Experience powerful, high-fidelity sound from digital sources with the Nova integrated amplifier from Peachtree Audio. First, a hybrid tube preamp with Class A output staging eliminates common sources of noise and jitter from digital audio signals, unlocking hi-fi audio performance from computers, laptops, and MP3 players. Second, an ESS 9006 Sabre D/A converter raises the bar further, seamlessly passing the preamp signal to the amplifier section while maintaining exceptionally low noise and superbly precise fidelity. Finally, the 80W x 2 channel amplifier fuels a stereo speaker pair with your favorite music as it was meant to be heard. Inputs include one USB, two digital coaxial, two digital optical, and three stereo analog connections.
Sound that leaves you starry-eyed
True to its namesake, the Nova integrated stereo amplifier from Peachtree Audio represents a new point of luminance in today's home-audio constellation. As popular contemporary music sources tend toward digital formats, home audio enthusiasts have begun to demand a high-fidelity analog listening experience even from those digital sources. And the Nova delivers. A powerful stereo receiver with a high-performance tube preamp section, the Nova does double duty as a stand-alone digital-to-analog converter. The advanced DAC processor allows you to unlock hi-fi performance from a variety of unconventional audio sources ó like Sonos' ZonePlayer 80 or ZonePlayer 90 music bridges, MP3 players, laptop and desktop computers, and satellite radio óand the Nova fuels that and audio from any other stereo source with a robust 80W per channel. Illuminate your living room with a classic high-fidelity stereo audio experience from any source . . . the Nova from Peachtree Audio.
Pristine prep-work
If you've ever hung your own drywall or attempted to knit a scarf, you know that one small mistake early on can lead to much larger problems down the line. As it happens, this same principle of exponential strife can be applied to your home's audio system. Though we are loathe to admit it, when it comes to audio, there's no such thing as perfection. Although your favorite album has been recorded to be as faithful as possible to the original live sound, there are certain flaws inherent in the recording process. Then, when you get around to playing back that recording, imperfections in the audio signal on your CD or MP3 player can be exaggerated by electromagnetic interference from other A/V components and even the CD or MP3 player's power source before it even reaches the amplifier or your speakers. But the situation is not hopeless. Preamplifier circuitry is specifically intended to pass audio source signals on to an amp's power-amplifier section with the utmost precision and clarity. And when it comes to preamps, one outclasses them all ó the Nova from Peachtree. Offering five digital audio inputs, the Nova is designed for connection to computers and other digital devices . . . devices that are infamous for CPU and power-supply noise that degrade audio-signal quality. Accordingly, Peachtree has designed the Nova to efficiently isolate and minimize these common sources of interference. Transformer-coupling of each digital input and the use of a 6922 pre-amp tube with Class A output staging impede any interference from infiltrating the digital input signals, taming all of the potential harshness in digital files. As a result, jitter and noise are eliminated prior to reaching ether the digital-to-analog converter or power-amp section. In addition to the single USB input, two digital coaxial, and two digital optical inputs, the Nova also delivers pristine preamplification to three L/R analog audio inputs. Finally, a variable stereo pre-amp output is great for adding a separate powered subwoofer to the mix.
"S" Words ó Sabre DAC
It's okay if you don't get the Saturday Night Live reference in the title; after just one listen you'll fully appreciate the audio performance level afforded by the Nova's advanced ESS 9006 Sabre digital-to-analog converter. As a 24/96 upsampling DAC, the ESS 9006 Sabre essentially elevates any digital music source to the level of a high-end CD player. Using patented jitter-reduction circuitry, the Sabre DAC re-locks the digital signal to almost zero jitter before passing it to the high-resolution 24/96 upsampling processor with 122dB signal-to-noise ratio. The result is digital-audio playback that rivals high-fidelity analog sources, passing muster with even the most demanding audiophile listeners. And if you're simply looking to add a digital source like a computer or Mac Mini to your existing home theater system, the Nova can be used as a stand-alone DAC, finally allowing you to integrate diverse digital components and achieve hi-fi performance.
The power
Given the high level of performance offered by the Nova as a stand-alone preamp or D/A converter, it's easy to lose sight of one crucial spec: it's a power amp, too. Sure, you can employ either the preamp or DAC section independently to dramatically enhance the performance level of your existing audio system, but you can also use the Nova as a fully integrated hi-fi stereo amplifier. Use the rear-panel binding post pairs and 80W x 2-channels of output power to fuel a stereo speaker pair with your favorite music from a variety of digital or analog sources.
Better home theater
Sure, today's multichannel home theater receivers deliver impressive 5.1- and 7.1-channel surround sound listening experiences. And, yes, they can also be used to power a front-channel speaker pair with audio from a stereo source. But let's be honest: few, if any, can match the digital and analog hi-fi performance level offered by the Nova stereo amplifier. Making its primary goal the best possible listening experience in your home theater, Peachtree has engineered the Nova amplifier with Home Theater Bypass functionality. Route the L/R preout from your home theater receiver to the third "Home Theater Bypass" analog input on the Nova and flip the selector switch from Aux to HT Bypass. With this setup configuration, your receiver will defer front-channel powered output to the Nova, powering only the center and rear channels itself. Not only will stress on the receiver be reduced, but whenever you choose to listen to a stereo source connected directly to the Nova, the straight line from the source through the Nova to the speakers eliminates unnecessary processing and circuitry routing, ensuring that you enjoy music as faithful to the source original as possible.
You time
We're gonna keep this short; the specs sum it up. For all of you who like to plop on the headphones, lay back on the couch, and disappear into your favorite album, listen to this: the Nova's headphone amp is shared with the pre-amp section, meaning that you enjoy the same high-fidelity audio you hear over your loudspeakers in your own little personal audio cocoon.
