Overview
The most powerful Peachtree amplifier EVER!
This is it...the one you’ve been waiting for and the one we’ve always wanted to build…the incredible new nova500.
The nova500 is five audiophile-designed products in one: a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a preamplifier, a power amplifier, a moving magnet phono preamplifier and a headphone amplifier all seamlessly integrated into a single, beautiful aluminum and wood chassis that is the hallmark of Peachtree Audio.
The nova500 is designed to provide the ultimate link between all of your source devices and your speakers with the most powerful and “cleanest” amplifier section we have have ever offered. But the nova500 isn’t designed to simply reproduce music loudly. It is designed to deliver music the way the creators intended; with the ease, authority, musicality and emotional impact provided by the world's best recordings.
Highlights
- Built-in, state-of-the-art, power amplifier with an astounding 500 watts per channel
- ESS 9028 PRO Sabre DAC with up to 32-Bit/384kHz PCM and 5.6MHz DSD resolution
- Fully differential (balanced) audio circuitry from the digital inputs to the output
- Exclusive DyNEC iOS input for audio streaming from Apple Lightning devices
- Asynchronous USB, (1) coaxial and (2) optical digital inputs for connection to virtually any source device
- Phono (MM) input for direct connection of a turntable (can also double as a standard line-level input)
- Home Theater Bypass for easy integration with a multi-channel system (also doubles as a standard line-level input) driving the front speakers for listening to stereo music
- Volume Control Bypass feature for use with variable output source devices
- Switchable loop feature for inserting an external EQ or other sound processor into the signal path
- Discrete custom-designed headphone amplifier
- Extensive internal grounding
- Available in Piano Black and Gloss Ebony Mocha
- Proudly assembled in Matthews, NC, USA
“The nova300 has plenty of power to drive my speakers…..Why is the nova500 a significant upgrade for me?"
We have received some questions about the power of the nova500 vs. the nova300. The nova500 will provide ~1-2db more loudness with most speakers in most rooms. The main advantage you’ll notice, however, is how easily the nova500 reproduces musical peaks, especially at higher volume levels. In many cases it will be subtle, as the nova300 itself is impressive in this regard - but we are always striving to make small advances that when taken together, result in a significant and noticeable improvement to the overall listening experience. Where you’ll hear a bigger difference is in the balanced design of the preamp; the ESS 9028 Pro DAC processor; and the all-new design architecture of the ICEpower 1200AS2 power amplifier. We’re knocked out by the performance of this new amplifier, which sounds big and lush while maintaining an extremely quiet background. In the past we expected bigger power amps to be better with dynamics but at the expense of more noise. Not anymore - the nova500 is extremely powerful, dynamic and quiet all at the same time.
New Cabinet Venting
Maximizes cooling and matches the faceplate finish on both Piano Black and Gloss Ebony Mocha cabinets.
Design
Technology marches forward at an ever-quickening pace and, in the world of audio, the performance improvements from year-to-year and generation-to-generation are typically small incremental steps. But every once in a while, several significant advancements across multiple areas come together to take a product to the next level. That is the story behind the nova500: Engineers from Peachtree, ESS, and ICEPower all working towards the goal of making the absolute best product they know how based on the latest thinking and parts and bringing it all together in a single benchmark product.
The DAC
The DAC section in the nova500 includes an amazing new ESS 9000-Series PRO Sabre DAC and utilizes four DACs per stereo channel. In other words, eight DACs in total to provide stunning dynamic range from any source with minimal background noise to distract from the music. All of the specs for the DAC exceed 120dB, generally considered the maximum dynamic range of human hearing! But most importantly, this digital-to-analog-converter provides a level of refinement and musicality that we have found to be simply beyond reproach. Peachtree was the first audiophile company to offer ESS DACs built into its products, and it is only fitting that our latest and greatest integrated amplifier includes their latest and greatest DAC!
