Усилители мощности стерео — Peachtree Audio Stereo X

Peachtree Audio designed the Stereo X as a two-channel power amp built around the NCore X 500 module from Hypex and housed in a machined aluminium chassis. In the Peachtree range it sits above the Stereo 150X and next to the Mono X, and the same power stage also appears inside the Carina X integrated amplifier. The regular price is USD 1,799.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 300 W per channel into 8 ohm and 600 W into 4 ohm, both measured at 1% THD+N, and Peachtree states that loads from 2 to 16 ohm are supported. Distortion at 1 kHz and 5 W stays below 0.0010% through RCA and below 0.0006% through XLR, while intermodulation distortion is quoted at -80 dB and -85 dB for the two input types. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 100 dB on the RCA side and 105 dB on the XLR side. Frequency response deviates by +0.00 dB and -0.03 dB across the audio band, with the -3 dB point placed at 70 kHz. Input impedance is 100 kohm single-ended and 47 kohm balanced, sensitivity is 1 V and 2 V, and gain is 33 dB and 27 dB for RCA and XLR respectively. The case is 300 mm wide, 84 mm tall and 352 mm deep, with a weight of 5.4 kg.

Engineering and use context

A single 1,200 W power supply feeds both channels. The NCore X 500 module runs with 75 dB of loop gain, which the maker links to very low harmonic and intermodulation distortion and a negligible output impedance, and Hypex claims half the noise and THD of the preceding module generation. At idle the amplifier draws 26 W, rising to a maximum of 1,400 W at full load. The AC input accepts 90 to 132 V or 180 to 264 V at 50 or 60 Hz, so one unit covers different mains standards. Two trigger inputs work with automatic input selection, letting the amplifier wake with the preamplifier or processor that drives it. A ground terminal sits on the rear panel, and the unit carries CE and FCC approvals.

Pairing

Both balanced and unbalanced preamplifiers connect directly, and the lower XLR gain suits sources with a hotter balanced output. A dedicated bi-amp button allows vertical bi-amping, where two Stereo X units each drive one loudspeaker with one channel on the bass section and one on the treble section. The wide supported load range covers low-impedance floorstanders as well as easier bookshelf designs.

Alternatives

The Peachtree Stereo 150X uses a Hypex NCore X module in a similar aluminium case but delivers 150 W into 8 ohm and 250 W into 4 ohm.