voxativ Absolut Box User manual

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Absolut!
Guide

Table of contents
Page Topic
2-3 TOC/Intro
4 What’s in the box?
5 Quick Start
6-14 Let’s get connected
6!!!Overview
7!!!Wired connections
7! ! ! ! Power
7!!!!Speaker cables
8!!!!Analog IN
9!!!!Optical IN
9!!!!Analog OUT
10!!!Wireless connections
11! ! ! ! Connecting via Bluetooth
12!!!!Connecting via WiFi (ShairPlay/AirPlay® compatible)
14-17 !Let’s play some music
14!!!Via WiFi (ShairPlay/AirPlay® compatible)
16!!!Via Bluetooth / aptX
16!!!Via Analog inputs
16!!!Switching inputs
17 Remote control
18 FAQ
19 Technical Overview
20 Troubleshooting
21 Safety Guidelines
22 Repair/Maintenance/Warranty/Disposal"
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Pure plug+play listening is just a moment away…
This guide will get you up and running quickly. A high-end audio system does not have to be complicated.
For most, an Absolut System is absolutely all one needs to enjoy pure listening at home.
To get the most out of all features, please read this manual carefully. We advise you to keep this manual for
future reference — or refer to the online “User Manual” that will be updated in continually as new features,
advice or other information becomes available.
Das Absolut System comes in several variations depending on the loudspeaker chosen. The purpose of this
guide is to familiarize you with:
Digital audio streamer Absolut Box
The information provided here is universal regardless of whether it has been purchased with the Hagen
monitors, Zeth towers or other future models. For specifics regarding setup of the various loudspeakers,
please refer to the dedicated manuals for each model (Hagen, Zeth, etc.) that has also been provided.
Over time, new features and advice on how to best use your Absolut System will be made available via
https://voxativ.berlin/absolut-systems-1. Updated versions of this manual will be made available for
download.!
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What’s in the box?!
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1x Digital audio streamer Absolut Box
1x IR Remote Control
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Absolut !
Guide
1x User Manual
1x Power cable (varies by region)
Integrated Amp"
(30W Solid-state Class AB )
192/24 DAC
Custom DSP
WiFi / Bluetooth / aptX
AirPlay® compatible
Roon compatible

Once connected, any audio from your smartphone/tablet/computer will output to the Absolut system. "
As a precaution, set the volume of your smartphone/tablet/computer to a low/moderate level
before tapping play. Once audible, adjust levels to taste without fear of damaging the speakers.
The physical remote included controls only volume up/down/mute. This remote can be used to set an
overall max setting and then put away. Once set, the in-app volume controls can be used. Alternatively, set
the max volume from the smartphone/tablet/computer and then adjust using the physical remote.
* The quality of the Bluetooth connection is different between Apple & Android devices. For most Android devices (as well as the new SONY Walkman),
the Bluetooth connection is superior due to their choice of implementing the apt-X codec. For highest fidelity using an Apple device, we recommend
using the AirPlay® compatible WiFi connection. To connect this way, read ahead as additional steps are needed (See page 12).!
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Quick Start
The fastest path to music is via Bluetooth* in three steps:
1. Set up equipment so that the Absolut Box is between the two speakers. Ideally,
the rear of the speakers are about 1ft (30.5cm) from the wall and at least 6 feet
(2m) apart from one another.
2. Connect the cables: AC power plug to the wall and loudspeaker cables
between the components. Physically switch on the unit and after a brief pause
you will hear the unit “click” on. Within 30 seconds, the Absolut Box is ready for
wireless connection.
3. Connect via Bluetooth from your smartphone/tablet/computer, to the device
named e.g. “Absolut Hagen”. Open your favorite streaming app and play.

Let’s get connected
!
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(Note: The Illustration above depicts an Absolut Box pre-configured for Hagen loudspeakers. If pre-configured for Zeth, etc., the rear label would indicate Absolut Zeth, etc.)
Remote"
Pairing button for included remote or for IR-learning remotes#
Analog IN"
RCA (white/red) audio inputs for external A/V devices such as CD/DAC, AV,
Phono stage, etc.#
Digital IN"
Optical (TOSLINK) audio input for external A/V digital devices such as CD/DAC,
AV, Cable/Sat Box, AppleTV, etc.#
Analog OUT"
Volume-controlled output for connection to addt’l subwoofers, amps, preamps
in use with the assigned Voxativ loudspeakers#
Right/Left loudspeaker outputs"
8 Ohm taps that connect ONLY to the assigned Voxativ loudspeakers#
AC Power Inlet / Power Switch"
For external power connection to internal switching power supply that will
Volume +#
Mute#
Volume –
Unassigned

