Region/State
(VIC) Victoria/Australia
Condition/Warranty
Condition: Very Good
Warranty: None or Limited Warranty (in compliance with Consumer Law)
Payment Method
EFT, Cash on Pickup
Original Receipt Available
No
Shipping & Pickup Options
Shipping: Not available
Pickup: Available
Reason for Selling
Too big :(
I've only had this for about 2 months and it's been excellent. I bought it second hand but because I am a dumb dumb and apparently don't know how to measure things it is too big for our hifi cabinet. I've been given a fair bit of leeway with the room aesthetics but now I sadly need to move it on.
As mentioned it sounds excellent to me. The tube works and you can switch it off of you like. The internal DAC sounds better to me than the DAC in my Wiim Pro even though this unit is a fair bit older.
It does have a few rub marks on the front as shown in the photos but otherwise it's in excellent condition. Comes with remote and power cable but no box so no shipping unfortunately.
*24-bit/192kHz USB input accepts 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz sampling rates
*asynchronous USB Input allows the clock inside the novaPre to control the timing of the bitstream before passing the signal to the on-board ESS Sabre ES9023 DAC
*switchable stereo triode 6N1P hybrid tube buffer design smoothes harsh digital edges from compressed sources
galvanic isolation eliminates noise generated by switching power supplies in source components, greatly improving the sound quality
*built-in high-performance headphone amplifier lets you engage or disengage tube stage
*S/N: 96db
*jitter measured at the master clock: < 3 picoseconds
*power supply: 8,700 microfarads of filtering
*stereo separation: 94dB
*4 digital inputs: 1 USB (Type B), 2 coaxial, 1 optical
*1 analog aux RCA stereo input
*2 full-bandwidth RCA pre outputs
*detachable power cord
WARRANTY INFORMATION (Private Seller)
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
User reviews and community discussions praise the Peachtree Audio Nova Pre preamplifier for its smooth sound with compressed digital sources, but criticize its technical performance and reliability issues compared to modern alternatives.
### Sound Quality
- The hybrid tube buffer (using a 6N1P tube) effectively smooths harsh edges from compressed music like iTunes files, adding warmth, body, and hypnotic smoothness to digital sources without embellishing or detracting from recordings.
- It delivers a clean, straight-up presentation with good dynamic range, quiet background for natural instrument reproduction, and fairness to both poor (brittle) and strong recordings; headphone amp performs well with tube engaged or bypassed.
- Criticisms include "OK but not competitive today" measurements (e.g., channel mismatch, poor low-level dynamic range for IEMs), with the tube dismissed as a "marketing gimmick" adding no audible value.
### Build Quality
- Described as attractive, heavy (thick glossy case), and well-engineered with features like galvanic isolation for noise reduction, multiple inputs (4 digital, 1 analog), dual RCA pre-outs (fixed/variable for subwoofers), and smooth front-panel volume control.
- Minor nitpicks: Remote volume steps lack nuance at low levels (jumps from silence to conversation); standard binding posts are acceptable for the price but not premium.
### Reliability
- Most reviews report flawless operation over extended periods, pairing well with various amps and speakers.
- Notable issues: Failed pre-outs due to permanently off relays (possibly a sample defect or quality control problem); underperforms modern DACs per measurements.
### Strengths
- Excellent for digital-heavy setups, enhancing compressed audio and enabling subwoofer use.
- Versatile as preamp/DAC/headphone amp with tube/solid-state options; quiet, musical, and fatigue-free at high volumes.
- Affordable entry to tube-hybrid sound with strong S/N ratio (96dB).
### Weaknesses
- Reveals flaws in bad recordings without flattery; limited low-volume finesse via remote; headphone output struggles at low levels or with certain loads.
- Outdated performance by current standards; potential reliability flaws like dead outputs.
### Overall Reputation
- Positive among early adopters (2013-era) for musicality, smoothness, and value as a "great all-around" hybrid preamp/DAC, especially with Peachtree amps.
- Mixed in technical communities: Highly praised "back in the day" but now seen as underperforming with QC concerns—recommend skipping for newer options.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
The fair market price for a used Peachtree Audio Nova Pre preamplifier in AUD is conservatively estimated at AU$800–1,500, as it is a discontinued model from around 2010–2012 with no recent new listings.
### Price Range by Condition
- Used (typical condition): AU$800–1,200. This reflects cosmetic wear (e.g., light scuffs) and full functionality, similar to a 2009-era listing described as "very good" cosmetically with a functioning remote. Global used marketplaces show ongoing availability but no specific recent AUD prices, supporting this range based on original retail scaling (originally ~US$999 or ~AU$1,100–1,300 at launch).
- New or mint: Unlikely available; no current retail listings, as Peachtree lists it but distribution has ended. If found (e.g., NOS stock), expect AU$1,500–2,000, akin to original pricing adjusted for age.
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Age and discontinuation: Released over a decade ago with outdated DAC performance (e.g., "OK" by modern standards, poor headphone/IEM output, channel mismatch). Remains sought for hybrid tube buffer appeal despite criticism as a "gimmick."
- Condition: Light use preserves value (e.g., tube glow intact, inputs functional); issues like failed pre-outs or missing remote parts reduce it by 20–30%.
- Accessories and features: Includes remote, tube (6N1P), multiple inputs (USB/optical/coax up to 24/192), headphone amp, and galvanic isolation boost appeal for hybrid setups.
- Market trends: Low demand in recent forums; competes with superior modern alternatives, capping used prices. No AUD-specific listings in results; global used sites imply variability by region.
Prices may fluctuate with inflation or hi-fi market shifts; check local sites like HifiShark for real-time data.
English (US)