iDecco

6 Moons Review:

Multi-tasking, multi-accomplished:

... the iDecco really is that rare bridge products which as a machine works on multiple levels; and on performance works on multiple tiers and for different listener expectations. As such, it's a multi bridge. While that's conceptual, there are implications. The iDecco is the perfect gift to get acquaintances in the voraciously music-consuming iPod nation seated in our small world. It's the perfect desktop solution for even demanding listeners. It's the ultimate nightstand headphone amp with built-in music server. And—here the jaded will blink—it's a big-rig solution beyond transitional as long as the main speakers are wisely selected. In high-end audio, transitional means the first step beyond mid-fi. Entry level. The iDecco is steps beyond mid-fi. As iDac, it goes still further. And upgraders can eventually amp offboard. A clever and impressive package of features and abilities. All that for a thousand smackers seems nearly too good to be true. Yet more than 600 units have already found homes. Whatever you call that, here on the moons I have to call it a Lunar Eclipse. Cheers to the Peachtree Audio gang. Way wicked...

This review can be found on the 6 Moons website.

Positive Feedback Review:

Fun function junction...

We've all looked at cables, components, and audiophile debris encroaching on our living space and bank accounts and exclaimed, "Geez, I just wanted to play some music!" That doesn't mean we rush out and sell it all (although the cult of three watt amp and tiny monitor ascetics does seem to be growing) but there is definitely a market for a one stop music box, wrapped up nice and neat. The iDecco is amazingly well equipped to fill this role. For serious listening, I used one application at a time, but for the most part, I hooked up everything I could and used the remote to switch back and forth, as needed. Here's a rundown of how it all shaped up in my living room. The iPod played various playlists via the "Pure Digital" iPod dock. Unlike other idocks I have used, the iDecco bypasses the iPod's internal DAC completely, and only takes the iPod's digital signal ("pure ones and zeros" to quote David Solomon). The data stream is then sent to the Sabre's 96/24 upsampling DAC, and on through the tube buffer and finally to the amp. Although I enjoyed the iDecco DAC with my Arcam 82 CD player, I typically connected the Arcam via the analog input and used the digital connection with my blue ray player. Itune's lossless files and internet radio was streamed from my cheap IBM and then my not-so-cheap Mac Book Pro to the iDecco's USB port. The Peachtree Audio powered a variety of speakers (Clara Vu 7s, Tannoy Eyris 1s, and Nola Boxers) as well as a Velodyne Optimum 10 subwoofer, all without a hitch. Borrowing my brother's ragged pair of Grado headphones (my Koss pair having long wandered off during the murky 80s), I submerged myself into the audio ether. To recap, the iDecco's many abilities include:
"Pure Digital" iPod Dock
Integrated Amplifier
Stand-Alone Multi-Input DAC
Class A Headphone Amplifier
And something I didn't experience personally, but definitely worth noting,
Class A Tube Preamplifier

This review can be found on the 6Positive Feedback website.

Soundstage Review:

Billed as five products in one, the iDecco contains an iPod dock, a 40Wpc integrated amplifier, a tube preamp, a multi-input DAC, and a class-A headphone amp. The iDecco connects to computer files via its USB port. Although its pair of analog inputs will probably go begging, they’ll give comfort to owners of cassette decks. One may argue whether this ingenious device indeed "covers the bases like no other product," but for CES 2010, the iDecco merits a Jimmy Award for Best iPod Component.

This review can be found on the 6Positive Feedback website.