Abbas dac 2.1 se

[Artnet]

Had a chance to compare Lampi pacific with horizon, different architecture and both (like "old" GG2) are exceptional! Whould I spent that money? NO, because for me personal I found my satisfaction with Abbas 3.2SE (+ new one with PCM 63-J) streaming + cd, PS Audio DirectWave Transport to I2S with Holo Audio May KTE (SACD), Grimm MU2 for Streaming + DSD native.

Gerald, this sounds like a sensible approach that gives you the BEST of (!!) both CD, streaming, SACD and DSD. A thorough exploration if I may say and to be applauded.

For in some ways only, direct comparisons can call out the better DAC amongst similar topologies perhaps ? But mostly i think it is a nonsense and mute in comparing unless we are speaking of the music that each can bring.

Different topologies play differently in different systems for sure and it is no small achievement even in 2 separate hifi chains to achieve this!!

I dont stream as yet so CD redbook even from SACD at 16:44 gives me all the excitement I need.
The newer Wolfson receiver chip in the Hermes and Psyche range allowing 24/192 is going to be an interesting development of the Abbas sound and more particularly for pushing me into streaming.
The older model Spdif to USB convertor is sold out and I am told a newer better version is something to look forward to in 2025 hopefully. The old one was a game changer in my listening sessions with Brian.

So if I want I2S and or DSD I will need to look elsewhere
And develope a second system.

 

[LanschePlasmaGuy]

Hi,

Abbas is very reserved if you ask him *what is your best dac?* - because he has a different approach as the usual DAC vendor I know that, because asked him the last couple years several times

So what I can tell you:
- all his "Signature" (not being confused with type SE, different!) specific named models are his highest grade and highest effort of time & material. After that model type it would be "SE" ones

- TDA1541x are the more top models (sure will change with the newer PCBs) and more complex to build, as many different tube stages are needed

- Than you can choose from various other DAC chips and it is all about your flavor.

- His new PCB layouts (Hermes/Psyche) also includes new digital output boards and therefore he offers now also AES/EBU and XLR...as well: Hand made copper foil capacitors!!

So my DAC he just finish, will be one of the first ones "Hermes Signature 24/192 with PCM63P-J, AES/EBU, XLR and RCA". Takes some time, because he is very cafefully evaluating his new design. My order is from January this year..

I'd also recommend to go for his new Psyche/Hermes DAC, even the older models are still outstanding!

Hope helps a bit
Gerald

Hi Gerald.
Has your Hermes arrived yet? I can't wait to hear your impressions. I never heard an Abbas dac I didn't love (assuming you give it great tubes which makes such a huge difference to the sound).

Even the base models are wonderful music making pleasure machines. The Hermes will be a truly special piece. Very interested in the sound considering it uses a totally different receiver chip to the older / other non-Hermes / Psyche models.

Counting the days for my Psyche to arrive.

Warm regards from Australia,

LPG (Bryan).

 

[gerihifi]

Hi Gerald.
Has your Hermes arrived yet? I can't wait to hear your impressions. I never heard an Abbas dac I didn't love (assuming you give it great tubes which makes such a huge difference to the sound).

Even the base models are wonderful music making pleasure machines. The Hermes will be a truly special piece. Very interested in the sound considering it uses a totally different receiver chip to the older / other non-Hermes / Psyche models.

Counting the days for my Psyche to arrive.

Warm regards from Australia,

LPG (Bryan).

No and don't wanna bother Abbas, because since weeks they have again very heavy attack by Russian missiles and I'm pretty sure he has massive power outage to fight with!

rgds Gerald

 

[Paul49720]

Helping deliver tone, clarity, pace, dimension (all 3) with great separation and weight an Abbas 3.2SE sporting a EML 80 mesh plate on a grayish afternoon.

View attachment 136670


I cant comment on the 2.1 will leave that to @jespera. I have heard a 2.2SE on a large horn system and it certainly wasn't struggling with instrument separation. Cant imagine these two being that different other than the systems they are played in ?
The larger format does provide more dimension, separation, detail etc if the 2.1 is found lacking in your system however.

Helping deliver tone, clarity, pace, dimension (all 3) with great separation and weight an Abbas 3.2SE sporting a EML 80 mesh plate on a grayish afternoon.

View attachment 136670

I cant comment on the 2.1 will leave that to @jespera. I have heard a 2.2SE on a large horn system and it certainly wasn't struggling with instrument separation. Cant imagine these two being that different other than the systems they are played in ?
The larger format does provide more dimension, separation, detail etc if the 2.1 is found lacking in your system however.

