as I understand it. I have in mind something like an APC RS series. I intend to run my DVR off the UPS since it is really just a computer with some TV tuners in it. But I wasn't sure how devices with lots of analog circuits do with this kind of power source.

FYI: I got a reply from David who said, "I love battery based power supplies," but you have to get one with enough power for an amp. He noted the APC BR1500 as a possibility. He also said, "plugging into the wall will be fine as we have all kinds of IM and RF rejection built into the Nova."

On reflection, I'm not sure the off-on power interruptions we experience around here warrant using an UPS. On the other hand, we do have brownouts. I'll definitely use an UPS on our DVR and extension disk so that recordings will not be interrupted.
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post #163 of 1868
6/17/09 at 11:02am
Just picked up my Nova! I was surprised as to how much power "80 watts" really is. I A/B'd it against a Krell KAV-400xi and it has just as much output as I could ever want. I only used some 8 and 6 Ohm speakers, so far though. But, it had just as much control over the speakers as the Krell at high listening levels and for my needs, it's more than enough. I also started playing around with the "Tube On/ Off" function with some demo material which is pretty cool, too. I'll post a bit more later, but so far, it does everything I need for my basic 2-channel system in my family room.
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post #164 of 1868
6/17/09 at 6:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kwkshift View Post

Just picked up my Nova! I was surprised as to how much power "80 watts" really is. I A/B'd it against a Krell KAV-400xi and it has just as much output as I could ever want. I only used some 8 and 6 Ohm speakers, so far though. But, it had just as much control over the speakers as the Krell at high listening levels and for my needs, it's more than enough. I also started playing around with the "Tube On/ Off" function with some demo material which is pretty cool, too. I'll post a bit more later, but so far, it does everything I need for my basic 2-channel system in my family room.

I am interested in the Nova, what kind of speakers are you using with it? Thanks,
Steel
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post #165 of 1868
6/17/09 at 7:17pm
How does the Nova hold up using decent 4 ohm speakers? I am using Dynaudio's and I have currently downsized my system from Musical Fidelity KW-500 to a A5 and now I am just using one of the newer NAD Int. Amps. Just curious on how this unit will do on a more difficult load? Thanks.... Familiar with the Decco as I did own one for awhile but it didn't seem to have enough juice to run my speakers.
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post #166 of 1868
6/17/09 at 9:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Likecoiledsteel View Post

I am interested in the Nova, what kind of speakers are you using with it? Thanks,
Steel

Just some various Monitor Audio speakers. Some Gold and Silver setups.

The Nova is nice because it's quite versatile and does everything quite well. I really like it since it's such a well-rounded packaged. If I need a huge amplifier down the road, I could just add one on to the Nova be set, for a very reasonable cost, too.
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post #167 of 1868
6/18/09 at 8:43am
Cool, thanks. I have a pair of Gallo 3.1's at 88db. I hope the Nova can run them nicely. I heard that the weakest section of the Nova is the amp, not that it's bad, just that it is not the same caliber as the Dac or Pre.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kwkshift View Post

Just some various Monitor Audio speakers. Some Gold and Silver setups.

The Nova is nice because it's quite versatile and does everything quite well. I really like it since it's such a well-rounded packaged. If I need a huge amplifier down the road, I could just add one on to the Nova be set, for a very reasonable cost, too.
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post #168 of 1868
6/18/09 at 11:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Likecoiledsteel View Post

Cool, thanks. I have a pair of Gallo 3.1's at 88db. I hope the Nova can run them nicely. I heard that the weakest section of the Nova is the amp, not that it's bad, just that it is not the same caliber as the Dac or Pre.

