Abbas Audio Owners & Discussion Thread

[MattyW]

Does your passive pre take unbalanced (RCA) inputs? I ask as Abbas to my knowledge does not provide balanced outputs on their DAC's. Perhaps in their high end 3.2 though I've not looked into such expensive units.

 

If like the unit in this review however you can use RCA's. Beautiful TVC by the way. I bet that sounds fantastic! 

 

6moons audio reviews: Music First Audio Passive Magnetic Preamplifier

 

If like that it has RCA input also so it really aught not to be a problem. The Abbas DAC's all have quite high output so work beautifully with passives though really even my current Musician Aquarius works well despite a comparatively low output of 1.8v via RCA's and the Abbas units provide more than double that.

[Artnet]

2 hours ago, Gav said:

( with tda1541)( possibly also with xlr inputs)

I think that balanced outputs to your Pre are only available on the larger TDA 1541 units.

I am running a 4.1SE  to a passive pre  with RCA  without a problem.  The Pre will accept balanced and have used them with a CD Player.

Am using a CD Transport with SPDIF out to the DAC now and loving it.  Dont think other digital inputs are available but check with Abbas.

 

[Artnet]

Nice review Matty have desired the neat and tidy Music First along with the even tidier $$$Bespoke. 

[Gav]

17 minutes ago, MattyW said:

Does your passive pre take unbalanced (RCA) inputs? I ask as Abbas to my knowledge does not provide balanced outputs on their DAC's. Perhaps in their high end 3.2 though I've not looked into such expensive units.

 

If like the unit in this review however you can use RCA's. Beautiful TVC by the way. I bet that sounds fantastic! 

 

6moons audio reviews: Music First Audio Passive Magnetic Preamplifier

 

If like that it has RCA input also so it really aught not to be a problem. The Abbas DAC's all have quite high output so work beautifully with passives though really even my current Musician Aquarius works well despite a comparatively low output of 1.8v via RCA's and the Abbas units provide more than double that.

My Pre is the same as that 6moons review one accept color is Black with chrome knobs. 

 I am definitely no expert but my understanding was that be using XLR from the droplet was to my advantage but I may be wrong    6moons audio reviews: Consonance Droplet CDP 5.0

 

I could use my Interconnects in reverse order IE RCA from CD to DAC/RCA from DAC to Pre/ and XLR from Pre to Amps

 

Oh my god look at the dust on the back of the Pre  ( embarrassed )

[Artnet]

4 minutes ago, Gav said:

IE RCA from CD to DAC/RCA from DAC to Pre/ and XLR from Pre to Amps

 Sounds good as does the Abbas DAC

[Gav]

Still dumfounded as to which one to get as there are no prices and I have no idea as to which would suite my present system

 

so the 4.1 has a pcm58-K which are cheaper than 3.2 with tda1541R1 

 

dose any one have a price list

[MattyW]

There's a DAC U on the classifieds right now.....

[Artnet]

51 minutes ago, Gav said:

so the 4.1 has a pcm58-K which are cheaper than 3.2 with tda1541R1

 The PCM 58 is good and run it with a Tube amp.  Haven't been able to compare with a TDA1541 but the 2.3SE you will find more available and for a few hundred dollars more. The 3.2SE last I checked was US$3800 plus a waiting list.

The DAC U has speck on this thread earlier on and worth a read to hear what Abbas says about the PCM56K.  Tempted as it has dual inputs!

[Gav]

I am tempted to try that Dac U    

 

So looking at cable needs // has anyone tried using Aurealis digital cables

 

I notice they don't seem to have power cables.

[DrMikeOz]

29 minutes ago, Gav said:

I am tempted to try that Dac U    

 

So looking at cable needs // has anyone tried using Aurealis digital cables

 

I notice they don't seem to have power cables.

I use a robertson audio digital cable and find I really enjoy it https://robertsonaudiocables.com.au/collections/digital-audio-video-cables/products/digital-audiocables?variant=13439706660925

[MattyW]

I'd highly recommend getting Geoff at Aurealis build a custom coax cable for you. I've found 24awg Duelund cotton covered oil impregnated pure silver makes and incredible coax cable with foamed teflon over that, then a copper shield followed by a conductive carbon shield (each material blocks different frequencies) and silver RCA's each end. I had Geoff make one up for me but sold it with my Mutec. The best I've ever run..... By a rather large margin.

 

When talking to Geoff just ask for the same coax cable Matt Willims had made up..... His Duelund silver clock cables are every bit as amazing though once more were a custom build.

Edited December 15, 2021 by MattyW

[muon*]

Aurealis cables are very good quality at very realistic prices, great value.

