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SUPER NOVA!
WHY PEACHTREE AUDIOS NEW
NOVA220SE IS ALL THE HI-FI
YOULL EVER NEED!
ESTELON TAKES
LOUDSPEAKERS
TO THE EXTREME!
EQUIPMENT REVIEW
REPRODUCED FROM
ISSUE 117
Over
time,
Peachtree
created
successive families of versatile integrated
amplifier/DACs that were computer-friendly,
easy to use, attractive, and that offered an
awful lot of sound per pound. First came
the entry-level Decco-series amp/DACs,
then the larger Nova-series models, then
the second-generation Deccos and Novas,
which were followed by the top-of-the-range
Grand X-1 model, and now the new Nova
coaxial S/PDIF (24/192), and two TOSLINK (24/96), but the unit also includes a
stereo analogue input to provide connections for an outboard phono stage or
other analogue component. The DAC section of the nova220SE is based upon
the ESS Sabre Hyperstream 9022 DAC device whose signature Hyperstream
Modulator is, according to Peachtree, capable of 100% jitter rejection for
maximum fidelity. Growing numbers of manufacturers have jumped on the
ESS bandwagon of late, but it is worth noting that Peachtree was one of the
earliest adopters of ESS technology and now has four generations-worth of
design experience with ESS components.
The nova220SE DAC requires no device drivers for Mac environments
and can, with the proper rear panel switch settings, run at up to 24/96
resolution limits without a device driver in Windows environments. However,
to take advantage of the nova220SEs 24/192 capabilities, Windows users will
need to install a (supplied) device driver.
One important point to note is that while the nova220SE DAC supports
PCM files at resolutions up to 24/192, it offers no provisions for decoding
DSD or very high resolution (e.g., 32/352.8) DXD files. Some will see this as
a non-issue given that the majority of digital audio files in play today are in
PCM format and at resolutions at or below 24/192. However, for listeners
who have embraced or simply wish to try DSD and/or DXDformat files, the
absence of DSD/DXD capabilities might be seen as a serious limitation (and
frankly, their absence seems somewhat odd given that Peachtree has so often
been ahead of the curve in all things pertaining to computer/digital audio).
Nevertheless, the fact is that the nova220SEs PCM DAC is easy to use and
sounds very fine indeed.
Peachtrees integrated amps have long been known for flexibility and
versatility, and the nova220SE is no exception. Thus, to address the never-
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Two-channel integrated amplifier
with built-in DAC, with hybrid valve/
solid-state preamplifier and solid-state
Class D power amplifier section.
Analogue inputs: One stereo Auxiliary
input (via RCA jack)
Digital inputs: One asynchronous USB
input, one coaxial S/PDIF input (via RCA
jacks), two TOSLINK optical inputs.
Analogue outputs: One stereo
headphone output (via 6.35mm
headphone jack), one pair of
loudspeaker taps (with 5-way binding
posts), one stereo variable-level
preamplifier output (via RCA jacks).
Supported sample rates: Coaxial S/
stage offered meaningful, albeit subtle, benefits. Specifically, the valve buffer
changed the amp/DACs harmonic signature, making harmonics sound richer
and more complete, but not in an over-dramatised way. But more to the point,
I found that engaging the valve buffer helped unlock the depth dimension
of soundstagesoften in a significant and beneficial way. As a result, I did
perhaps 70% of my listening with the valve buffer engaged, though this is a
choice listeners will want to weigh for themselves.
Finally, we come to the 220SEs headphone amplifier section, which
as Peachtree claimsis powerful enough to handle virtually any dynamic (as
opposed to electrostatic) headphone owners might choose to use (even the
Abyss AB-1266). However, I found the headphone amplifiers voicing differed
considerably from that of the 220SEs main power amplifier, presenting a
sound this was brighter and also more lightly balanced in the bass region,
meaning the headphone amp missed out on some of the main amps admirable
richness and density of tonal colour. Still, the headphone amp is a nice feature
to have and one that, on the whole, adds to the nova220SEs versatility.
Overall, the 1,499 nova220SE offers astounding performance for the
money. The funny if not shocking part about this is that one might instinctively
feel compelled (purely on sonic grounds) to compare the Peachtree against
preamps, DACs, headphone amps, and power amps that individually cost
more than the entire 220SE does. The question, then, is not whether the
nova220SE can be surpassed (it can be, if youre willing to invest a good
bit more money), but rather whether anything near its price can do so many
things so well.
In terms of sound per pound and far-ranging versatility, I think the
nova220SE deserves recognition as one of the benchmarks in its class.
Best of all, it offers the elusive and desirable combination of sonic finesse
and dynamic cloutqualities that free listeners to explore virtually any sort of
loudspeakers they might wish to try. For all these reasons and more, I think
the nova220SE makes a great place to start (or perhaps conclude) a quest for
high-end sound at a sensible price. +
REPRODUCED FROM
ISSUE 117