Analog Sources: Palmer 2.5 turntable, Audio Origami PU-7 tonearm, AMG Teatro, Mighty Cala Sound TNT 15 cartridges; Analogueworks Zero turntable & tonearm, Ortofon 2M Black, Hana EL, Zu Denon 103 cartridges; Roksan Radius 7 turntable and tonearm, Corus Silver, Dynavector 20X2L cartridges.
Digital Sources: Mytek HiFi Brooklyn, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DACs; Integra DPPS-7.2 DVD-A player (used as transport).
Preamplification: Rogue Audio RP-1 line-level preamplifier; Dynavector P75, Lounge Audio LCR Mk.III, Parasound Halo JC 3+, Tavish Design Adagio…
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Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Solid-state integrated amplifier with phono stage and DAC. Digital inputs: 3 S/PDIF (one RCA, two optical), 2 USB (Type B, Type A optimized for iOS Lightning). Analog inputs: 1 line-level, 1 switchable between line-level and MM phono (maximum input 120mV). Output Power: 300Wpc into 8 ohms (24.8dBW), 450Wpc into 4 ohms (23.5dBW). Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.4dB. THD (1kHz, 4 ohms): 0.005%. Headphone output impedance: 1 ohm.
Dimensions: 14.02" (356mm) W by 4.37" (111mm) H by 13.25" (336.55mm) D. Weight: 17 lbs (7.7kg) net, 21 lbs (9.5kg)…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I measured the PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium preamplifier with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). The gain with the volume control set to its maximum was 11dB, unbalanced input to unbalanced output, 1dB below the specified 12dB. The preamplifier preserved absolute polarity (ie, was non-inverting). The inputs, all unbalanced, offered a very high input impedance of 183k ohms at 20Hz and 1kHz, dropping to a still very high 116k ohms at 20kHz. The PrimaLuna's output impedance, specified as 2800 ohms, was 2600 ohms at high and middle…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Garrard 301 turntable; EMT 997 tonearm; EMT OFD 15 & TSD 15, Ortofon SPU #1S, Shindo Laboratory SPU pickup heads; Denon DL 103 cartridge.
Digital Sources: AudioQuest DragonFly Red, Halide Designs DAC HD USB DACs; Apple iMac computer (late 2015) running OS 10.12.1 & Roon v.1.2, Build 165; Sony SCD-777ES SACD/CD player.
Preamplification: Hommage T1 & T2 step-up transformers, Shindo Laboratory Masseto preamplifier.
Power Amplifiers: Shindo Laboratory Corton-Charlemagne (monoblocks) & Haut-Brion (stereo).
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Sidebar 3: Measurements
I measured Peachtree Audio's nova300 with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). Before performing any tests, I ran it at 80Wpc into 8 ohms for an hour. At the end of that time, the vents on its top panel were warmer than I'd anticipated for an amplifier with a class-D output, at 92.3°F (33.5°C), though this is cooler than would be expected for an amplifier with a conventional output stage. Because of it uses ICEpower class-D modules, all measurements of the nova300 were taken using Audio Precision's auxiliary AUX-0025 passive…
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)…
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