Absolare Hybrid Stereo Power Amplifier, Signature Edition

One of those "OMG, it has been far too long" encounters with Kerem Küçükaslan enabled me to catch up on Nashua, New Hampshire-based Absolare's latest release, the Absolare Hybrid Stereo Power Amplifier, Signature Edition ($52,000). Using two 12AU7 or 12BH7 NOS tubes, the tube input and transistor output of the 73lb, dual-mono hybrid delivers 275Wpc into 4 ohms and maybe 175Wpc into 8 ohms. Equipped with proprietary aluminum/bronze vibration isolation feet, the amp is said to be compatible with speakers with a nominal impedance of 4–8 ohms.

Heard through Rockport Avior II loudspeakers and Echole cabling, the amp produced a very warm midrange and sweet top that made a violin recording sound lovely indeed. Kerem told me that his goal was to transfer the sound of his SE amplifiers to a hybrid design while rendering the sound of the transistors inaudible.

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