By I think it’s high time we stop yapping about which power amplifier class is better, and start focusing on what matters. Look, Class-D has caught up with the rest and, instead of making noise about what amplifier class is better based upon decades-old stigma that has been engineered out with advanced modern design, let’s just collectively admit ALL amplifier types have their flaws. Yes, even you, Class-A. Here’s the rub: regardless of class, when one looks at the numbers that matter, like Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N) and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), along with things like Channel Separation and Frequency Response, most of these numbers are stellar regardless of amplifier class in today’s audioverse. Does that mean numbers and specifications even matter? It depends heavily on how they are measured and what standards are used. I will say the more purpose-driven, ethically-sound companies like Peachtree Audio do a great job forming a picture of what their amplifiers like the X2 power amplifier can do through transparent specifications.
When I found out I would be lucky enough to evaluate the $2,999 Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier, the very first thing I did was head over to their website and look through the datasheet. I found from my experience with the Peachtree Audio Gan 1 power amplifier (read here), reputation matters and, through their reputation, I know I can trust Peachtree Audio to paint a clear picture of their products’ performance on paper. Or can I? I thought I had a good prediction of what was about to sing to me until I got the X2 power amplifier in my system and, as always, it never ceases to amaze me that I can be caught off-guard one way or another by a component’s performance. The Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier was a cool listening journey, so I want to share it with you here.
What Makes the Peachtree Audio X2 Power Amplifier So Special?
- The Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier has incredible power and control. The X2 power amplifier boasts 350 watts per channel into eight ohms, and a whopping 700 watts per channel into four ohms. These are not inflated wattage numbers. By the time I was done running the X2 Power amplifier through the gamut with several loudspeakers, the loudspeakers were begging for mercy, while the X2 Power Amplifier barely broke a sweat. Strictly from a drive standpoint, the X2 Power Amplifier could keep pace with my Bricasti Design M30 power amplifiers (reviewed here) and the X2 power amplifier costs 10 times less.
- The fully dual-mono design built on Hypex NCore X technology delivers a high level of transparency and detail. Any intermediate audiophile will know the Hypex name. The company has been perfecting the amplifier part of the switching amplifier for decades and are widely used amplifier modules. It is no secret Peachtree Audio decided to use Hypex amplifier modules in the X2 Power Amplifier because Hypex offers supreme performance for a reasonable OEM cost that builds high value when smart systems integration is applied. Using two NCore modules in a dual-mono configuration allows Peachtree Audio to build the signal path around, and ultimately through, the NCore amplifier section with the ultimate power and precision only available with separate amplifiers. I believe that, with the ability to make Class-D amplification smaller due to its higher inherent power density and efficiency, a dual-mono chassis make a lot of sense and preserves the mono amplifier advantages in terms of channel separation and low noise in a useful, compact package.
- The fit and finish of the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier is way above its price point. The Gloss Mocha wood finish is stunning. The high-gloss finish provides a modern twist, while maintaining a classic feel. The REAL analog power meters put the honey glow in my cheeks, too. I have recently had a few digital components in my system with simulated analog meters, and it just is not the same. There is no replacement for the action of real analog meters or the dimension of their look, and the glowing backlight is outright romantic. Stunning.
- Peachtree Audio has made vertical bi-amping easy with the addition of a second X2 power amplifier. Push the “Stereo/Biamp” mode button “in” on the back of the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier and the right channel input is used for both loudspeaker outputs. This allows the user to use one X2 amplifier to drive a single loudspeaker that is capable of being bi-amplified with a single X2 power amplifier. Add a second X2 power amplifier for the remaining loudspeaker and the end user will officially have enough clean power in their system to weld 80 carbon steel pipes.
- The rear panel layout of the Peachtree Audio X2 Power Amplifier is useful. While this seems nitpicky, most components are abominable to connect when I have to play Twister around an audio rack, trying not to step on a field of Clarus Audio Crimson power cables. The well-spaced, thoughtful setup allows for easy connection of bulky cables in packed systems.
Why Should You Care About the Peachtree Audio X2 Power Amplifier?
