Peachtree Audio nova300 Amplifier with DAC Peachtree Audio

nova300 – A New Generation of Power
The nova300 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.

The nova300 incorporates the latest generation of ICEPower amplification – with an impressive 300 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 nova300 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 300 watts per channel and you can be sure this new nova will easily drive your favorite loudspeaker.

World-Class Preamplifier
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 nova300 has a S/N ratio of 111dB and is a major contributor in getting us closer to that original sound.

Quiet as a Mouse
The nova300 utilizes an extensive power supply and grounding design to ensure the noise floor is pushed as far down as possible to allow the music to shine through. Our engineers spent hours upon hours determining the optimal power supply filtering and grounding scheme to prevent any unwanted noise from finding its way into the signal path. As a result, the nova300 achieves a remarkable dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio.

What’s Old is New Again
We are pleased to say that the nova300 includes a moving magnet (MM) phono input for direct connection of a turntable. Yes, that’s right – a bunch of computer audio advocates made a phono preamp! And not just any phono input… a custom designed circuit that accommodates a wide range of MM cartridge outputs.

Home Theater Bypass
This is one of our most requested features and it is included in the nova300! HTB allows for easy integration with a multi-channel preamp/processor or audio/video receiver (AVR) so that the power amplifier in the nova300 drives the front left and right speakers for stereo and multi-channel listening. The nova300 amplifier section is likely more powerful and better sounding than any AVR available today – and relieving the AVR from driving the front left and right speakers makes it MUCH easier for the AVR to drive the center and surround speakers.

LOOP
The nova300 includes an extremely useful LOOP (output/input) feature, allowing you to add an external tube buffer, equalizer or other processor into the signal path as desired. The LOOP button on the remote control engages and disengages the loop audio path utilizing high-performance relays. Do you want to experiment with room correction? No problem. Wire your room EQ component into the nova300 and use the LOOP button on the remote control to easily A-B between correction in/correction out.

Power Amp Mode
The nova300 provides a Volume Control Bypass feature on its digital inputs which puts the nova300 into a “power amp” mode. This is particularly useful if you have a connected source with its own volume control. Have a favorite device or app with a volume slider built right into the interface? Simply bypass the nova300 volume control for that input and use the app slider instead. VERY convenient!

Discrete Headphone Amp
Headphone fans will love the newly designed HIGH OUTPUT discrete low impedance headphone amplifier in the nova300. It easily drives any headphone on the market – superbly! The signal-to-noise ratio of the circuitry will impress even the most dyed-in-the-wool headphone enthusiast! When you plug headphones in, the speakers and preamp outputs are automatically muted and the volume knob becomes a dedicated headphone volume controller. Unplug the headphones, and the system reverts back to being an integrated amplifier.

World-Class Engineering
When we set out to reinvent nova, we called on a team of world-class engineers to design a platform that would achieve our simple but lofty objectives: superior performance, more inputs, greater flexibility, wireless capability, smaller size – all this, plus built in North America within the price range of our previous integrated amplifiers. We came together and created nova 2.0: the best sounding, most accommodating and most reliable integrated amplifier platform we have ever built. Listen to the nova300 – we’ll let the results speak for themselves!