Is THIS the future of amplifiers? Peachtree GAN-1 review

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3:33 Other digital amplifiers
7:25 The second piece of the pie
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👉🏻 As seen in this video...
Peachtree GAN-1 (US$2000)
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Bluesound NODE (2021)
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NAD M10 V2
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Zu Soul 6
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Lyngdorf TDAI-3400
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[@mcsadapted]

I took delivery of one of these yesterday. To my ears it is superb. I can echo most of John’s observations: better bass control, better instrument placement. If it matters, the again 1 was paired with some Focal 1038BE floorstanders. The sound gave me goosebumps, which I don’t recall happening before.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

John clearly doesn't have a wife, children or a dog. That apartment is immaculate and minimalist.

[@michael-4k4000]

Lol.... I hear ya....

[@grumpygrumpygrump]

He’s living the dream

[@steverogers7611]

Looks like cat guy

[@7.12_am]

This is the most confusingly interested i've ever been.

[@kinggodzilla7647]

Absolutely. When you pair the Peachtree Gan-1 with the Minidsp SHD Studio you will have the benefit of both worlds as I did.

[@ten2055]

Can you tell me if the GaN-1 with the MiniDSP SHD Studio sounds better than the GaN-1 with the BS Node?

[@ranelime]

I appreciate the Ad translation in your video. Very nice editorial touch!

[@davidsykes2825]

I love love analogue and the physical interaction of vinyl and cds, but the ease and simplicity of the systems you demonstrated in this video are really appealing. Very well made video John. I can absolutely see the place and appeal of this product.

[@sultantoure4220]

Hi!!! Really really thank you for all the time that you give to us. Sorry for my English I’m French but every time I look at your video I’m impressed. I know that’s your job. Well donne!

[@G-FunkDeluxe]

Just wanted to say that your Lisbon room is looking absolutely stunning!

[@tonycooper4141]

I enjoyed that Mr Darko. I will have to watch it again, later when I can concentrate. Thanks.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Very interesting set up. Thanks.

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

Looks lovely.

[@michaelmorley6522]

Really enjoyed this even though I had no idea what he was taking about. The last amp I brought was in about 1980 as part of a Pioneer system. Seems things have changed a bit since then.

[@thenullco]

Just back from a week in Lisbon. Popped into Louie Louie on Record Store Day. They were cranking up Caribou's 'Suddenly', which sounded fantastic. Great city - I can see the attraction!

[@tedjensen8841]

That is an interesting approach to amplification. Thanks for covering.

[@alexorigoni8626]

Very cool product.

[@socksforllamas]

The mere fact that it’s a *separate* power amplifier makes it not “the future” of anything, IMO.

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

If your primary criteria is convenience, then yes separates are not the future. If your primary criteria is quality of fidelity and you have the means to pursue that path, then separates are unavoidable. The saying, "If you try to be the master of all things, you'll find that you're the master of none" fully applies to our pastime.

[@TheJoelSwaney]

Love your glasses... and video of course.

[@warrengday]

Love listening to your voice. (Happy Linn owner.)

[@JamesWilliams-ps6xz]

Looks good.

[@vpconcerts]

Great suggestion!

[@CAthomaselliott]

The Welsh/Canadian John Roberts who founded GanSystems the company that makes GanFET for PeachTree was an audiophile at heart. He founded SiGE Semiconductors essentially because he was looking for better Wireless Speakers and in 2008 he founded GanSystems because he thought that gallium nitride transistors would make for a better audio amplifier. In your FutureFi Series, I think it is inevitable that you will see more GanFET based amplifiers. Given that GanFET's are (or will be shortly) cheaper, more powerful, more efficient and have such a higher switching speed that most applications for these transistors are still in development. They are an ideal transistor for powered speaker topologies. This PeachTree amp is the kind of product (even if it isn't perfect) that has me looking forward to the future of HiFi.

[@peachtreeaudio2267]

Actually we use GaN-FET module from EAS not GaNSystems, although we have nothing but respect for the folks at GanSystems.