Hello, how does your EML mesh plate affect sound relative to the supplied / vintage valve in your 3 series DAC ? I have enjoyed for ten years an EML AZ4 regulation valve in my SET and know the great difference there. I ordered the Hephaestus RIAA where an EML could be placed. Enjoy your music.

 

[Artnet]

I ordered the Hephaestus RIAA where an EML could be placed. Enjoy your music.

Hi Paul, wow congratulations which EML? I hope you post some comments and pics of the Hephaestus when the time comes, very keen to see /hear more about this on the Abbas phono thread.

Hello, how does your EML mesh plate affect sound relative to the supplied / vintage valve in your 3 series DAC ? I have enjoyed for ten years an EML AZ4 regulation valve in my SET and know the great difference there.

I have played with a few tube options on the 3.2SE. In this position a 5Y3, GZ32, U50, 5V4 each having their own sonic value and preferred the 80 with a socket convertor over these.
The ST type are nice and globe type 80 more so. To me there is more body, air and separation in the music, but possibly dryer also. I am aware others may not agree with these findings so can only think it is synergy with other tubes and what is in the signal path.
I was wanting to try a vintage mesh plate but they are scarce and etsy and lost courage after one vintage globe had a shorter life than expected so eventually went for the EML80 (not inexpensive either!!).
It is a big glass envelop that sits well above the lid line. The mesh plates are hard not to love both the look and sound of with what I think is more of the qualities that I liked over the solid plate 80 version .
I am not over the 100 hour mark yet so will be patient and then will slowly explore the other tube combinations that may work best with it, but for now music s good.

 

[Paul49720]

Hi Paul, wow congratulations which EML? I hope you post some comments and pics of the Hephaestus when the time comes, very keen to see /hear more about this on the Abbas phono thread.



I have played with a few tube options on the 3.2SE. In this position a 5Y3, GZ32, U50, 5V4 each having their own sonic value and preferred the 80 with a socket convertor over these.
The ST type are nice and globe type 80 more so. To me there is more body, air and separation in the music, but possibly dryer also. I am aware others may not agree with these findings so can only think it is synergy with other tubes and what is in the signal path.
I was wanting to try a vintage mesh plate but they are scarce and etsy and lost courage after one vintage globe had a shorter life than expected so eventually went for the EML80 (not inexpensive either!!).
It is a big glass envelop that sits well above the lid line. The mesh plates are hard not to love both the look and sound of with what I think is more of the qualities that I liked over the solid plate 80 version .
I am not over the 100 hour mark yet so will be patient and then will slowly explore the other tube combinations that may work best with it, but for now music s good.

I will post a reply on the RIAA thread as you suggest !

 

[Artnet]

Paul excuse me copying back your comments from the phono thread but found this view point interesting and valuable.

" I found something similar with an EML AZ4 mesh vs period valve in my SET, the difference of impact, scale and clarity was remarkable. Out of respect for Abbas's design and judgement, I may resist EML regulation in favour of what he fits into the RIAA, or at least stick with 50's / 60's valves for richness of tone."

The choice of phrase "Abbas's design and judgement" encapsulates the purpose and intent of the creator that I whole heartedly support and respect .

These hand crafted devices are not the same as other consumer brands no matter what spin or ownership you want to kid yourself with they hold great skill and some mystery in there build and deserve a duty of care to maintain them for a long and happy life.

While I am encouraged to rotate the tube variants and work within the limits of the build (so may try some thoriated tungsten 5U4's with flying leads if they are too big) I would not interfere with the circuitry or components populating them as these are both hand selected and some made by hand and part of the design. I understand the Hephaestus has some special hand made caps that may be uniqe to its design. Will wait and see what the psyche and Hermes Signature range holds

The Hephaestus is top of the range and will be amazing I am sure and look forward to your comments

 

[LanschePlasmaGuy]

Paul excuse me copying back your comments from the phono thread but found this view point interesting and valuable.



The choice of phrase "Abbas's design and judgement" encapsulates the purpose and intent of the creator that I whole heartedly support and respect .

These hand crafted devices are not the same as other consumer brands no matter what spin or ownership you want to kid yourself with they hold great skill and some mystery in there build and deserve a duty of care to maintain them for a long and happy life.

