Peachtree nova 150 - User Manual

The Peachtree Audio Nova is an integrated amplifier designed to connect to various Hi-Fi sources, play different file formats, drive a wide range of speakers, and fill any room with high-quality sound. It combines several audio components into one attractive and user-friendly package, including a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), preamplifier, phono preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and power amplifier. Each function is optimized for an enhanced listening experience, aiming to surpass dedicated components in its price range.

The Nova's DAC is a reference 32-bit/384kHz design, capable of processing major file formats, from compressed and uncompressed audio to high-resolution and ultra-high-resolution audio, including 32-bit/384kHz PCM and 5.6MHz DSD. An extensive, multi-point, regulated power supply ensures optimal DAC operation and faithful signal reproduction, resulting in a natural and musical sound. The Nova500 model further enhances this by using four DACs per channel (eight total) for a lower noise floor and improved musicality.

The preamplifier is a full analog design offering flexible input and configuration options. It supports connections from computers, digital audio devices, analog audio devices, mobile devices, and includes a built-in phono preamplifier for turntables. The two analog inputs are user-switchable, allowing for four different configurations: two standard analog inputs, one Home Theater Bypass (HTB) input plus one analog input, one analog input plus one phono input, or one HTB input plus one phono input. This flexibility allows users to customize their system to their preferences.

A user-selectable volume control bypass feature is available for digital inputs. This allows users to control the overall system volume directly from their connected source device, effectively making the Nova function as a stand-alone power amplifier. This is particularly useful for those who prefer to manage music selection and volume through a computer or mobile device application.

The Nova also features a "loop" function, similar to a processor or tape monitor loop, which allows an external audio processing device to be inserted into the signal path. This feature can be engaged or disengaged via a front panel button or remote control. When active, the audio signal from the Nova is routed through the external device and back into the Nova. When disengaged, the circuit is bypassed to shorten the signal path and minimize interference. The Nova500 preamplifier further elevates sound quality with fully-differential (balanced) circuitry, preserving the performance of the DAC and preamplifier sections through to the power amplifier and speakers.

The headphone amplifier is a fully-discrete design, integrated into the Nova. It provides a high-quality listening experience, easily driving most headphones with an extremely low noise floor, allowing users to hear more detail in their music. The headphone amplifiers in the Nova300 and Nova500 models offer increased output for less efficient, ultra-high impedance headphones.

The power amplifier sections in the Nova are designed for cleanliness, neutrality, and power. The Nova150 delivers 150 Watts-Per-Channel (WPC) into 8 ohms, suitable for most speakers, rooms, and listeners. For those seeking more power, the Nova300 offers 300 WPC, and the Nova500 provides 500 WPC for dynamic and natural music reproduction. All Nova power amplifier sections are fully-differential designs, ensuring fidelity to the source, musicality, and flexibility. The Novas are compatible with speaker impedances ranging from 2.5Ω to 16Ω, covering most available speakers.

Usage Features:

The Nova features a front panel with several controls and indicators. The On/Standby Button toggles the unit between On mode (which recalls the last used input) and Standby mode (indicated by a red LED). A brief ~2-second transition time is required for the unit to fully power on.

Input selection is handled by dedicated buttons:

• USB-B Button: Selects the USB-B input, lighting the LED blue (or green if volume bypass mode is engaged). This input accepts digital audio up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and 5.6MHz DSD from a computer. A USB 2.0/1.0 button on the rear panel toggles compatibility; USB 2.0 is recommended for Mac users and Windows users with files above 96kHz or DSD, while USB 1.0 is for Windows users with files not exceeding 96kHz. Windows users playing files above 96kHz require a specific USB 2.0 driver.
• USB-A Button: Selects the USB-A input, lighting the LED blue (or green if volume bypass mode is engaged). This input accepts digital audio from compatible mobile devices like iPhone 11 Pro and iPad Pro 10.5-inch.
• COAX Button: Selects the COAX input, lighting the LED blue (or green if volume bypass mode is engaged). This input accepts S/PDIF digital audio up to 192kHz from sources like disc players and streaming devices.
• OPT-1 & OPT-2 Buttons: Select these optical inputs, lighting the LED blue (or green if volume bypass mode is engaged). These accept S/PDIF digital audio up to 192kHz from sources like streaming devices, disc players, cable boxes, and HDTVs.
• AUX-1/HTB Button: Selects the AUX-1 input, lighting the LED blue (or green if Home Theater Bypass mode is engaged). This input accepts line-level analog audio from sources or from a Surround Sound Processor (SSP) or Audio/Video Receiver (AVR) when in HTB mode.
• AUX-2/PHONO Button: Selects the AUX-2 input, lighting the LED blue (or green if PHONO input mode is engaged). PHONO mode is designed for Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges, providing additional gain and equalization. For Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, this input should be set to AUX-2 with an external phono preamp. PHONO mode is activated by pressing and holding the button for ~10 seconds (green LED) and deactivated by holding for ~5 seconds (blue LED).

The VOLUME Knob controls the output level. Rotating it clockwise increases volume, counter-clockwise decreases it. Pressing the knob toggles mute on and off. Volume level is indicated by the eight blue input LEDs on the front panel, each representing ~12.5% of the range. When muted, the selected input LED flashes slowly. Input LEDs also blink when the Nova automatically adjusts output level (e.g., when mute is disengaged, or bypass modes are active) to prevent sudden volume changes.

A HEADPHONE Output (1/4” jack) automatically mutes the RIGHT & LEFT Speaker and PREAMP OUTPUTS when headphones are connected. Removing headphones automatically unmutes these outputs. Users are advised to lower the output level before connecting or removing headphones due to varying headphone sensitivities.