[@atzeotze2256]

Power DAC ! Brillant

[@chrisfluke459]

The best DAC, is no DAC! I’ve had this amp/node combo for about 9mo and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I upgraded the node with a linear ps and it took the whole kit to a new level. I don’t love the 24bit digital volume control from the node, but it is very acceptable. I am looking to upgrade the node to a Lumin U2 mini (possibly the ifi Neo Stream or the new fiio R7, if I decide to save $). Currently, I‘m running my sub with high level output from the amp. There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding being able to handle other sources, besides streaming. It depends on what digital preamp is being used, but you literally connect any source as you would to any analogue preamp. I run optical from my Cyrus cd player (transport in my case) to the node and bypass both DACs. The GaN 1 can be used just as you would any other non-integrated power amp, you just need a preamp with digital output. If connecting a TT, there will be ADC involved, so maybe not the best choice for the vinyl lovers, but that’s really it. Peachtree has been very forthcoming about this amp not being “for literally everyone”. I replaced my Rega Elex R/NAD C658 combo with the GaN/node and have never looked back. I’m certain that a higher end streaming pre will take this amp to yet another level and I’m looking forward to the ride!

[@bonusbeat]

Nice option for the tidy freaks amongst us. Keep leaving us on a moo. Cracking stuff

[@eddents]

Lots of great info and new terminology for me in just the first 4 minutes of this video! An "Amplifiers for Dummies" book is on my reading list.

[@AlexandreDiLolli]

A future comparison between the Gan1/TheNode and the Nad M23/TheNode would be a must.

[@timboohagan1454]

Digging out the Banco de Gaia - Last Train to Lhasa 20th anniversary 4 cd set. I feel a bit of Banco de Gaia retrospective coming along.

[@MichaelBruunCph]

minidsp shd studio and the peachtree gan 1 must be a match made in heaven

[@mattiaslundh8563]

I use a Node 2 which I connect to my Lyndorf TDAI2170 with coax and then feed my Classe CA220 poweramp. With room treatment and RoomCorrection and a REL subwoofer this work super good.

[@BradyJohnson1]

Nice video! I'm imagining you going through airport security with a power amplifier 😅 It would be interesting to see the x-ray scan of the amp!

[@davidhalliday7776]

Squeezebox touch does apply to the SPDIF coax output. I have done this to a Linn Numerik DAC and amps (no pre amp)

[@MaximeTrepreau]

good job

[@krhagene]

I was just thinking the other day how happy I am with the sound of my bluesound + XTZ class D amp. But now I want to try this thing, wish I could demo it..

[@MrStingraybernard]

Beautiful looking

[@MrRonnmaui]

Great review! I will take a second look at Peachtree. I own the old Nova in backup system. I have been eyeballing the Buchardt i150. Wonder which is better?

[@jonibz1456]

Ha! i may have to try and find that Banco de Gaia cd to play, i know its in a box somewhere, i should really rip it. used to get a lot use way back.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 INFORMATIVE 👍ENTERTAINING 👍 And LIKE YOUR ATTITUDE 👍💚💚💚

[@SuperMcgenius]

Interesting tech, so a dig to dig preamp with dsp and maybe a AD converter for TT . Times are a changing 😮

[@manojcooray2870]

I use a Lumin X1 DAC/Streamer to stream to my modded GAN1 via Fibre input to the X1 and X1 SPDIF out to the GAN1. I use the Leedh volume control of the X1. This is a digital only solution. I also was able to use my Sonore OpticalRendu streamer using a USB-2-SPDIF converter ($500) from Sonore. I used ROON and I was able to setup variable volume on this GAN1 endpoint to make the volume work. It approaches the quality of the Lumin X1 stream, though it has to do that extra conversion. The stock GAN1 I had was rather good. The modded GAN1 is amazing and was so good that I sold $7K of gear and will be upgrading my speakers from KEF LS50 Meta + KC62 sub to Kef Reference 1 Meta (no sub). This eliminates the slightly problematic way of setting up a sub with the GAN1. Going forward I will mostly use the modded GAN1 as a RAAL CA-1a headphone amp via a RAAL TL-1b amp interface box. The modded GAN1 approaches the sound quality of my main office system on 2-channel. This system is CODA #16 amp | Lumin X1 DAC | Benchmark LA4 preamp. It is way more expensive, but I am not sure if it is better. I will likely use the GAN1 in the KEF Reference 1 Meta on very hot days. BTW - the GAN1 cannot be used as an amp for the RAAL SR1a headphones (my better phones) because it lacks analog input which is needed to apply baffle compensation. I will use my CODA #16 amp for the RAAL SR1a. The RAAL VM-1a headphone only amp is better than both the GAN1 and CODA #16, but it is not an apples-to-apples comparison.

[@chrisfluke459]

What mods for the GaN1? DIY?

[@tharak123]

Interesting product. Are you planning on reviewing Vidar 2? Cheers!

[@tobiaxelsson]

But, but, but, amplification using PWM (pulse width modulation) is class D, just because you change the output transistors or when you change from PCM to PWM doesn't change that. I understand they want to market their solution as different than others, but it's till class D.

[@lazarosnikolaidis256]

One of the best reviews you have done. And believe a World first for such innovative product. Although I liked a lot the fresh idea and revolutionary approach, I would buy a Class D power amp. Believe this kind of connection (via coaxial cable) is kinda limiting the sources. Surely a super simple/convenient setup for people who stream music but definitely not for people who still buy and listen to CDs. Unless someone can find a CDp with digital inputs, DAC + coaxial output. But beside all that I really enjoyed your video review as always. Very impressed you tested this amp in two different places/cities with different setups. Really nice. P.S. : Your 'work place' in Lisbon is so beautiful, just ROCKS!!!

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

i don't understand your logic regarding cd-players. most cd-players have a digital output.

[@mrpositronia]

Regarding the 'skeletal' tonal mass of the TDAI-1120, my Tannoy XT6F floorstanders go down to about 25hz at an perfectly audible (feelable) level when powered by it. As I was using a Cambridge CXA60 previously, and not hearing such frequencies, I thought the speakers were the limitation. It was the amp and the little Lyngdorf definitely works well with the speakers, although they are rated at 90.5 dB.

[@bilguana11]

I have Orchard's GaN Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra 2.0, with the mono upgrade, max caps and the custom power supplies. I has lots of detail, is fast and dynamic, with a pure sound. I would love to see it reviewed.

[@shunpillay]

Awesome review, thanks. Many DACs these days will work with this Peachtree because they offer variable output, and can therefore operate as a preamp. On the more affordable end, many units from Topping and SMSL have this feature. It’s wonderful that new approaches to the engineering problem of music reproduction are still emerging. Exciting times. :) (EDIT: Please see nymarty’s comment below.)

[@dilbyjones]

Agreed.

[@nymarty]

You wouldn’t connect a DAC to this. DACs convert digital to analog. The Peachtree Gan1 needs a digital signal. You would use it with the Node or a Lumin U2 Mini or other streamers.

[@shunpillay]

@@nymarty I see my mistake now. You’re right. Thanks @nymarty 👍

[@mehmetcamat4458]

I guess if you don’t have blue sound and using let say a raspberry pie you can get a topping d10s and use it as a bridge since it has a coaxial out to feed the Peachtree Gan 1

[@bruunm1975]

Re: Volume. you can also just tab the volume bar on either side of the "dot" to increase or decrease volume, one small step at a time.

[@peter811960]

Hi John, great video! What would be your thoughts on the m10 as pre-amp feeding the GAN-1? Does that add any value? Many thanks!

[@rhorto01]

There are a number of DAC that can be a digital front end/pre-amp, but I have to think if you are going to do a stand-alone power amp there is no reason not to do a stand-alone pre-amp. Nearly always the volume controls will be superior, and it will just give you more flexibility in general.

[@sohrabtaee]

Could you please make a video where you explain audiophile jargons like micro dynamic, macro dynamics, imaging, etc.?

[@smooth7689]

You should do a review of the Chord Etude power amplifier and it’s unique mosfet application. It’s part of the Choral range which includes the Dave DAC.

[@johndavies6253]

I like my coffee “wet” and my midrange “chewy”. Love it!!

[@carlitomelon4610]

Reversed with Turkish coffee ☕😅

[@choruschuang551]

There are so many people use NAD M10 + Silent Angel Bonn N8 and it increase sound quality of M10 a lot. I propose you to try it.