While I am encouraged to rotate the tube variants and work within the limits of the build (so may try some thoriated tungsten 5U4's with flying leads if they are too big) I would not interfere with the circuitry or components populating them as these are both hand selected and some made by hand and part of the design. I understand the Hephaestus has some special hand made caps that may be uniqe to its design. Will wait and see what the psyche and Hermes Signature range holds

The Hephaestus is top of the range and will be amazing I am sure and look forward to your comments

I very much concur with Stephen's reply above.

The whole point of purchasing Abbas gear is that it has been voiced by him using a range of new and vintage parts, resonance control etc. to create a very particular voice. I would only recommend doing tube rolling and would very much not be changing any components.

If you wanted to change components to mod the item I would recommend doing that with more regular hifi.

The Abbas stuff is really wonderful and has had great care and the insight of someone who has been refining these circuits for over 30 years.

A warning that if you want the best sound out of the units they respond dramatically to different tubes.

I feel very lucky that we have Abbas making his beautiful creations and I think they are incredibly affordable for the sound level they offer.

LPG

 

[gerihifi]

Good morning Abbas-Fanboy's ...
SNEAK-PREVIEW...HERMES DAC ...on his way..

Just to get an idea, why I prefer DACs from someone like Abbas. He sent me this note in regards of the long waiting time:
"
The problem was that my capacitors for DACs have a dry dielectric. This means that the capacitor is soaked in alcohol-based varnish and then dried. As it turned out, drying takes about 1000 hours in a vacuum, otherwise the alcohol remains inside.
"
..just awesome build quality and passion for esoteric perfection!

Tubes he used:
ECC88 tube clock
2X 5U4 digital section, can be used 5V4
1X 5AR4 analog section, can be used 5U4, 5V4, 5Y3, GZ32
2X 6080 output stage




More notes in nov/dec when I'm back from vacation and device burned in.

Best regards
Gerald

 

[Artnet]

More notes in nov/dec when I'm back from vacation and device burned in.

Definitely something to look forward to on your return!!
I have been made aware of those capacitors and their dimensions are staggering but was not aware of the drying time!!
Enjoy your vacation Gerald look forward to hearing more.

 

[cal3713]

Good morning Abbas-Fanboy's ...
SNEAK-PREVIEW...HERMES DAC ...on his way..

Just to get an idea, why I prefer DACs from someone like Abbas. He sent me this note in regards of the long waiting time:
"
The problem was that my capacitors for DACs have a dry dielectric. This means that the capacitor is soaked in alcohol-based varnish and then dried. As it turned out, drying takes about 1000 hours in a vacuum, otherwise the alcohol remains inside.
"
..just awesome build quality and passion for esoteric perfection!

Tubes he used:
ECC88 tube clock
2X 5U4 digital section, can be used 5V4
1X 5AR4 analog section, can be used 5U4, 5V4, 5Y3, GZ32
2X 6080 output stage

View attachment 137970View attachment 137971View attachment 137972View attachment 137973View attachment 137974


More notes in nov/dec when I'm back from vacation and device burned in.

Best regards
Gerald

Looking forward to reading about the listening comparisons. Looks great.

 

[Treehaus Audiolab]

Likewise, I cant wait to hear how this turned out. I love Abbas' approach. I dont see any Runes drawn on his components this time around though! I didnt realize he was making his own capacitors.. thats fantastic.

 

[LanschePlasmaGuy]

Good morning Abbas-Fanboy's ...
SNEAK-PREVIEW...HERMES DAC ...on his way..

Just to get an idea, why I prefer DACs from someone like Abbas. He sent me this note in regards of the long waiting time:
"
The problem was that my capacitors for DACs have a dry dielectric. This means that the capacitor is soaked in alcohol-based varnish and then dried. As it turned out, drying takes about 1000 hours in a vacuum, otherwise the alcohol remains inside.
"
..just awesome build quality and passion for esoteric perfection!

Tubes he used:
ECC88 tube clock
2X 5U4 digital section, can be used 5V4
1X 5AR4 analog section, can be used 5U4, 5V4, 5Y3, GZ32
2X 6080 output stage

View attachment 137970View attachment 137971View attachment 137972View attachment 137973View attachment 137974


More notes in nov/dec when I'm back from vacation and device burned in.

Best regards
Gerald

Thank you for the update Gerald.

Can't wait to hear those caps in our Psyche Signatures! Those beautiful handmade caps are one more example of what makes Abbas different and why his Dac's create such passion with those of us who own and love them.

