nova
nova
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• Co Axial Digital Inputs: How to connect units with a digital co-ax output: i.e.
CD players, Logitech Squeeze box, Sonos ZP80/90, Wadia i170 etc.
From Back panel connect the input with a digital coaxial cable (7 or 10) to the
coax output from any of the above products or any product that has this kind
of digital output. Select the corresponding input in the front of the Nova.
C o n n e c t i o n s
• Optical Digital Inputs (sometimes called Toslink): How to connect sources
with a digital optical output: i.e. CD players, Apple TV or Airport express (special
Apple optical cable needed). From Back panel connect the input with an opti-
cal cable (8 or 9) to the optical output from any of the above product or any
product that has this an optical output. Select the corresponding input in the
front of the Nova.
Introduction
• USB Input for Computer: While both the Nova and your computer are in the off position, connect a USB cable
from your PC to the back of the Nova (6). Turn on the Nova and then boot up your PC. (it doesn’t have to be
done this way….both can be on….but we can leave it I guess)
Safety Guidelines
In the bottom right corner of your screen, you’ll see a speaker icon. RIGHT CLICK this icon and select “Adjust
Audio Properties”. Follow the “Volume” tab.
Beside the speaker icon in the volume tab, use the drop-down tab and select USB Audio DAC.
Back Panel Connections
Front Panel
You are now ready to launch and play your favorite music server program like iTunes or Windows Media although
there are many more to chose from. Be sure you have the USB input selected on your Nova
• USB for Mac: While both your Mac and Nova are in the off position, connect a USB cable from your Mac to
the USB input on the back of the Nova (6). Turn on the Nova and then boot up your Mac. (same thing…both
units can be on….you just can’t have the music server program open before you connect the USB)
In the “Systems Preferences” chose the speaker icon. When the next box appears, switch from “Internal
Speaker” to “USB Audio Device”
You are now ready to launch and play your favorite music server program like iTunes although there are many
more to chose from.
Remote Control
• Analog Hookup: The analog hook ups are for using conventional components like Tuners, Tape Decks,
SACD players etc.
If you plan to use a turntable, you’ll need an external phono preamp to match your cartridge output. Consult your
dealer for recommendations.
• Speaker Output: The Nova is designed to drive one pair of speakers between 4 and 8 ohms. Is is not advisable
to use more than one pair with the power from the Nova
Technical Specifications
• Pre Out: The Pre out can be used for several operations.
It can first be used as a subwoofer output. Run a stereo pair of RCA from the pre-out (14) to the subwoofer
line-in. If your subwoofer has only one line-in, you can use a YAdapter at the Nova (Dual Male to Single Female)
which will give you a summed single output. This single line RCA type plug will then be connected to the single
input on your subwoofer.
Trouble Shooting
• External Amplifier: Connect the Stereo RCA type cable from the pre output of the Nova to the stereo inputs
on your external amplifier. Connect the speaker wires to the speakers. Turn on the Nova and then the external
amplifier. At this point, you’ll be using the Nova as a Digital and Analog Preamp.
• External Amplifier and Powered subwoofer: You will need to split the L/R outputs to two L/R outputs. To
Product Guarantee and Service
do this, you’ll need to purchase
2-Y-Adapters (Single Male to Two Female). Plug the Y Adapters into the pre-out of the Nova. You now have
two outputs for each channel. Connect 1 set of L/R RCA type connectors to the external amp and the other
two outputs to your subwoofer.
Useful Tips and more...
Connections
• Using Nova as an external DAC: With your existing system, connect the “Fixed” line out from the Nova to
an Aux channel of your receiver or preamp. Hook any Digital inputs to the Nova as described above. Select
the connected digital input on the Nova, then select the input on your Preamp/Receiver that is connected the the
Nova’s line output.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE NOVA “FIXED” LINE TO A PHONO INPUT. THIS WILL OVERDRIVE YOUR
PREAMP AND YOU HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF DAMAGING YOUR PREAMP/RECEIVER AND OR SPEAKERS.
The USB connections are repeated in the Useful Tips pages
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Other
Helpful
Tips
I n t r o d u c t i o n
1)
2)
Always set your computer and Music program volume control to
maximum and use the Nova volume as a master control. It sounds
better that way.
Avoid keeping multiple programs open while streaming music. It
can compromise the sound quality and even cause signal dropouts.
Thank you for purchasing the Peachtree Audio Nova amplifier.
3) Avoid plugging and unplugging the USB input multiple times in a short time span. It usually is not
a problem but increases the chance of a voltage spike to the USB input.
While Peachtree Audio is a new company, the people behind the design and mar-
keting of this fine product have been in the Consumer Electronics business over 30
years. The design of the Nova is an attempt to marry audiophile level amplification
with the unique capabilities of external Digital to Analog converters. The ability
to process and play compressed and uncompressed music files that have been
downloaded to hard drives makes the Nova a unique product. The fact that it vastly
improves upon the performance of most computer-audio systems is a big plus; and
our original goal.