Let’s get connected
Wired Connections
First, unpack and remove any protective film carefully not to scratch the surface. (Before wiping away dust,
ensure the cloth you are using is free of any debris.) Place D.a.s. Absolut Box on a stable surface between
the loudspeakers. For optimal WiFi performance, place the Absolut Box near your wireless router.
Connecting to mains AC power
Connect the Absolut Box to your power outlet and switch on. For those using larger audio-grade power
cabling that may obstruct access to the switch, it may be easier to flip the switch on first. The internal
switching power supply will automatically convert to regional power requirements around the world.
Connecting loudspeaker cables
Connect your Voxativ loudspeakers (Hagen, Zeth, etc.) using the Voxativ speaker cables that have been
designed as an optimal signal conductor for your Absolut system. The conductors used in these cables
are the same pure copper design as the internal cabling of the Voxativ loudspeakers - allowing for one
continuous common circuit (using other cabling may subjectively alter the listening experience).
Due to the custom DSP inside, do NOT connect loudspeakers that were not assigned to the
amp from the Voxativ factory. Pay close attention to the orientation of the cabling — left channel input
to left speaker output, right channel input to right speaker output, red to red, black to black, etc.
Incorrect wiring will significantly deteriorate the stereo illusion necessary for a high fidelity listening
experience.!
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Let’s get connected (cont’d)
Wired connections (cont’d)
In addition to wireless signal input, your Absolut Box has hardwired connections for external components
such as DACs, AV Receivers, phono stages, etc. It’s important to note that any signal received by the
Absolut Box (wired or wireless) will be output from the speaker outputs after being digitally processed by
the internal 192kHz/32bit DSP (DAC outputting at 192/24) with custom-set frequency response curve. This
ensures the signal being output to your assigned Voxativ speakers is as linear as possible to provide a full-
range frequency listening experience with abundant bass information (i.e., down to 45Hz w/Hagen and
40Hz w/Zeth).
Connecting to Analog IN (RCA)
External analog devices with RCA outputs can be connected to Analog IN. Like loudspeaker
connections, make certain that the colors of the RCA connectors coordinate with the inputs. White
(sometimes black) always goes to white, whereas red goes to red, etc. Reversing these will significantly
impact the fidelity of the listening experience. As mentioned above, any signal sent into the analog inputs
will be processed and preserved digitally. "
It is also highly recommended that any device using the Analog IN also be plugged into an AC outlet that
is shared by the Absolut Box itself (whether that be at the wall or within a power block/strip). This will
help guard against a potential ground loop error which presents itself as an audible low-level hum (60 Hz)
through the speakers. If this is present,!
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Let’s get connected (cont’d)
Wired connections (cont’d)
Connecting to Digital IN (Optical/TOSLINK)
Some external digital sources offer the output of their data stream via an optical connection sometimes
referred to as TOSLINK. Such devices could be A/V sources such as cable boxes, TVs, computers, etc.
The benefit of any hardwired digital connection is that it is far less susceptible to wireless interference
during transmission. An optical connection is also free of any electrical grounding interference given the
nature of the optical signal being sent. The maximum digital input of this connection is 96kHz/24bit.
Connecting to Analog OUT (RCA)
This is a volume-controlled output allowing for output to an active subwoofer like our Z-Bass units. This
output can be used also as preamp out for an external tube amp or as a source input into another
preamp where the amplification stage is bypassed. In either scenario, the custom DSP is still applied, so
make certain that the loudspeakers being used are the Voxativ models that came with the Absolut
System.
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Let’s get connected (cont’d)
Wireless connections
For absolute simplicity, we recommend a wireless connection.
This Absolut system was primarily designed and optimized for wireless playback. A wireless connection is
the simplest path to our pocket-friendly personal streaming devices that have access to millions of high-
resolution songs via a swipe and tap.
Wireless connections are also free from electrical ground interference or ground loop/hum which can be
more pronounced with high-efficiency/sensitive full-range loudspeakers like Voxativ.
Your preference of wireless connection may be influenced by the primary smartphone/tablet/computer you
are using. For example, the quality of the Bluetooth connection is different between Apple & Android
devices.
For most Android devices (as well as the new SONY Walkman and other digital audio players), the
Bluetooth connection is superior due to their choice of implementing the apt-X codec that allows for a near-
CD bitrate at 96/24. As of now, current production models of D.a.s. Absolut Box do not support Google
Chromecast®.
For highest fidelity using an Apple device, we recommend using the WiFi connection (ShairPlay/AirPlay®
compatible).!
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Let’s get connected (cont’d)
Wireless connections (cont’d)
Connecting via Bluetooth
(The image to the left depicts the iOS environment on an iPhone)
After being powered on, the Absolut Box will automatically begin broadcasting a
Bluetooth network within 30 seconds.
To pair your smartphone/tablet/computer…#
1. Activate your personal Bluetooth connection in the settings
2. Search for and select e.g. “Absolut Hagen” (“Absolut Zeth,” , etc.)
3. After pairing, any audio playing from your source device will be output to the
Absolut system (including audio alerts from your device OS)
4. The devices are now paired and will automatically re-connect when both
devices are within a 30ft/10m range. To pair another device, disconnect the
current Bluetooth connection.
Note: If the Absolute Box is powered on, but has fallen into its sleep mode after a period of inactivity —
reconnecting via Bluetooth will wirelessly wake it up.
"
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Let’s get connected (cont’d)
Wireless connections (cont’d)
Connecting via WiFi (ShairPlay/AirPlay®compatible) using the AirLino app
After being powered on, the Absolut Box will automatically begin broadcasting a WiFi network
within 30 seconds. For the best performance, you must connect the WiFi network of the
Absolut Box to your home WiFi network.
To accomplish this we recommend using the free app called “AirLino®” by LinTech GmbH
available for download from the Apple app and Google Play stores.#
#
!
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AirLino®App
First, log in to the active
WiFi network being
transmitted by the Absolut
Box with the generic name
starting with “LOG-xxxx”
typically followed by a
different set of characters
as seen to the left.
1
Once you’ve downloaded
AirLino®, follow these "
7 steps outlined over the
next few pages.
This initial set-up process should only have to be
accomplished once (or after resetting the system).

