AV Technology Solutions (U.K) Limited

Carina Amplifier with DAC

Fully balanced circuitry, New generation hypex amplification – 300W RMS per channel at 8 ohms and 580W RMS at 4 ohms, Dual ESS 9068 Sabre DACs in dual-mono mode, MQA decoding, headphone output, USB, (2) Coax, Optical input, I2s input & Bluetooth 5.0.

Carina

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Various videos

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JL Audio Home Division Launch Part 1
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OverviewFeaturesSpecificationTechnologyFinishReviewsDownloadsWarranty

What is Carina?

Carina is Peachtree Audio's new flagship integrated amplifier. It combines several of the sound quality enhancements introduced in the nova500 with the power and price point of the nova300. It is Peachtree Audio's first product with the critically acclaimed Hypex N-Core amplifier technology built-in. Carina also brings several new features to a Peachtree amplifier for the first time.

Why Peachtree Audio made Carina

Very simply, to establish a new benchmark for integrated amplifiers at its price. Our ongoing testing of available technologies identified a combination of DAC, preamplifier and power amplifier technologies that worked extremely well together to create an exceptional listening experience at a reasonable price. Carina is an easy-to-use, highly transparent integrated amplifier that drives a wide range of speakers (and headphones!) with ease, and accepts up to 6 digital inputs including Bluetooth.

Carina highlights

Digital

Two ESS 9068 DAC chips, dual mono (one for the left channel, one for the right channel).
Accepts HD audio input up to 768k PCM and 512k DSD.
Selectable digital filter settings including oversampling on/off
Full MQA decoding on ALL inputs
I2S input

Preamplifier

Fully balanced analogue circuitry from the DACs to the power and headphone amplifiers.
High-performance, hybrid volume control (combination analogue resistor ladder/digital attenuation)
User selectable all-digital volume control option
Bluetooth 5.0 input with HD audio decoding

Amplifiers

300 watts-per-channel Hypex NCore power amplifier driving the speaker outputs
Fully-balanced headphone amplifier with a 4.4mm T/R/R/S output (1/4“ unbalanced output also provided)

Other

Timeless Peachtree Audio industrial design crafted out of aluminium, wrapped in real wood, and finished in gloss ebony mocha or piano black
High-quality OLED front panel display with an intuitive dual knob user interface
Trigger input for power on/off control from another device
Hand-held remote control with integrated commands for Bluesound devices (NODE, VAULT, etc.)

How does Carina sound?

It is our best sounding integrated amplifier to date, period. Even better than the highly regarded nova500, the Grand Integrated and the classic nova and decco amplifiers that have come before. To celebrate this achievement Peachtree Audio have broken with tradition and given it a unique name: Carina. Carina is a name in the Italian language that roughly translates to “pretty" and is derived from the Latin word Carus that means “beloved." Peachtree Audio are confident that Carina looks and performs better than anything else in its price range - and many products that cost significantly more - and that Carina will earn a place in your heart and mind, too!

How does Carina compare to the nova300?

Simply stated, Carina is better sounding. It has a superior DAC, preamplifier, power amplifier and headphone amplifier. Each of these functions has been upgraded to take advantage of recent technology advancements and integrated in a design with several small but significant enhancements to achieve remarkable sound quality.

Features in Carina that are not available in the nova300

Dual DAC chip design
HD audio input up to 768k PCM and 512 DSD
Full MQA decoding on ALL inputs
Fully balanced circuitry from the DACs to the power and headphone amplifiers
Fully balanced headphone output
High-performance, hybrid volume control (combination analogue resistor ladder/digital attenuation)
Bluetooth 5.0 input with HD audio decoding
OLED front panel display with large characters
Numeric volume control range
Trigger input (nova300 has a trigger output)

How does Carina compare to the nova500?

Again, Carina is the better amplifier but the difference here is narrower. The nova500 sounds terrific but Carina edges it out slightly in terms of absolute sonic clarity and transparency in our listening tests.

How does Carina compare to the preDAC+GaN 400?

The GaN Stack is our benchmark for sound, but Carina gets closer to that benchmark than any of our integrated amplifiers. The GaN400 power amplifier is one of the best power amplifiers ever made (regardless of type) and the GaN Stack stands as our best sounding amplifier solution. But if price is a critical factor, Carina is the answer.