4) Give the Nova adequate ventilation as it will get fairly warm.
5)
The blue lighted ring around the digital inputs of the Nova have a diagnostic built in. If the digital
signal is not locked on the DAC it will continue to blink. Check your connections and be sure your
source is turned on and playing. If it still blinks with no sound feel free to call us at the number
below.
As we develop more computer-audio products and gain more knowledge
we’ll post helpful tips on our website:
Signalpathint.com
This manual is your guide to the functions and connections associated with the
Nova. It will process a host of digital audio sources from the Apple Airport to the
Slim Devices Squeezebox, to the Roku Soundbridge, to the Linksys Music Bridge,
to the Sonos ZP80, and to the digital output of your CD player. And of course, you
can plug an iPod in to it, too.
704-391-9337
Interested in the Green Movement?
We sincerely hope that the Nova provides you with years of trouble-free music
listening, and that you will use it often. We will try to keep updates on our web-
dealer should you have any questions. While you’re thinking about it, please go to
Peachtreeaudio.com and register your Nova for peace of mind.
1)
2)
3)
The Nova meets the European RoHS standards for non-hazardous metals
The veneers in the Nova cabinet come from sustainable forests with the FSC certification
The Nova utilizes a standby transformer that draws less than a watt in the US and less than 2
watts in countries with 220V electrical service
Thanks again, and Happy Listening!
The Guys at Signal Path
4)
We will continue to investigate more ways of making our products environmentally friendly as
we develop Peachtree Audio in to a full line .
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Important Safety Instructions
1)
Read these instructions – All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before this product is operated.
Keep these instructions – The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.
2)
3)
4)
U s e f u l
Ti p s
S a f e t y
G u i d e l i n e s
Heed all warnings –All warnings on the appliance and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
• A blue LED mounted under the tube
Do not use this apparatus near water – The appliance should not
be used near water or moisture – for example, in a wet basement
or near a swimming pool, and the like.
turns on when the tube is activated
5)
Clean only with dry cloth.
6)
7)
At Peachtree Audio we think that products should be easy to use. Therefore, we don’t require
any custom USB drivers or software programs in order to listen to your music from your computer.
The Nova’s USB audio input is used to take music files from your computer’s hard drive and play
them back with superb fidelity.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacture’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
8)
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plugs, convenience
receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
While some of the wording and steps vary somewhat between MACs and PCs, the basic in-
structions are very similar.
9)
USB Connections
10)
11)
12)
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
PC
Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
1)
2)
Connect the USB terminal on the Nova to a USB connection on your computer.
Your computer will “see” the USB Audio DAC inside the Nova. You may get a “USB AUDIO DAC”
pop-up box but it’s not necessary.
13)
14)
Please keep the unit in a good ventilation environment.
3)
Right click the speaker icon on the bottom of your screen
CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce
the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating
instructions unless you are qualified to do so.
4) Select “Audio” tab
15)
WARNING:To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on apparatus.
5)
6)
7)
Using the drop-down box choose USB AUDIO DAC
Click OK
16) 18. WARNING: The mains plug/appliance coupler is used as disconnect device, the disconnect
device shall remain readily operable.
Launch Music Program and play
17)
- This lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of non-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
- Warning: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back) as there are no
user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
- The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Protective earthing terminal. The apparatus should be connected to a mains socket outlet with
a protective earthing connection.
Mac
1)
2)
Later Mac setup may vary but the basic instructions are outlined below
Click on to System preferences
Click on to the speaker icon
3)
18)
19)
WARNING:For the terminals marked with symbol of “ ” may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock. The external wiring connected to the terminals requires installation by
an instructed person or the used of ready-made leads or cords according to manufacturer’s
instruction.
4) Under the sounds tab you should see a window that offers USB Audio DAC (and your soundcard)
Click on to USB Audio DAC
5)
Launch Music program and enjoy your music
Unpacking and Warranty
1)
2)
Keep all packing materials for future shipments. (service)
Once you do this setup your computer should recognize the USB Audio DAC and default to it
when plugged in. If you unplug the USB connections and reboot your music before re-connecting
first, you may find that you have to go back through steps 3-7, This is not unusual.
Keep a record of your bill of sale and a copy of the serial number for warranty and insurance
purposes.
3)
2
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Speaker terminals: The speaker terminals are clearly marked red-positive
1)
2)
P r o d u c t
G u a r a n t e e
a n d
and black-negative for proper polarity connections.
B a c k
P a n e l
Connections
Storage Bay: You can store a digital audio wireless device like the Sonos
ZP80 or the Linksys Music Bridge in this compartment. There may be con-
cerns about reduced wireless range or heat buildup, though that has not been
our experience. If either happens, you should remove the device to see if you
get better results.