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Now open the
AirLino® app
which will see the
newly connected
generic “LOG-
XXXX” network on
the first Device
Discovery page.
Once it is
displayed, tap on
the network
name.
2
After tapping on the
“LOG-XXXX” network
name you will be
presented with this screen
that will walk you through
the rest of the process.
To advance, tap
“continue” in the lower
right hand corner as seen
in the photo.
3
On this screen, you have
the chance to change the
generic network name of
the Absolut Box to
something more
recognizable like e.g…
“Absolut Hagen WiFi”
This custom name can be
inout after selecting the
bottom of the list option
“another…”
4
Now is the
opportunity to
connect the
Absolut Box to
your home
network. Select
your home WiFI
SSID from the list
and then your
password.
5

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After a moment,
this final screen will
appear to indicate
setup is complete.
From this point
forward, your
Absolut Box will be
named whatever
you name it (e.g.,
“Absolut Hagen
WiFi”) in any menu
where you can
choose to send
audio from an
AirPlay compatible
music app.
6
7
The AirLino app offers an
optional use of its internet
radio stations as well as
playlist only logins to such
apps as TIDAL and
Qobuz.
We recommend directly
using your music apps
and device streaming
options to play to your
Absolut system for a
better user experience.
Help from AirLino is now
complete. Time to play
music.
(Note: As of now, current production models of D.a.s. Absolut Box do not internally support Google Chromecast®)
Let’s play music
Via WiFi (ShairPlay/AirPlay® compatible)
From this point forward usage becomes much more familiar. Simply open a music app on your
smartphone/tablet/computer and then select your Absolut System network name as the source
destination for the stream.
It can be as simple as tapping on and then selecting e.g. “Absolut Hagen WiFi”
The next page shows some in-app examples for reference (via iOS)

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Apple AirPlay®
Qobuz
TIDAL
Spotify
Roon
YouTube
Hagen Wifi

Let’s play music (cont’d)
Via Bluetooth / aptX
Simply open a music app on your smartphone/tablet/computer and then
select the e.g. “Absolut Hagen” connection as the source destination for the
Bluetooth stream.
Range is typically within 30ft/10m.
Bluetooth aptX is currently only available on Android devices (delivering near
CD quality). aptX technology must be incorporated in both transmitter and
receiver to derive the “near CD quality” sound of aptX audio coding (Max
16/44 at 352kbps)
(The screen photo on the left depicts iOS from an iPhone)
Via Analog inputs
Stop wireless playback. Start audio from the controls of the external device. Input switching is automatic.
Switching inputs
Switching the inputs is not necessary with an Absolut Box. Both input signals (analog and digital) are played
back automatically with wireless connections as priority. Be careful not to accidentally play multiple sources
at the same time.!
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Let’s play music (cont’d)
Remote control
In most cases, volume adjustment can be made in-app or with the hard
buttons on the sides of the smartphone/tablet while streaming. The volume
can also be adjusted with the supplied infrared remote control. If you want
to change the volume, press the „Vol. up +“ or „Vol. down –“ key. If you
hold down one of these buttons, the volume changes continuously.
Be sure to point the remote at the Absolut System as soon as you press a
key. If you press the „Mute“ button you can mute the Absolut System or
deactivate the mute function.
Pairing the remote control
If you have several remote controls of the same type, pairing is useful to avoid conflicts. Use a pen or a
straightened paper clip to press the pairing button on the back of the Absolut System.
The device is now in pairing mode for 30 seconds. Now press any key on the desired remote control
(e.g., the „Mute“-key). The device is now paired with this remote control and accepts only commands
from this remote control
Note: If the Absolut System does not receive any command from a remote control during the 30
seconds it is in pairing mode, the pairing is canceled and the Absolut System accepts commands from
any remote control of the same type.
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Unassigned
Volume +#
Mute#
Volume –

