PEACHTREE's GaN400 is not your father's CLASS D AMPLIFIER (GaNFET)

This episode is brought to you by NAD Electronics:
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Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: John Darko | Motion GFX: John Darko | Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
PATREON: / johndarko ← music playlists can be found here
Show notes: darko.audio/2021/08/a-short-f...
0:00 Intro
4:44 Hello Mytek & music
9:07 Specs
12:51 I'm a broken record
15:43 Hello Hegel & music
17:39 Enough audio descriptor w*nkery
#classD #amplifier #GaNFET
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[@dipanjanbiswas6580]

It is mind blowing the level of effort you put into these videos and the depth of detail in your research. Cannot thank you enough for these. Not only are your videos rich with information - they actually inspire one to try and develop the level of audiophile listening skills and knowledge you posses. In that sense - you are a teacher for us.

[@edwardkeith6547]

I'm a headphone guy (I picked up some Dan Clark Aeon's thanks to your video and they have changed the way I enjoy music) but I still watch all of your uploads, even understanding so little, in the hope that it will expand my understanding of the hobby. Your ability to describe and articulate the nuances of different equipment in such an approachable way is really a gift. Please keep them coming!

[@erico888]

This is one of the finest, most enjoyable reviews you've ever done and one of the best I've heard anywhere.

[@vmpty]

I want to thank you for changing my pre conceptions of class D, being informative, funny and entertaining. Congratulations.

[@christian2123]

Fantastic. I quite enjoyed the beginning techy bits, very informative. Always great videos, well thought out and put together. Thanks!!!!

[@Smallpondsurfer]

I truly appreciate the your exceptionally articulate and non-hyperbolic descriptions of the sound quality of the component comparisons in this video. Thank you John. My trust in your perspective constantly increases.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

The first 4.40 minutes of this video are an absolute masterclass in describing really complex technical elements in a really accessible way. Bravo 👏

[@stevehamilton3181]

It was still greek to me...🙁

[@igorcosta8559]

@@stevehamilton3181 Worry not! A few years down the line and you'll be speaking Greek.

[@Simon-dn9kv]

Thanks for going into the technical details a little bit. I enjoyed it a lot.

[@gilpatmore4312]

Many thanks for reviewing this product. Exciting times in audio!

[@thirdkey9]

So appreciate your super techy education segments translated for those of us who are so not super-techy; as this brings understanding of audio science to a more accessible and aha moment level. That being said and review aside, many acquire style but few possess it and your videos with your team continue to create a fun, authentic and enlightening experience.

[@nigelmasters8552]

Thanks John I very much appreciate the work that has gone into this video. Although your choice of music is different from mine , I prefer Classical and Jazz and on occasion other genres; I do like the way you describe the tracks you use. I shall never be in a position to try the Peachtree or Hegel for that matter, I still enjoy your enthusiasm and descriptions. Excellent. Thank you

[@robertendert8944]

Hi John, another nice review from your side. I admire the way in which you describe the subtle differences between the different gear. This and the nice camera work and music selection makes your reviews stand-out over many others.. One comment: You say that negative feedback corrects after the fact and therefore isn't instantaneous. This is literally true of course.. but please don't forget one thing: The correction is done using an electrical signal that travels at almost the speed of light from the amplifier output back to the input. Suppose that this distance is approx. 4 inches it would take something in the order of a nanosecond (one thousandth of a millionth of a second) for the correction to be made. This should be compared to the cycle time of a 20 kHz signal since this is the shortest cycle we can hear. It turns out that this one nanosecond travel time is approx. 100,000 times shorter than the 20 kHz cycle time. Our human auditory system has not been designed to detect such very, very tiny time delays. So, in practical terms negative feedback is instantaneous in the audible range of frequencies and does the job beautifully as you show in this and other reviews on class D amps. Thanks, Robert

[@ewhite5381]

I've been curious about this tech! Thanks for tackling it!! Fantastic channel btw.

[@TheLightAhead]

One of your best HiFi gear reviews - especiallly because of that perfect explanation on technical details! I'd appreciate more reviews like this one.

[@daviddarmanin2188]

John you do an excellent job of explaining the difference between equipment, thank you.