Warranty,Contact, and Support Information
S e r v i c e
International Guarantee
The Nova has a 1 year Parts and Labor guarantee from the time of purchase. Tubes are
covered for 6 months. Units that are covered under this guarantee include Novas purchased
from any authorized Nova distributor or dealer.
Signal Path can take no responsibility for defects arising from accident, misuse, abuse, wear
and tear, neglect or through unauthorized adjustment and/or repair. We also cannot accept
responsibility for damage or loss occurring during transit to or from the person claiming under
the guarantee. The warranty does not cover shipping costs.
Claims Under Warranty:
The equipment should be packed in its original packing and returned to the dealer from whom it
was purchased, or if unavailable, directly to the Nova distributor.
3)
4)
5)
Terminal Window: This opening will allow you to seal off a digital audio wireless device but still have access to the
terminals. If there are heat concerns then leave the entire storage bay panel off.
Voltage switching: For international use. Unplug the Nova before you make the switch and be sure to use the
proper fuse for the voltage chosen. **warning ** Improper voltage setting may cause damage to the Nova.
You should use a reputable carrier….Do Not Send By Postal Service. . Signal Path can-
not accept responsibility for the Nova while in transit to the dealer, distributor, or service facility.
Please insure the unit against loss or damage while in transit.
AC power cord attachment & Fuse: The three prong power cord is included in the Nova box. Fuse is user replaceable after
turning the Nova off. You may call your dealer or Signal Path’s service department with any questions regarding fuse re-
placement. **warning ** using the wrong value fuse may cause damage to the Nova and is a potential safety fire hazard.
In the unlikely event that you experience a failure with your Nova, please call for return
authorization number before returning products for service. Any Nova received without an RA #
will be refused. You may also wish to route your repair through your dealer, which we encourage.
6)
USB Digital input : to connect directly to your computer.
7) Coaxial Digital input 2: for coaxial digital sources
8) Optical Digital input2: for optical digital sources
9) Optical Digital input1: for optical digital sources
*The Home Theater Bypass is used when you want to integrate the
Nova in to a Home Theater system that has Preamp outputs on the sur-
round processor.. First you should turn down the volume. Then you
take the Front left and Right preamp outputs from your Home Theater
processor and plug them in to the Aux3/HT Left and Right inputs. Next
you activate the HT button next to the Aux3 input. At this point you are
bypassing the preamp stage of the Nova and using the Nova’s amplifier
to power your left and right front speakers in your home theater. You
will also have 2 Aux inputs for analog sources such as an iPod or a CD
player. This feature allows you to have a large number of digital inputs
integrated in to your Home Theater setup.
Call 704-391-9337 for a return authorization number.
10)
Coaxial Digital input 1: for coaxial digital sources
Main office (not service)
11) 3.5mm IR Remote input and output
12)
13)
Aux3 / HT bypass: see explanation *
Signal Path International
2045 120th Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98005
Aux 2: for analog line level sources
14) Preamp output: to connect the Nova to an external amplifier or to a subwoofer. The Nova amplifier is still active
when the preamp output is used.
15) Digital filter slope: user selectable DAC filter slopes allow for a sharp slope which measures better and a soft slope
that is preferred by many audiophiles.
16)
17)
Line level output: This fixed output will allow the user to feed the Nova’s sources in to another preamp input.
Aux 1: for analog line level sources
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*The lighted rings around the digital input
buttons will blink until the digital signal is
locked on the DAC
Tr o u b l e
S h o o t i n g
F r o n t
P a n e l
Make sure the on/off switch on the front panel is en-
gaged. Check to be sure the AC plug is connected. Check
the fuse.
The Nova will not turn on
Be sure you have the proper input selected. Make certain
the mute isn’t engaged. Determine if your source is on. If
the input button is blinking then your digital signal is not
locked. Check your cable for connections and your
source to be sure it is on and playing.
The Nova unit turns on but there is no sound
The remote control doesn’t work
1
Please check the batteries by removing the cover on the
back of the remote. It is an infrared remote so it needs a
clear line of sight to the sensor on the front panel of the
Nova.
The first thing to try is rebooting the music server
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8
2
11
12
6
9
4
10
3
5
13
program ( iTunes, Foobar, WMP, etc) and see if that works.
Then try turning the Nova off, then re-boot your computer.
Then turn the Nova back on. If the computer still doesn’t
recognize the USB DAC repeat the process and also un-
plug the USB cable from the computer and the Nova, then
plug it back in right before re-booting. These are com-
puter devices, and sometimes you’ll lose a signal just like
your printer or any other USB device.