FAQ
No buttons or screens?
Simplicity, affordability, practicality — all Absolut objectives achieved by a “less is more” approach.
Where’s the subwoofer?
We hear this all the time at audio shows. The Custom DSP applied within D.a.s. Absolut Box allows even the
small speaker enclosures to resolve low-frequency information down to 45Hz.
Can I connect D.a.s. Absolut Box to another pair of loudspeakers?
This is not advisable. The amp stage and DSP applied to this system were literally made for the Voxativ
loudspeakers purchased with the system. A different pair of loudspeakers would have different power
requirements and a frequency response that would not match the internal DSP applied at the factory.
Why no USB or Ethernet connections?
This system concept is about simplicity. Plug in the power and speaker cables and then press play from your
smartphone/tablet/computer. Adding additional redundant digital inputs complicates operation for the music
lover who just wants to listen. For a more fussy and tweak-able system, please visit our website and peruse the
last ten years of our no-holds-barred product lineup.
But the wireless inputs can’t do resolutions beyond CD-quality (i.e., Redbook, 16/44), etc.?
Correct. Send the Absolut Box a quality stream of whatever songs you can access. There are tens of millions of
them accessible via a swipe/tap from your smartphone. Once the bits hit the DAC/DSP they are upsampled to
192/24 with a phase-linear frequency curve that perfectly matches the loudspeakers driver, enclosure resonance
and horn criteria. Now listen. If at this point you are still wanting more, then perhaps this isn’t the system for you.
Do Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify , etc., run inside the Absolut Box?
No. They are running on your smartphone/tablet/computer or TOSLINK connected component which is then
streaming the bits to the Absolut Box where they are processed and played back thru the Voxativ loudspeakers.!
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Technical Overview
Dimensions
330 x 50 x 295mm, 2.3kg (5lbs)
Power
30 W / 115 - 230 V Auto-switching PSU
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Troubleshooting
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Symptom
Problem
Solution
No music
Mute-mode is active via the physical remote
Press the “Mute“ or “Volume up +“ button on the included remote control to
deactivate the mute mode.
No connection
There may be no connection via Bluetooth or WiFi. Check if the audio source is near
the audio system. If necessary, reduce the distance between the audio source and
the audio system. Simply connecting via Bluetooth typically wakes it up.
No input signal
Check that you are actually connected to “Absolut Hagen“ via Bluetooth or
AirPlay®. If necessary, disconnect and reconnect.
No power supply
Make sure the AC plug of the Absolut Box is well connected to the power outlet.
Audio source is on mute
Make sure that you have not turned down the volume on the smartphone/tablet/
computer. Slowly increase the volume.
Music too quiet
Input signal is too quiet
Decrease the volume on the smartphone/tablet/computer.
Volume has been set too low with remote control
Increase the volume by pressing the “Volume +“ button on your remote control.
Music too loud
Input signal is too loud
Decrease the volume on the smartphone/tablet/computer.
Volume has been set too high from physical remote
Decrease the volume by pressing the “Volume –“ button on your remote control.
Music is mixed up
Unintentional playback of multiple signals
Stop playing one or more unwanted sources (analog input, digital input, Bluetooth,
WiFI, etc.).
Music has drop-outs
Bad Bluetooth connection between smartphone/
tablet/computer and Absolut Box
Make sure that the audio source is close to the system and that there are no other
interfering signals. Otherwise, reduce the distance between the audio source and
the speaker, or restart your Absolut Box or Bluetooth source.
Bad WiFi connection between smartphone/tablet/
computer and Absolut Box
Reduce the distance from your audio source to your system. Make sure that there is
no interference. Otherwise restart your Absolut Box and your wireless source.
Contact a wireless network specialist if the problem persists.
Bad WiFi connection between Absolut Box and home
network
In many cases, the home network is not strong enough to incorporate high
performance audio devices. Reduce the distance between devices and wireless
router. Also a restart of the devices could resolve the problem. Contact a wireless
network specialist if the problem persists.
Bad WiFi connection between smartphone/tablet/
computer and home network
Reduce the distance between the audio source and your wireless router.
Note:#
Wireless connections - whether Bluetooth or WiFi - are inherently more susceptible to interference than cable connections. It is therefore possible that disruptive factors (other WiFi networks, structural shielding, concrete
walls, etc.) in your environment have a negative effect on the connection quality and lead to failures in the music playback - regardless of your Absolut system. In such a case, please contact a WiFi or network specialist.