[@richardramorino3319]

John. It seems like a lot of people are confusing this amp with an integrated amp instead of a pure amp. It needs some sort of preamp. Most manufacturers have a preamp in their lineup that would give them all the input connections they would want.

[@HannesBretschneider]

This would pair perfectly with a miniDSP SHD or SHD Studio (depending on whether you need analog input) for a digital preamp with room correction. Essentially the preamp section of the NAD M10v2, but with much more extensive DSP/bass management functionality.

[@user-xm9ri7cw5j]

Yes I was going suggest that too. The miniDSP SHD volume control is applied to the digital output.

[@jwallaby7895]

I recommend another vegetal GAN amp: Orchard Audio. They perform like a peach! 🍑 😜

[@MrChoppington]

Could potentially use a mini dsp flex as a digital preamp for this, and have dirac

[@hauxon]

My trusty old NAD M51 dac does have volume in the digital domain and I have used it for years as a preamp with my Cambridge Audio Azur 851 power amp. But that’s with analog out. Wonder if the M51 digital out does get the digital volume applied.

[@jonaspetersen7327]

NAD have been doing this for years, fx in the excellent NAD C390DD (Direct Digital) integrated amp.. I have one, with an optional analog MDC card, with Phono and balanced inputs.

[@TheDanEdwards]

"NAD C390DD" - not sold anymore, and is not a GaNFET. Also, in the current NAD lineup I do not see a DAC-less amplifier.

[@jwester7009]

This type of amplifier came out 25 years ago in 1998 as the Tact Millennium

[@arjunroy4555]

I have owned this unit, high value amplifier, Lumin products are compatible via a BNC to Coaxial cable and will provide significantly better volume control via their Leedh processing and overall better sound compared to the Node, having said that the Node itself is a tremendous value

[@DarkoAudio]

Do the Lumin units also have a subwoofer output?

[@arjunroy4555]

@@DarkoAudio they send a full range signal through dual xlr/rca outputs, one of which can be used for a subwoofer and I've done that, ironically, Lumin does not recommend this., another option is to use a sub with high level connection to the amp, an alternative to a Lumin/Node that I'm now guessing would provide a significant enhancement would be an NAD C658 (has every feature imaginable) direct to Gan1

[@chrisfluke459]

I wish the C658 had digital outs, but unfortunately it doesn’t. I had one paired w/ my Elex R and would’ve gladly kept it when I replaced the Rega w/ the GaN 1, if the C658 had been compatible. I also run it w/ a T/9x sub and use a high level speakon cable. I’m considering replacing my node + lps upgrade with a U2 Mini, Holo red using Roon for volume, or an SHD Studio. I’d love for my attenuation to be lossless at lower volumes.

[@ajbyduryd]

Hi John! since you mentioned It in the video, i would ask about the quality and transparency of the ADC and DAC elaboration applied to an analogue signal by a bluesound node. Is It good enough for you? I am not used to real High end audio, but i have a decent turntable/cartridge set up that i like. A product like bluesound Node would solve many issues for me in terms of functions (eq/crossover/streaming) within my poor budget. Thanks and kudos for your job

[@leo11877]

Wiim Pro / Sonos Port / Sonos Connect all have hi-res digital coax outputs.

[@reestyfarts]

Technics integrated amps have gallium switches with no DAC.

[@user-if4jf6nz4z]

Hello John, Thanks for the info on the GaN 1. Do you have any idea when the Gan 1 is coming to Europe? Nowhere to be found on the internet. Same with the Gan400 and the predac from Peachtree .

[@keithjohnson2863]

The Fiio R7 may be a good front end for this. It is $100 more than the Bluesound Node but the included remote, headphone amp, USB ports, Android app support, display and external display support make it worth the additional expense.

[@d.w.96318]

You need to get the new trims ordered for that Frame TV to match what's behind sir :D

[@stephenhealy1013]

From a UK perspective, TacT Audio popularised this before it evolved to Lyngdorf. More recently, Technics has also brought this kind of technology (including GanFet) to their newer devices like the SUG30. This tech is nothing new but certainly interesting and very very seldom seen.

[@jean-simonarcand5400]

Hi John, do you use the Audio Clock Trim on the Node? I was wondering if it can alter the quality of the sound. Thank you

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Would really like your opinion on the Hypex Nilai and how it compares with this.

