Nova

Nova

Digital to Analog Converter

Critical to the performance of the Nova is the onboard ESS 9006 Sabre DAC. It’s a 24bit/96kHz upsampling digital-to-analog converter, which transforms just about any digital source to the performance of a high-end CD player. The Sabre DAC’s patented jitter reduction circuit re-clocks the digital signal to nearly zero jitter before passing it through the high-resolution 24/96 upsampling processor that’s also capable of 122dB s/n ratio. But the DAC chip is only part of the story because the surrounding electronics are extremely important. We employ 11 regulated power supplies for the DAC. We transformer-couple each digital input stage so noise associated with ground problems and switching power supplies is eliminated. The USB input is unique. It is galvanically isolated from the computer connection. This is critically important because significant noise generated by the computer’s switching power supply travels down the USB ground and manifests itself as a major source of jitter. We eliminate it before the DAC even sees it!

The Tube Preamplifier

The preamplifier is one of the most important components in any system and often determines the way your system sounds overall. It must handle all of the switching and volume tracking. All of your music travels through the entire circuit before getting to the amplifier. So attention to detail is key if your goal is faithful reproduction. Even though there's an 80wpc amplifier on board, the Nova is unique because we designed the preamp circuit to be a stand alone preamp.

The Sound: The Nova preamp section uses a 6922 tube with a class A output stage. Why? Because we love the sound! This is where art meets science and there's a certain magic that solid state can't quite match. The tube maintains a high level of detail while taming harsh digital files. We strive for a musical presentation rather than questing for that Nth level of "in your face" extension. The quest for music reproduction shouldn't be a contest to attain the highest number, rather one to seek an emotional experience while maintaining the musical intent of the artist. Our goal is for you to enjoy the music, not think about the box.

Inputs The Nova has 8 total inputs: 5 digital, 3 analog. A USB input for your computer in addition to 2 coax and 2 optical inputs for other digital sources like Squeezebox®, Apple TV®, AirportExpress®, Sonos®, and XM or Sirius® tuners. The Nova also has 3 analog inputs for docking stations, CD players, tape decks or phono preamps.

Outputs If you want to add a subwoofer or outboard amplifier, the Nova features a “Class A” <30 ohm variable preamp-output that will impedance match to almost any amplifier while pushing up to 100 ft of cable.

Noise Computers and other digital devices are notorious for CPU and switching power supply noise. Each digital input is transformer-coupled to prevent contamination of the digital signal.

So do we feel we have a fantastic preamplifier in the Nova? Oh yes!

Home Theater Bypass and Digital Filter

The Nova's third analog input doubles as a “Home Theater Bypass” so you can have the best of home theater and two-channel in the same system. Simply take the left and right “pre out” from your receiver or processor and connect to the “Home Theater” bypass on the Nova. A selector switch on the back panel converts from Aux to HT bypass. In this application your receiver transparently uses the L&R amplifier section of the Nova. This leaves the receiver responsible only for pushing the center and rear speakers, making the receiver much more efficient and less taxed. And when you listen to a two-channel source plugged directly into the Nova, there’s a straight line from the source to the Nova to the speakers . . . no processing, no running the signal through a forest of circuitry. This leaves little between the music and your ears. If you’re a two-channel fan, it’s the way to do theater right!

Digital Filter The Nova's switchable digital filter lets you tailor your system and your recordings to your taste. Although the Sharp setting measures better, many listeners prefer the sound of the Slow setting, and we recommend it. Let your ears be the judge.

Private Listening

For the headphone user, the Nova has a class A tube headphone section that rivals some of the best headphone amps available. When your headphones are plugged in, the speakers are automatically muted - so you can rock on when quiet is a necessity. Headphones have never sounded better than through the Nova.

This product is now in our archive. "Archived" means we no longer manufacture it, and it's not available directly from Peachtree Audio. If we've only recently discontinued this product it may still be available from some stores or online retailers. For reference, all of the original product information will remain on our website.

This product may be available as a factory-refurbished item. View refurbished products at the Peachtree Outlet Store on eBay.

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