The Preamplifier
The preamplifier section in the nova500 was designed from the ground up by the engineers at Peachtree Audio specifically for the nova500. Its architecture is based on the preamplifier section of the nova300 and nova150, but takes it a significant step further by implementing fully differential circuit paths from input to output. This ensures that the ultra-low-noise musical signal provided by the DAC is maintained all the way through the preamplifier, and any external noise or interference that finds its way to the circuit board is cancelled out so it does not negatively affect the sound quality of the music! The ensures that the nova500’s power amplifier section is being driven by the absolutely cleanest possible signal from the preamplifier.
The Amplifier
The amplifier section in the nova500 features the stunning new 1200AS2 from ICEPower. It is, simply stated, the best sounding, most powerful amplifier section we have ever offered in any product - period. The nova500 is capable of driving virtually any speaker with the utmost ease and authority. Chances are, you've never heard how good your speakers can actually sound until you hear them driven by the nova500. The nova500’s ability to reproduce complex music passages at any volume level is simply jaw dropping even if only listening to a modest pair of 2-way speakers. But to truly appreciate the amplifier section in the nova500, connect it to a pair of high-end floorstanders and be prepared to be completely blown away! The power and finesse of the amplifier section in the nova500 is, we believe, a game changer.
The Headphone Amplifier
The headphone amplifier in the nova500 was specifically designed to drive headphones with impedance ratings in the 50-300 ohm range. It is a fully-discrete power amplifier circuit (not a chip) that is designed for sheer musicality and an ultra-low noise floor. When compared to dedicated headphone amplifiers, the nova500’s built-in headphone amplifier represents an amazing value! Note: the headphone amplifier was not designed to support headphones with an impedance below 50 ohms and 600 ohm headphones will lower the output capability significantly.
The Phono Stage
The phono section in the nova500 is designed to allow direct connection from a moving magnet or high-output moving coil cartridge equipped turntable. It is custom-designed to enable the best sound quality reproduction from your vinyl collection and eliminates the need to add an external phono amplifier product to the nova500. And if you don’t use a turntable, the input doubles as a standard line-level analog audio input with the simple press-and-hold of the input button!
CONVENIENCE and FLEXIBILITY
Optical, Coax and USB Inputs
The nova500's digital inputs provide for connection to virtually any source: one asynchronous USB, one coaxial, two optical.
The Loop
The nova500 includes an extremely useful LOOP (output/input) feature, allowing you to add an equalizer or other processor into the signal path as desired. The LOOP button on the remote control engages and disengages the loop audio path utilizing high-performance relays. Want to experiment with room correction? Easy. Wire your room EQ component into the nova500 and use the LOOP button on the remote control to A-B between correction in/correction out.
Home Theater Bypass
This classic Peachtree feature is included in the nova500. HTB allows for easy integration with a multi-channel preamp/processor or audio/video receiver (AVR) so that the power amplifier in the nova500 always drives your main speakers (front left and right). When listening to two-channel music the nova500 also becomes your control center, ensuring that you enjoy the full benefit of its reference DAC and ultra-low-noise circuitry. If the HTB input isn't needed it can be configured as a standard analog line-level input.
iOS Input - DyNEC (Dynamic Noise Elimination Circuit) for iPhone/iPad
The nova500 includes a dedicated asynchronous USB connection on the rear panel that provides a direct digital wired connection for Apple Lightning-equipped devices. Simply use the cable that came with your iPhone or iPad and experience your music transformed by the nova500's DAC and fully differential preamplifier - whether you're listening via headphones or through your main speaker system.
With DyNEC and an asynchronous connection, Peachtree's dedicated iOS input lets you hear your music with all the clarity, dynamics and emotion the artist intended!
And . . . the metal-faced Peachtree remote controls basic playback functions like FF/RR and pause, so you can just sit back and enjoy!
Volume Control Bypass
The nova500 provides a Volume Control Bypass feature on its digital inputs which puts the nova500 into "power amp" mode. This is useful if you have a connected source with its own volume control. Have a favorite device or app with a volume slider built right into the interface? Simply bypass the nova500 volume control for that input and use the app slider instead. It's VERY convenient!
Easy Subwoofer Connection
The nova500's Pre Out jacks allow easy hookup of a subwoofer. The signal from the Pre Outs is identical to the main signal and is controlled by the nova500's volume control.