[@JadeB628]

I have not seen this specific amp yet. but I do believe that AB class amps will vanish within 3-4 years at best. AB class are only 50% efficient. the rest? gets wasted as heat. I own two Crown XLS 2002. one for the mains and one for the subs. I can honestly say. if you have an AVR (or an 11.2 or higher processor )with XLR outputs and you have a high-quality signal coming from the AVR/ processor..then a good-quality amp will amplify whatever get gets from the AVR or the processor. This is a very interesting concept. Thanks for the video,

[@JamesStaples-lv3ob]

Morning small question how did you set up the node I’ve just got a GaN1 and it only sees it when the volume is set to fixed…..ps I love your videos 😀

[@attrktmarketing4582]

Just a thought. If you wanted to add Dirac, would it be possible to slip a MiniDSP, between the Node and the GAN1?

[@focalfan6324]

If only there was a second digital input for my CD player!

[@MikeYoungeasytravel]

Hi John, I am very curious and interested for you to review the Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 with a pair of Lyngdorf’s MH-2 (wall mounted) & a pair of BW-2 (corner placement). It would be interesting to see how this whole Lyngdorf system would compare to a more traditional system. Thanks.

[@peternovak4312]

Or FR-1 speakers

[@kunsliu]

a purity!

[@karankapur1247]

What are you using to display the music on the Samsung frame? I have a blue sound powernode connected to kef ls50 metas and wanted a visual display for album artwork without the limitations of the inbuilt apps on the TV of audio output. Thanks!

[@funcionyforma]

Second that, anyone?

[@christinejorja]

That’s Roon.

[@mrmessyjesse]

I love my gan1, I had it originally paired with Lii Audio open baffle speakers… found that to be a bad match since they have very little bass and are super detailed that made some music incredible and others harsh. Now I swapped them for Buchardt S400 MKII SE which brought more bass and a warmer sound with plenty of detail… and holy smokes they sound better than my main system now! Thinking of adding a sub still but just for kicks.

[@phantomplastics6582]

Try the Holo Red streamer and Belden 1695A Digital Audio Cable

[@phantomplastics6582]

I feed mine with a Holo May Red streamer and it sounds as good as the Holo May KTE DAC, Holo Audio Serene and Pass Labs X250.8. Quite amazing.

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Are you serious?

[@nymarty]

What do you use for volume control? I have a Red going into a Pontus 2 to preamp and amp now.

[@phantomplastics6582]

@@stijnvanderlooy5311 yes.

[@phantomplastics6582]

@@nymarty I control volume in the Roon app.

[@prabinpaudel5572]

I'm curious about it's use with headphones like susvara. Are you into headphones too?

[@ron521]

Is the DAC process performed by software or firmware?

[@newdevilman1167]

I think for simplicity this is a great solution not taking up tons of space. I have one critical question though. If GaN1 only allows volume control from Powernode, does that mean it’s not bit-perfect? Since PCM to PWM conversion without a pre-amp to control the volume, digital output level is changed by a streamer, right? That means it’s losing information. Can you verify how Peachtree is ensuring the lossless in volume control?

[@johndoe-vb9sm]

I wonder how many more companies are gonna go this route? I have a Technics Sug700 and love it. I dont have anymore class ab to test it back and forth. I do know class ab have more body. Im guessing class d will now move to this all digital thing? I laugh sometimes when I look at my dacs and cd players....dacs are useless with this setup. They just collect dust now😅 I have no reason to go back for now. All I need is my phone or a laptop anymore direct into the amp. Not really any way to change the sound, you know what I mean. Cables maybe? Smsl Da9 with Topping d50s if I want a different sound. Good enough for me. Good interesting vid. Thanks👍

[@joy2000cyber]

Yes, definitely. GaN FET amp is a DAC with power enough to directly drive speaker coils, while being fast and precise enough. Traditional DAC can only output analog signal without much power. Class d amp was powerful enough but its MOSFET output was not precise. NAD or Qualcomm acquired DDFA tech 10 years ago which uses digital feedback to eliminate the impreciseness of MOSFET, but DDFA is proprietary and expensive. Now GaN FET is becoming powerful, precise, and cheap, which means hifi amps can be cheaply built into individual wireless speakers, frequency crossovers and home theater channels separation can all be digitally processed before directly feeding the speaker coils. Apple HomePod is doing quite well with room correction and wireless synchronization. As a result, HiFi and home theater will become so easy and cheap to setup, that every one takes them for granted like smartphones.

