Absolare Integrated

BF38

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Oct 31, 2017
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Hi Adamaley,
it is not exactly the right thread however, Vincent Brient (Totaldac) who developed these speakers, works with and distributes ABSOLARE for the French market so it is not so far (and it makes perfect sense with listening). He will also present them in this final version at the next Munich High-end Show, now in a few days, powered by the latest monobloc ABSOLARE PP 845 Altuis !!! in his own room for probably a special moment of music... I hope for him!

here some pictures more.

18_Totaldac.jpg
15_Totaldac.jpg
 
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BF38

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Hyperion

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BF38

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Well no, I personally would not have this chance, unfortunately!

Bruno
 

GuillaumeB

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I just came across this new review of the Absolare Signature:

https://www.soundstageaustralia.com/index.php/reviews/140-absolare-signature-integrated-amplifier

"The Absolare Signature Integrated is an outstanding achievement, surely befitting of a place amongst the world’s finest integrated amplifiers. The Signature Integrated possesses musicality, drive, timing, control and finesse in spades; matched only by its unique aesthetic, exceptional build quality and desirability factor. Its minimalist, unassuming visage belies its sophisticated and ultra-high quality design, which somehow manages to extract a near perfect balance between tube and solid-state features."

Yup this is the real deal. And since the V2 upgrade my unit is singing better than ever.

Guillaume
 

BF38

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Hi all,
some news & the official picture of TOTALDAC + ABSOLARE (not Integrated just Altius 845 monoblocs) room in Germany !

munich_high-end-2018_Totaldac.jpg


Review From STEREOPHILE

https://www.stereophile.com/content/...morning-munich

"As some of you might know, I am a rabid fan of Vincent Brient's discrete resistor ladder DACs that he builds in France in the shadow of France's Mont Saint-Michel monastery. Today, I finally I got to meet Vincent in person and experience his two-way d150 horn loudspeakers (46,000 Euros/pair). I was impressed by both of them. The d150's sound was relaxed very wide open and delightfully coherent. These beautiful turned wood horns were driven, not by a compression driver, but by a full-range cone driver; which is crossed over to a 15" bass driver at 150Hz. I was immediately impressed by how smooth, vivid, and 3-dimensional the sound was. Sensitivity is claimed to 98dB/W/1m.

The d150s were supplemented by two Totaldac subwoofers (6500 Euros each), which feature 18" drivers mounted high up. Think big, full, open, and exceptionally coherent. I would have nominated Brient's system for best sound at show, but is was only the morning of my first day, so I moved on."


And from the boss of 6MOONS, Srajan Ebaen

http://www.6moons.com/industryfeatur...ich2018/7.html

"TotalDAC had secured one of the few ground-floor super cabins to make very good sound with Absolare monos.On flavour, the Analog Domain designer's private system had been very visceral and gripping.Vincent Brient's transplanted from France for the occasion was ultra spacious and elegant.Anyone who declares an absolute sound hasn't yet lived long enough. There are many lenses of perspectives or moods to experience playback through.Premium executions of these are all equally valid. This was one of those."



Be well in music
 

arnies

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I was fortunate to be able to attend Munich Hi End this year and to hear Vincent's TotalDAC room. I heard it extensively on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the show. It was very good sound - the 2 impressions that you posted from Stereophile and 6Moons are both accurate and I would agree with them.

Thanks,
Arnie
 

BF38

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The Absolute Sound's review. This system used alternatively vinyl or a TOTALDAC with its new ABSOLARE hybrid power amplifiers (tube input, solid-state output) driving Rockport Lyra speakers

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-2018-munich-high-end-show/

"Best Sound (cost no object) There was a complete lack of grain and glare;the presentation had utterly natural timbre and tremendous ability to pull me into the music rather than to think about the sound. A terrific system expertly set up."
 

GuillaumeB

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BF38

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GuillaumeB

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Thank you Guillaume, i hope i'll be there next year to listen a little this time.
But in the meantime, another try this week of the Integrated Altius version, this time with an Omnia power cord ... to be sure!

Be well in music

Did you look into the V2 upgrade? This is quite substantial in terms of improvements.

Also.... now that I've heard the hybrid power amplifiers I would be very tempted to look at these next. In my setup these would be a much bigger jump in SQ, I am pretty sure of this. But my speakers are perhaps a little more demanding than yours to drive.

The Omnia PC has lovely synergy with the Absolare Integrated.

Guillaume
 

BF38

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yes I have no doubt about the upgrade that represents the V2 signature but I will probably go in a "next future"
directly on Altuis version if i can... that's one of my goals... with a super maxi Echole analog cable too !

And yes again, my speakers are not so much watts-eaters but the 38 cm in closed charge still needs a little...
However, I am kindly staying on my stunning integrated, even these new hybrids Blocks seem so exceptional !!!
You will need a pre amp with them... or perhaps using the new Vincent's d1-driver ?
I would like to try it even with my integrated, perhaps on day.

That's cool, we're crazy !
Be well in music

Bruno
 
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BF38

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Oups... Altuis version validated !
 

BF38

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...
 

Staxxx

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Jul 8, 2018
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That's exactly it! You just reverse them. So the left hand side one becomes the right hand side one and so on.

Re the fuse you need a slow blow 5A. That's what I ordered and it fits perfectly. The Absolare is already fitted with a Synergistic RED which is no slouch. Yes it's very easy to access and replace.

Guillaume

Hello Guillaume. I am visiting the US for a short while and would like to get a SR Black fuse for my Absolare Passion integrated amplifier. I had it upgraded with Duelund capacitors and changed out the stock tubes for some beautiful Mullards. But the most revelatory change was the use of Total Contact. It really did take my system to another level. I am in the process of upgrading my speaker cables to the High Fidelity Ultimate Reference Helix and would finally like to switch out the stock fuse (which I believe is the Red) for the Black. I see from the earlier post that it I need a Slow Blow (T) 5A fuse but do I need to order the small or the large size please? Thank you!
 

GuillaumeB

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Hello Guillaume. I am visiting the US for a short while and would like to get a SR Black fuse for my Absolare Passion integrated amplifier. I had it upgraded with Duelund capacitors and changed out the stock tubes for some beautiful Mullards. But the most revelatory change was the use of Total Contact. It really did take my system to another level. I am in the process of upgrading my speaker cables to the High Fidelity Ultimate Reference Helix and would finally like to switch out the stock fuse (which I believe is the Red) for the Black. I see from the earlier post that it I need a Slow Blow (T) 5A fuse but do I need to order the small or the large size please? Thank you!

Hi there it's the 20mm internal fuse that you need.

Cheers

Guillaume
 

Blue58

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jep123

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I am again (!) a very happy owner of a Absolare Integrated. Long story short; I decided to downsize my system and invest some money elsewhere. I have crawled back, the itch doesn`t go away :). The system is somewhat smaller/ less expensive than before, but I am very happy with it. I managed to get hold of a newly updated standard Passion in mint condition. After all, the Absolare is the best amp I have heard. I used to own the Signature version, I can live happy with the Passion (standard) as well.

Now I need to buy a pair of good tubes, I nhave a good idea of what to buy.


JP
 

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