Audio Analogue ABsolute Preamplifier, Silver

The Audio Analogue ABsolute Preamplifier is a fully balanced line preamplifier from the ABsolute series, here in silver. It accepts up to five sources, controls the level via relays and precision resistors, and passes the signal on to the power amp balanced or unbalanced. A preamp with no built-in extras — but with a great deal of effort spent on exactly one thing.

Why the ABsolute Preamplifier?

Because connection variety and signal purity aren't at odds here. Three RCA stereo inputs and two balanced XLR inputs are on offer, and on the output side two RCA and two XLR pairs — enough to cleanly feed a second power amp or an active subwoofer as well. Switching runs via relays, level control via a resistor network, powered by two shielded transformers of roughly 50 W each. The signal path remains fully differential throughout, without global negative feedback.

What you hear

A preamp shouldn't stand out, and that's exactly how you recognise a good one. The ABsolute Preamplifier draws finely without flattering anything, keeps the soundstage stable, and lets pauses really be pauses. In silver it also looks good in open racks, where black components tend to merge into a single dark block.

Who is the ABsolute Preamplifier for?

For systems with several high-quality sources and a separate power amp. Plainly put: as the centrepiece of a budget setup it makes no sense, and without a power amp it stays silent. Turntables also still need a separate phono stage, since there's no phono input on board. Accept that, and you get a very quiet, very precise control centre.

Our verdict

A preamplifier that consistently narrows its job down to one thing — and then does it right. In silver it looks lighter than it is; 22 kg still needs carrying. If you want to know which power amps and speakers suit it, get in touch with HD Zürisee in Wädenswil: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical specifications

• Device type: fully balanced line preamplifier, dual mono, without global negative feedback
• Gain: 5.58 dB unbalanced / 11.62 dB balanced
• Inputs: 3× RCA stereo (unbalanced), 2× XLR stereo (balanced)
• Outputs: 2× RCA stereo, 2× XLR stereo
• Output level: adjustable via the volume control
• Headphone output: not present
• Volume control: relay-switched resistor network
• Input selection: via relays
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ
• Frequency response (−0.5 dB): up to 200 kHz
• Noise at the balanced output: 20.4 µV (20 Hz – 80 kHz), 7.7 µV (A-weighted)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 93.8 dB (20 Hz – 80 kHz) / 98.3 dB (20 Hz – 22 kHz) / 102.3 dB (A-weighted)
• Power supply: inductively filtered, two transformers of roughly 50 W each, electrostatically and magnetically shielded, resin-potted
• Standby consumption (230 V): 0.7 W
• Finish: silver chassis
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 480 × 140 × 385 mm
• Weight: 22 kg
• Included: RC10000 remote control, Airtech mains cable, trigger cable, 2× AAA batteries, manual and warranty card

Frequently asked questions

Does the silver version sound different from the black one?

No. Silver and black differ only in the chassis finish; circuitry, connections and measured values are identical. The choice is a matter of looks and rack. In open shelving silver looks lighter, in dark living rooms black blends in more quietly.

Do I absolutely need balanced cables?

No. Alongside the XLR connections, the ABsolute Preamplifier also has unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs and works perfectly well with them. Balanced connections pay off mainly over longer runs to the power amp or in electrically noisy environments. We'll look with you at what makes sense in your setup.

Can I connect a turntable directly?

Not directly. The ABsolute Preamplifier is a pure line preamplifier with no phono input. Between turntable and preamp there therefore needs to be a separate phono preamp matched to your cartridge. That has advantages too: you can choose the phono stage independently and upgrade it specifically later.

What's included in the box?

Included are the RC10000 remote control, an Airtech mains cable, a trigger cable for switching on the power amp, two AAA batteries, plus manual and warranty card. RCA or XLR cables to the power amp are not included — we'll choose those together with you to match your chain.

Why buy the ABsolute Preamplifier in Silver from HD Zürisee?

Because we've been putting together systems for decades and know which combinations actually bring joy day to day. We check the connection layout, plan the cabling, and deliver with setup on request. For questions, you can reach us directly in Wädenswil, by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Pairs well with

This pairs well with a power amp from All Amplifiers, further preamps to compare under Preamplifiers, a phono solution from Phono Preamplifiers, and the rest of the Audio Analogue world.