 

No, he doesn't do power cables.

[Gav]

Ok so I have asked Mike to send me paynent link for DAC-U

 

Also have sent a message to Geoff at Aurealis about the custom cable that Matt mentioned, 

Also looking at cable Mike mentioned which is well priced 

 

So could be an Abbas owner soon , I have high expectations people , haha

Edited December 15, 2021 by Gav

[Gav]

Where do you guys get your power cables  I have bought from Audio Principe in the past which are well made.  Audio Principe 

[MattyW]

I run the fake Accuphase 40th Anniversary power cables from Aliexpress in literally everything as they add weight and body with a bit of warmth to everything. Best use was on my power amps..... That said I can't recommend them as it gets peoples nose out of joint. They're not tested for compliance and safety here in Australia. Subjectively fantastic performance at $30 though.

 

The effect on source components, DAC's etc is barely noticeable however and some as @muon* can attest had no improvement at all with his CD player, only on his tube integrated. Then again.... We do not recomment these excellent performing cables for the aforementioned reasons 

 

I've also found @andyr's power cable beneficial between the wall and my Muciscal Paradise MP-T1 balanced isolation transformer so that would be worthwhile checking out. Andy was able to help me out with a cable that came out at right angles to the wall which was really really helpful given the power point was directly behind the entertainment unit. The chunky connectors on decent cables are not very useful in such a confined space.

Edited December 15, 2021 by MattyW

[DrMikeOz]

Just now, MattyW said:

I run the fake Accuphase 40th Anniversary power cables from Aliexpress in litterally everything as they add weight and body with a bit of warmth to everything. Best use was on my power amps..... That said I can't recommend them as it gets peoples nose out of joint. They're not tested for compliance and safety here in Australia. Subjectively fantastic performance at $30 though.

I have some of Mattys power cables of death(tm) and they are great. I think I’ve got about 5 now. 

[MattyW]

18 minutes ago, DrMikeOz said:

I have some of Mattys power cables of death(tm) and they are great. I think I’ve got about 5 now. 

I’m still getting more with US plugs to run between my Musical Paradise MP-T1 and components rather than going to a single power board as I’ve done in the past. The MP-T1 uses US plugs only.

[DrMikeOz]

Just now, MattyW said:

I’m still getting more with US plugs to run between my Musical Paradise MP-T1 and components rather than going to a single power board as I’ve done in the past. The MP-T1 uses US plugs only.

Yeah I noticed that with my mystical paradise dac. Wouldn’t work with three pin plugs. 

[MattyW]

10 minutes ago, DrMikeOz said:

Yeah I noticed that with my mystical paradise dac. Wouldn’t work with three pin plugs. 

Oh the US plugs on the MP-T1 are 3 PIN. Two parallel pins and a half circle for the ground.

Edited December 16, 2021 by MattyW

[Xecuter]

I would really love to audition a 2.3 or better for review and comparison against my WD signature. happy to pay for the privilege or if you want to come visit I can provide good food and top notch rum and whisky samples!

PM me if you would be open to a loan. I'd pay all freight, insurance and remunerate you for lending me the dac for a week.

 

Al

 

 

[DrMikeOz]

10 hours ago, Xecuter said:

I would really love to audition a 2.3 or better for review and comparison against my WD signature. happy to pay for the privilege or if you want to come visit I can provide good food and top notch rum and whisky samples!

PM me if you would be open to a loan. I'd pay all freight, insurance and remunerate you for lending me the dac for a week.

 

Al

 

 

Hey Al

 

im heading to a meditation retreat in late Jan for 5 days. If no one else has taken you up on the offer of booze I’m happy to loan you my 2.3SE at that time for a week. 

[MattyW]

You may want to loan your Mutec DDC as well. It's really necessary to get the very best from the Abbas.... Well, a nice OCXO clock too really 

 

To be fair I'm beginning to find that true of more modern DAC designs too. Everything benefits from being fed a better quality signal.

Edited December 21, 2021 by MattyW

[MattyW]

On 16/12/2021 at 9:44 AM, DrMikeOz said:

I have some of Mattys power cables of death(tm) and they are great. I think I’ve got about 5 now. 

 

Loving that brand.... Cables of death. You really should copyright that 

[Xi Jinpingers]

I struggle to make heads or tails of The Abbas dacs. Anyone have experience with the more pricey ones? 

[MattyW]

2 hours ago, Lockhart said:

I struggle to make heads or tails of The Abbas dacs. Anyone have experience with the more pricey ones? 

 

I’m unaware of anyone buying higher end than the 2.3SE here in Australia at this time….