Peachtree Audio preDAC Preamplifier/DAC (Limited Edition Ash)

Description

preDAC Preamplifier + DAC

• Based on the preamplifier section of the
nova500

• Key Upgrades

• World-class ESS PRO DAC

• Balanced XLR outputs 

The Peachtree Audio preDAC is a preamplifier + DAC based
on the incredible nova500 integrated amplifier. The preDAC is, in
essence, a nova500 with the amplifier section removed – but with key
upgrades. Like the nova500, the preDAC is a differential (aka balanced)
audio design that provides exceptional immunity from noise/interference and keeps
the audio signal as far above the noise floor as possible. The preDAC features
a dedicated power supply, superior signal-to-noise ratio, balanced XLR outputs
(in addition to single-ended RCA) and even better headphone amp performance.

The preDAC provides the same input
flexibility as our nova integrateds:

• USB-B
  for a computer

• USB-A
  for an iOS device

• coaxial
  digital

• 2
  optical digital

• 2
  configurable analog inputs including MM phono

• Home
  Theater Bypass

• LOOP
  feature to insert equalization, room correction, or other signal
  processing into the signal chain

We can’t think of a better partner for the preDAC than
the Peachtree amp500 – but perhaps you have a class-A or tube
power amplifier that you love, but want a contemporary front-end to pair with
it. We have the solution! Insert the preDAC into the system
and add all the input capability and sound quality that the balanced
preamplifier section and world-class ESS PRO DAC provide. Want
to bi-amplify your state-of-the-art loudspeakers? Send the preDAC’s
output to two amp500s and experience the enveloping
sound and effortless power your speakers are capable of – all at a
modest investment by esoteric audio standards!

The Mission

The preDAC is a simple, yet flexible, component that
integrates a wide range of audio input sources including: a personal computer,
an Apple iOS device, a Bluesound NODE 2i streamer, a turntable along with other
analog and digital audio devices you may already have or plan to acquire. The
preDAC is designed to pair up with the incredible Peachtree Audio amp500 or
other dedicated power amplifier of your choosing to complement your speakers.
The preDAC is built around a reference quality 8-channel ESS 9000 Series Sabre
Pro DAC chip running in stereo mode to provide signal-to-noise ratio and
dynamic range befitting a reference quality product. It is simply one of the
best DACs we have ever heard in addition to providing some of the best audio
measurements we have ever seen! And just as importantly, the preDAC features
fully balanced internal circuitry throughout to minimize noise and interference
and allow the remarkable resolution of the DAC to be fully preserved all the
way through the output. The sheer musicality of the preDAC and the lack of
background noise is simply the best we have ever made and compares favorably to
products costing many times more!

The DAC and Its Surroundings

The preDAC utilizes a DAC chip that was designed to convert
8 channels of audio, but we use it in a special stereo mode where 4 of the DACs
are assigned to the left channel and the other 4 DACs are assigned to the right
channel. By quadrupling the DACs used for each channel the overall performance
of the audio signal achieves remarkable heights in measured performance and,
more importantly, in listening tests. The DAC is also capable of converting all
of the major file formats currently available including: PCM digital audio
signals up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD audio signals up to 5.6MHz (aka double DSD),
compressed audio, uncompressed audio, high-resolution audio and ultra-high
resolution audio. Built around the DAC chip is an extensive, multi-point,
regulated power supply that keeps it operating optimally and faithfully to the
input signal, providing a transparent window into the source material. The
combination of DAC and balanced circuitry allows the music to come through with
an unprecedented level of clarity and freedom from noise.

Features and Flexibility

The preDAC has very flexible input and output configuration
capabilities. It accepts input from a computer, iOS devices, other digital
audio devices, analog audio devices and even has a built-in Moving Magnet (MM)
phono preamplifier for directly connecting a turntable. The two analog inputs
are user-configurable as: 2 standard line-level analog inputs, a Home Theater
Bypass (HTB) input + an analog input, an analog input + a phono input, or a HTB
input + a phono input. Your system, your choice! The digital inputs include a
user selectable feature called volume control bypass that allows system volume
to be controlled directly from the source device bypassing the volume control
inside the preDAC. This is especially useful if you enjoy using an application
on your computer or mobile device to select your music AND to control the
volume. A fully balanced output is provided to drive the amp500 or power
amplifier of your choosing. There is also an unbalanced PRE output which can be
used to drive a powered subwoofer. There is a clever LOOP feature that allows
an external room EQ, audio processor, tube buffer or recorder to be easily
integrated with the preDAC and switched in and out of the signal path by simply
pressing the LOOP button on the front panel or remote control!

Headphone Performance

The headphone amplifier in the preDAC was specifically
designed for premium quality headphones. It is a fully-discrete power amplifier
circuit that easily drives the majority of headphones including very
high-impedance designs. Like the rest of the preDAC it is designed for
musicality and an ultra-low noise floor. When compared to dedicated headphone
amplifiers, the preDAC’s built-in headphone amplifier represents an amazing
value!

Form Follows Function

All Peachtree Audio products share a form
follows function design philosophy with an emphasis on ease of use and sound
quality. The entire user interface is built around the idea of pressing a
button to determine what you are listening to and turning a knob to determine
how loud you are listening to it. That’s it! No screens, menus or other overly
complex interfaces that often add more frustration than utility. Inside, the
preDAC is designed to provide the purest signal path between the input and the
output. Analog inputs remain in the analog domain all the way through to ensure
that the original source material is preserved throughout. All of the digital
inputs are converted internally utilizing an ultra-premium quality 8-channel
DAC so that they benefit from the best conversion available today! All of the
circuits are completely balanced and free from noise. The difficult to achieve
combination of sheer musicality with an ultra-quiet background allows for a
much stronger bond between the listener and the recording. It is as though the
gear has disappeared and all that is left is the music – and you.