Overview
What are the X Amplifiers?
They are stand-alone Peachtree Audio power amplifiers built around Hypex NCore X modules. Hypex is a premier designer and OEM supplier of Class-D power amplifier technology.
The Stereo 150X power amplifier uses an integrated NCore X solution, with the power supply and amplification circuitry on a single PCB. This approach delivers the benefits of Hypex’s latest X technology and sound quality at the most accessible price point to date.
More about NCore X
Since its introduction in 2011, Hypex NCore technology has been a benchmark for high-performance Class D amplification. While NCore set an exceptionally high standard, Hypex’s continued pursuit of improvement ultimately led to Nilai, their most advanced Class D platform to date.
Key elements of Nilai, most notably the improved loop filter, were subsequently applied to NCore to create NCore X. This refinement increased loop gain by 6 dB in the top two octaves, with additional gain below that range. The result gave designers greater flexibility to optimize performance while maintaining exemplary audio fidelity.
NCore X delivers more than 60 dB of error correction across the entire audio band, significantly reducing distortion from both the power stage and output filter. With more than 75 dB of loop gain, harmonic and intermodulation distortion are driven to ultra-low levels, and output impedance becomes essentially negligible. Compared to earlier generations, the X modules achieve roughly twice the noise reduction and a significant improvement in THD.
Why did we make the X Amplifiers?
Our goal was to give listeners the opportunity to add this exciting new technology to their systems as simply and affordably as possible. Over the past five years, Class D amplification has advanced to the point where a small number of designs now outperform the best Class A and Class A/B power amplifiers we have ever heard.
That journey began in 2022 with our groundbreaking gallium-nitride Power DAC, the GaN-1, and continues today with our X-series amplifiers.
Design
Machined Aluminum Chassis
The X amplifiers are housed in the same all-aluminum chassis as our GaN-1. Its clean, understated design integrates effortlessly into any system or home décor, while the chassis itself provides the thermal management needed to ensure optimal performance over the amplifier’s lifetime—without the use of fans.
NCore X modules
Quite simply, this is one of the best silicon-based Class D amplifier modules we have ever heard. It stands on equal footing with our GaN-based solutions, delivering a presentation that is remarkably musical, neutral, transparent, spacious, and powerful—everything you want from a power amplifier.
Integrated Power Supply
A quiet, highly efficient, and robust power supply provides the foundation for the X amplifiers. Designed to deliver consistent current under all operating conditions, it ensures stable performance regardless of load or listening level.
In the Stereo 150X, the power supply is fully integrated with the amplifier circuitry on a single PCB. This tightly coupled design minimizes signal paths and improves overall efficiency, allowing the Stereo 150X to deliver the benefits of X-series performance in a more compact and cost-effective implementation—without compromising sound quality.
Balanced and unbalanced audio inputs
High-quality XLR and RCA connectors allow for easy connection to a preamplifier or to source components equipped with a high-quality, built-in volume control.
Dual trigger inputs and intelligent input switching
Each of the XLR and RCA inputs has its own corresponding trigger input. When a trigger signal is detected, the X amplifier automatically powers on and selects the associated input.
The front-panel On/Standby button also serves as a manual input-selection override, allowing easy switching between inputs. This design makes it simple to use the X amplifier with two different front ends.
For example, the XLR inputs can be connected to a stereo preamplifier or music source for critical listening, while the RCA inputs can be connected to a home theater receiver or preamp/processor for TV and movie playback.
Rear-panel ground terminal
A rear-panel ground terminal is provided on X amplifiers to simplify grounding when used with REL subwoofers, the Bluesound NODE Icon, or any other component that requires a chassis ground connection to minimize the potential for noise.
CE and FCC approval
X amplifiers are independently tested and verified to meet CE and FCC safety standards for home use.
Specifications
Reviews
Customer Reviews:
"The Stereo X / Node Icon pairing has absolutely delivered. Sound stage is wider and deeper, detail retrieval has improved, and the overall presentation feels more spacious and controlled without losing musicality." -S.G.
"Bottom line: Peachtree delivered with the Stereo X. It provides more grip, space, and ease without changing the tonal balance I like from the LS50 Meta. As an upgrade from an already very good Nova 150, it’s absolutely worth it. I’m a very satisfied customer." -B.