DAC	Dual ESS 9068 Sabre DACs in Dual Mono mode.
Digital Format	768kHz PCM and 512KHz DSD compatibility.
Amplifier Output	New generation Hypex amplification - 300 watts per channel 8Ω & 580 watts per channel 4Ω.
Audio Circuitry	Fully differential (balanced) audio circuitry from the digital inputs to the output.
Grounding	Extensive internal grounding.
Digital Inputs	USB, I2S, (2) Coax and Optical input.
OLED front panel display	OLED front panel display with large characters.
I2S input	I2S digital audio input. This type of connection is not commonplace, but some high performance digital audio source devices offer them.
MQA Decoding	Full MQA decoding on ALL of its inputs.
5V DC Output	USB-C connector for charging and/or powering another device.
Pre/Sub Out	Pre-Out for use as preamp/DAC or with subwoofer.
Headphone Amplifier	High-performance balanced headphone amplifier, 4.4mm T/R/R/S output, plus a 1/4” unbalanced output.
Bluetooth Streaming	Bluetooth 5.0 receiver with HD audio decoding.
Engineered & Manufactured	Made in North America.

Model or Series	Carina

SPEAKER OUTPUT
Compatible Speakers	2.5-16 Ω
Output Power (WPC, 8Ω \| 4Ω, <1% THD+N, AES17)	300W \| 580W
Dynamic Range (AES-17)	116dB
Damping Factor (1kHz)	>625 (8Ω)
Frequency Response (20 - 20kHz)	<+/-0.3dB
Inter-Modulation Distortion (SMPTE)	>90dB below fundamental
Total Harmonic Distortion (AES17, 1kHz, 8Ω)	0.001%
Channel Separation (1kHz, 8Ω)	>95dB

PREAMP OUTPUT
Output Voltage (ms)	2.5V @ 0dBFS input
Output Impedance	100Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (un-weighted)	114dB
Channel Separation (1kHz)	>116dB at 1 KHz
Frequency Response (8Hz-20kHz)	+/- 0.5dB
Total Harmonic Distortion	<0.0004% (2V rms, 1kHz, un-weighted)

HEADPHONE OUTPUT
	Unbalanced out @30 ohm	Unbalanced out @300 ohm
Output Impedance	30ohm	300ohm
Output Power	220mW	75mW
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (un-weighted)	98dB	103dB
Dynamic Range (un-weighted)	107db│100dB	107db│100dB
Channel Separation (1kHz)	>100dB at 1kHz	>100dB at 1kHz
Frequency Response (8Hz-20kHz)	+/-0.8dB	+/-0.8dB
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.001%	0.005%

	Balanced out @30 ohm	Balanced out @300 ohm
Output Impedance	30ohm	300ohm
Output Power	750mW	312mW
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (un-weighted)	117dB	117dB
Dynamic Range (un-weighted)	107db│100dB	107db│100dB
Channel Separation (1kHz)	>100dB at 1kHz	>100dB at 1kHz
Frequency Response (8Hz-20kHz)	+/-0.87dB	+/-0.87dB
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.005%	0.005%

USB-B & I2S Inputs
PCM Sampling Rate and DSD Frequency Rate	PCM 16-24bit/44.1-768kHz, DSD, DOP64-256, NATIVE DSD64-512

COAX and OPT Inputs
PCM Sampling Rate and DSD Frequency Rate	PCM 16-24bit/44.1-192kHz, DSD, DOP64

AC Power
AC Input	100-240VAC, 50/60Hz
Maximum Power Consumption	1000W
On Mode (Idle) Power Consumption	36W
Standby Mode Power Consumption	<0.5W
Fuse	100-120VAC: 8A/250V Medium Acting 220-240VAC: 4A/250V Medium Acting

Physical
Height (including feet)	4.37 inches \| 111 mm
Width	14.02 inches \| 356 mm
Depth (including volume knob and speaker binding posts)	14.25 inches \| 361.95 mm
Weight (shipping weight)	15 lbs (19 lbs) \| 6.8 kg (8.6 kg)

