Artnet Posted July 15, 2024 Posted July 15, 2024 On 15/07/2024 at 7:53 AM, Silver Audiophile said: I'm a numbers man. What's a realistic probability this is the case for a the plain Jane chip? The numbers are on the dice and in your wallet IMO. The variation amongst even each graded chip is apparent to some ears, you would expect to find some sounding better than others. I invested once after some advice re the markings and am happy with the improvements of an S1 with double crown marking. The Abbas DAC's are a finely tuned instrument already, so I was/am cautious making any changes. Initially the S2 transplant (after careful extraction and insertion) I was not convinced off. After many hours breaking in and some plinth and cable adjustment it just sings. 2 1
Artnet Posted July 15, 2024 Posted July 15, 2024 The markings and variants of these chips warrants some research and maybe collecting off if your keen 1
Silver Audiophile Posted July 16, 2024 Posted July 16, 2024 8 hours ago, Artnet said: The numbers are on the dice and in your wallet IMO. The variation amongst even each graded chip is apparent to some ears, you would expect to find some sounding better than others. I invested once after some advice re the markings and am happy with the improvements of an S1 with double crown marking. The Abbas DAC's are a finely tuned instrument already, so I was/am cautious making any changes. Initially the S2 transplant (after careful extraction and insertion) I was not convinced off. After many hours breaking in and some plinth and cable adjustment it just sings. Never knew the S1 double crown existed? S2 double crown certainly. I'm not going to get too caught up and mesmerised by which specific DAC TDA1541 chip, other than to understand what I have, use that knowledge of that DAC's sound signature to guide the next Abbas purchase? 1 1
Silver Audiophile Posted July 16, 2024 Posted July 16, 2024 (edited) 10 hours ago, Artnet said: The markings and variants of these chips warrants some research and maybe collecting off if your keen I would have thought the same thing, then looked online and realised many others are already doing so, and this is not a cheap game for a novice to engage in Edited July 16, 2024 by Silver Audiophile 1
Silver Audiophile Posted July 17, 2024 Posted July 17, 2024 (edited) Assuming one likes the TDA1541 DAC chip, now the question is which output tube to pick to hence guide the ideal next Abbas model purchase? Main choices seem to include the 5687, 6BL7, 6SN7, and 6080 output tubes. All with their unique signature sounds. My preference being musicality, rich and smoothness, with a love for low frequencies and mids, but a present and non-rolled off top end. Adjectives like transparent, neutral, analytical, and the like do not resonate well in my books. Edited July 17, 2024 by Silver Audiophile
Silver Audiophile Posted July 31, 2024 Posted July 31, 2024 An Abbas 3.1 has come up for sale in France (eBay). I bought my Abbas USB/SPDIF converter from this seller. Very trustworth gent, good communication, great packing etc. Asking price seems a little steep though (against the list price from Abbas on comparable models like 3.21SE)? Though I agree with his description, I'd prefer this DAC over the Lampizator Golden Gate and even the Audio Note 4.1 DAC! https://www.ebay.com/itm/135156519323?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5337478673&toolid=10001&customid=1edadd60-4f06-11ef-9954-333765383866
Artnet Posted July 31, 2024 Posted July 31, 2024 17 minutes ago, Silver Audiophile said: An Abbas 3.1 has come up for sale in France (eBay). I bought my Abbas USB/SPDIF converter from this seller. Very trustworth gent, good communication, great packing etc. Asking price seems a little steep though (against the list price from Abbas on comparable models like 3.21SE)? Though I agree with his description, I'd prefer this DAC over the Lampizator Golden Gate and even the Audio Note 4.1 DAC! It is a good DAC by all accounts on other forums . The higher cost maybe the Balanced output as this would have been a client request. Balanced outs are now an option as I understand on some models but extra $'s none the less it does seem high. Dave did you go through ebay or direct for your spdif as I understand he is a retailer? 1
RockRolley Posted July 31, 2024 Posted July 31, 2024 20 minutes ago, Silver Audiophile said: An Abbas 3.1 has come up for sale in France (eBay). I bought my Abbas USB/SPDIF converter from this seller. Very trustworth gent, good communication, great packing etc. Asking price seems a little steep though (against the list price from Abbas on comparable models like 3.21SE)? Though I agree with his description, I'd prefer this DAC over the Lampizator Golden Gate and even the Audio Note 4.1 DAC! https://www.ebay.com/itm/135156519323?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5337478673&toolid=10001&customid=1edadd60-4f06-11ef-9954-333765383866 Wow!! That IS steep! Looks stunning. My 2.3se (I think-not at home right now) is so gratifying. One day I’ll consider tube rolling to see what else it can produce, but currently with CEC transport, The Truth preamp, Radford STA25 power and IMF RSPM MK4 speakers, it is truly stunning 3
Silver Audiophile Posted July 31, 2024 Posted July 31, 2024 14 minutes ago, Artnet said: It is a good DAC by all accounts on other forums . The higher cost maybe the Balanced output as this would have been a client request. Balanced outs are now an option as I understand on some models but extra $'s none the less it does seem high. Dave did you go through ebay or direct for your spdif as I understand he is a retailer? I didn't even see the balanced outs . Nice touch. Love the customisation that is possible with the Abbas. Through eBay. I didn't realise he was a retailer.