[@_fakeklg]

So wait, it’s PCM to PWM to POD to LMNOP to OPP? 😂 Great video.

[@Kami84]

John, have you ever tried using a DDC with the peachtree and if so, how did it change the sound?

[@antoinekonopka5679]

Hi Darek, wheee to buy that little beast in Europe, shipping to France?…

[@CosmicKnight1]

I think the Wiim pro has volume control on the coax out.

[@xsamitt]

I have what i have....Will never buy another amp....but this looks interesting for those who aren't finished!

[@phantomplastics6582]

It's not really an amp. This replaces a DDC, DAC, preamp, power amp and all the cables. In fact this sounds as good as my reference system for the same price as the interconnects on that system.

[@RichardDurishin]

I'm surprised that you haven't tilted back the Zus a bit. I've heard that setup does wonders for the bass with older Zu models.

[@hookedonwood5830]

Cool.. Look like a paring for my Squezebox transporter :-) Old with new kind of.

[@mocomike01]

Not sure if it's the same/similar tech, but technics su-g700 MK2 and Sabaj a30a are others to look at.

[@rp-kc6sk]

How does it compare with the Peachtree Gan400?

[@mtsm1085]

If your source is analog and you use an analog-to-digital converter, such as the Audio by Van Alstine DVA A2D, to control volume, would you receive the same quality digital signal as from the Bluesound Node?

[@borlach321]

What does Linn use? Have you reviewed a Linn amp?

[@audi-o150]

For their next iteration, I'd like to see Peachtree Audio create a version of the GaN-1 with eARC as the digital input. Right now, the integrated amp market doesn't really focus on the eARC connection, and Peachtree could capitalize on that. Create a one-box solution, where everything is controlled with one remote. The biggest issue to an eARC version may be adding a sub. I know from experience that class D amps don't play well with subs connected via speaker binding posts. I wonder if GaN behaves differently with subs connected via the speaker binding posts.

[@audi-o150]

I think I may have a solution to connect the GaN-1 to a TV without using a Node--by using a toslink-to-coax converter like iFi's SPDIF iPurifier. Also, Peachtree and REL both suggest connecting a sub to ground when connecting a sub to a class D amp via speaker binding posts. I think the average consumer will want a solution that's simpler to set up. But the above solution may provide great performance/$. One downside to the solution with the SPDIF converter is that it doesn't include triggering. I would want the GaN-1 to turn off and on when the TV turns off and on. eARC would have this triggering built-in. While the GaN-1 does have a 12v trigger input, it would require a unit like the Node with a 12v trigger output to enable that functionality. I'm after a one-remote, one-box solution to add speakers to a TV, which also happens to be high-performing and good value for money. That meet those requirements, Right now, Cambridge and NAD look like the best solutions. But a GaN-1 with eARC could be the best value option in this category.

[@matthewhilty4209]

This would be very cool with a minimalist streamer like a Raspberry Pi variant or a Wiim Pro with a Roon server

[@flohmann]

but only if these can do volume control on the coax digital output...

[@johnsimpson8187]

I am interested in learning how you connected your subwoofer, which has a left & right input, to the blue sound node which has (it appears) one output for the sub. If you used the single LFE input on your sub, can you tell me - does the result sound as good as if you had been able to use the left & right input?

[@hotsummernight289]

It depends on what you are listening, but in general the sound will be as good.

[@rooster80]

Hmm, would you think this would be a good paring with the new EverSolo DMP-A6 Streamer?? I got one on order. Supposed to be the Bluesound Node killer, with it's amazing app.

[@overworkin1]

I would be interested in this answer also. Seems the Eversolo does not have subwoofer out though.

[@jamesstanley7263]

Same tech as the NAD M32? That was my favourite amp for bass control and spaciousness

[@chrisfluke459]

No, I believe the M32 uses Hypex class D

[@riccitone]

I think the GoldNote PA 10 is GaN into mosfet? Not sure