1)
2)
3)
Digital USB input: for computer audio sources
Power
You intermittently lose your signal on the USB input
Digital Coax input: connects to the pcm coaxial digital output of CD players, DVD players, Wadia iTransports,
Sonos ZP 80, Slim Devices Squeezebox, etc…etc…
You should not have this problem often. We designed the
Nova to remain locked on the USB signal at all times, but
sometimes you can still get a signal dropout.
Digital Coax input: connects to the pcm coaxial digital output of CD players, DVD players, Wadia iTransports,
Sonos ZP 80, Slim Devices Squeezebox, etc…etc…
4)
5)
6)
This can require some trial and error diagnostics.
Optical digital input: connects to the pcm coaxial digital output of CD players, DVD players, Wadia iTransports,
Apple TVs, Sonos ZP 80, Slim Devices Squeezebox, etc…etc…
If you have music files stored on a laptop computer, hook it
up to the Nova and a pair of speakers using battery power.
If it works properly with no noise then your computer in your
office is introducing a ground loop in to the system. This
is not uncommon; but the Nova has transformer coupled
digital inputs to minimize this problem. If problems persist,
please feel free to contact Signal Path.
You pick up hum and noise through your Nova in your
office system
Optical digital input: connects to the pcm coaxial digital output of CD players, DVD players, Wadia iTransports,
Apple TVs, Sonos ZP 80, Slim Devices Squeezebox, etc…etc…
Aux 1 analog input: for any analog line level output device including an iPod
Infrared remote signal sensor
7)
8)
Sometimes this is from static buildup but it should
not occur consistently over a long period of time.
Contact your dealer or Signal Path if this persists.
When you switch from one source to another you get a
loud “click” or “pop”
You must use a wide bandwidth 75 ohm digital interconnect
in this application. If you use a standard audio RCA cable
the results will not be nearly as good. This is not an unusual
mistake as the two interconnects look identical but sound
different.
Aux 2 analog input: for any analog line level output device including an iPod
Aux 3 analog input / Home Theater bypass (see back panel explanation)
Tube (valve) window: blue LED activates when the tube is on
Volume control
9)
Your Coaxial Digital connections do not sound quite right
Your iPod doesn’t sound quite right through the Nova
10)
11)
12)
13)
Your iPod offers custom equalizations for headphone
use that aren’t necessary with the Nova and a good pair
of speakers. Use a “flat” response and be sure the iPod
volume is set to match the other components in your
system. If you find that you still need equalization, then
start at “flat” and make your settings from that point.
Headphone input
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Amp
The Nova remote control is straightforward, easy to use, and el-
We suggest that after you manually turn
ST mos-fet amp modules
egantly designed.
the Nova
80w/ch at less than 1% distortion in to 6 ohms
Internally wired like Sigma Servo control (two wires from amp to terminal)
for better damping
R e m o t e
C o n t r o l
Technical
Specifications
“on”,
use.
than
that standby be your default position when the Nova is not in
It will not damage the unit or wear the parts out more quickly
being completely “off”.
PreAmp
Hybrid tube design (6922)
6.5V output @ 2.0V input
<30 Ohms at the output stage
Class A output stage
Switching relays in the signal path
Polypropylene caps in the signal path
1) On/Standby:This button switches
between “standby” and On” . When
in standby the Nova draws very little
6
4
7
8
1
2
5
7
voltage. We recommend turning the
Nova off by leaving it in standby.
4
5
7
USB: This button selects a digital
2)
3)
4)
Headphone Amp (shared with the Pre-Out stage)
audio source at the USB connection.
Volume + - : These buttons will
increase and decrease volume levels.
Suitable for all electro-dynamic headphones
Frequency response: DC ~ 100 kHz +/- 0.1dB
Voltage gain: 10dB
Maximum output voltage: 7Vrms
output impedance: <30ohms
3
3
Coax 1 & 2:These buttons select
digital audio source at the Coaxial
digital connection.
Maximum output power: 100mW into 8Ohm / 300mW into 150Ohm / 150mW into 300Ohm
Class A output stage
6922 Tube is in circuit
5) Opt 1 & 2: These buttons select
digital audio source at the Optical
(or Toslink) connection.
DAC
Mute: This button will mute the
6)
7)
Nova.
5 digital inputs 1- USB, 2 coax, 2 optical
24/96 upsampling ESS9006 DAC
11 regulated power supplies
Organic capacitors
Class A output stage
Aux 1,2,and 3: These are your three
standard line level inputs. See Back
Panel page for an explanation of the
Home Theater bypass.
Transformer coupled digital Inputs for ground isolation
Galvanically isolated USB stage.
>122db S/N
8) Tube: When engaged, this button
will bypass the tube in the preamp
circuit allowing for Solid State
performance. Blue LED indicates
the tube circuit is engaged.
<1picosecond jitter measured at the Master Clock (Super Clock)
Size 5”H x 14 ¾”W x 14”D (including volume knob and speaker terminals)
Weight 26lbs.
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