I’m going to expand on the comparison I made earlier to the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier’s ability to drive as hard as my far larger, more expensive amplifiers. Loud is easy. Drive is not. There are plenty of amplifiers out there with high wattage ratings that can get loud and make speakers scream, but I have only heard a handful at the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier’s $2,999 price tag that produce sufficient dynamic range through all musical octaves with zero apparent distortion at room-pressurizing levels. The Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier does not stop there, either. Even with large demanding loudspeakers, like my PSB Audio Synchrony T800s (read my review here) paired with dynamic, high-resolution modern recordings, the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier never gave up one iota of control. This is something special at the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier’s price tag and a key aspect of performance where many other intermediate-level dedicated amplifiers fall short.
Some Things You Might Not Like About the Peachtree Audio X2 Power Amplifier
- The Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier has weird proportions. The non-standard proportions and rounded sides of the X2 power amplifier will make it hard to stack with standard components, although the matching Peachtree Audio Carina pre-DAC (evaluation pending) looks pretty sexy on top of it.
- The Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier has a bit of its own sonic character. Every component has a little something it adds or detracts from the sound. I found the Peachtre Audio X2 power amplifier to have a sort of character that can be described as fairly laid-back with a rotund bottom end. This characteristic sound is not to the point where I would make the statement the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier is outright colored; however, its character was consistent in everything I experienced. Ultimately, I didn’t mind the X2 power amplifier’s character, and it allowed me to listen to some traditionally yucky recordings like ‘70s rock or ‘80s New Wave that are mostly unlistenable with equipment that is too neutral. On more traditional audiophile recordings where I want ultimate neutrality, the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier’s character didn’t really bother me all that much – but it’s there, and may not be for everyone.
- Damn the C20 power cord connection on the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier! I have my suspicions as to why Peachtree did it, but the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier’s power inlet is of the C20 male-connection type, which is different than the more traditional C14 male type widely used in the audio industry. This was confusing, since the X2 Power Amplifier is fused at 15 amps, which still falls firmly in the C13/C14’s specifications for power requirements. The C20 connection on the back of the X2 power amplifier rendered all my advanced power cords useless, since they are C13 female connections. Beware if you use aftermarket power cords. You will need one with a C19 female end. At least the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier came with a heavy-gauge C19 donned cord in the box and, without delving into an engineering lesson in switching amplification/power supply noise rejection, it should be more than sufficient for everyone.
Listening to the Peachtree Audio X2 Power Amplifier
I started the X2 power amplifier journey paired with the Peachtree Audio Carina preamplifier (evaluation pending) and my Sonus faber Lumina V (read here). Once I settled into the sonic capabilities of both Peachtree Audio pieces on known loudspeakers, I swapped over to the new arrival I had in my listening space: The Paradigm Premier 820F (buy at Crutchfield). The bulk of my listening was done with the Paradigm 820F, though I did some drive tests with larger loudspeakers as well.
I quickly found the balance of the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier to excel with hard-hitting rock. “The Outsider” off A Perfect Circle’s album Thirteenth Step (buy at Amazon) hits hard from the go with slamming drums and a deep, harmonic bass line. I was taken back by the Peachtree Audio X2’s ability to control every loudspeaker I listened to with immediacy and impact. The X2 power amplifier sounded like a much physically larger amplifier with seemingly endless power reserves. When the bass arrived, it did so with authority, yet the drums never got lost in the mix. Maynard Keenan’s voice anchored itself mid-stage and his minor inflections were all well-preserved. As “The Outsider” ramps up further, the laid-back sonic signature of the X2 power amplifier helped the guitars’ harmonics to sound fatter than I am used to, which in some ways allowed me to crank the volume a little higher than usual. As the volume went up, the integrity of the sound from cymbals, which range from the top with body and air, to the heavily-anchored bottom end never faltered. So fun – and one hell of a powerful listening experience through the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier.
Speaking of big, fun songs, the country genre has a few of those. While I think country has gotten a little lost from its roots, sometimes the genre can swing in with some seriously fun stuff that mixes just enough twang with today’s pop in a way that works. Walker Hayes’ single “Fancy Like” is a great example. Both flavors, with or without the artist Kesha, are a great listen. Again, I found the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier’s laid-back nature took the edge off the prominent guitar. The synthesized bass drum was full and round, hanging on just a little longer that gave it a more “round” feel than I typically hear. During the verse, there are some out-of-phase vocals that emphasize certain parts of the lyrics. These vocals are set deep in the soundstage, and I find them to get muddied or lost on most mid-level gear. On the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier they were not lost, and the spread on them was the full width to just outside the loudspeakers, although they were further back in the soundstage and slightly less fleshed-out than on higher-end amplifiers. The way the X2 power amplifier presented this background detail was no less impressive, given the forward, highly compressed nature of the guitar and vocals in this detail. The chorus absolutely slammed through the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier. The synthesized bass was tight and controlled, while Walker’s voice stayed anchored and well-textured.
