This could have dethroned the Hegel but... Peachtree PreDAC/GaN400 Review

Adrian, Vilip, and Lewis discuss the new Peachtree equipment and compare it to the Hegel H390, but there are some serious problems...
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[@peachtreeaudio2267]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on our preDAC + GaN400 stack and giving it a high recommendation and thumbs up. We wanted to clarify the concern that was brought up in the review: Why do I get a short clicking noise at the very start of playback from some of my digital sources on my preDAC? What you are hearing is a dropout when the sample rate changes in the source device. It is normal and will not cause any harm. Many modern digital source devices (especially streamers) output songs in their native form and if the sample rate changes from one song to the next, like it may in a playlist, there will be a brief dropout in between the songs. For example, if you are listening to a playlist and a 16-bit/44.1kHz song ends and the next song is 24-bit/96kHz, the source device will stop outputting a 44.1kHz signal and start outputting a 96kHz signal. The DAC will identify the change and lock onto the new signal but a brief clicking noise may occur as a result of the transition. This is normal and varies depending on how the source device handles the digital audio output. If the source device is outputting everything at the same rate, there are no audio transitions. This is common in most digital audio devices like CD transports, TVs, etc... To address this, we have provided a way for users to engage a dropout mitigation mode for each digital audio input. It is described in the owners manual and is a standard feature. It is NOT a software update. To engage this mode, hold down the desired digital audio input button on the front panel (COAX, OPT-1, or OPT-2) when bringing the unit out of standby. Whichever button is being held down, the dropout prevention option for THAT input only will toggle between ON and OFF. The standby LED will flash a certain number of times to indicate THAT input’s current state: 6 flashes for OFF; used for most players and TV sets. 7 flashes for ON; used for Bluesound and others. Set this mode to ON if the connected digital audio device has any clicking noise during sample rate changes. Please Note: The LED blinking will flash the state for the button that was held down, not necessarily the current input. For example, if you were last using the COAX input, but held down the OPT-1 input button coming out standby, the flashing will show the state for the OPT-1 input, even though the current input is COAX. We hope that this helps to clarify the concern identified and thanks again for the time and effort to review our products!

[@andreiskaldin7585]

You mentioned the dropout mitigation for COAX, OPT-1, or OPT-2. Does it mean that the clicking noise never occurs when using USB-B?

[@DBTAudio]

I understand the DAC needs to stop and lock in on the the different audio formats, but my setup doesn’t make any audible sound during this process. It should be silent as it transitions to different formats and the patch should be handled at the manufacturer level, not the customer. To say the transition process to different formats is normal is true, but not the popping sound. I’m confident it’s a great sounding product, but the issue should be fixed before it arrives at the customer’s home.

[@d2mksolutions780]

Peachtree has a fix for the popping issue when the unit switches bitrate resolution file formats called a dropout mitigation feature. To engage the mode, hold down the desired digital audio input button on the front panel (COAX, OPT-1 or OPT-2). Whichever button is being held down, the dropout prevention option on that input will toggle between ON and OFF. The standby LED will flash a certain number of times to indicate THAT input's current state: 6 flashes for OFF; used for most players and TV sets. 7 flashes for ON; used for Bluesound and others. Set this mode to ON if the connected digital audio has any clicking noise during sample rate changes. Thx for testing

[@Behine.DeChilis]

No popping with bit rate changes on the Peachtree GAN1. I have had it for several days now, a few hours of critical listening. Extremely pleased with the performance. Really no negatives that I can identify. Extremely clean, excellent control of low end, soundstage is excellent upper mids are clear and highs have lots of sparkle without any harshness. I need to try different loudspeakers, currently using Zu Audio that are extremely efficient and better suited for low-power SET applications. I would love to hear your thoughts on the GAN1, especially in reference to load- dependence in the high-end.

[@marcofacen9564]

Hello Lewis! Good to have you in the team! Vilip will eventually stop to interrupt you... maybe... Big up!

[@cybergod77]

Peachtree don't seem to get much reviews by youtubers so I'm glad u guys did, and comparisons are always useful. btw, what switcher do u use to switch betwn equipment in your comparisons?

[@thedude6478]

I’m sorry for your loss.

[@tommccarthy3385]

A couple of points: the Peachtree stack now costs $3500 in the U.S. (was $4500 initially). The Hegel is $6500 USD. That price difference is significant. Unless the price difference is much smaller in CA, it should be noted. Also, I use the PT Nova 300 as my pre, and I don't have the popping problem. Apparently the issue is with the preDAC, which would be worth making more clear for those who are only interested in the GaN.

[@stephennarayan]

Price here is $4598 I picked up mine yesterday :)

[@richardnelson1684]

I'm interested in just the GaN400 Power Amplifier. I have a feeling that this review was as much about the preamp as the amp. I can't understand why the power amp ran warm. This is not characteristic of GaN amplifiers. They run dead cool. What is Peachtree not telling us. Would love to see the insides. The amplifier produces the same maximum power into 4 or 8 ohms. This is apparently a limitation of the 850W power supply. I wonder if it does strange things on a very low-impedance speaker when the power supply protects itself. Thanks for some different opinions on the products.

