KLIAVS 2016: Absolare-ly stunning

The stunning Absolare 845s monoblock amp
The stunning Absolare 845s monoblock amp

Victor Pheh of hifi creations has certainly made his mark in the high-end scene in Malaysia. This year, he is introducing the absolutely stunning – both in terms of looks and sound quality – Absolare 845s monoblock signature model tube amp at Starhill 5, Level 4 of JW Marriott Hotel.

To match the beauty of the sound, the amp is clad in high-quality leather that matches the best that Sonus Faber has offered. The Absolare has won many awards and looks set to conquer the hi-fi scene in Malaysia.

Absolare is able to bring these qualities – the required dynamics, bass control and the highest possible harmonic resolution to the Single-Ended Triode topology in a coherent fashion.

In addition, Absolare re-defines the power perception as well. A true 52 watts, if applied correctly, is sufficient to drive a broad range of speakers. It is not only the electrical design but also the quality of components used to implement that design that help to insure that the listener hears a life-like presentation of the musical performance. Approximately 80% of the power and signal components are custom manufactured by Mundorf.

In addition, we realize that the best 845 tube sockets are made in Japan, and the most natural sounding resistors are also made by a specialized company in Japan. The transformers are custom manufactured for Absolare after years of research and development in Europe. The Absolare Single Ended Triode Amplifier is housed in two matching chassis in classic monoblock construction.

The laser cut, precision welded 3mm aluminium chassis is enclosed in leather clad high-density fibre panels to minimize mechanical resonances. Power supply and speaker output transformers are isolated within epoxy filled metal cans to minimize vibration and magnetic interference. Supporting the entire structure is a 5mm thick aluminium base plate that also provides a stable foundation for the feet. Internal components are mounted on a thick aluminium plate that is bolted to the chassis. The massive top plate is more than half inch (14mm) thick where all critical components are mounted.

This is preferrable to the common practice of having a very thick front panel just to support power indicator LEDs while all the signal components are mounted onto thin PCB’s. All signal connectors are gold/silver plated tellurium copper. Binding posts are silver plated copper with polyethylene outer barrels to minimise conductor mass. All tube sockets are pure teflon with gold plated copper contacts.

The power supply for B+ voltage contains a three-stage capacitor-inductor double-pi filter which employs the highest grade Mundorf capacitors with ultra-low ESR to preserve maximum levels of dynamics and detail in the output signal.. Power by-pass capacitors are placed at every tube’s supply pin to further increase dynamics and lower noise. All tube heaters are DC regulated and heavily filtered. All internal cabling uses Echole’s proprietary alloys. A timer circuit enables a smooth start-up operation to protect the tubes from imbalanced power-up voltages. Power resistors are oversized for safety in the case of tube failures.

The all tube signal section is configured in pure Single Ended Triode architecture with capacitor coupling between stages. The driver section is a modified mu-follower design with a minimum number of components to preserve purity. Signal components are directly mounted to the underside of the tube sockets with point-to-point soldering. Balanced models employ input transformers for balanced operation.

The Signature series is a significant step above the Passion series. Within the signal path Duelund’s select CAST coupling capacitors together with Echole’s Signature cabling are utilized. The N.O.S. driver tubes are carefully chosen to align with this new level of purity. The sound is described as being better than ever in terms of naturalness, coherence, with a very convincing sense of realism and emotional communication.

Design: Class A, Zero Feedback, Parallel Single-Ended Architecture
Tubes: 2x 845, 2x 6SN7 – Every unit comes with select NOS tubes
Bandwidth: 15 Hz – 25 KHz +/- 1.0 dB
Input: 1 x RCA (XLR optional)
Input impedance: 75 KOhms
Input Sensitivity: 1.25 Volts (balanced version 5 Volts)
Gain: 21 dB @ 4 ohm, 24 dB @ 8 ohm
Output Power: 52 Watts
Speaker impedance: 4 – 8 Ohms
Dimensions: 38.2 x 62.2 X 29.5 cm (WxDxH), excl. feet

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