The Abbas Audio DAC 3.1 stands out as the most captivating holographic DAC I’ve encountered, renowned for its exceptional air and decay characteristics. This DAC exudes a romantic quality that’s truly unparalleled. To paint a picture: imagine if Claude Debussy had pursued engineering instead of music - the Abbas DAC 3.1 would likely be his masterpiece.
Crafted in Ukraine by Mr. Abbas, this DAC is a harmonious blend of vintage components and modern technology. Its gold circuit board, hand-crafted transformers, and unique wiring - utilizing air isolation and copper strands sourced from vintage radios - all contribute to its distinctive sound signature.
In my experience, the Abbas DAC 3.1 has outperformed several high-end contenders, including my previous Lampizator Big7 and Ear Yoshino DAC4, as well as the Audio Note 4.1. I’ve had the opportunity to compare it against renowned references such as DCS Vivaldi, MSB, Aries Cerat Cassandra, Totaldac, and Playback Design. While these are all exceptional DACs in their own right, none quite capture the imagination like the Abbas.
Listening to music through the DAC 3.1 is a transcendent experience, often inducing a trance-like state. It reminds me of Lucasz’s comment about Tim de Paravicini’s DAC 4, which he dismissed as "just a toy." Interestingly, I still prefer the DAC4 over any LampizatOr, but the Abbas DAC 3.1 surpasses them both in my estimation.
I’ve recently acquired the DAC 3.2 as well, which shares many similarities with the 3.1 but presents a slightly less romantic and more analytical sound. However, it’s worth noting that it’s still new and may evolve after a proper burn-in period, potentially matching the dreamy qualities of its predecessor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSfWI0waKuM