Peachtree Audio - Page 56

I MUST have this! New Nova125! Can you verify the USB transport chip being used?

http://www.peachtreeaudio.com/nova125-amplifier-with-dac.html

Hi Sandman,
The Nova only had 16/44 via USB. The NovaPre has 24/192 asynchronous via USB. Also, it will do the same resolution on all digital inputs. Plus, we did a really nice Class A output stage too that runs the amp.
Best wishes,
David

We'll be using XMOS feeding the ESS 9023.

My prayers have been answered!! Upon second review, however, I think the Decco65 is all I need. This will be for my bedroom setup with bookshelf speakers or possibly mid-size towers so 65W is all I need.

Will their be a difference with the preamp sections of the Decco65 or the Nova125?

Can novaPre be used with Bryston 4B SST2 power amp?

Here's the background and what I'm thinking of doing.

Current system:
Focal Electra 1008 Be L/R speakers
Paradigm Studio Sub12
Anthem MRX 500 A/V receiver
Samsaung LED/3D 55"
AppleTV (via HDMI to MRX for both A/V)

System in 2 weeks time:
Focal Electra 1008 Be
Paradigm Studio Sub12
Anthem MRX 500 A/V receiver (as a pre/pro)
Samsaung LED/3D 55"
AppleTV (via HDMI to MRX for both A/V)
Bryston 4B SST2 amp on order

Next upgrade I'm thinking:
Focal Electra 1008 Be
Paradigm Studio Sub12
Anthem MRX 500 A/V receiver (as a pre/pro)
Samsaung LED/3D 55"
AppleTV (via HDMI to MRX for both A/V)
Bryston 4B SST2 amp on order
NovaPre for 2.1ch music pre

I use AppleTV for all my music streaming. So, I'm thinking of connecting AppleTV to NovaPre via optical out (AppleTV has option for audio out - HDMI or optical out) and NovaPre to Bryston via RCA.

1) Does NovaPre has a subwoofer out? How is the performance/ sub integration, etc.?

2) As NovaPre does not have HT bypass, every time I switch from 2.1 music to HT, I have to switch the interconnects connection from NovaPre to MRX. Is this correct?

3) One other thing is while I connect NovaPre to AppleTV via optical out, I can connect AppleTV to TV via HDMI directly. In this case, I can use Netflix, YouTube apps on AppleTV without needing to switch the interconnects. Does this work?
Edited by kzhtoo - 7/10/12 at 1:58pm

Anyone?

Hi, sorry for the delay.
Just tried the 4b today at Bay Bloor in Toronto. Works great.
1. It has two sets of preouts. One can be used for your sub.
2. Yes, unless you run the NP to unity gain each time you listen to your HT.
I explained the process a few posts back. It's a pretty good work around so you don't have to change your cables. You'll get tired of switching cables pretty quick.
3. ATV opt and HDMI: This works great. I do it all the time. That also sets you up to do AirPlay on steroids.
Anything on your iPhone or Droid can also be streamed to the ATV including video, Pandora,MOG, your music collection, Internet radio... You name it.
I'm loving the new ATV and AE more each time I use them. It's not what most would call an audiophile source, but I'd think for quite a few, this is a prefect solution for those who simply don't have time to sit between their speakers when they listen. Personally, my dirty little audiophile secrete is I listen to 90% MOG and. 10% to my own stuff via Apple TV or Sonos.
Sorry for the soap box answer...
Hope this helps,
David

Can you tell me what additional info I need to do AirPlay on steroids. I have an older ATV. I'm not sure what AE is?
Thanks and love PeachTree gear!

Nothing really.
ATV works great as long as you have a HDMI monitor that can be used to set it up. AE is the AirportExpress which requires only your computer to set up.
Jury is still out on the new AE.
Hope this helps,
David

Hi,
Brand new to forum. Recently purchased Nova and am driving Bowers and Wilkins CM9s. The combo is terrific. My room is less than perfect but is about 15 by 15 with 18 foot ceiling. It was definitely worth the time and effort to place speakers well, and the final piece was the addition of Anti-cables. No objective measures, but both of these things helped immensely.

Hi David, any word on the apple tv integration rumor you alluded to here?

I'm waiting for the Nova 125 to come out as it will be the amp in my dedicated listening room. 2 channel bookshelves with no sub. Either Axiom M3's, Focal Chorus 807's, Era D5's, or B&W 685's. I listen to indie rock and roll: pinback, built to spill, teagan and sara, tv on the radio, etc, which tend to be very mid and high heavy. Any thoughts from the community on which bookshelves sound best with this amp?

The music will be streaming from apple tv via optical cable. I know this isn't ideal and I may add a CD player or even turntable if I really get into it.

Thanks for your help.

Matt

Ho Matt, sorry for the delay. Just returning from Alaska w the family and had no internet access.
Q1. For now, we're recommending the AppleTV...cuz it rocks doing Airplay.
Q2. Era/Peachtree D5. On;y because of the smooth high end... But that was a loaded question. We built them w the help of Michael Kelly (Aerial Acoustics) based on what we liked, so naturally, I'm gonna pick my babies. Also, if you buy them w the Nova125, you get $300 off of the D5.
Q3. Maybe not the VERY best, but much better than you would expect.
Hope this helps,
Davd

HI again,

I have had the NovaPre, and even to these untrained ears, and not being able to do an A/B test, the NovaPre has definitely improved the sound of my system over the Nova as a preamp.

