So, I was prepared to pull the trigger on a Peachtree Nova...and then I started looking at the iNova. Now I thought this was just an added iPod dock to the Nova. Which is cool and all, but I could get a transport to get decent digital outs for less than $600.
 
I did a little more reading and apparently there's more to the iNova than that.
 
(From their site)
 

• A higher resolution 32 bit DAC which works up to 24/192 on coax SPDIF. The USB now gives you 24/96 resolution directly from your computer.
• A new redesigned preamp with a Russian 6N1P tube buffer gives the iNova a greater sense of three-dimensional sound and a more detailed soundstage.
• The amp was fitted with upgraded capacitors making the iNova more dynamic and punchier in the bass region.
• The iPod dock allows you to experience PURE DIGITAL sound from your iPod and now digital music sounds like never before.

 
~
 
I'm basically trying to decide if these upgrades are worth an extra $600. My main concern is expansion. I want to get the most out of an SACD player in the future...Will I need the improved DAC for this? Don't know much about SACD (at this point).
 
I DO know that High Rez music from HD Tracks is 24/96, but is there anything else besides music from HD Tracks that is actually 24/96 right now?
 
~
 
After some research, I realize I could just replace the tubes myself, and the tube they use (6NIP) are dirt cheap ($10 a tube). I may honestly replace them even if I get the iNova.
 
Anyway, thanks in advance.

I have one to sell, per our conversation, but I can't reply to your last message because of the two messages per day limit. If you would be interested, please send me an email at firsname.lastname@gmail.com.

You have a Decco2. I honestly don't think I'm interested for a few reasons.
 
It uses the same DAC as the Nova and the iDecco, so the iNova is still a step up in that regard. It also doesn't have the tube bypass feature of the Nova (at least I don't think it does). The Nova and iNova also have more inputs, which would aid in further expansion. Also depending on speakers, the Nova line has more power than the Decco2.
 
Looks is a big factor for me in this purchase as well, and I'm looking for the Rosewood version. I wanted the black initially, but the fact it's not matte turns me off of it.
 
EDIT: Though you did put up a great price for the Decco 2.

Any chance to listen to the iNova?  If the tube buffer makes as much difference in the sound as I've heard it does, it might be worth it.  The iPod digital out is a pretty nice feature too (I guess sorta like the Wadia 170i?).

No worries, I thought it worth asking.
 
It does have the tube bypass feature though. If I understand their website correctly, the only difference between the Nova and the Decco2 is the power rating of the amplifier and 4 versus 5 digital inputs.

Yeah, same idea as the iPod Transports from Onkyo and Wadia.
 
I won't get a chance to listen to the iNova before I decide. I know they'll both sound good because the Nova sounded great to me, and the iNova could only get better. I'm mainly worried about a future proof product. Making sure it will keep up with improving formats and what not. Then again, how far can we actually go at this point?
Quote:

sridhar3 said:

Any chance to listen to the iNova?  If the tube buffer makes as much difference in the sound as I've heard it does, it might be worth it.  The iPod digital out is a pretty nice feature too (I guess sorta like the Wadia 170i?).

Click to expand...

 
 

Hmmmm...I guess I should go over everything I need to input into it then. The biggest thing I wanted on them was the tube bypass. I love being able to swap the sound whenever I wanted when I heard the Nova.
Quote:

nmattisson said:

No worries, I thought it worth asking.
 
It does have the tube bypass feature though. If I understand their website correctly, the only difference between the Nova and the Decco2 is the power rating of the amplifier and 4 versus 5 digital inputs.

Click to expand...