The 2 x 120W Cabasse Abyss amplifier is an innovative high-end model designed using DSP calibration algorithms to determine the Cabasse input model and adapt the configuration to suit the route. Completely, with enhanced sharing of audio streaming and connection to other sources, without connecting to an HDMI connector. This is modernity, which consists in the fact that you travel through the design in a pince-nez, and not through an internal tactile circle.
The touch screen is surrounded by a rotating ring for adjusting audio volume. The action is smooth, allowing for precise and intuitive listening level adjustment. However, one inconvenience arises: dust inevitably accumulates around and under this ring. After two months of experience with this amplifier, one could hear the rustling of dust when the ring rotated. Although the particles are easily removed, this contrasts with the sophisticated and luxurious appearance this amplifier strives to embody.
The Cabasse Abyss amplifier features a Class D amplifier section capable of delivering a massive 2 x 120 Watts into 8 ohms or 215 Watts into 4 ohms. Thanks to exclusive DFE (Dynamic Fidelity Enhancer) technology, the dynamics of this Cabasse amplifier are optimized depending on listening volume. It takes into account volume, frequencies and melody to ensure balanced and dynamic playback even at low levels. A process that has already proven itself on connected Cabasse speakers such as the Cabasse The Pearl Keshi 2.1 System.
The Cabasse Abyss amplifier can also customize music playback depending on your listening conditions. This audio calibration system works without a microphone. Simply specify the location of the speakers in the app according to three presets: in a corner, on a TV stand or next to the sofa. You can also choose a listening position: a sofa very close to the speakers, in the center of the room or against a wall. This last feature mainly affects the level of low frequencies to avoid creating a resonant point in the room. Finally, a two-band equalizer allows you to adjust the level of bass and treble.
The Cabasse Abyss plug-in amplifier provides the same networking functionality as the Cabasse The Pearl line of speakers. Once connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, it can play DLNA shared music from NAS server or computer. The internal DAC provides support for most WAV, MP3, AAC, WMA, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC and Ogg audio formats, as well as DSD files up to DSD128. Deezer, Napster, Qobuz, Spotify and Tidal are also supported by the Cabasse app, which can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android. It also allows you to access thousands of web radio stations via vTuner. Streaming from a mobile device, tablet or computer is also possible using AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth (SBC or AAC codecs).
In addition to numerous streaming options, the Cabasse Abyss amplifier offers well-equipped connectivity, such as two RCA inputs and an optical input for connecting a pre-amped turntable or CD player. The convenient HDMI eARC port is also suitable for connecting a TV. Finally, the subwoofer output allows you to connect a subwoofer to it.
All connectors are grouped on the rear panel of the amplifier. There is an LED on it that is constantly lit when the system is energized. Its brightness is quite strong and can be disturbing when the Cabasse Abyss is installed in the bedroom or next to the TV. It would be useful to be able to disable this warning light in the mobile app. A point that could easily be fixed in a future update.
Cabasse Abyss Specifications
Power: 2 x 120 W at 8 ohms and 2 x 215 W at 4 ohms
Color touch screen
Digital Acoustic Enhancement (Deap) technology for cabinet speakers
Supports Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Deezer HiFi, Qobuz and vTuner
Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (SBC/AAC), AirPlay 2
Dimensions (WxHxD): 245 x 97 x 220 mm
Weight: 3.5 kg