A couple of questions:

1) I used the powercord from the Nova as I had left it hooked up to my power conditioner, should I have used the one shipped with the NovaPre, i.e., is it of better quality?
2) I know you had mentioned that upgrading the tube in the Nova can produce increased quality of sound; does the NovaPre use the same type of tube? If it is of higher quality, do you see any benefits to upgrading it further? Can it even be swapped out, i.e., is it easily accessible to change?
3) Since I now have high res capability, in AudiMidi on a mac, is it best just to set it to 24/192 and leave it; or is it better to listen to 16/48 at that setting?

Thanks

Hi David,

Thanks so much for the reply. Are you guys still on schedule for the September release of the nova 125?

I've actually decided on some Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 NrT's for my listening experience. Appreciate the reply.

Matt

Yes we are. Should be the last part of Sept. I think about the 20th.

UPDATE: The Nova125 will be here Oct 25.
Edited by Peachtree Audio - 9/24/12 at 2:30pm

Cool beans. Thanks.

Matt

Looking for suggestions for a Home theater setup.

I've a peachtree nova powering mirage omd-15 tower speakers and have the opportunity to get the matching center channel speaker as well as rears for a 5.1 surround setup.

I have a 3d TV and I think can take advantage of 3d sound.

As I understand it, the nova will continue to drive the front R and L speakers while the HT will drive the center and rears.

Considering a budget of around $1000 or less on the used market for the HT device(s). Any recommendations? Would it make since to get a separate processor and amp or simply a fully integrated setup since the amp will be fully dedicated to just the center and rear.

thanks for any help!

David is right about the PeachTree D5's. They are amazing. I knew they would be excellent when I became aware of the involvement of Michael Kelly from Areial Acoustics. Like all PeachTree products, don't let the price fool you. If you order them for a trial, money says you won't return them. They're that exceptional. And the discount when you buy the D5's with a Nova or iNova is unbeatable. I listened to speakers costing twice as much as the D5 and Nova combo and they didn't make the cut. David mentioned the smooth highs which are equally matched by terrific mid-range and exceptional base.

Anybody have the inside scoop about Peachtree's new X1? I guess it's a new DAC? looks tiny

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/376597_10152057648735613_727564624_n.jpg

I don't really have a home theater receiver recommendation, other than to make sure that it has external amp capabilities for the fronts via pre-outs. This will allow seamless integration of the Nova into the home theater system.

Hi, this is my first post here, but I read this whole thread before I bought my Nova so thanks a bunch to everyone. Anyways, I have pair of kef iq5s that I am powering with a Peachtree Nova. I have been looking at power amps in the 125 watt range to run from the Nova's pre-outs because the kefs play plenty loud with the Nova, but at about half volume the sound becomes muddy and compressed. It sounds great at moderate levels, but sometimes I want to listen a bit louder but only if it still sounds clear. Also, once calibrated with my Pioneer a/v receiver using the Nova in ht bypass, the receiver is forced to draw the levels down on the remaining channels by 4db to match the Nova.

My question is is this a reasonable path to pursue to gain headroom and clarity and separation? Or maybe the Kefs just aren't up to the task? They are 8 ohm and can handle up to 150W.

Also, I have a chance to get a Nad C350 at a cheap price. Would it be worth it to bi amp the speakers using the Nova's amp to the tweeters and the preouts to main in of the Nad then Nad amp to the Kefs woofers? Would this work, be safe and bring a noticeable improvement?

Thanks in advance

The Nova amp really isn't that powerful. Better to use it as a preamp and power your speakers with a separate amp (like the NAD).

The Nad is also 60W at 8 ohms though so it seems like kind of a sideways step to use that only.
The Nad and the Nova biamped would be around 120W but I'm not sure of the benefits of this. Or maybe a better power amp or different speakers are my only options?

No. Possibly, but the main in on the NAD are almost certainly after the VC on it's internal pre, so how will you adjust the elevels to reflect the different gain structures, if required?

Hi,

That's about what I thought about the bi-amp option.

I assume when you are talking about gain structures you are referring to balancing the output of the woofer with that of the mid/tweeter? I hadn't considered that until after I had originally posted the question. I guess because the amplifiers are not identical this may cause a problem? Also, if Kef used drivers of both 4 and 8 ohms this may create different levels from each driver?

Anyways, thanks for the info; it's sounds like more trouble than it's worth. I suppose a separate power amp would be the way to go? Would I realize noticeable gains going this route with an amp of around 120W at 8 ohms? They will play fairly loud, but just not real easily.

Correct. You might luck it and find both amps have the same gain, but most likely they won't, so adjustment capability would be nice. 80 to 120W is 1.76dB, barely noticeable. Power is cheap so go much larger if you want louder, or get more efficient speakers.

Hi, thanks. It's not louder I'm looking for, but a more effortless sound. I think I may take your advice on more power, especially because I am considering different speakers in the future.

I have no idea what 'more effortless' means to another individual, so it's difficult to offer suggestions beyond what I have.

Alright, thanks a lot for your advice.
Evan

what's the difference between the Novapre and the nova125 preamp?

I'm considering upgrading my nova to the novapre/220amp or the nova125.

besides obviously more power, which I'm not sure I need as my nova sounds pretty good with my mirage omd-15 speakers but to be honest I've never heard them hooked up to anything else.

Listening room is about 10x16 and I'm listening to them from across the room so roughly 14' distance from the tower speakers that are about 6' apart.

the setup is mostly used for movies in a 2 channel setup (no sub) but definitely music is important to me as well.