[@paulomontero12]

Peachtree products run too hot which makes em prone to over heating which leads to taking it to the service department for repair.

[@stephennarayan]

Peachtree has a fix for the popping issue when the unit switches bitrate resolution file formats called a dropout mitigation feature. To engage the mode, hold down the desired digital audio input button on the front panel (COAX, OPT-1 or OPT-2) when bringing the unit out of standby. Whichever button is being held down, the dropout prevention option on that input will toggle between ON and OFF. The standby LED will flash a certain number of times to indicate THAT input's current state: 6 flashes for OFF; used for most players and TV sets. 7 flashes for ON; used for Bluesound and others. Set this mode to ON if the connected digital audio has any clicking noise during sample rate changes.

[@korling99]

Keep us informed regarding the popping issue - $3500 in the USA

[@anhy10ful]

The software update you did was on the PreDac right? If you completely remove the PreDac and only have the GaN400 Amp hooked up to the speakers then power the Amp on/off, you will hear the pop/static noise. The loudness of the pop/static noise more or less may depend on the type of speakers you have. Mine were the Elac Bookshelf speakers with the AMT tweeters and it shocked my brain every time I do that. It's just an engineering cut short to me.

[@wric01]

Need the extra capacitor upgrade on L and R to push+maintain the loudness flow, which is why i chose the GAN: Orchard Starkrimson Ultra instead.

[@HotSause]

Adrian. Really like your criteria of emotional immersiveness (both up and down) in the review. Please name some other amps that have that effect. Great review.

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks

[@mostirreverent]

Since the peach tree gets hot, how similar is it to class a amps in terms of energy use

[@1JRW1]

Your Peachtree stack comments sound quite similar to how you have described Naim in other videos. How do you think the sound signature compares between both brands?

[@antonyharding5360]

Good show guys well done.. Regards Antony Warrington England..

[@adrianlow2114]

Thanks!

[@HungryEatNow]

The pop is from the dac or amp?

[@jeromewhitmill733]

How does the Peachtree sound with Sonus Faber?

[@mscarp24]

I have the PreDAC and GaN400 running for the last month with no popping. I guess I have been expecting to hear something based on the reports but so far so good. Running it into FOCAL Kanta #2. Sounds fantastic!

[@stephennarayan]

When did you purchase yours and was it directly from Peachtree? It may have some newer firmware. The ones I picked up yesterday are from a June shipment to AE.

[@jackneber2609]

Great review. Have the Technics G700 Gan integrated and can attest that Gan tech can sound excellent. Best Class D I have heard, particularly in the treble. Can Villip please share his new play list?

[@davidperry4013]

I am very glad that I really do swear by my 1981 Pioneer A-9 and it is a happy medium between tubes and GaNFET class D. It has superb clarity and excellent dampening and has some musical qualities with a pleasant sibilance, authoritative, and slightly warm tone. I also love the champagne color of them. However I really want to try Class AB mono-blocks amplifiers that has that vintage Japanese amplifier sound but more detailed and vibrant, and a solid state pre amp with swappable op amp chips to be able tailor the sound before getting tubes.

[@scrambaba]

what happened to the beginning music?

[@victorchiappetta3230]

So how does this compare to the Nova 300? I have a pair of Klipsch Cornwall IV’s and I desperately need a good amp. Using my old Onkyo now. I know the Klipsch are being severely limited by that amp, even though they still sound quite good.

[@gregc7314]

I have owned a PreDac with the Amp500 since March and have never heard any pops or anything out of mine no matter the input or format. I don't see a firmware update on the Peachtree site.

[@terryeh2202]

Could you give a look at Gilbert Yeung equipment, I have listened to his integrated amp and toe stomping sound, am I out in left field with that feeling, even his upgrades to some naim equipment so much more energy!!

[@BC-fy1wn]

Good review as always,but the sound is very uneven and a bit pitchey.Not a deal breaker,however. Doc BC

[@andywalters6753]

Are you guys aware that June only has 30 days in it ?

[@xcvbxcvb2179]

Cheers from Sweden. Go Avs go!

[@adrianlow2114]

Hi!!!

[@d2mksolutions780]

Great comments and thanks for making the time, gentlemen!

[@adamnocon9432]

Great conversation! Is the GaN400 amp better than amp500 (500 watts per channel vs 400w)?

[@godsfinalpleaministries]

My question as well. I might by either of these amps... Would love to hear their opinion.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Really like the editing on this one =) New vibe.. keep it fresh.

[@stiglilleaas5685]

Heve you all been taking a hearingtest... Hz..... ?