[@lukeatkins9137]

Great video John, much appreciated.

[@cpg8000]

Marvelous piece of review. Examples using instruments to convey tonal character of the amp. This is one of the very best descriptions of an amplifier b/c it is complete accessible.

[@Inflator82]

Right now, you're the best. No mumbo-jumbo like on some other channels. GaN amp might be my next one.

[@shitsandwich1983]

i dig the geeky stuff. thanks for the explanation. the peachtree is a beautiful piece. i really like the engraved logo in the faceplate. nice review!

[@crispincrunch2453]

Some of us like the technical detail dives so good on ya for including it but I think well balanced for other viewers. Also, enjoyed the observation that the Peachtree goes toe to toe with the much more expensive Hegel, especially considering Hegel’s claims about the benefits of feed-forward in their SoundEngine implementation.

[@DavidFromOuterSpace]

I really loved the explanation in the beginning!

[@GavinHodgson]

Fantastic review John

[@lexx6450]

I enjoy the rabibit holes. The technical explanations are part of the fun.

[@ryansudding667]

Loved the review. As I was listening to the comparison between the two class D amps, I immediately thought, what about the Hegel? And then boom, you included the Hegel. Immediately gave me a greater understanding of the sound signature. Also have a great love for electronic music (techno, minimal, ambient, trance, house,etc) so always nice to get ideas of new music.

[@ericharrelson2045]

I for one enjoy the entire video; nicely done. Peachtree hasn't been on my radar, I'm going to check them out.

[@pauljordan3828]

Great review , I love Bowie’s ricochet , great to hear such diverse music from Tom waits to Jon Hopkins , keep up the great work

[@5angels332]

Nice review John, thanks for sharing.

[@stephendixon8575]

“Enough audiophile descriptor wankery” - John, that’s why I LOVE your videos 🙌😂😂 Brilliant!

[@Lutznn]

Thanks for making me look up the word “mellifluous”. Good description (:

[@Sparta155]

Really good explanation. Worth pointing out that the technical arguments against negative feedback are highly controversial, and rejected by the large majority of engineers.

[@orwhat24]

In addition to doing a great job as a reviewer Mr. Darko also has a very nice, easy to watch, on screen persona. Most enjoyable.

[@johnlyon8403]

Here because of the Peachtree FB page. I'll stay for the reviews. I love that Peachtree Audio meets the Spouse Approval Factor, and drive my Magnepans well. Wondering if it's time for an upgrade...

[@markielinhart]

Fabulous review! Aesthetics rule and the Peachtree smashes it… 👏🌹🇦🇺✌️

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

💡THANKS JOHN FOR ENLIGHTENING US ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLASS D AMPS AND OTHERS IN SIMPLE TERMS 🤗😎😍😍😍

[@fts81]

Thanks for the great review and class D explanations. I use my NAD C388 with a schiit phono preamp, and it sounds amazing, I don’t miss a 2245 marantz I also have in another system. Class D works and very well

[@noxplague]

I've been using the GaN400 for about a year and it is a wonderful amplifier. I would also call out Peachtree service and quality. They offered a full price trade-in for my 14 year old Peachtree iNova saving me $1200 on the preDac + GaN400 combo. Really an awesome company that takes care of their customers.

[@dainawilburn2390]

Oh YES!! I've been reading about these GaN FET devices! Guess I should listen to the whole review now😉 Ok. Finished. Great review. Like you I've always loved the way the Peachtree stuff looks. I'm partial to Ebony. Always wanted an excuse the buy one. I'm going to look at both pieces! Thanks again, for a very well sorted and informative review, John!

[@astorbeijer9424]

Thank you so much for reminding me about Galaxy 500. God, I took SO many drugs listening to that album! It's up there with The Velvet Underground and Nico as one of the best drug albums of all time. Good times... Sigh. Thanks for the memory! ❤

[@peterborelli3877]

I think that your explaining Ganfets and what advantages they bring as opposed to mosfets was an important part of this review. It told us what sets this particular amp apart from other Class D amps many of which are also considered to be good performers.