Warranty
Parts and Labour	Two years Three years if registered online

Amplifier TechnologyManufacturing

Amplifier Technology

Dual DAC and Balanced Analog Design	Carina utilizes two ESS Technology 9068 DAC chips in dual-mono mode with one chip dedicated to the left channel and the other to the right channel. ESS is a leader in audiophile DAC design and manufacturing and their 9068 is the successor to the 9038 which, in turn, is the successor to the venerable 9018. The 9068 achieves excellent THD+N (120dB) and DNR (128dBA) and is also the world's first audio DAC with a built-in MQA hardware renderer. The 9068 DAC chip performs exceptionally well on its own, but when two are used in dual-mono mode, the measured performance and sonic transparency is elevated to an even higher level. Peachtree Audio was the first premium audio brand to implement ESS DACs in its products beginning with the original nova in 2009 and has continued to use their DACs ever since. To help ensure that the high quality analogue signal from the DACs is preserved, the current to voltage converter stage features ultra low distortion op-amps, along with a balanced, class-A, discrete output stage to drive the volume control with a low source impedance. The volume control in Carina is designed to preserve the integrity of the sound even further by utilizing a high-performance resistor ladder (with .1% tolerance resistors) and digital attenuation hybrid design. This type of sophisticated volume control circuit is rare in a product in this price range, but provides ultra-precise control of the output level while maintaining exceptional channel balance throughout the volume range. With such a high quality DAC and preamplifier design in front of them, the power and headphone amplifiers are able to perform while providing greater transparency, less background noise and. ultimately, remarkable sonic clarity.
New Digital Features	Carina utilizes precision femtosecond crystal oscillators (digital clocks) to minimize phase noise and jitter. A custom designed FPGA with clock management and an additional phase lock loop reduces jitter even further, providing a level of control typically reserved for stand alone DACs. The DACs in Carina are capable of supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD up to 512kHz via the USB-B and I2S inputs. These are the highest input sampling rates Peachtree Audio have ever supported in our products and are available for users that want to experiment with sample rates. Carina also includes a digital filter setting for fine-tuning the sound of the DACs with 3 settings; L-FAST, H-FAST and M-SLOW. Each filter has an objective (measurable) and subjective (audible to most) effect on the sound. Peachtree Audio encourage people to audition all three settings to determine the one that sounds the best to them. Most people will hear the differences in the high-frequency reproduction where they are most readily heard. There is also a no oversampling (NOS) setting in Carina, which sends the original digital signal straight to the modulator without any oversampling. This mode is useful for users to experiment with software-based oversampling features in products such as Roon..
MQA Decoding	Carina supports full MQA decoding on ALL of its inputs. For users of Tidal and Paradise Radio, this is a welcome addition to be able to fully decode the signals streaming from these services. If you do not use those services, Peachtree Audio recommends using a Bluesound NODE or similar in conjunction with Carina and streaming high-resolution audio from services such as Qobuz, Apple Music and amazon music HD. In our experience, the sound quality of all of these streaming services is impressive. The libraries are huge and the convenience is unmatched!
I2S input	Carina provides an I2S digital audio input. This type of connection is not commonplace, but some high performance digital audio source devices offer them. This connection provides a potential upgrade path as source device preferences continue to evolve.
Bluetooth	Carina has a built-in Bluetooth 5.0 receiver with HD audio decoding. It provides a convenient way to stream wirelessly from any Bluetooth enabled device. Carina also has a setting that only turns on the internal Bluetooth receiver when the Bluetooth input is selected. This minimizes the amount of RF inside the unit when using any of the wired inputs..
Amplification	Carina utilizes a 300 watts-per-channel stereo Hypex NCore power amplifier that provides power to drive virtually any speaker with ease and authority while maintaining low noise and terrific dynamics. The speaker outputs are high-quality CMC 5-way binding posts. Carina also provides a high-performance balanced headphone amplifier with a 4.4mm T/R/R/S output, plus a 1/4” unbalanced output for regular headphones. The power and clarity of the headphone amplifier is remarkable for an integrated amplifier and the balanced output is typically only found on dedicated headphone amplifiers!
Timeless Design	Peachtree Audio prides itself on making products that not only sound great, but look great and are easy to use. All of our products are meticulously crafted out of metal and wood and integrate with a wide range of interior designs from traditional to contemporary to post-modern. Carina introduces a high-quality OLED front panel display with large characters and a dual-knob user interface that retains the ease of use our products have always been known for along with the visual feedback many have requested. This display provides more information than our previous amplifiers and can be easily viewed from most listening positions.
Integration Features	Hand-held wireless IR remote control with integrated commands for Bluesound devices like the NODE, VAULT, etc. Stereo preamp output for connecting a powered subwoofer or an external power amplifier like the GaN 400 Trigger input (1/8”) for power on/off control from another device 5V DC output (USB-C connector) for charging and/or powering another device

