Your newest high-fidelity audio source is . . . your iPod? Combining a dedicated iPod digital input with advanced ampflifier, preamp, and DAC sections, the iDecco transforms iPod and other digital sources into hi-fi listening. 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 40W x 2 channel amplifier fuels a stereo speaker pair with your favorite music as it was meant to be heard. Inputs include one iPod, one USB, one digital coaxial, one digital optical, and one stereo analog connections.
iHIgh iFidelity
No one thought that you'd go through with it. No, not the wedding, but having your iPod stand in as your best man. Your fiancée almost talked you out of it, but after you found the little single-breasted tuxedo case, it was all over. Sure, we jest, but It's no iJoke ó today, digital audio formats like those supported by your iPod are becoming the predominate audio source for a wide section of the the music-loving population. Now, while everyone love the ultra portability and versatility of digital audio, there are still those aficionados, those audiophiles in the population who demand high-fidelity listening from all their audio sources, iPod included. And Peachtree Audio heeds their call with the iDecco stereo amplifier. Thanks to the inclusion of a dedicated digital input for your iPod, the iDecco is able to use its innovative combination of an 80W stereo power amplifier, advanced de-jittering preamp section, and powerful D/A converter to transform your iPod's digital audio into a true hi-fi analog audio experience. And, thanks to a variety of additional digital and analog inputs, the iDecco is fully capably of recasting audio from a variety of sources as superb high-fiedlity stereo sound.
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 iDecco from Peachtree. Offering five digital audio inputs, the iDecco 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 iDecco to efficiently isolate and minimize these common sources of interference. Transformer-coupling of each digital input and the use of a hybrid 6N1P 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 iPod, USB, digital coaxial, and digital optical inputs, the iDecco also delivers pristine preamplification to one L/R analog audio input. 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 iDecco'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 118dB 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 iDecco 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 iDecco 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 iDecco as a fully integrated hi-fi stereo amplifier. Use the rear-panel binding post pairs and 40W 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 iDecco stereo amplifier. Making its primary goal the best possible listening experience in your home theater, Peachtree has engineered the iDecco 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 iDecco and flip the selector switch from Aux to HT Bypass. With this setup configuration, your receiver will defer front-channel powered output to the iDecco, 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 iDecco, the straight line from the source through the iDecco 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 iDecco'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.
