The Ten Collection of Heavenly Audio Components for Discerning Music (and Life) Lovers
Absolute Sounds of London's Ten Collection stands as the pinnacle of high-end audio today. This exclusive catalogue of audio masterpieces features the most distinguished brands and models, some of which have yet to gain widespread recognition. Each item is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and an unwavering pursuit of sonic perfection.
By owning a piece from The Ten Collection, you join a select group of individuals who truly understand and appreciate the art of sound reproduction.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or new to high-end audio, the Ten Collection offers more than just music appreciation. It promises an immersive journey into every note, nuance, and emotion the artist intended—a privilege reserved for the discerning few. This article features an exclusive interview with Ricardo Franassovici, of Absolute Sounds.
Analog Relax
Analog Relax cartridges exemplify ancient Japanese craftsmanship allied to innovation in high-end audio equipment.
Yakusugi cedar forest, Yakushima Island, Japan (artistic vision)
The EX1000 cartridge is a tribute to the extraordinary acoustic properties of the 2,000-year-old YAKUSUGI cedar from Yakushima Island, Japan. This wood, revered since the Edo period for its straightness and ease of handling, grows at a snail's pace in harsh weather conditions, contributing to the cartridge’s ability to produce an organic and sensual sound. The use of such a unique material in the construction of the cartridge is a testament to Analog Relax's commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology.
The EX1000 is made of 2,000-year-old YAKUSUGI cedar from Yakushima Island, Japan.
Analog Relax’s approach to cartridge design is thus a testament to its commitment to materials, craftsmanship, and the joy and experience they bring to the user. Its cartridges are redefining the vinyl listening experience, transcending what was once considered the pinnacle of cartridge technology.
The Analog Relax EX2000 is made of the finest spruce from South Tyrol, Italy.
Analog Relax offers other cartridges, such as the EX 2000, made from the finest spruce from South Tyrol, Northern Italy, the same region where the wood for Stradivarius violins was sourced. The body is coated with an ultra-fine powder, giving it a natural sound quality. It also features a precision-machined solid diamond cantilever to seamlessly extract high-resolution sound from the record’s grooves.
Analog Relax cartridges are the result of the meticulous work of skilled Japanese artisans. Their focus on material excellence and auditory pleasure makes them a highly coveted choice for vinyl enthusiasts searching for the ultimate analogue listening experience.
DeVore Fidelity
From the vibrant city of New York, DeVore Fidelity is renowned for its unique loudspeakers that defy conventional design norms.
Devore Fidelity home town: the vibrant city of New York.
Among its exceptional models is the Orangutan O/96, with a high sensitivity of 96dB, which sets it apart from most modern speakers. These distinct characteristics beckon audio enthusiasts to explore the unmatched sound quality it delivers.
Devore Fidelity O/96
Other models, such as the O/93, Gibbon Super Nine, and the O/Reference, are all meticulously crafted with a focus on sound quality, a hallmark of DeVore Fidelity's global reputation.
Döhmann Audio
Döhmann’s meticulous approach sets his turntables apart, allowing them to deliver an exceptionally pure and detailed sound.
Döhmann arrives from the other side of the world to turn the analogue tables.
Döhmann Audio turntables utilise an advanced suspension system called the Negative Stiffness Mechanism (NSM). This groundbreaking method of isolating vibrations was developed by Dr. David Platus from MinusK Technology USA. Originally used for applications extremely sensitive to resonance, such as electron and atomic force microscopy, the NSM provides unparalleled resonance isolation.
Döhmann Audio Helix One
The result is a compact passive isolator capable of very low vertical and horizontal natural frequencies and high internal structural frequencies. Integrating the MinusK NSM into a turntable design, as Döhmann Audio has done, offers the best resonance isolation solution ever experienced, ensuring that the stylus operates in an environment free of any vibrational energy and resonance.
HSE Swiss
HSE Swiss represents Swiss craftsmanship and precision in high-end audio equipment and reproduction.
HSE Swiss, as pure as the air you breath in the Swiss Alps.
The company’s philosophy is rooted in the Swiss tradition of producing the highest quality, from concepts and engineering to materials, components, production, final assembly, testing, and service. This commitment to excellence reflects the standards of the Swiss luxury watch industry, where “Swiss Made” symbolises unparalleled quality.
HSE MasterLine7 Phono Preamp
ML-7 Phono Preamp: Known as the lowest-noise device on the market, with an Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) of -144dBu, it represents the analogue “king class” in engineering with new discrete gain stages and servo-controlled zero-ohms.
HSE Reference Line 7 Phono Preamp.
Vinyl Playback: HSE Swiss prides itself on vinyl playback systems optimized for the best sound quality, embodying the high-end definition of luxury audio.
HSE Swiss products reflect an uncompromising Swiss mindset. Every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure the ultimate audio experience. These devices are a testament to the art of sound, rendering every note and nuance with pristine clarity and depth.
