is this getting weird or is it just me?
What do you mean?
is this getting weird or is it just me?
I recently heard that there are some upgrades in store for Absolare Integrated owners, no ideas on timelines but not too far off allegedly.
I understand there will be two options:
1) Upgrade of volume control to a new 96 step potentiometer (Absolare's best attenuator to date according to Kerem) and a digital display, this would involve replacement of the entire front fascia. A figure of approximately $3k has been mentioned. This includes a service of the entire unit. The units would need to be returned to an Absolare service centre.
2) Upgrade of the Absolare Integrated Signature to the new ALTIUS level. The upgrade cost is $12k which is the 20% percent less than the MSRP difference between Signature and ALTIUS models. Included in this upgrade is the new volume control and display (as above), and a new rear panel. In addition the ALTIUS model will see many other improvements to the internal electronics (new custom made capacitors etc) and the use of the new Echole Limited Edition solid-core wiring throughout. Kerem tells me that in testing the new Absolare Integrated ALTIUS is proving to be one of the best amplifiers they have ever heard.
Looks like we had better start saving LOL
In my opinion the first upgrade in a no-brainer really. If I have one criticism of the Absolare Integrated it is the volume control (I find the gain quite high between steps) and the lack of display. These are clearly usability issues and not related to sound quality at all. Naturally option 2 is very intriguing...
Guillaume
Well now I’m feeling both elated and disconcerted at the same time. Elated because my new Signature arrives tomorrow (yeah!), disconcerted because I always wanted to have the `best’ product available…..and apparently that is not to be with the news of this update!!! Somebody please talk me down from the ledge(-:!
Thanks JP and LL21, I do hope to be back with more observations after break-in. Now the search for an appropriate power cord begins........
Echole is apparently amazing...i know of a few major audiophiles who 'have it all'...and while they both used to use Purist Audio's reference cables (where we have traded listening notes in the past since I am a big fan myself), both moved to Echole's highest level power cables. Given your Absolare and love of the Echole speaker cable...i suppose it should at least be on the short list of options?
Yes the Echole cable is great and the amp is of course internally wired with it as well. Just may be beyond my means at the present since I'm retired and need to be somewhat prudent. We shall see, appreciate the input LL21. By the way, I see you have a Sablon PC listed in your system, any comments as to how that would work as a stop-gap?
Thanks JP and LL21, I do hope to be back with more observations after break-in. Now the search for an appropriate power cord begins........
Sablon Audio? In a word...awesome. And mine is not any longer Mark's reference power cable. Personally, of the few cables that i have tried...hospital grade, stock, Purist Audio, Transparent (much older), and Mark's i would have to say that while my system is now voiced with Purist because i got most of them before discovering Mark's cables (and i tend not to trade equipment too often)...i would not be at all unhappy to trade out the uber-PAD cables for Marks, and might argue (if i did not have to recalibrate the whole system again)...that mark's are better and easily worth the trade (particularly given that they cost far less). They really are that good. sensational detail and quiet came thru the system when i added a few of his into the system to try them, and i ended up keeping 2 where i needed them.
Echole . I have it, great cable.
JP
Hey JP, which Echole PC do you have, and do you have their interconnects as well?
Entry level , Passion. At the moment I am using other IC and speaker cables, top of the line from Gutwire. I have not directly compared them to Echole. But I am sure that Echole is up there with these.
I am in the process of changing speakers and have enough on my plate at the moment...
JP
Thanks JP, certainly understand about having a lot on your plate.....interested to know/see your new speaks when you find the time to comment on them, sounds intriguing. At least no more worries about what will feed them???
The new speakers are the Kaiser Acoustics Kawero Classic.
JP
Look forward to hearing more about those...so much writing about them in Asia, but less in US/Europe.
Echole is apparently amazing...i know of a few major audiophiles who 'have it all'...and while they both used to use Purist Audio's reference cables (where we have traded listening notes in the past since I am a big fan myself), both moved to Echole's highest level power cables. Given your Absolare and love of the Echole speaker cable...i suppose it should at least be on the short list of options?
If you are ever in NY, Rhaposody (rsvinta) has the Kaisers. Probably still does. Right note in Bath had a model as well, don't know if they still do
Look forward to hearing more about those...so much writing about them in Asia, but less in US/Europe.