Heed – Abacus DAC

PCM and DSD are the two main methods for digital recording. The Abacus can handle PCM signals up to 384 kHz and 32 bits, and natively processes the double speed DSD. Quartz based clocks and well-designed linear power supplies ensure that the resolution of digital processing is always perfect. The analogue buffer stages of the Abacus are made of discrete components, to allow the best possible first steps for the analogue signal.

Features

– 5 + 1 digital inputs

– native DSD128 and 384kHz/32bit capable USB connection

– isolated analogue and digital sections

– upgradeable expansion card system

Handcrafting

More Than A Simple Human Touch

Creating something is a wonderful feeling. To witness the numerous pieces of electronic and mechanical parts being hand crafted to form a complete working device is delightful. Every single component receives exacting attention and is the perfect element to provide you with an unrivalled musical experience. From the hand soldering of the circuit boards to the fine adjustments of the volume knob, we ensure every process and incorporate only the highest quality components to make a Heed amplifier the best in class. Rigorous quality control provides the highest possible standard and reliability of our devices. Every single device meets our strict performance regulations but similar to twins, we know that each and every one produced is unique to you.

Transcap

Tuned Non-Direct Coupled Amplifier Technology 

Then you own a Heed amplifier you meet technology that you most probably have never seen in action before. Like the almost forgotten (and then reincarnated) valve technology, the output capacitor transistor amplifiers can normally only be found in the deepest recesses of engineers drawers. The technical difficulties of RC-Coupling means almost 100% of todays manufacturers opt for the easier direct-coupled solutions instead. With great effort and countless development hours there is a way to employ an up to date and sonically better sounding RC-Coupled amplifier. We have chosen this way. Like the belt of a great turntable or the output transformer of a valve amplifier, the output capacitor makes for a great decoupling between the amp and the speaker. But the main advantage is the fact that a capacitor is an energy storage device. By design, this capacitor connects directly onto the speaker, with no in-between elements. Power delivery becomes rapid and precise. To charge this power element, we use a push-pull complementary Darlington transistor drive stage.

This power transforming system needs to be perfectly balanced. The heart of our Transcap technology lies in the precise adjustment of all the charge transmitting and current delivery channels. This propels all the common amplifier components; mains transformer, power supply, voltage and power amplifier stages, into something radically different. You may see now, this is no ordinary amp and it cannot be measured by common standards. Using our methods the sound becomes thick, warm, yet clear and life-like, as it properly translates the electronic signal into the acoustic world.