Metaxas & Sins
Metaxas & Sins is widely known for crafting high-fidelity audio equipment that is truly a work of art.
Metaxas&Sins exquisite modern designs are created in a classic environment.
The Ten Collection offers more than just music appreciation—a privilege reserved for the discerning few.
Their products go beyond ordinary listening tools; they represent luxury design, albeit unorthodox, and unparalleled audio quality.
Metaxas&Sins Skeleton reel-to-reel player.
Each piece combines artistic expression with the quest for acoustic perfection. Whether through high-end audio equipment or design collaborations, Metaxas & Sins embodies innovation and an unwavering pursuit of beauty in form and function, by creating kinetic art objects and what may be described as high-end audio sculptures for adults, like the sensual Headphone Amplifier Ethereal (below) whose 'nipples' are the volume and selection controls.
Metaxas & Sins display of audio works of art at the recent High End 2024, in Munich, including in the background the new electrostatic loudspeakers.
Robert Koda
Robert Koda products are born from both passion and expertise.
Robert Koda inspired by the Zen culture
The Takumi K-15 EX preamp, a prime example of meticulous craftsmanship and innovative engineering, was born from Robert Koda’s (aka Koch) unwavering passion for audio perfection. It draws inspiration from the legacy of Audio Note Japan and Robert's expertise, resulting in an impressive dynamic range of 145 dB.
Robert Koda Takumi K-15EX
Join a select group of individuals who truly understand and appreciate the art of sound reproduction.
K-15 EX's volume control: It has 256 high-quality audio resistors arranged in an 'L-pad' configuration.
The K-15 EX's volume control is particularly notable. This device features a massive, custom-built eight-channel switch with 256 nude, audio-grade resistors in an 'L-pad' configuration. This arrangement ensures that only two resistors are used for each channel phase at a time. The main goal is to prioritise the purity and clarity of sound. This approach to sound quality is ideal for audiophiles who want the best possible listening experience.
Robert Koda K160 Mono Amplifier
Robert Koda K160 Mono Amplifiers
The Robert Koda K160 mono amplifiers are an engineering marvel, epitomising the brand’s commitment to perfection. This design blends the warmth and musicality often associated with valve amplifiers with the precision and control of solid-state technology. Operating in Class A with over 8 Amps of standing current, the K160 ensures rich and detailed sound reproduction, featuring zero negative feedback and zero modulation on the power supply for a clean and stable output.
Trafomatic Audio
With over 30 years of experience building tube amplifiers, founder Sasa Cokic has established Trafomatic as a brand synonymous with quality and artistry in the high-end audio market.
The bridge over the river Drina represents the resilience and endurance of the Serbian people and is deeply embedded in their collective memory and identity, having inspired the Trafomatic Audio philosophy.
Trafomatic’s products blend traditional craftsmanship (valves) with modern technology, resulting in sonically superior and visually striking amplifiers.
Trafomatic Audio Rhapsody Integrated Amplifier
Rhapsody Integrated Amplifier: The culmination of decades of experience designed to express a devotion to music and art at a more affordable price.
Trafomatic Audio Primavera Headphone Amplifier
Primavera Headphone Amplifier: This amplifier offers a fresh approach to intimate listening, celebrating the renewal and regrowth of the headphone experience and offering a new perspective on low-level amplification.
Trafomatic Audio Glenn Mono Power Amplifier
Glenn Mono Power Amplifier: Possibly the greatest 300 B amplifier ever built, the Glenn amplifiers are formidable and elegant.
Trafomatic Tara Preamplifier.
The Tara Preamplifier employs a tube-based design, which is highly regarded for producing warm, rich, and natural sound characteristics. The use of tubes helps deliver a highly musical and engaging audio experience and adds a layer of warmth and richness that many audiophiles find appealing.
Trafomatic Audio Elysium
Trafomatic Audio sets high standards in the high-end audio industry, striving for excellence beyond traditional limits. Products like the Elysium promise the ultimate aural experience, redefining what’s possible in exotic high-end audio. In essence, Trafomatic Audio crafts musical machines that resonate with the listener’s soul, offering a gateway to a world where music is heard, felt, and lived.
Trafomatic Audio Drina monobloc valve amplifier, crafted according to specific customer requirements.
Finally, we have the remarkable Drina monobloc valve amplifier. It is meticulously crafted according to specific customer requirements and draws inspiration from the iconic Drina River and its renowned bridge. This river bears immense cultural and historical significance within Serbian culture. Serving as a powerful symbol, it embodies the resilience and endurance of the Serbian people while also holding a place of deep significance in their collective memory and identity. Its captivating beauty and the poignant history it carries contribute to its enduring legacy.
The Ten Collection by Ricardo Franassovici - an Interview (in English) by JVH (4K)