Artnet Posted July 31, 2024 Posted July 31, 2024 55 minutes ago, Silver Audiophile said: I didn't realise he was a retailer. Could be wrong I thought I saw this elsewhere. The 3.1 is of course no longer available but It would play well and into the 3.2 territory definitely. For the money I would be putting down on a 3.21SE or higher up the chain if you want. 1 hour ago, RockRolley said: My 2.3se (I think-not at home right now) is so gratifying I was excited to recently hear a 4.1SE slightly different to the one I have but have been truly astounded how much you can get from these half width DAC's from Abbas particularly in a good resolving system the music just flows. Encourage tube rolling and specifically the recommendations from @xlr8or 2
Silver Audiophile Posted July 31, 2024 Posted July 31, 2024 12 minutes ago, Artnet said: I was excited to recently hear a 4.1SE slightly different to the one I have but have been truly astounded how much you can get from these half width DAC's from Abbas particularly in a good resolving system the music just flows. Encourage tube rolling and specifically the recommendations from @xlr8or Definitely hearing the same thing from Bryan too. Seems to be a class/brand effect. Mr Abbas loves his signature sound and voices every DAC regardless of limitation of budget/parts towards a similar sonic goal. Likewise, special thanks to @xlr8or for all his tube and hardware recommendations. 2
Silver Audiophile Posted July 31, 2024 Posted July 31, 2024 Just playing around last night with a newly arrived 845 tube monoblock amp. Abbas DAC sonics even evident on initial testing with my ultra budget $100/pair Amazon Edifiers test speaker! 1
muon* Posted July 31, 2024 Posted July 31, 2024 (edited) On 16/07/2024 at 7:18 PM, Silver Audiophile said: I would have thought the same thing, then looked online and realised many others are already doing so, and this is not a cheap game for a novice to engage in I had three different S1 Single crown A chips, and all sounded different to each other. TDA1541A S1 Single Crown 1987, out of a Quad 66, was very different, lighter and detailed and very airy. TDA1541A S1 Single Crown 1988, warm, fairly detailed but not like that above, and not anyway as airy, very balanced. Curiously Clay's first batch of TDA1541A DACs use chips from this same batch. TDA1541A S1 Single Crown 1987, very full bass and mids, not as detailed in the top end as the above, this chip was apparently pulled from a Marantz DA12. Have two or three standard 1997 and 1998 Taiwan chips, very detailed, not as warm as Holland chips. Also a few other standard chips from the 80's. Never had a double crown chip, but know some that have favoured their single crown chip over their doubles, in some cases. Edited July 31, 2024 by muon* 5
ColdsnapBry Posted August 1, 2024 Posted August 1, 2024 Considering buying a .11 SE from Abbas to pair with a CD Player Transport, Bottlehead Mainline and some headphones. Anything I should know before I jump in? I'll have it shipped to New Zealand.. 1
Bisguittin Posted August 1, 2024 Posted August 1, 2024 The arrival of my Abbas 2.2SE was one of the greatest acquisitions I have ever made. Its musical performance has always seemed to be greater than the sum of its parts. I suspect you will have a similar experience. GLWTPurchase. 3
RockRolley Posted August 1, 2024 Posted August 1, 2024 40 minutes ago, ColdsnapBry said: Considering buying a .11 SE from Abbas to pair with a CD Player Transport, Bottlehead Mainline and some headphones. Anything I should know before I jump in? I'll have it shipped to New Zealand.. Only thing to know is it will be awesome 1
xlr8or Posted August 1, 2024 Posted August 1, 2024 1 hour ago, ColdsnapBry said: Considering buying a .11 SE from Abbas to pair with a CD Player Transport, Bottlehead Mainline and some headphones. Anything I should know before I jump in? I'll have it shipped to New Zealand.. Further details of the 0.11SE, including internal photos, can be found at the link below. I'd be inclined to go for the 5687 tube option over the 6N6P tube option due to the fact that they're more tube rolling options available. https://www.abbasaudio.com/en/2021/10/18/новый-аппарат-dac-0-11se/ 3