Piano Black

Gloss Mocha

Carina Product Owners Manual

PEACHTREE AUDIO WARRANTY STATEMENT

Your new Peachtree Audio product is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period, subject to the limitations contained in this warranty. The period of warranty coverage for your Peachtree Audio product can be found in your owner's manual and on the product's specifications page at www.peachtreeaudio.com.

Peachtree Audio nova150, nova300, nova500, deepblue2, shift
THIS WARRANTY IS TRANSFERRABLE TO SUBSEQUENT OWNER(S) DURING THE TERM OF THE WARRANTY, WHICH BEGINS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE BY THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER. PROOF OF PURCHASE OR SALES RECEIPT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR COVERAGE UNDER THIS WARRANTY.

All other Peachtree Audio products
THIS WARRANTY IS EXTENDED TO THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED TO SUBSEQUENT OWNERS. YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE OR SALES RECEIPT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR COVERAGE UNDER THIS WARRANTY.

If at any time your Peachtree Audio product malfunctions as a result of faulty materials or workmanship, we will repair the defect(s) or replace the unit, as deemed appropriate in our sole discretion. Peachtree Audio reserves the right to use materials regularly utilised at the time of repair in the event that original materials are no longer available. If replacement of your Peachtree Audio product is deemed appropriate by our staff, we will replace it with one of the same or most similar style of a value not in excess of the original purchase price of your product.

This Warranty Is Subject To The Following Limitations
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

Any Peachtree Audio product that has been altered or modified in any way or upon which the serial number has been tampered with or altered.
Any unit that has been damaged due to misuse, negligence, accident or improper operation.
Shipping damages of any kind.
Any unit that has been subjected to extremes of humidity or temperature.
Any unit that has been purchased from an unauthorized dealer, or upon which unauthorized repair or service has been performed.

PEACHTREE AUDIO MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXCEEDING THE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THIS WARRANTY ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY.

PLEASE RETAIN A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL PROOF-OF-PURCHASE. It will be necessary should in-warranty service ever be required.

Transferability
The above warranties that are transferable to subsequent owners as long as all of the conditions are met under the Optional Extended Warranty Program. The warranty is not transferable if the unit was originally purchased from an unauthorised seller.

The above warranties do not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse or as a result of modification by other than the Peachtree Audio factory service facility.

Peachtree Audio or Audio Visual Technology Solutions shall not be held liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kind arising from the sale or use of its products. Some sates do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Warranty Outside the United States
Peachtree Audio has formal distribution agreements in many countries. The Peachtree Audio importer in those countries has assumed the responsibility for servicing Peachtree Audio products. Please contact the dealer or distributor in the country where you purchased your product for any service issues

Note: All warranty returns should be sent to Audio Visual Technology Solutions (UK) Limited freight prepaid through an authorised UK dealer and must be accompanied by proof of purchase (a copy of the original sales receipt). Direct returns from consumers or non-authorised dealers will be refused unless specifically authorised by Audio Visual Technology Solutions (UK) Limited with a valid return authorisation number. Warranty expiration on products returned without proof of purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated as this date is previous to purchase date. Return only defective components. Non-defective items received will be returned freight-collect at the expense of the customer. Customer is responsible for shipping charges and insurance in sending the product to Audio Visual Technology Solutions (UK) Limited. Freight damage on returns is not covered under warranty. Always include proof of purchase (sales receipt).

Note: Products that require inspection and repair should be packed carefully, preferably in the original packaging material. Audio Visual Technology Solutions (UK) Limited may charge the customer under its discretion for supplying new packaging material if deemed that the packaging material supplied by the customer is not fit for shipping of the products after remedial work is complete.

Note: Products purchased from unauthorised dealers are not covered under warranty. Please see our list of authorised UK dealers.

Carina

Videos

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

JL Audio Home Division Launch Part 1

JL Audio Home Division Launch Part 2

JL Audio Home Division Launch Part 3