The Peachtree Audio preDAC is a preamplifier and a 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.
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!
The DAC and Its Surroundings
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 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.
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. 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!
