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Peachtree Nova Tube Hybrid Integrated Amplifier and DAC
Nova is an integrated amp with Class A tube-based input (6922) stage mated to a stout 80 watt Class AB output stage. Much more than that, the unit features an ESS 9006 Sabre DAC with 24/96 up-sampling. It will decode virtually any data stream including MP3, MP4, FLAC, FF, WAV, Apple Lossless and others. There are host of digital and analog inputs allowing connection of virtually any source. The Nova has a USB input for your computer in addition to two coax and two optical inputs for other sources such as Apple TV, Squeezebox, Wadia iTransport, Airport, Sonos and XM or Sirius tuners. It also features three analog inputs for CD players, docking stations, tape decks or phono preamps plus fixed and variable line outputs for subwoofer or outboard amplifier. Home theater bypass is also included. As if that weren’t enough, there’s even a Class A Tube headphone output!
The unique ESS Sabre DAC uses patented jitter reduction engine that re-clocks the signal (reducing jitter to virtually zero) before passing it through to a high resolution 24/96 up-sampling processor. Peachtree surrounds the DAC with 11 (!) regulated power supplies and transformer couples each digital input stage so noise associated with grounding and switching power supplies is eliminated.
To demonstrate the capabilities of the Nova at the 2009 CES show, Peachtree set up a rather surprising system. $70,000 worth of Boulder amplification and Aerial 20T speakers were fed by the line outputs from the Nova, which was receiving it’s digital signal from an Apple TV and PC. The sound was awesome! I know the Aerials and I have a pretty good feel for the Boulder amplification - they’re both incredibly resolved and easily reveal weakness in the source. I heard none. The quality of this little gadget is amazing, but even more amazing is the price, just $1199! It even looks phenomenal. The gently rounded edges of the lovely wood enclosure are finished in either gloss black or real Cherry or Rosewood.
The Nova can be a wonderful foundation for a main or second system, or the basis of the world’s best office rig. Just load your favorite songs onto your office desktop (or carry an iPod to work) and plug it into the Nova. Attach a small pair of speakers or a pair of headphones and recharge with some beautiful music.
Could there be a better small room, office, or dorm system for the money? I don't think so.
Review Excerpt:"I spent a fair amount of time “drag-racing” the Nova vs. the critically acclaimed Benchmark Media DAC1 Pre and found that, though the two units are slightly different in overall sonic character, they are essentially very competitive with one another. This fact, I feel, helps underscore what a great value the Nova represents.
Consider this: the Nova can go toe-to-toe with the Benchmark on sonic grounds, offers more flexible inputs (3 analog and 5 digital for the Nova vs. the 1 analog and 5 digital for the Benchmark), comes with a remote control (you have to step up to the more expensive DAC1 HDR to get a Benchmark with a remote), and serves not only as a DAC/preamp/headphone amp but also as a full-on hybrid integrated amplifier—all for about $395 less than the price of the Benchmark. Even if you prefer the sound of the Benchmark (and make no mistake, a very solid sonic case could be made for either of these units), there’s no denying that the Nova offers terrific performance and flexibility for your hard-earned money." AVguide/Playback Review.
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