[@vincentapa1376]

Enjoyed the technical part as much as the rest.

[@myself61607]

Mellifluous, a new word I learnt today😀

[@kjbiz]

You have had those tune tots awhile now John how are they going. I love that End of Violence soundtrack and the film. Also a big fan of Galaxie 500. Thanks for Jon Hopkins tip. Thanks for the review of Peachtree as it is a nice looking unit. Cheers as always.

[@normalman6686]

Well done John.

[@skipskipson]

Awesome review 👏

[@kencoleman5686]

Really well done

[@tedjensen8841]

Interesting, thanks for the great video.

[@tony9554]

Great review as always John. Is the component tiered stand furniture a Salamander product.? .

[@barbaroja.mp3]

the use of a plant with googly eyes was top-notch!

[@rolandevans5894]

A really interesting and informative review without even a hint of "audiophile descriptor wankery". Useful also because I am looking to replace my Auralic Meraks soon. I know you have reviewed the Gold Note PA-10/s and were quite impressed so the GaN 400 and PA-10/s are on my short list. However, might just leave it another year to see how the rapidly developing GaN amps come onto the market. Amplifier technology appears to be on the move after a long period of stagnation.

[@johnrobins795]

Wonderful🎶

[@herme99]

I have a Peachtree Nova, and a Sugden A21, love them both.

[@matre7217]

Yay! finally a channel where the focus is on musicality instead of specs! On top of a very nicely paced presentation flow, you do invite into a musical journey and that is just the icing on the cake. Merci beaucoup ! ps: Can someone tell me what track is played at 12:50 ?

[@gurupurkha]

It is so boring when hi-fi guys are more into tech specs than music itself.

[@technics-n-thuiast8346]

GaN transistors are so fast and good that fighter jets of 5th and 6th generation have them incorporated in their ADAS radar systems. Technics was one of the first to utilize those in their SE-R1 power amp. Even with not so much impressive specs on paper the amp does deliver quite a stunning sound.

[@Big-J-8579]

The Hagel looks awesome, the Peachtree, not at all. We each have our ideas of what is the best aesthetic. Peachtree will never be on my buying list. Thanks again. Great video!

[@sean_heisler]

The first part of the video was the best part!

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Definitely so! I concur wholeheartedly!

[@fritzmouton430]

Class D made easy ... love this review and am still in love with my Bel Canto 500M.

[@kennethsthompson7988]

John, I'm glad you clarified later in the review that the Peachtree has no GLOBAL feedback. While you can build audio amplifiers with no global feedback, saying that a solid state amplifier doesn't use ANY feedback means that it probably has very poor performance since all solid state devices are inherently non-linear. Opting for no global feedback means that local feedback must be used to linearize each stage in the design to achieve good performance. The superiority of such designs have not been fully accepted in the engineering community, but it is a viable design topography. Most engineers point out that transient performance of an amplifier is actually improved by the use of global feedback so it just doesn't help steady state sinewave test performance.

[@cheapaudioman]

Really enjoyed this one. Not that you probably care. I liked the technical explanation.

[@budroe4057]

Very interesting and exciting new development. I wonder about difference in power draw in both "standby" and when on at "idle." My Pass Labs costs me about 25 bucks a month in standby. It adds up. So John, identify the small equipment stand/rack with natural/blond wood and black vertical members. Thanks.

[@MrSathishkumar1981]

Another Great one from Dear John. Appreciate if you can review Gato DIA 400S……awaiting for Gato audio Class D review john😍

[@bbeato8012]

I really enjoy my Pro-ject Maia Class D integrated amplifier. Bought brand new for $399

[@charlybeagrie1119]

John, does the loudspeaker load affect the Peachtree's performance? Also, what happens, particularly up top, when you crank up the volume?

[@vaneast411]

the Hegel amp looks just 👍

[@peterborelli3877]

Good informative review, John. Please tell me the title of the track you play at the onset of the beginning of the video.

