Power amplifiers mono — Audio Analogue ABSOLUTE PA

The ABsolute PA from Audio Analogue is a power amplifier derived from the company's ABsolute integrated amplifier, keeping its output section and pure class A biasing while dropping the preamplifier stage. Although it is filed here among monoblocks, the maker lists it as a two-channel unit with a fully dual-mono layout in which each side has its own supply. Natural aluminium and satin black are the two finishes offered.

Key specs that matter

Into 8 ohm the amplifier delivers 50 W on each channel while staying in pure class A. Into lower loads it leaves class A once the current demand rises, reaching 100 W in class AB at 4 ohm (25 W still in class A) and 200 W in class AB at 2 ohm (12.5 W in class A). Input is a single balanced XLR per channel with an impedance of 47 kilohm and a sensitivity of 0.5 V RMS for full output into 8 ohm. Bandwidth runs from 1 Hz to 200 kHz at the -3 dB points. Output resistance is 0.09 ohm and the damping factor into 8 ohm is 89. Residual noise stays under 9 microvolts, the signal to noise ratio exceeds 93 dB, and distortion is below 0.008% at 10 W and below 0.02% at 50 W. The chassis is 270 mm high, 483 mm wide and 445 mm deep, and it weighs 50 kg.

Engineering and use context

Audio Analogue builds the circuit without global feedback and keeps every stage fully balanced from input to output. The gain topology is the in-house SeGeSTA structure, an asymmetrical design that works in current mode. Resistors are oversized military types chosen to reduce thermal distortion, capacitors are audio grade, internal wiring is solid 7N OCC copper, and the output connectors use gold plating over copper. A microcontroller handles switching and protection logic. Because class A biasing keeps the output devices conducting at full current even with no signal, the chassis gets hot at idle, and its mass and depth call for a sturdy, ventilated shelf with open air around it rather than a closed rack. The standby draw of 0.5 W also makes it practical to leave the unit connected between listening sessions.

Pairing

The balanced-only input means the preamplifier must offer XLR outputs, and the modest drive voltage needed for full output lets almost any line stage drive it to full power. Loudspeakers with a benign high-impedance load keep it working entirely in class A, while low-impedance designs push it into class AB at higher levels.

Alternatives

The Audio Analogue ABsolute Monoblock offers one channel per chassis with higher pure class A output from the same range.