Peachtree nova150

Peachtree nova150 Integrated Amplifier

The Integrated Amplifier… Reimagined

In 2007 Peachtree Audio introduced a new integrated amplifier that immediately and forever changed the amplifier landscape. This amplifier – our original Decco – was groundbreaking for its time. It had a unique industrial design with an aluminum front panel, a simple button and knob user interface and a rounded wood case finished with beautiful veneers. Inside, it housed a class A/B power amplifier, a tube buffer visible through a window in the front panel and, most significantly, a USB input with built-in DAC to accept a direct connection from a Mac or PC! «Computer audio» was born, with Peachtree’s Decco and Nova amplifiers on the leading edge, and with computer audio a defining part of Peachtree’s identity.

We now introduce nova 2.0 . . . a completely new generation of Peachtree integrated amplifiers that reimagines the original concept and takes it to an even higher level. Nova 2.0 is the culmination of everything we’ve learned as a leader in computer audio, plus a few new things we hadn’t gotten to – until now!

The nova150 utilizes the highly regarded ES9018K2M SABRE32 Reference DAC. The 9018 DAC is capable of accepting an extremely wide range of inputs all the way up to 32-Bit/384kHz PCM and 5.6MHz DSD (double-DSD). The DAC exhibits exemplary dynamic range, jitter elimination and low noise characteristics to satisfy even the most demanding listeners.

A New Generation of Power Amplification

The nova150 incorporates the latest generation of ICEPower amplification – with an impressive 150 watts per channel. The amplifier utilizes ICEpower’s innovative and patented Hybrid Controlled Oscillation Modulator (HCOM) feedback and control techniques to ensure high output, wide bandwidth, low noise, robust stability and a simplified overall design. HCOM incorporates separate feedback loops after the power stage and after the output filter. This lets the system address specific issues related to the power stage and output filter independently, resulting in lower distortion, less noise on the output, a less load-dependent frequency response, and a very low output impedance compared to other class D amps. This new amplifier technology is extremely powerful, dynamic, quiet and most importantly… musical. Relatively small size and superior efficiency allows a nova chassis that is even smaller than its predecessors, without the large, heavy and expensive heat sinking common in class A/B amplifiers. The amplifier in the nova150 is capable of driving an extremely wide range of speakers with impedances as low as 2.5Ω and as high as 16Ω. Combine that with a power output of 150 watts per channel and you can be sure this new nova will easily drive your favorite loudspeaker.

World-Class Preamplifier

Where’s the TUBE? The tube is GONE?!?

Yes, it is. Because the new nova preamp is just so good! Previous generation Peachtree preamps had a signal to noise ratio in the range of 95 to 100dB, similar to competing preamps. When our signature tube buffer was engaged to smooth out a rough recording the S/N dropped to 88-90dB, an acceptable compromise for the sonic benefit.

The new amplifier modules in the current generation of nova are inherently warmer sounding than previously, while still retaining the accuracy digital amps have always provided. Combined with a cleaner analog section and no noise created by an internal tube circuit and we’re now able to get even closer to the sound of the original musical performance. The newly-designed preamp section in the nova150 has a S/N ratio of 111dB and is a major contributor in getting us closer to that original sound.