The Peachtree Audio Nova DAC

Nova is the latest piece of high-tech audio gear from Peachtree Audio, a specialized DAC (digital to analog converter) that will change the way you were used to listen to your digital music. It's common knowledge that, when it comes to digital audio, compression is one of the biggest enemies of the audiophile-grade sound.

If it's not an audio CD or a similar high-def, uncompressed audio format, your sound is lossy and most likely to miss important parts. Here's where the Nova DAC comes in and offers the warm and enveloping analog feeling to your digital sources. You can use the product with almost any such sources, no matter whether you're thinking about your computer, MP3 player, tape decks, or any other music ones.

Thanks to the wide array of available connectors, the Nova can be easily employed with your home theater system, as well as with devices like the Apple TV or computer. You get an USB port, which is insulated from all the network noise that may be caused by the computer's switching power supply, two coaxial and two optical inputs to let you effortlessly hook up with Squeezebox, Apple TV, Wadia iTransport, Airport, Sonos, or XM/Sirius tuners.

Additionally, the package comprises three analog inputs to link your Nova with iPod docks, phono preams, CD players, and other similar sources.

On the inside, the Peachtree Audio contraption comes loaded with no less than 11 regulated power supplies that will reduce ground noises to a minimum possible. At the same time, the ESS Sabre 9006 DAC works on a patented jitter reduction engine that re-clocks the digital signal before it reaches the upsampling module.

The almost 0 jitter signal is then passed to the high-end 24/192 upsampling processor, which sports an amazing 122 dB signal to noise ratio.

Furthermore, as if all these features were not enough, the product also sports a tube-driven pre-amp using a 6922/ECC88 vacuum tube, which will add its classic Class A warmth to your headphone listening habits. The Peachtree Audio Nova DAC comes in Piano Black, Rosewood, and Cherry finishes, and will retail for an announced price of $1,199. Shipping will most likely start in late January/early February.

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