The Audio Beat – Paul Bolin
Contender – The Absolute Sound – Jonathan Valin
Following several years of careful preparation, Absolare has brought to market a new perspective in Push-Pull tube amplification with its introduction of an 85 Watt, zero feedback monoblock Push-Pull 845 tube amplifier. The Absolare Push-Pull amplifier combines the finesse, delicacy and midrange magic of a Single Ended Triode amplifier with the capability of driving an even wider range of speakers with almost double the power.
"Timbres, from the lowest bass to the highest and airiest top octave, had an almost wrenching and touchable intensity; microscopic dynamic and tonal variations had a verisimilitude that was not just attention-grabbing but an immersive experience. More of this, please. Much more."
Paul Bolin – The Audio Beat – CES 2015
Absolare Push-Pull Amplifier’s transformer coupled output stage ensures perfect symmetrical drive for push-pull operation. Separate power filters for each stage eliminate modulation distortions. Balanced models employ input transformers for maximum noise immunity and signal symmetry.
The laser cut and precision welded 3mm aluminum chassis is encased in leather clad, high density fiber panels to minimize the mechanical resonances.
Power supply and speaker output transformers are in epoxy filled metal cans to minimize vibration and magnetic interference. Signal components are directly mounted on the underside of the tube sockets with point-to-point soldering. Large internal components are mounted on a thick aluminum plate which is bolted to the chassis. The chassis’ top aluminium layer where all components are mounted, has an overall thickness of more than half an inch (14mm). This is much preferred than using a very thick front plate just to support single power indicator LED while mounting all the signal components on thin PCB's. 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 coated copper with polyethylene barrels to decrease conductor mass. All tube sockets are made of pure teflon with gold plated copper contacts.
Output and power transformers are custom manufactured for Absolare after years of research and development in Europe. 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 at minimum. All PCB boards have "triple-thickness" copper tracks. Special silver/gold alloy solder is used for all soldered joints. All internal cabling utilises Echole family alloys.
The power supply for B+ voltage contains a three-stage capacitor-inductor double-pi filter which employs highest grade ultra-low ESR capacitors to obtain maximum levels of dynamics and detail in the output signal. Power filters employ the highest-grade capacitors with ultra-low ESR to preserve maximum levels of dynamics and detail in the signal. All tube heaters are DC regulated and filtered. Power resistors are oversized for safety in case of tube failures.
A timer circuit enables a smooth start-up operation to protect the tubes and speakers from imbalanced power-up voltages. Hi/Low gain operation is selectable on the back panel.
Absolare’s production standard signal and power section utilize Mundorf’s custom-matched Silver-Gold-Oil and TubeCap capacitors, and Echole’s proprietary Signature-grade Silver/Gold/Palladium alloy wiring.
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 sectional SilverGoldPalladium signal path on the power PCB and matched (less than %1) Amstrans resistors to name a few.The NOS input and driver tubes are carefully chosen to align with the new level of purity.
Absolare Signature Push-Pull amplifier’s performance is best described as excelling in dynamics, realism and truthfulness, closest to the live reproduction of music.
Finally, there is a very limited edition Altius model of the Absolare SET Amplifier which extends performance well beyond Signature model. Please contact us for further information about the Altius Push-Pull amplifier.
All Tube, Transformer Coupled, Zero Feedback, Push-Pull Architecture
2 x 845, 2 x EL34, 1 x 12AT7 / ECC81 - Every unit comes with select NOS tubes
15 Hz - 25 kHz +/- 1.0 dB
1 x RCA (XLR optional)
100 KΩ
1.5 Volts (balanced version 3 / 6 Volts)
21 dB @ 4Ω tap, 24 dB @ 8Ω tap
85 Watts
4 - 8Ω
38.2 x 62.2 x 29.5 cm (W x D x H), excl. feet
42 Kg / 92 lbs., net (each monoblock)