Hybrid Mono Amplifier

Overview

Inspired by the global success of the Absolare Integrated Amplifier, a substantially more sophisticated and powerful amplifier was born – the Absolare Hybrid Monoblocks. With similar characteristics in sound to our acclaimed SET amplifiers, the Hybrid Monoblocks offer outstanding dynamics and realism delivering 320Watts of power into 4Ω. Perfectly balanced internal design from input to output, with a dozen output devices per channel, ensures they perform with the most demanding loudspeakers.

Hybrid Monoblock Amplifiers are the pinnacle of Absolare performance. With a unique and patented implementation, the reference design combines power with the SET sound that Absolare has become renowned for after receiving countless awards at international shows over the last decade. The realism is remarkable in the sense that the performance is no different than that of a live concert, or a studio performance. Audiophile explanations are transformed into a mental state where the music lover is simply just ‘there’.

"The Absolare booth was perfect for my standards. It was in vain to listen to the flaw. The speaker disappears, only the music remains. Imaging and staging were also perfect, with a moderately thick sound and body. Is it exaggeration if you see the notes floating? It was a booth that stayed for quite a long time, and it was also a booth that promised to return. (Of course, I couldn't go back, so I couldn't go back ...) It was a flawless system. Perfect match, perfect setting. End."

Seoul International Audio Show 2018, Korea, Naver Press

It is a hybrid design with a tube preamplifier section and a fully balanced solid-state power amplifier section. Like all Absolare hybrid designs, voltage gain is delivered from the tube section. The tube preamplifier section is dynamically configured in 'parallel single ended mode' for unbalanced (RCA) input or 'fully balanced mode' for balanced (XLR) input. It is transformer coupled to the output stage to carry the perfect symmetry of the signal. The tube input section has zero feedback and the output stage has only local feedback, in order to make it compatible with the most complex speaker loads.

The Absolare Hybrid Monoblock Amplifier has dual chassis monoblock construction. The laser cut and precision welded 3mm aluminum chassis is encased in leather clad, high density fiber panels to minimize the mechanical resonances. A 5mm thick aluminum base plate provides a perfectly stable foundation for the amplifier’s feet. Externally it is covered in Hi-End automotive leather with several color and stitching options.
All signal connectors are gold plated tellurium copper. Binding posts are silver-plated copper with polyethylene outer barrels to minimize conductor mass. Tube sockets are pure teflon with gold plated contacts.

Silver-gold alloy in oil coupling capacitors are employed in the signal path. Signal caps and resistors with very low tolerances keep the phase shift difference between channels to a minimum. All PCB boards have "triple-thickness" copper tracks. Special silver/gold alloy solder is used for all soldered joints. Oversized custom toroidal power transformers for low noise and large headroom. All internal cabling uses Echole’s proprietary Silver, Gold, Palladium alloys.

A total of 24 active output components provide 320W continuous power per channel into 4Ω loads. They are individually hand tuned for perfect symmetry. A timer circuit protects the speakers and power components from transient signals and in-rush currents at power-on time. Hi/Low gain operation is selectable on the back panel. 184,000uF ultra-low ESR capacitor banks for maximum levels of dynamics and discrete Schottky diodes provide fast and noise free rectification. Tube heaters are DC regulated and filtered.
Output stage is protected from overheating and overloads and can be configured into different grounding schemes to match any system setup.

Models

Passion

Absolare’s Hybrid Mono production standard signal section utilize both Mundorf’s custom-matched Silver-Gold-Oil capacitors and Duelund’s select CAST coupling capacitors. Wiring uses Echole’s proprietary Signature-grade Silver/Gold/Palladium alloy wire.

Signature

The Signature model is a significant step above the Passion series. Within the signal path, Duelund’s select CAST coupling capacitors are incorporated together with Echole’s Orius cabling.
Critical parts of the power section and signal path utilize other custom components such as proprietary SilverGoldPalladium signal path on the PCB and matched (less than %1) Amtrans resistors to name a few.
The NOS (New Old Stock) tubes are carefully selected to align with the new level of purity.

Finally, there is a very limited edition Altius model of the Absolare Hybrid Monoblocks which extends performance well beyond the Signature model. Please contact us for further information about the Altius amplifier.

Technical Specs

Design:

Tube input, Solid State output, Hybrid Architecture

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Tubes:

2x 12AU7 / ECC82 (or compatibles) - Every unit comes with select NOS tubes

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Bandwidth:

20Hz -20kHz within +/- 0.2dB, 15 Hz - 30 kHz +/- 1.0 dB

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Input:

1 RCA unbalanced + 1 XLR balanced

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Input impedance:

10 kΩ RCA input, 20 kΩ XLR input

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Input Sensitivity:

1.3 Volts @ Hi-gain setting, 2.6 Volts @ Low-gain setting

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Gain:

31 dB @Hi-gain setting, 25 dB @ Low-gain setting

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Output Power:

320 Watts @ 4Ω, 200 Watts @ 8Ω

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Speaker impedance:

4 - 8Ω

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Dimensions:

38.2 x 64.8 x 20 cm / 15" x 25.5" x 7.9" (W x D x H), each, excl. feet

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Weight:

34 kg / 75 lbs., net

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