Single-Ended Triode Amplifier

Overview

The Absolare SET (Single Ended Triode) power amplifier is capable of reproducing music with speed, contrast, body and the life-like presentation of instruments. Single-Ended Triodes are traditionally known for their magical midrange yet, Absolare SET’s robust capabilities make it’s realistic performance unique amongst Single-Ended power amplifiers.

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 SET 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 ensure that the listener hears a life-like presentation of the musical performance. The Absolare SET Power Amplifiers have been presented since the Munich High end 2012 show and has the highest number of Best of Show awards in the history of High-End audio since its introduction.

"The overall character of these electronics is gentle, intimate, and emotional, leading to heightened musical expressiveness."

Robert Harley – The Absolute Sound – Issue 234

The Absolare SET Amplifier is an all-tube pure class-A, 2-chassis monoblock construction, zero feedback "parallel single ended triode amplifier". It has two triode output tubes working in parallel. 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 plated copper with polyethylene barrels to decrease conductor mass. All tube sockets are made of pure teflon with gold plated copper 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 at a minimum. All power supply PCB boards have "triple-thickness" copper tracks. Special silver/gold alloy solder is used for all soldered joints. Output and power transformers are custom manufactured for Absolare after years of research and development in Europe.

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. All tube heaters are DC regulated and filtered.

A timer circuit enables a smooth start-up operation to protect the tubes and speakers from imbalanced power-up voltages. 845 output tubes are driven by a 6SN7 tube. Hi/Low gain operation is selectable on the back panel. Power resistors are oversized for safety in case of tube failures. All internal cabling is done with Echole family alloys.

Models

Passion

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.

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 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.
The sound is described as being better than ever in terms of naturalness, coherence, with a very convincing sense of realism and emotional communication.

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

Technical Specs

Design:

All Tube, Class A, Zero Feedback, Parallel Single-Ended Architecture

---

Tubes:

2 x 845, 2 x 6SN7 - Every unit comes with select NOS tubes

---

Bandwidth:

20 Hz - 20 kHz within +/- 1.0 dB

---

Input:

1 x RCA (XLR optional, transformer coupled)

---

Input impedance:

75 kΩ

---

Input Sensitivity:

1.25 Volts (balanced input 1.25 / 5 Volts)

---

Gain:

21 dB @ 4Ω tap, 24 dB @ 8Ω tap

---

Output Power:

52 Watts

---

Speaker Impedance:

4 - 8 Ω

---

Dimensions:

38.2 x 64.8 x 29.7 cm / 15" x 25.5" x 11.7" (W x D x H), excl. feet

---

Weight:

42.2 kg / 93 lbs., net (each monoblock)

---