Let me know how the Nova powers the Gallos. Will you be using the sub amp on the second voice coils? I powered my Gallo 3.1's with a Decco for a short period of time with the sub amp. It worked fine at low to mid levels, but I've since added my amp back in the loop.
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post #169 of 1868
6/18/09 at 12:05pm
I plan to try the Nova on it's own without the sub amp. I do not own the Sub amp and my audio room is tiny, so I hope the Nova can run it nice and clean. Peachtree informed me that the Nova runs their 94db speakers fine, the Gallo's are 88db. I have a 250 watt Butler SS/Hybrid I can always throw in the mix if needed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by johsti View Post

Let me know how the Nova powers the Gallos. Will you be using the sub amp on the second voice coils? I powered my Gallo 3.1's with a Decco for a short period of time with the sub amp. It worked fine at low to mid levels, but I've since added my amp back in the loop.
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post #170 of 1868
6/18/09 at 12:44pm
I think you meant "84" dB speakers. Like thier D5's/ D4's etc.
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post #171 of 1868
6/18/09 at 9:48pm
Did anybody here get a chance to audition Nova with Totem speakers, prefferably Totem Sttaf? Everything I read so far about Nova (along with tube pre-amp) seems to be a good fit. Still, it would be nice to hear somebody's first-hand impressions.

I am really excited about Nova. I never expected to find all the functionality I am looking for inside a single product and certanly not for what it cost.

Thanks in advance.
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post #172 of 1868
6/19/09 at 6:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kwkshift View Post

I think you meant "84" dB speakers. Like thier D5's/ D4's etc.

Yes, I meant 84db. Typo.
Thanks
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post #173 of 1868
6/19/09 at 11:57am
David,

Will there any improvment in using logitech transporter digital output instead of SB3 digital output?
From you expirience is SONOs a better tranport than SB3?

Oren
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post #174 of 1868
6/20/09 at 1:39pm
Anyone else noticed the first micro second of a track being cut off when using the optical input on the DAC? I'm using an Apple TV as a source.
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post #175 of 1868
6/26/09 at 10:42am
Any updated reviews? I'm in the market for a nice 2-ch amp, and the Nova seems to fit the bill perfectly.

Has anyone upgraded from the Decco to the Nova and can compare the difference? I can easily get a used Decco for 50% the cost of the Nova, just not sure if there are any huge differences?
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post #176 of 1868
6/27/09 at 5:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by raymondbeautrix View Post

The usb port only does up to 44khz? I thought in the specs it could do the same 24/96 upsampling as the other ports. Am I mistaken?

Perhaps I should ask in general, is USB in any way less desirable than toslink?

Lastly, on the standby issue... I guess basically current's running through your nova even when you 'turn it off'. I guess when it's suggested to not 'turn off' the nova to save power, they mean actually unplug it.

the Nova draws about 1 watt in standby
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post #177 of 1868
6/27/09 at 10:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tombonneau View Post

Any updated reviews? I'm in the market for a nice 2-ch amp, and the Nova seems to fit the bill perfectly.

Has anyone upgraded from the Decco to the Nova and can compare the difference? I can easily get a used Decco for 50% the cost of the Nova, just not sure if there are any huge differences?

I had a Decco for a few months before upgrading to the Nova and it is a HUGE upgrade. Don't get me wrong, the Decco sounded great and if there was no Nova, I would have been totally happy with it even with the few quirks it had (gain, volume ramping down on start-up, default USB selection).

The highest praise I can give the Nova is this; Those people who purchases high price separates are doing it because they like or want to spend money. The Nova is proof positive that you can get High-End Audio reproduction out of a one box soultion.
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post #178 of 1868
6/28/09 at 2:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TKYR1967 View Post

I had a Decco for a few months before upgrading to the Nova and it is a HUGE upgrade. Don't get me wrong, the Decco sounded great and if there was no Nova, I would have been totally happy with it even with the few quirks it had (gain, volume ramping down on start-up, default USB selection).

The highest praise I can give the Nova is this; Those people who purchases high price separates are doing it because they like or want to spend money. The Nova is proof positive that you can get High-End Audio reproduction out of a one box soultion.

Good to know the Nova is worth the extra money. And I agree, in doing some research, it really sounded like the Nova was the biggest bang for your buck, while still delivering Grade A sound. I look forward to getting one.
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post #179 of 1868
6/29/09 at 8:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TKYR1967 View Post

Anyone else noticed the first micro second of a track being cut off when using the optical input on the DAC? I'm using an Apple TV as a source.


Yes.
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post #180 of 1868
6/29/09 at 2:03pm
Is the Nova the same size as the Decco? Crutchfield lists the dimensions as slightly different, but I was under the impression that they were the same size.
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