The LOOP Button on the front panel engages (lit blue) and disengages (off) the LOOP OUTPUT/INPUT on the rear panel.

The remote control mirrors many front panel functions, including On/Standby, Mute, Volume +/-, and input selection buttons. It also includes a DIM Button to cycle through front panel LED brightness settings (maximum, high, medium, low) and an Asterisk Button to adjust the LED brightness of an optional Bluesound NODE 2i. Transport Control Buttons (previous track, play/pause, next track) control compatible devices connected to USB inputs (USB-A for iOS, USB-B for computers). PRESET Buttons 1-8 select presets on the optional Bluesound NODE 2i.

Home Theater Bypass (HTB) Input Mode: This mode integrates the Nova with a surround-sound system, allowing the Nova's amplifier to power the front left and right speakers for all sources. When AUX-1 is in HTB mode, the signal from an SSP or AVR passes directly to the Nova's power amplifier, bypassing the Nova's volume control. The input LED turns green in HTB mode, indicating that the SSP or AVR controls the overall system volume. To set up: turn off SSP/AVR and Nova; connect front L/R preamp output from SSP/AVR to Nova's AUX-1/HTB input; turn on Nova and select AUX-1/HTB; press and hold AUX-1/HTB button for ~5 seconds until LED turns green; turn on SSP/AVR and calibrate output levels.

Volume Control Bypass (VCB) Input Mode: This mode removes the Nova's built-in output level control from the signal path, useful when digital sources have their own preferred volume control. When an input is selected, the LED is blue if VCB is disengaged (Nova controls volume) or green if VCB is engaged (source device controls volume). To engage: ensure the connected device is at a low volume; press and hold the desired input button for ~5 seconds until the input LED turns green. Repeat to disengage (LED turns blue). VCB is not available on the AUX-2/PHONO input.

Loop Feature Mode Setup: Turn off Nova and connected device; connect Nova's LOOP OUTPUT to the external processing device's input; connect the external device's output to Nova's LOOP INPUT; turn on Nova and connected device; press the LOOP button on the front panel or remote to engage (LED lit blue) or disengage (LED off).

Maintenance Features:

Unpacking and Warranty:

• Keep all packing materials for potential shipping needs.
• Retain a copy of the sales receipt and note the serial number for warranty and insurance.
• Register the product online at www.peachtreeaudio.com to extend the standard warranty.

Fuse Holder: The fuse can be replaced after turning the POWER switch OFF and removing the power cord from the AC INPUT. Specific fuse values for each Nova model are detailed in the specifications. Using an improper fuse value can damage the unit.

IR Input: A 3.5mm input on the rear panel accepts signals from an Infra-Red (IR) repeater/distribution system, allowing remote control when the front panel IR window is not in line-of-sight. To enable the rear panel IR input and disable the front panel IR receiver, press the current input button 10 times until the standby LED blinks 3 times. To revert, repeat the procedure until the standby LED blinks 2 times.

Troubleshooting:

• No Power: Check rear panel power switch, AC outlet, and front panel on/standby LED (should be red).
• No Sound: Check if Nova is muted (blinking input LED) or if headphones are connected (speaker/preamp outputs muted). Ensure input source is powered on and playing at a reasonable volume. Disengage loop function if active. Double-check rear panel connections.
• Remote Control Not Working: Check/replace batteries. Ensure clear line of sight to front panel sensor. Check for powerful light sources interfering with the sensor.
• Intermittent USB Signal: Relaunch music application. If computer doesn't recognize Nova, unplug/reconnect USB cable, wait a few seconds, then restart computer. Nova is designed to maintain lock on USB signals, but computers may drop connections.
• Hum/Noise with Computer: If using a laptop, try running it on battery power only. If noise disappears, the computer's AC adapter may be causing a "ground loop." If persistent, contact reseller or Peachtree Audio.
• "Click" or "Pop" from Front Panel Controls: This is normal and often due to static discharge, especially in low humidity. If the unit behaves erratically, power it down completely via the rear panel AC switch, wait a minute, then power back on.
• Popping Sounds/Audio Bursts from Streaming Device (Nova500 DAC only): This occurs when the sample rate changes in a playlist. To address this, hold down the desired digital audio input button (COAX, OPT-1, or OPT-2) when bringing the unit out of standby. This toggles the input's dropout prevention option between ON and OFF. The standby LED will flash 6 times for OFF (most players/TVs) or 7 times for ON (Bluesound/others).
• Random Loss of Audio with Click Sound: To disable the "power failure mute" feature (firmware v1.9+), press and hold the volume control knob for ~15 seconds until the standby LED blinks 5 times. This can help with electrical interference on AC Mains. Reverting to default (4 blinks) is done by repeating the action. Disabling this feature may cause noise if AC mains power is suddenly removed.
• Red Standby LED Flashing (5 quick flashes, pause, 5 quick flashes...): This indicates a device connected to the USB-A port that does not support audio (e.g., Apple Watch Magnetic Charger). 5V is still provided to the device.

General Tips:

• For best sound from a computer, set computer and music program volume to maximum, and use the Nova's volume knob or remote as the master control.
• For critical listening, avoid keeping multiple programs open to prevent sound quality compromise or signal dropouts.
• Provide adequate ventilation above the Nova.
• Check www.peachtreeaudio.com periodically for additional tips and articles.

Environmental Considerations:

• The Nova meets European RoHS standards for non-hazardous metals.
• It draws less than half a watt in standby mode.
• The internal power amplifier minimizes power consumption when headphones are used.
• Peachtree Audio is committed to exploring environmentally friendly product development methods.