Specifications
nova500 Specifications
| SPEAKER OUTPUT | |
|---|---|
| Compatible Speakers | 2.5-16Ω |
| Output Power (WPC, 8Ω | 4Ω, <1% THD+N, AES17) | 500 | 700 |
| Dynamic Range (A-weighted) | 106dB |
| Damping Factor (1kHz, 8Ω) | >650 |
| Frequency Response (20 - 20kHz) | <+/-0.4dB |
| Inter-Modulation Distortion | >80dB below fundamental |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (AES17, 1kHz, 4Ω) | 0.003% |
| Channel Separation (1kHz, 8Ω) | >90dB |
| PREAMP OUTPUT | |
| Output Voltage (rms) | 3.8V |
| Output Impedance | 100Ω |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Analog | Digital Source, un-weighted) | 106dB | 106dB |
| Channel Separation (1kHz) | >115dB |
| Frequency Response (Analog | Digital Source, 8Hz-20kHz) | <0.1dB | <0.5dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.001% (2V rms, 1kHz, un-weighted) |
| HEADPHONE OUTPUT | |
| Output Power (32Ω, rms | peak) | 1200mW | 2770mW |
| Output Power (300Ω, rms | peak) | 330mW | 700mW |
| Output Power (600Ω, rms | peak) | 170mW | 350mW |
| Output Impedance | 1Ω |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Analog | Digital Source, un-weighted) | 107dB | 106dB |
| Dynamic Range (Analog | Digital Source, un-weighted) | 107dB | 100dB |
| Channel Separation (1kHz) | >100dB at 1kHz |
| Frequency Response (Digital source, 8Hz-20kHz) | <0.5dB |
| Frequency Response (Analog source, 8Hz-100kHz) | <0.1dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.003% (2V rms, 1kHz, un-weighted) |
| USB-B Input | |
| Formats | PCM and DSD |
| PCM Sampling Rate and DSD Frequency Rate | 16-32 Bit, 44.1-384kHz PCM
2.8224-5.6448MHz DSD |
| COAX and OPT Inputs | |
| Formats | 16-24 Bit, 44.1-192kHz PCM |
| AUX Inputs | |
| Maximum Voltage (rms | peak-to-peak) | 3.5V | 10V |
| Impedance | 100kΩ |
| PHONO Input | |
| Maximum Input Voltage (rms) | 120mV |
| Impedance | 47kΩ |
| RIAA EQ | No rumble filter used |
| LOOP Output and Input | |
| Maximum Voltage (rms | peak-to-peak) | 3.5V | 10V |
| Impedance (input | output) | 100kΩ | 100Ω |
| AC Power | |
| AC Input | 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 1500W |
| On Mode (Idle) Power Consumption | 41W |
| Standby Mode Power Consumption | <0.5W |
| Fuse | 100-120VAC: 10A/250V Medium Acting
220-240VAC: 6.3A/250V Medium Acting |
| Physical | |
| Height (including feet) | 4.37 inches | 111 mm |
| Width | 14.02 inches | 356 mm |
| Depth (including volume knob and speaker binding posts) | 14.25 inches | 361.95 mm |
| Weight (shipping weight) | 19 lbs (23 lbs) | 8.6 kg (10.5 kg) |
| Warranty | |
| Parts and Labor | Two years
Three years if registered online |
Reviews
• Once in a while someone captures the essence of our products better than we do to the point that we are moved to share their thoughts with others. This is one of those times. An in-depth nova500 review from an owner who not only provides great insight into the product itself, but also frames it well in the context of the audio market today.
"...just how fun this amp is to sit down and listen to. It's fun, musical, relaxed, open and powerful. It handles demanding speakers with authority and control. Bass is fast, tight and deep. Mids are clear, open and musical."
"Almost all amps have at least a little background noise. There is NONE here. Did I mention power? I've rotated several pairs of speakers through and was both surprised and impressed at how well the nova500 meshes with and handles each of them."
"If you take nothing else from my feedback about this amp, listen to this: It made me forget about the system and let me enjoy the music and have pure, old-fashioned, fully-involved-in-the-music fun!!"