The ABBAS dac's seem to bring out the best in particular with large high efficiency, low compression, low moving mass, and full range or augmented bass and simple speaker systems (They have been a real game-changer with my large horn system and I can't wait to hear them on the Rullit Aero 8 field coil, Palladin 15 inch field coil bass drivers in an open baffle that I'm hoping to have fired up in the next week or so).

Being Australian, an obvious antidote to speed up the 1000 hour drying time of the alcohol based based varnish is.........to drink the alcohol.

(Important disclaimer for anyone who didn't get my dry Australian humour, the above is a joke. Don't drink the alcohol even though I know you want to; apart from it being almost definitely not good for you, these beautiful capacitors would no longer work in our beautiful dacs).

LPG

 

[Treehaus Audiolab]

Thank you for the update Gerald.

Can't wait to hear those caps in our Psyche Signatures! Those beautiful handmade caps are one more example of what makes Abbas different and why his Dac's create such passion with those of us who own and love them.

The ABBAS dac's seem to bring out the best in particular with large high efficiency, low compression, low moving mass, and full range or augmented bass and simple speaker systems (They have been a real game-changer with my large horn system and I can't wait to hear them on the Rullit Aero 8 field coil, Palladin 15 inch field coil bass drivers in an open baffle that I'm hoping to have fired up in the next week or so).

Being Australian, an obvious antidote to speed up the 1000 hour drying time of the alcohol based based varnish is.........to drink the alcohol.

(Important disclaimer for anyone who didn't get my dry Australian humour, the above is a joke. Don't drink the alcohol even though I know you want to; apart from it being almost definitely not good for you, these beautiful capacitors would no longer work in our beautiful dacs).

LPG

"No worries" as you say down there. One need to be resourceful in Australia . waste not, want not!

You guys are making me want this new Abbas DAC.. and a stiff drink.

 

[LanschePlasmaGuy]

"No worries" as you say down there. One need to be resourceful in Australia . waste not, want not!

You guys are making me want this new Abbas DAC.. and a stiff drink.

Payback for me lusting after your beautiful speakers and amps each time I see photos of them or read reviews and references on the net. Now that I have the Rullit Field Coils and a Field Coil 15 inch bass driver I can't wait to hear them up and running after hearing the Rullit field coil drivers in other friends systems open baffle.

I would imagine the ABBAS dacs being a perfect synergy with your beautiful gear.

LPG

 

[Artnet]

I would imagine the ABBAS dacs being a perfect synergy with your beautiful gear.

Don't think you will be needing to Imagine for much longer now you have the components for the power supply LPG

Looking forward to a listening time soon, can bring the 3.2SE as very curious to hear the combo!!

 

[Treehaus Audiolab]

Payback for me lusting after your beautiful speakers and amps each time I see photos of them or read reviews and references on the net. Now that I have the Rullit Field Coils and a Field Coil 15 inch bass driver I can't wait to hear them up and running after hearing the Rullit field coil drivers in other friends systems open baffle.

I would imagine the ABBAS dacs being a perfect synergy with your beautiful gear.

LPG

I appreciate that.. Im curious to hear your impressions of that new FC woofer. In my own experience, I found the acoustic elegance to be the right match for my own speakers; I am still keeping a casual look out for a field coil woofer that performs even better. I've used the supravox in the past and its a great product but it wasn't doing anything better whilst adding more complication to the design.

Ok, back to ABBAS!

 

[LanschePlasmaGuy]

I appreciate that.. Im curious to hear your impressions of that new FC woofer. In my own experience, I found the acoustic elegance to be the right match for my own speakers; I am still keeping a casual look out for a field coil woofer that performs even better. I've used the supravox in the past and its a great product but it wasn't doing anything better whilst adding more complication to the design.

Ok, back to ABBAS!

We can chat via pm about an interesting option. The problem with the Supravox bass driver (only from what I've read as I haven't heard one) is its a bit "slow" and not really a good match with an open baffle mid, especially one as fast, vivid and open window as the Rullit field coils.

LPG

 

[Artnet]

Second round of ST globes in the 3.2SE, some double 'D' getter black plate copper rod, Chatham 6520 and sounding rather good.

 

[Artnet]

fast, vivid and open window as the Rullit field coils.

Another absolutely astounding listening session at yours with the Abbas 2.2SE, Rullit combination LPG.
Will make some time in the next week or 2 to catch up with the 3.2 at yours I hope.
Its very hard to ignore the synergy of both of these hand made masterpieces, a memorable GTG and that Psyche of yours for next year will be spoilt for choice between your horn system and the Ruliits!!