Manufacturer's Comment
Editor: We would like to thank Art Dudley and John Atkinson for taking the time to review Peachtree Audio's nova300.
At first, we were perplexed by Art's conclusion since every other review and all of the dealer and customer feedback has been in direct opposition. Even Michael Lavorgna at Stereophile's sister website, AudioStream.com, described the nova300 as "slam-O-licious" and "bodacious," and gave the nova300 a "Greatest Bits" award (Recommended Component).
ComputerAudiophile.com honored the nova300 with a "Cash" award (Suggested Hardware) after comparing it to a $30k reference system, and John Darko, from DigitalAudioReview.net, gave the nova300 a coveted "Knock Out" award commenting "I doubt that there's a loudspeaker on the planet that this Peachtree won't drive with sure-footed authority."
My initial assessment was something must be wrong with the unit we sent Art, and based on a few comments, that could still be a possibility. It's on its way to our engineers for testing, just in case. Mystery solved?
I wasn't familiar with the Altec Flamenco loudspeaker that Art used. However, after some research, it seems to be kin or variation of the old Voice of the Theater. Realizing this is a 1960s-era, horn-loaded speaker, it became clear to me how Art could possibly like the modestly powered and somewhat rolled-off iDecco over the nova300. I would never recommend a 300Wpc solid-state, high-resolution, integrated amplifier with a pair of vintage 60-year-old horn loudspeakers. Those should be driven by a moderately powered tube amp and preamp. That's what has always sounded best to me with a speaker like that.
The nova300 has performed remarkably well with modern audiophile speakers. On the list of speakers we have used extensively are; the MartinLogan Impressions and Motions, Wilson Sabrinas, Bowers & Wilkins 802s, Magnepan 3.7s, and TAD Reference Compact Monitors, to name a few that come to mind. With these loudspeakers the nova300 is living up to the task of replacing an expensive stack of gear so people can get the best speaker possible. We've been proving this consistently to the most discerning audio dealers and customers coast-to-coast.
I believe Art's system was a mismatch with the nova300. Or the nova300 was simply not to Art's liking. We can accept either explanation. Nothing works with everything or everyone, but his experience has been the exception to the rule.
Thank you again for the review and opportunity to respond.— David Solomon, Peachtree Audio Co-Founder
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