[@rulesflyer]

Thanks John! What a fine creative and informative great review ;) Would be interesting to know how this GaN400 compare to a bridged pair of Nuprime AMG STAs I operate daily with great satisfaction to drive 1 to 3 pairs of horn loaded speakers. Kind Regards from southern France ;)

[@bryanpaulgilbert7308]

"sleaze and swagger" ☺️. I'm not confident that I'm especially good at identifying great recordings but "The Fall" from Norah Jones is def worth checking out. The space that it was recorded in is intentionally part of the listening experience.

[@jonasholzem2909]

Love that record, it's a late night stable at our house!

[@nunofernandes4501]

The Marantz Model 30 is a great class D amp. If you ever get the chance to get a hold of one, it would make for an interesting video review.

[@zacks218]

Great video. Would like to see how this compare to Primare's class D amplifier. Their UFPD2 technology sounds similar to this Gan Fet.

[@TorToroPorco]

For those of us who are challenged for space Class D is a God send. And as much as large class AB amps like McIntosh are imposing pieces of industrial art it’s hard for me to live with a large hunk of metal sitting on the floor even if I had the space. Thanks for going to the effort of describing the nuances in the way it sounds.

[@reidbounsall9098]

Couldn't have said it better!

[@mrebear9758]

Class AB amps don't have to be huge (eg Naim and Rega) but the better ones typically are. It's a fair point. Would actually be interested in a small class D HT Amp, since I wouldn't use it much but there aren't many of those on the market yet.

[@josephchamberlain3681]

With Zeos' review of the Orchard audio GaN amplifier I'm hoping there's a return in the reviewer world to evaluating these new class D designs especially in context of traditional architectures.

[@mikhailtikhonov9136]

Dear John, thanks for your videos. I have a question, you had experience with nad amp and it also has a phono stage (I have a simple denon pma600 + turntable) should I buy an external phono stage like ifi phono and dac like ifi zen dac. For streaming I use xiaomi mi box. I don’t have an opportunity to test it. Or your opinion on system amp (dac and phono inside) or amp + dac + phono What advantages would I get if I chose one of those things?

[@MrB10N1CLE]

What a coincidence. I just made a presentation about GaN ICs a day before this video was uploaded.

[@craigcoughlin1834]

Half way through I was thinking, "Damn, I wish he'd compare to one of his popular A/B amps like the Hegel." Never fail!

[@michaellittle2995]

Any chance that you might review the new Mytek Audio Empire or Manhattan amps? They appear to use similar output FETs.

[@CosmicKnight1]

Dude, you are on fire! More please :-D

[@wric01]

GAN amps are the future, for geeks like myself we preferred the more diy tinkered Starkrimsom ultra. Best way i describe it is imagine increasing the dynamics/sound with not amping / hearing the capacitors/noise of circuits whenever you turn the volume knob.

[@fgroen1225]

The whole negative feedback story is a bit of marketing hocum. It is true that NFB cannot correct all misbehaviour that an open loop amplifier can display. That is why NFB got a very bad wrap in the 80's. But with a properly designed open loop amplifier overall NFB is an asset to improve the circuits performance. It bit of a pity that the anti-NFB dogma is still resonating 50 years later. To be quite frank: zero feedback circuits in audio do not exist. Some circuits may not have overall feedback, but will still have local feedback in the individual stages.

[@seekeroftheways]

It’s a great time for hifi audio with new tech pushing the envelope. Hope you can share your thoughts on how this compares to another ganfet amp, Gold Note PA 10

[@peymey]

I always learn a new word out of your videos - "mellifluous" was today's one 🤓

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

"honey-like", but it can be used pejoritably.

[@Sampardhanani]

Nice .

[@darreng279]

Up river in a boat called music. That's poetry.

[@tigertiger1699]

Cheers John. I’m seriously looking @ the H390…, but am hearing more & more about Class D amps of late.., I clearly have a lot more considering to do at that level of $ spend…

[@rolandlickert2904]

I can only talk about my own experience . I have the NAD C 388 that cost around 1600 Dollars comes with Blue tooth, streaming, DAC, and all the connections you can think of. Besides that, you can upgrade with Module for example BlueOS or for TV HDMI meaning it's future proof for a reasonable price.NAD has more expensive Models M class that include room correction systems . It's nice to have all in one box and much fewer cables. All that can I say is I'm very happy with its importance, speaker choice, and Dynaudio that in general needs plenty of power is a good match. I had many amps in the last 50 years and finally switched to Power D and never looked back. All that I can say compare

[@MrEdsager]

At 12:51 there is a nice piece of jazz piano trio in the background. What is it? Thanks so much for the nice review. Enjoy your videos.