[@connorduke4619]

I heard the latest firmware refunds one Canadian dollar per pop.... :D

[@deltonvincent4847]

What bout the bass reproduction man??.. you’re missing an octave (16-31) because you’re using a Magneplanar 3.7 that’s frequency range only goes down to 35 man.. Wut bout dah Bass man Fuck lol I need to feel my shit “I”dren

[@deltonvincent4847]

Ope, Villup answered I didn’t watch the whole piece.. the concerning thing on the monitors used (Magneplanars) is there no recommended power for those units.. so it’s messin up the variables

[@deltonvincent4847]

Please use a full range monitor (speaker) when doing comparisons Thanks y’all love yas

[@hoobsgroove]

pop bells and whistles are all the same

[@xsmi]

Whatever happened with the Pathos?

[@jeffinnh76]

Triceps looking good Adrian

[@safestackin]

Vilip face gives it away, he almost cry once he heard the name of the story...

[@tacofortgens3471]

$3500 here

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Wtf. Theres random pops??

[@jordesign]

@@Mark-rw3kw A lot of DACs do make a switching noise going from one bitrate to another... I know mine does.

[@yellow_noise3]

1. Adrian, your relative Ian was right. BMW M3 is not a car for normal people. In Europe it has very bad reputation for the users. The most selfish, arrogant, duschbag people drive BMW M3 and other BMWs. In UK, M3 it won the worst, selfish driver ever in worst overall driver ever. In Eastern Europe BMW 3 series is a car for small calliber gangsters, disco gate keepers, gym muscle packed brainless idiots and all this sort, including small drug dealers. So I hope he didn't choose this shit. 2. It would be really interesting to review each component separately. I believe GaN amp is much better than preamp dac combination. You should rather choose one referrence preamp + dac and drive peachtree and hegel (only power amp part). And reverse, compare preDAC with some other component (hegel preamp, mcintosh) using the same known power amp. Probably you would be surprised....

[@thomaskahalepuna9604]

These guys act like damping is the end all be all, when you’ll hear amp designers say it’s a overblown spec.

[@paulomontero12]

forget what amp designers think. Have you had a Hegel product?

[@ryanschipp8513]

vilip.... you mentioned that one single component is going to sound better than separates?? when separates manufacturers can focus on one thing alone and have separation of circuitry versus one unit having a whole bunch of stuff jammed into it. not sure where you're coming from with that statement. also the remote is half plastic but then half metal. my opinion is that it is substantial

[@davidnguyen5028]

Vlip lost credibility when he said that one unit is better than separates. Each separate can be engineered to perform the best at its intended function. Jamming many functions into one unit will result in over engineering and reliability suffers. I’m sure it can be done by some companies.

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@davidnguyen5028 that's essentially what I was saying yes. Thank you for going further with it:-)

[@torchbox]

Yeah - that took me by surprise. I don’t know if he misspoke but if he believes that then I’m selling all my separates and getting a AVR. 🤪

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@torchbox hahahaha! I had to play it back couple times to make sure I was hearing the right thing

[@torchbox]

@@Mark-rw3kw Understood, but even if you put in the same components you still have to deal with isolation from interference etc.. Don’t get me wrong - I do like the ease of multi-functional units even if there is some sacrifice - for example I simply adore my McIntosh C2700 Preamp and I use the built in DA2 DAC because for the life of me I couldn’t hear differences between various DACs. I still think he misspoke 🤪

[@anthonygray3117]

I'm a fan of Peachtree and all your videos, thanks for making this video! I own the Amp 500, and I am curious about the Gan400. For anyone that has heard both, what are the differences between the two soundwise? I am aware of the technical differences.

[@davidnguyen5028]

At $4548 I still wouldn’t buy it with that annoying popping noise.

[@anhy10ful]

I bought the GaN400 in September 2021 and immediately returned it even they said the pop/static noise during startup is normal for this amp and it will cause no harm to the amp or the speakers.

[@davidnguyen5028]

@@anhy10ful that’s just poor engineering in my opinion.

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

Hegel are overpriced audio Crap, not worth spending any one's hard earned money on. My two old AVI S2000 MI from the late 90's amplifiers used as left and right monoblocks crap all over them and some as regards neutral sound quality, for driving my two way monitor loudspeakers. What a load of bollocks you talk. A real neutral amplifier does not have a black background. It should have no colour at all, like looking through a clear translucent window. Get your amplifier facts correct. Any amplifier that in it self colours the sound is a poor excuse for neutral sound amplification. A black background has nothing to do with correct neutral amplification.

[@andreasmoller9798]

Disagree

[@Roof_Pizza]

Any amp with only one pair of binding posts is an instant fail. Next.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Nonsense

[@Roof_Pizza]

@@henriksrensen3220 Funny how some companies ALWAYS include it. You can live without a dedicated DAC or phono stage as you can add those. I bet you couldn't name all the uses of a second pair, C'mon. Rather get a Luxman or Accuphase etc.

[@jordesign]

Nonsense

[@marcus1970]

Nonsense

[@theomindschrddr7983]

@@marcus1970 nonsense....why??