Peachtree Audio Nova - Need a solution for controlling the sub

does the sub have speaker-level input posts?  if so, you might be able to double up the speaker outputs from the Nova, if the parallel speaker impedance can be handled by the Nova.  This is exactly the reason why I did NOT get a Nova, even though I really wanted one.  It seems like a design defect to have the preamp output live when the speaker outputs are muted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmptyTalk 

does the sub have speaker-level input posts?  if so, you might be able to double up the speaker outputs from the Nova, if the parallel speaker impedance can be handled by the Nova.

I have the Primare I21 integrated amp and this is exactly what I do.  But since my amp has only one set of speaker outputs, I connect another pair of speaker cables on the same terminals as the main speaker cables.  Subwoofers are not supposed to have a large impact on the load when connected in parallel with your speakers.  According to my Velodyne Impact Mini's manual:

The SPEAKER LEVEL jacks connect directly to the speaker outputs of any amplifier, integrated
amplifier, or receiver. Your amplifier section will notice no additional loading effects when you
use these inputs due to their very high impedance. If using the SPEAKER LEVEL inputs, you DO
want to connect both channels, since different bass information might be present in each
channel going to your main speakers.

(Remember not to connect both the speaker-level and line-level at the same time.)

Another way is to connect the preout of the Nova to a source selector (you can get an inexpensive one from Radio Shack), then connect the selector to the sub.  When not using the sub, switch the source selector to an input that doesn't have anything connected.

Thread resurrection and clarification:  I now have a Peachtree Decco2, and the sub is muted when the headphone jack is used.  So perhaps this feature has changed throughout the Peachtree line?  I don't know about any of the other products.

@Empty Talk: not trying to hijack this thread but I'm curious about your impressions of the Decco2.  I've been thinking of getting one since the price of one (along with the DS 4.5 speakers) has become very attractive.  I know, I know, I should start a separate thread . . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexsj 

@Empty Talk: not trying to hijack this thread but I'm curious about your impressions of the Decco2.  I've been thinking of getting one since the price of one (along with the DS 4.5 speakers) has become very attractive.  I know, I know, I should start a separate thread . . . .

I love it because it is pretty much perfect for my needs:  my nearfield office rig that is based on my PC playing FLAC files from Foobar2000.  I was able to replace an integrated amp, a stand alone DAC, and a stand alone headphone amp, along with all of the associated interconnects, and consolidate all the functionality into one box.  I initially thought that the Decco2 might be underpowered, but I rarely have the volume knob past 10:00.

To be honest, I don't have anything near a golden ear, and my headphone listening is rarely focused enough to appreciate the quality or lack thereof of my system.  For example, I have used several different headphone amps and honestly can't say that one is significantly better or worse than the others, because I simply don't have the time or the know how to do a meaningful A/B comparison.  Thus, I think the Decco2 headphone output is at least as good as:  Cambridge audio Azur 540A integrated amp headphone output, the Zero DAC/amp output, and the Keces HA-171 amp.  As another example, I can't really hear any real difference between the tube in and tube out modes.  Might be my equipment, but whatever.

I listen to very good desktop speakers and the Decco2 drives them well.  I tend to switch back and forth between the speakers and the headphones, and it's pretty simple to just plug in and unplug the headphones rather than have to flip multiple switches, change cables, etc. etc.

Plus, the piano black and overall design is stunning, and the customer service is outstanding.  For the reduced price I'd say go for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by quigley0 

Thanks for the update - i know peachtree is coming out with another product, so i may "upgrade" if this feature is now standard.

It's funny, because I was told that the headphone section of the Decco2 is/was the same as the first Nova unit.  So I wasn't even going to consider the Decco2.  However, my local real life audio salesman convinced me to demo the Decco2 anyway, just to double check the functionality.  So that is how I discovered the muting feature.  Moreover, the dealer had a very competitive price, so I bought it from him rather than risk an online purchase.  I'm happy that I did.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmptyTalk 

 

I love it because it is pretty much perfect for my needs:  my nearfield office rig that is based on my PC playing FLAC files from Foobar2000.  I was able to replace an integrated amp, a stand alone DAC, and a stand alone headphone amp, along with all of the associated interconnects, and consolidate all the functionality into one box.  I initially thought that the Decco2 might be underpowered, but I rarely have the volume knob past 10:00.

 

To be honest, I don't have anything near a golden ear, and my headphone listening is rarely focused enough to appreciate the quality or lack thereof of my system.  For example, I have used several different headphone amps and honestly can't say that one is significantly better or worse than the others, because I simply don't have the time or the know how to do a meaningful A/B comparison.  Thus, I think the Decco2 headphone output is at least as good as:  Cambridge audio Azur 540A integrated amp headphone output, the Zero DAC/amp output, and the Keces HA-171 amp.  As another example, I can't really hear any real difference between the tube in and tube out modes.  Might be my equipment, but whatever.

 

I listen to very good desktop speakers and the Decco2 drives them well.  I tend to switch back and forth between the speakers and the headphones, and it's pretty simple to just plug in and unplug the headphones rather than have to flip multiple switches, change cables, etc. etc.

 

Plus, the piano black and overall design is stunning, and the customer service is outstanding.  For the reduced price I'd say go for it.

 

 

 

I don't think there is anything underpowered about 40 watts into 6 ohms for a nearfield set up.  And I totally agree that a swiss army knife amp/dac/headphone amp makes sense for a desktop.  I'm curious what speakers do you use?  I'd love to get a pair of PSB B4 but from what I've read the DS 4.5 which come paired with the Decco2 are pretty reasonable speakers.  And which headphones have you tried with it?  Thanks!