[@DarkoAudio]

Playlists for each video are published on my Patreon. :D

[@thomasedward2231]

Exceptional review. You’re really on top of your game.

[@peterallison5021]

I do hope so, its his living ;-)

[@rightslot1]

Help...Hi John, Great channel, great videos. I need your thoughts (or anyone else out there) on a different kind of comparison. I was considering the Hegel for a while now, but my interest is peaking toward the Peachtree GaN400 + DAC. Right now I have Luxman 590X with Focal 1028be. The Luxman is nice, but I run out of steam on lots of music. The Luxman {not the version II, but the original one}, is 30wpc in pure Class A, there is headroom but it still rates around 30wpc. Am I right to believe the Peachtree with a 470wpc @ 4ohms will be an actual audible difference? There is not a dealer near me but I will be able to buy with "30 day return" policy. Thanks!

[@robampykey8947]

Just enough technical description...and "audiophile wankery" as well. Well done.

[@roberthart9886]

I am a happy owner of the LSA Voyager GaN amp. While I understand what JD says about the Hegel having a bit more weight/meat... I find the Voyager best described as a Chameleon, in that cables, and iso devices do change the resultant sound. I noticed JD was using Peachtrees stock feet, although on some kind of iso platform, BUT, replacing the stock feet with even something very inexpensive like the Nobsound springs would make a big difference. After having the Voyager here for about 2 weeks I replaced all the machina dynamica iso springs with what appears to be identical nobsound springs under my kit, which resulted in a more organic sound. hth

[@krom447]

I watch review videos (yours and others) for music picks :) .

[@Gez492]

John, no class D amp I've heard really has moved me and I was starting to wonder is it me! I've heard three or four now. A few months ago I heard the AGD Audion monobloc Gan tube amps. Bloody hell they are impressive. They are powerful without being edgy or harsh they are detailed and nuanced and similar to what you are saying and maybe a characteristic of this topology, elegant and relaxed without being restrained. Interesting technology and maybe just maybe the AGD implementation looking so fantastic glowing like my lovely tube amps, they may just get an order from me. I won't be selling the Tubes though, a couple of solid state huge class AB pre and powers may leave me instead.

[@doctorbritain9632]

GAN FET = Galium Nitride Good for High efficiency high density designs. Can use smaller inductors and other passives to make layout design easier. Higher frequency switching about 10X standard silicon transistors.

[@Stupidlamb2]

Wow. GaN being used in audio industry. Impressive.

[@hauxon]

The Peachtree OreDAC + GaN400 is not far off the Hegel H390 price. So I say it's a fair comparison and a very interesting one.

[@austingreen6042]

I'm happing with my Topping P3A Class D amp, ideal match for my B&W DM600S3's (via the pre amp of my Schiit magni heresey) when i'm not burying my head into my beyerdynamics. budget hi-fi's never been so good. :D

[@akabaconator7311]

How would this compare to the Arcam PA240 amplifier class G. With 50 watts class A

[@ofir5000]

Did you end up buying the Wilson TuneTot? Thanks

[@kubjohal]

So did you buy the Wilson audio in the end ....?

[@juantunez]

Cetaris paribus How do you compare to Burkhardt A500 class D amplification?

[@0jimmeyer0]

Thought for a moment you were playing Lloyd Miller and the Heliocentrics.

[@ThirdLife86]

Would be interesting to see how it compares to a Purifi-based Amp.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

That comparison would be truly enlightening! :-)

[@costadelsolgolfer]

What do you think of Orchard Audio's StarKrimson amps that are also class D and using GaN FETs?

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Do they use feedback?

[@chongchingyong9009]

yes, orchard audio is using dual feedback loop.

[@OrchardAudio]

​@@juanmillaruelo7647​It uses dual feedback see my website for details.