Silver Audiophile Posted September 10, 2024 Posted September 10, 2024 Got some new toys to play with the Abbas 2.2SE+ (WE310A/274B pre and Cossor series 845 Psvane tubes for the Amp). The energy of 310A pre with the finesse of the Cossor power tubes - Electrifying! Abbas DAC no longer being held back by the rest of the system. 4
MrBurns84 Posted September 10, 2024 Posted September 10, 2024 Amazing track! Those jupiters are really something arent they 1
AJ04 Posted September 25, 2024 Posted September 25, 2024 Hi guys, I have just picked up a used Abbas 2.3SE. What a nice dac, really musical. I just want to add a bit of body or thickness to the overall sound, especially vocals. Tubes used are 5Y3(Rca), E182CC(Philips-Miniwatt}, E180F(Mullard), EB91, 6x4. 1. What tubes will make the most impact in the sound? Please recommend tubes I should try. 2. Does the dac reclocks the input signals through the tube based DEM clock or does it work in slave mode? I have a Ian Canada Fifopi reclocker on order, will it make any difference? Thanks 2
xlr8or Posted September 25, 2024 Posted September 25, 2024 (edited) 3 hours ago, AJ04 said: What tubes will make the most impact in the sound? Please recommend tubes I should try. The twin triode E182CC input tube would make the most difference in changing the tonal characteristics of the unit. You can try a late 1940's to very early 1950's Tung-Sol side goal post getter half clear glass envelope top copper grids black anode plate 5687 or a late 1950's Philips or Valvo relabelled Heerlen Holland pinched waist D getter E182CC in that position. There aren't any of these tubes available on eBay at the moment with the exception of the 5687 listed in Vietnam as pairs for grossly overpriced dollars but they do come up occasionally. Changing the 5Y3 rectifier to a Mullard Blackburn black anode plate GZ32 from the early 1950's would also help. Edited September 25, 2024 by xlr8or 4 1
Glass_and_Tubes Posted September 28, 2024 Posted September 28, 2024 On 31/07/2024 at 7:43 PM, muon* said: I had three different S1 Single crown A chips, and all sounded different to each other. TDA1541A S1 Single Crown 1987, out of a Quad 66, was very different, lighter and detailed and very airy. TDA1541A S1 Single Crown 1988, warm, fairly detailed but not like that above, and not anyway as airy, very balanced. Curiously Clay's first batch of TDA1541A DACs use chips from this same batch. TDA1541A S1 Single Crown 1987, very full bass and mids, not as detailed in the top end as the above, this chip was apparently pulled from a Marantz DA12. Have two or three standard 1997 and 1998 Taiwan chips, very detailed, not as warm as Holland chips. Also a few other standard chips from the 80's. Never had a double crown chip, but know some that have favoured their single crown chip over their doubles, in some cases. My S1 is HSH8827 and is warmer and more balanced than my late year Taiwan ones. So my experience seems to mirror yours. 4
Silver Audiophile Posted December 19, 2024 Posted December 19, 2024 (edited) All new Abbas DACs priced in USD. Another sting for the Aussie buyer! Edited December 19, 2024 by Silver Audiophile 1
Artnet Posted December 19, 2024 Posted December 19, 2024 4 minutes ago, Silver Audiophile said: All new Abbas DACs priced in USD. Another sting for the Aussie buyer! Yes but then Currency comes in many forms for us audiophiles Invest wisely and season greeting to all the Abbas owners. 1
AJ04 Posted February 8 Posted February 8 Hi guys, wanted feedback on the Bendix 6106 Rectifier tube. Is this tube compatible with 2.3SE(comes with 5y3), and is it any good? Thanks.
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