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.

nova500 Specifications