[audiojerry]

I received Steve Sammet's demo 10A on Thursday, It is now 2am on a Saturday night, and I had to force myself to turn off my system after an incredible evening of music listening thanks to the 10A. It is magnificent.  

More later

[JCC]

For the record, I had this same preamp last week and did a lot listening before sending it to AudioJerry.

I first heard the 10A at AudioJerry’s house a few months ago. Jerry has a MiniMax preamp, which seemed to compress the sound. When Steve from SAS attached the 10A the difference was astounding, and all noticed it. Suffice to say that I agree with Jerry in that it was clearly superior to the MiniMax, and that the 10A is an incredible unit.  

When we auditioned it at AudioJerry’s, I immediately thought that it sounded like my personal preamp. I use a Sony TA-P9000ES (class A rated by Stereophile), which was modified by Stan Warren. I also own a CI Audio VPC1 passive preamp, which I occasionally use. Anyway, when I switch out the Sony TA-P9000ES, to the VPC1 I always notice degradation in performance.

Steve recently sent me the 10A for evaluation. In discussions with Steve, he indicated that this unit certainly comes close to being a straight wire with gain. In his electronic tests, he has difficulty distinguishing the 10A output signal from a straight wire.

After using this product, I can unequivocally state that this is an outstanding preamp. Possibly as good as it gets. I spent an entire day comparing it to the Sony TA-P9000ES. I even brought my college aged son down to listen. After hours and hours with multiple CD’s and SACD’s, both of us could not discern a difference between the two units.

The 10A is every bit as good the modified TA-P9000ES, which says a lot. The TA-P9000ES is no longer manufactured, and in addition it was modified by Stan Warren. For the 10A, which is an off the shelf unit to provide such outstanding performance is certainly unusual.

If you want an outstanding Preamp, I have no hesitation in recommending the SAS Audio Labs 10A.

[nature boy]

Sounds very interesting guys.  I just dropped an e-mail to Steve to see if I could get a home audition and do an A-B against my Minimax.  My amp is undergoing some extensive modifications, so hopefully I'll get an opportunity to evaluate a 10A in mid-December.

[audiojerry]

A little damage control is in order.

1. I did not intend to open this up for unjustified criticism of the Minimax. As a happy owner, I still believe the Mini is a superior component, and those of us who own one understand its outstanding qualities, especially when you consider its price.

It's just in comparison to the 10A, which comes at a significantly higher sticker, one realizes a level of performance that I personally didn't think was possible.

2. I intended to merely post a great experience I had last night. A thorough review was intended to come later.

When I posted, it was too late and I was too tired to be thinking clearly I guess.

[mgalusha]

I intended to merely post a great experience I had last night. A thorough review was intended to come later.

When I posted, it was too late and I was too tired to be thinking clearly I guess.

Just giddy with happiness and wanted to share. Nothing wrong with that. I think we've all done the same thing at one time or another. I for one am looking forward to your comments as I respect your opinion.

[nature boy]

Yeah, ditto what Mike said.  Nothing wrong with excitement about a new product, especially when it sound great.  It's kinda what this hobby is all about.  

These days its tough to ignore pricing context of products.  For what it's worth, the EE Minimax is $799 since Bill O'Connell went internet direct with sales, about half the cost of SAS Audio's 10A linestage offering.

[tkp]

I have a few questions on the 10A unit and would greatly appreciated if some one can answer them:

a)  Is the output in phase with the input?

b)  what is the ouput impedance?

c)  Are the volume controls stepped attennuators?  

d)  Is there any DC blocking caps at the output?  if there is then what is the value and brand?

Thanks,
TKP

[John Casler]

I have a few questions on the 10A unit and would greatly appreciated if some one can answer them:

a)  Is the output in phase with the input?

b)  what is the ouput impedance?

c)  Are the volume controls stepped attennuators?  

d)  Is there any DC blocking caps at the output?  if there is then what is the value and brand?

Thanks,
TKP

That brings up an interesting question.

AudioJerry, are your speakers wired "in phase" or "out of phase"?

It is my understanding that the MM inverts phase and requires that the speakers be wired "out of phase" for the best and clearest sound.

I'm sure you have addressed this, but I hadn't seen anything posted (could have missed it )

[Steve]

Hi TKP,

     I will try to answer your questions as thoroughly as possible.

I have a few questions on the 10A unit and would greatly appreciated if some one can answer them:

a)  Is the output in phase with the input?


The 10A inverts the polarity/phase.


b)  what is the ouput impedance?


Approx 1.9k ohms.


c)  Are the volume controls stepped attennuators?
 

No, standard volume controls.


d)  Is there any DC blocking caps at the output?  if there is then what is the value and brand?


It is capacitive coupled output. I will say that Martin DeWulf reviewed the 10A with a Pass X-250 amp, with 22k input Z with no problems. Of course it works well with 100k input Z. But any other info is a trade secret. I hope you understand.

Thanks,
TKP

Thanks for your questions.

[tkp]

Hi TKP,

     I will try to answer your questions as thoroughly as possible.

Thanks for your questions.

Steve,

Thank you very much for your answers and I fully understand you do not want to reveal the value and brand of the capacitors that you are using for blocking DC from the plate of the triode.  I just have one more question.

How does one get the left and right volume control to have equal level setting without stepped attennuator for independent left and right volume controls (obviously beside using the ears every time the volume setting is changed)?

[JCC]

How does one get the left and right volume control to have equal level setting without stepped attennuator for independent left and right volume controls (obviously beside using the ears every time the volume setting is changed)?

TKP,

I had no problem adjusting the volume. I found the separate controls particularly helpful in adjusting for various recordings, and to make up for room acoustics. I think that our ears or separate measurements are the only way to handle these situations.

This is a super preamp, and the only thing missing is a remote.