Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Peachtree Decco Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by RMcCoy

Model:	Decco
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$799
Description:	Integrated tubed amplifier with USB DAC
Manufacturer URL:	Peachtree
Model Picture:	View

Review by RMcCoy on November 14, 2008 at 22:14:23
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for the Decco

I thought it worth mentioning the Peachtree Decco unit as many of you have provided me solid recommendations on gear over these same pages over the years.

The Decco is a hybrid 50w integrated, tube based preamp section and Scott Nixon designed DAC with USB input for $799. I purchased a new Peachtree Decco unit recently as it's features and price appealed to me. After reading the early data out there as far as sound quality, I thought, why not try it out from my PC USB output? Expectations on sound weren't too high, though I also have the ERA D4s from the same company and understand that the speakers had already exceeded my reserved expectations. In fact I didn't even rush to open the Decco. I just tried it when I finally ran out of other things to do and found a USB cable long enough. My idea was to, like many people more these days, start a PC based system via iTunes. This would also benefit the use of my iPhone as a remote. What a nice way to get even more lazy and not have to even get up and change CDs (sad).

Well, cutting to the chase. The Decco at first sounded good on the D4s. Good bass, decent mids and highs. Nothing spectacular but rather listenable. My room really isn't ideal for the inefficient D4s and lower power output of the Decco so I made a switch to my Epos M16i mains. Now I was at least hearing more of the rhythmic drive and openness of the Decco. It turned my head a few times as I worked from my PC. Not too long into it and I was adjusting the speaker position to see just what was going on. Now sitting in my favorite spot, low and behold it was soundstage, imaging and music. Just what I was looking for. Bass was good, no major issue, no super-definition, good drive though. Highs were a bit rolled off but quite clean and non-offensive. Mids could have been a bit more open, beak-in? Don't know. The sound overall was quite good and during this time I realize it's sound does best the all in ones with cds I have heard such as the Linn Classik and Arcam Solo. I was hoping for more.

I had read that David Solomon of Signal Path liked the unit as a pre-amp. I once corresponded with David when he was distributing for Monitor Audio. Upfront, decent guy from what I recall. Thought he'd have an honest opinion even if he was part of the team that created the Decco and D4s.

I tried the Decco as a pre with Arcam amplification and was quite amazed at what I now heard on the Epos. Now the tubes were doing their thing, clearly. The soundstaging and openness was now superb. Out of box imaging, vocals and tone were very nice. Highs were really good. Better than I have heard in some time to be honest. Mids were special, not as cut and dry as on a Naim or Exposure but just as involving without any forwardness or grain. Bass was defined and big though still within limits.

That's the only way I will describe it for now. Not looking to say it's the holy grail as Jesus has that title for me. I will state that it is a special product and will remain in my main system and surprisingly so. It just does what I want in sound. Oh, I forgot to mention my files were both various MP3, ACC and Apple Lossless when I was serious. The unit makes MP3s and ACC files sound quite respectable.

For $800? A blessing that is worthy of my very first review.

Product Weakness:	Defaults to USB input. Cheap remote. High gain. Not built in the USA.
Product Strengths:	Great USB DAC. Excellent pre section. Tube involvement.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Arcam A85, AVR 350
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Decco
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Rega Planar 3
Speakers: Epos M16i, Era D4s
Cables/Interconnects: Hot Rod ICs
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, Indie
Room Size (LxWxH): 20 x 32 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 weeks
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Arcam A85, AVR 350
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Decco
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rega Planar 3
Speakers:	Epos M16i, Era D4s
Cables/Interconnects:	Hot Rod ICs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Indie
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 32 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner