Peachtree Audio Nova 125

[szhleppy]

Previous System
Newcastle P965 Preamp
B&K 200.5
Polk LSi9 Front/Center
Polk Rear (can't remember model)
HSU ULS15

Transition System
Newcastle P965 Preamp
B&K 200.5
Polk LSi9 for 2 months, then replaced by Usher X-718 Speakers

Notes: The loss of center/rear speakers was noticeable, but what was really missing was the sub. Fortunately the move was to a small room and the LSi9's produced enough mid-bass to sound decent. Then I got the Ushers....

The Usher speakers are a phenomenal upgrade from the LSi9's. I'm not sure if this improvement should be attributed to a significant improvement in speaker quality or a move from 4 to 8 ohm speakers. To me, these speakers are much easier to listen to...at the risk of sounding over-dramatic, these speakers made my list of Top 10 Lifetime Purchases. I would still love to hook up the HSU sub in this small apartment, but don't miss it nearly as much.

New System
Peachtree Audio Nova 125
Usher X-718 Speakers

The purchase of the Peachtree was predicated by these two goals: (1) downsizing to an integrated receiver rather than using components and (2) an overall improvement in digital audio quality via DAC. Realizing that I no longer had room for or needed a multi-channel system, I started to research other options and came across the Peachtree Integrated units. Based on positive reviews of the previous available units and specs of this "pre-release" product, I put in a preorder in August.

After a couple shipment delays by Peachtree, I was beginning to 2nd guess my order. The Newcastle/B&K combo with the Usher speakers was working out well for me...although possibly a little overkill for my small room. I decided not to cancel the Peachtree order though and give it a chance...my expectation was that I would keep it as long as there was not a significant noticeable decrease in sound quality.

Keep in mind that (1) the Peachtree is NOT broken in (it's only a few hours old) and (2) I am by no means an "audiophile" or well-regarded equipment review writer. With that, hear are my 1st impressions:

• The Newcastle P965/B&K 200.5 Combo is difficult to beat in this price range
• The Peachtree Nova 125 does not provide the same "full-range" feel at higher volumes, but for a small room provides an "equivelant" experience
• I like to think that I hear a difference with the tube engaged...especially during streamed audio playback...but I may be wrong
• I like this product and it will serve its purpose for the next year
• I will let the Nova 125 break in for a few weeks and post an update

I realize that I'm not really being fair to the Peachtree by comparing it to the Newcastle/B&K combo, but my only reference point is what I know. Regardless, it seems to be a great streamlined product that I'll be happy to use for the next year or two. It does a great job powering the Usher speakers and this will most likely turn into a great 2 channel system.

[tonyb]

Congrats man, those speaker stands are sweet. I know the Ushers are 8 ohm, but also at 87 efficient so some juice may be needed to push them further than what the Peachtree can muster....if you play loud anyway.

Stupid question, why is the TV slid all the way to the right on the stand ? Trying to cover up your wall safe with all the baseball cards in it ?

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I"m a huge fan of PeachTree gear

[cnh]

That looks like a nice system there. I bet the Peachtree tames those Usher tweeters enough to make them sound less forward. All the Ushers I've heard have been too edgy up top, IMHO they "all" need some tubes in their mix. Love to hear a pair in such a set up!

Enjoy!

cnh

[Face]

I'm also a fan of Peachtree products, but some of their products have an anemic amp section.

[szhleppy]

Congrats man, those speaker stands are sweet. I know the Ushers are 8 ohm, but also at 87 efficient so some juice may be needed to push them further than what the Peachtree can muster....if you play loud anyway.

Stupid question, why is the TV slid all the way to the right on the stand ? Trying to cover up your wall safe with all the baseball cards in it ?

Nothing gets too loud in this little apartment....

The TV had to be moved over to make room for the pig statue. Seriously though, it's the layout of the room and gives me an angle to add another chair that you can see the TV from...

I'm also a fan of Peachtree products, but some of their products have an anemic amp section.

I read the same feedback in other places and is why I held out for this product with the more powerful amp to finally ship. The amp section seems to work well in this small space, but would probably be underwhelming in a normal sized room.

[Gaara]

Wow, didn't realize this was out yet. Cant wait to hear how you like it after a couple weeks as im looking at the Decco65 myself.

I'm also a fan of Peachtree products, but some of their products have an anemic amp section.

The new models all feature ASX2 IcePower amps. If I recall correctly his model features the 250ASX2 module.