I do want to discuss more natural recordings a bit, too, since the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier is far more than just slam and presence. A cliché yet classic audiophile jazz album is Patricia Barber’s Verse. The metaphorical run through the track “The Moon” is well-recorded with a handful of instruments and Barber’s smokey, sultry voice is prominently featured. The intelligently written piece is a cool journey and not just some heady jazz for the sake of jazz track. The Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier anchored the upright bass and its undertones with serious authority, no surprise there. The trumpet was never offensive through its solo with a pleasant fatness, instead of cutting like an undesirable knife as I have heard it before on other mid-priced power amplifiers. The trumpet’s dynamics and tonality were on point. On the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier, the drums were large and the shells of the drums were readily apparent which made them feel tangible and real. The guitar was all style and resolved top-to-bottom. Finally, Barber’s voice was meaty and rich. I have heard her voice have more texture, but the timbre, breath, throat, and formation of her words were as seductive as I have ever heard them. “The Moon” was painted against a very quiet background, too, which I feel helped anchor the instruments in the soundstage. I was happy to hear the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier do so well with such a sophisticated recording, proving it is far more than just a lot of power and slam, and indeed a serious piece of audio engineering.
Will the Peachtree Audio X2 Power Amplifier Hold Its Value?
Peachtree Audio is an established name. Given this, their products do well in the used market. I would imagine the X2 power amplifier doing well, or a little above average, in the used market, due to its good looks and high performance. These products have a great pedigree, relevant technology and a fair asking price. That is a very good place to start.
What is the Competition for the Peachtree Audio X2 Power Amplifier?
PS Audio has a stellar reputation and matches the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier’s output with their 700-watt monoblock Stellar M700 amplifiers. Like the X2 power amplifier in their concept, the Stellar M700 amplifiers utilize advanced switching amplifier technology. The Stellar M700 may be a bit pricier at $3,498 per pair, but they are in separate, component-sized chasses that allow for more flexibility in system set-up and integration.
My colleague Paul Wilson had some nice things to say about the ArgentPur IBIS Gallium Nitride (GaN) amplifier ($2.975 – reviewed here). The IBIS only hammers with 200 watts of output per channel, but it is physically much smaller than the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier. From Wilson’s kind words and my experience with GaN, the IBIS would likely not drive as hard as the Peachtree Audio x2 power amplifier, but it would make up for anything it lacks in superior resolving power.
Final Thoughts on the Peachtree Audio X2 Power Amplifier …
I have always felt the $3,000 price point for amplifiers is like the $2,500 price point for loudspeakers: crowded with equipment, extremely competitive, and difficult to break into. By holding onto their belief of “Make it sound great, make it simple, make it beautiful,” Peachtree Audio has done some good for our audiophile world with the $2,999 X2 power amplifier. It does not matter what amplifier class the X2 is, it hits like a 100-plus-pound Class-A/B monster, tiptoes the warmth of triode-like tube magic, and possesses a careful pairing of affordability with sufficient sonic refinement. These attributes make the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier a great amplifier for those who want what matters most in a power amplifier.
Where the X2 power amplifier seems to sacrifice some of its refinements to hit its price point are all the right areas for me and are ultimately minor. I must pick nits, as that is part of my role here at Future Audiophile. So, as I stare at the gorgeous looks of the Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier while I finish this reflection, I cannot help but to be grateful for Peachtree Audio’s excellent engineering and truly would recommend the X2 Power Amplifier to anyone looking in its $2,999 price range who wants – whatever. Why …? The Peachtree Audio X2 power amplifier does everything one could possibly ask from a modern, well-engineered mid-priced power amplifier.
Compare it with our reviews of the Parasound Halo A 21+, Rotel RB-1582 MkII and Anthem MCA 225 Gen 2. Comparing options? See the best audiophile power amplifiers we’ve reviewed from FutureAudiophile.com.
