Materially the Audio Analogue ABsolute packs a real punch with its stout dimensions and weight. Physical attractions aside, it's a music machine which turns every pound, every kilowatt hour into absolute euphony. Tonally neutral, it spoils the ears with an incomparable combination of involving spatiality, highest resolution, great dynamics with musicality, playfulness and absolute pleasure of long-term listening. There are definitely only a few amplifiers to market that combine high-end virtues at this level. The Audio Analogue ABsolute is the first amp in its class which really tempts me. The Italian not only warmed my listening room but heart.
Psych profile for the Audio Analogue ABsolute…
- a very engaging soundstage. This integrated amplifier casts what feels like just the right size to place both recorded venue and musical actors in the room in a very tangible way. The whole effect is exceptionally embodied and believable.
- bass doesn't tonally overwhelm yet still draws attention by reproducing in extremely catchy astute fashion. Speaker control was excellent without unnatural overdamping so of a piece without affectation.
- the midrange seems very hard to beat in terms of detail resolution and dynamic gradation. Here too the Audio Analogue ABsolute does it all is perfectly and still always manages to put the focus on euphony.
- a neutral high-resolution treble with clarity to match with the rest of the bandwidth. In contrast to some euphonic amps, the upper registers owe their airiness not to distortion but genuine neutral magnification powers.
- the most nuanced microdynamics plus real shove on the macro front.
- an impressively massive physique of posh execution and fine industrial design.
Facts.
- Concept: Transistor integrated amplifier switchable between Class A or Class AB bias
- Dimensions and weight: 27 x 48 x 42cm HxWxD, 52kg
- Inputs: 3 x RCA, 2 x XLR
- Outputs: single-wire 5-way binding posts
- Power: 50wpc into 8Ω, 100W/4Ω in class A, thrice that in class AB
- Trim: silver or black
- Other: remote control, high-quality power cord
- Warrantee: 5 years
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