The New SAS Audio Labs 10A Preamplifier

earlmarc · « **on:** 22 Nov 2005, 02:44 am »

I just received Steve Sammit's New 10A preamplifier. Steve has been slaving away in the lab to bring his 10A to another level. His obession has paid off BIG TIME in my book. I've had the 10A going on two years and have enjoyed this preamplifer alot. Let's just say from the onset that the new 10A from the first couple of familiar songs I played, I was....Oh my goodness! The mad scientist has done it! This preamp is alot better than mine! What did you do, Steve? I'll be keeping this one for awhile! Details will follow in due time.

earlmarc · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Nov 2005, 04:09 am »

My early impressions of the New SAS Audio Labs 10A are quite favourable. Most notably is the preamp's mid and lower bass presence. The older 10A's mid and lower bass was quite acceptable and didn't lack the emotional presence and impact in the lower notes, however, it doesn't possess the ease of control, prominence, speed, and impact of the New 10A. The lower notes on the New 10A has a greater presence and depth of stage. As a result, there is a wealth of new information in the mid and lower bass area with better definition. In addition, the New 10 is faster with better dynamics. The all important midrange has also improved. The midrange on the old 10A is superb-clean, airy, and very close to neutral. The New 10A has all the attributes of the old with improvements. The New 10A has an ease of flow with better focus and is even more neutral with better texture and tone. Spacial imaging is better defined with more distinct seperation of performances. The highs are cleaner but I detect that they may be slightly rolled off compared to the old 10A. Steve has even added an IEC for those who want to experiment with power cords. I have, and I can tell you that it only gets better with a good power cord.

I've listened to Steve's reference 11A preamplifier numerous times, and I thought it was the finest preamplifer I've ever heard at any price. But now, after listening to his New 10A, I think Steve has a problem. At this time, I think his New 10A is better than his 11A.

These are my early impressions. I will continue to addition this New 10A and report back with additional findings. Stay tuned.

earlmarc · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Nov 2005, 04:10 am »

Folks, this New 10A is freakin intoxicating! It has opened more so from the first time I listened to it. I am in shock! Wordless and speechless. You gotta hear this thing! Don't take my word for it. Call Steve and arrange for an audition. A must hear component! Simply the best component I've ever heard!

Lately I've heard some faboulous equipment. The Belles Ref. 350 amplifier and the New SAS Audio Labs 10A preamplifier. Both pieces get my highest recommendation. The New 10A even more so.

MaxCast · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Nov 2005, 12:09 pm »

Glad to see you like the new preamp. That is one of the pieces I wanted to see at the Chicago AudioFest.

earlmarc · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Nov 2005, 10:23 pm »

The New 10A has an ease of control spread across a wide 3D soundstage. It maintains its control with neutrality and equisite tonal balance. A depth of a spacious venue where performers breath their own air and play seperately as a harmonious whole. The 10A illuminates the soundstage and provides a revealing light into every space, unveiling subtle nuances and expressions you never knew existed. It does so succinctly and seamlessly. It has a musical flow that is invigorating. Dynamic and swift, and has the speed and brake control of a Porche. The ride is over before you realize it. Let's do it again! You can't get enough of this thrill ride.

My wife and kids could care less about my hobby. If something sounded really good to me and I asked their opinion, they would always say, "It sounds the same to me". But I kid you not, they all said today that it sounds as if I'm there! And I was using an Odyssey Audio Khartago amplifier. Excellent amplifier, especially at $750.00, but it is not a Belles Ref. 350A.

I'll share more thoughts as I continue enjoying the ride.

earlmarc · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Nov 2005, 02:43 pm »

Ok, I think I've indentified the major difference between the new 10A and old 10A. The old 10A has a fullness that overshawdows detail. The soundstage on the old 10A is a bit forward compared to the new 10A. The new 10A is leaner, however, it doesn't sacrifice body, texture, and tone. The old 10A is lacks the soundstage presence of the new 10A. The new 10A has a wider soundstage with considerably more front to back spacing and depth. Clarity of soundstage is like a live venue where performers are seperated by space. These spaces are much better defined with the new 10A.

audiojerry · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Nov 2005, 03:47 pm »

Steve must not be around, or maybe is refraining from commenting.
I was hoping he might elaborate in general terms without disclosing any secrets on what he has done to produce the profound difference that Marcus is reporting. I'm also wondering if he is going to make some kind of announcement. Will it be the 10A II, or 10B

Marcus, are you currently auditiong or planning to audition any orher pre's, and if so, do you plan on reporting impressions of your experiences with the other pre's?

earlmarc · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Nov 2005, 04:04 pm »

Jerry, I plan comparing the new 10A to the Modwright 9.0SE preamplifier hopefully in a week or so.

Steve is not able to post right now. He did a

Give him about a week.

_scotty_ · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Nov 2005, 05:47 pm »

For where Steve went see the borg's post on this thread
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=22983&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30

audiojerry · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Nov 2005, 08:09 pm »

Quote from: _scotty_

For where Steve went see the borg's post on this thread
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=22983&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30

Oh - Wow! That looks very interesting. I'll have to start at the beginning of the thread to see what that is all about.
Thanks, scotty

Steve · « **Reply #10 on:** 2 Dec 2005, 06:07 pm »

audiojerry"]... I was hoping he might elaborate in general terms without disclosing any secrets on what he has done to produce the profound difference that Marcus is reporting.">>>

The old ICs I was using was slightly masking the bass/upper bass area, and I thought the preamps sounded totally open. When I improved the ICs, I noticed a little veiling.

Fixed the problem, just a touch up, and it really opened the music, the front to back ratio, width, more inner detail. Lots of little things add up to a substantial improvement. But actually, I have to give credit to the upgraded ICs. I would not have seen and made the improvement otherwise.

>"I'm also wondering if he is going to make some kind of announcement. Will it be the 10A II, or 10B ....">>

I will probably just change the serial number to include "B" for basic 10A, and "U" for upgraded 10A.

One other thing. I have a switch in which I am hoping to provide:

position 1) the improved, upgraded sound, neutral
position 2) the old sound for those who liked it. slightly fuller
position 3) many components are voiced too full, so this position will allow for a slightly brighter sound to match a fuller sounding amp, speaker etc.

This should add flexibility to better match different systems. But number 1 is the most neutral.

Take care.

Steve

audiojerry · « **Reply #11 on:** 2 Dec 2005, 08:12 pm »

That's sounds great, Steve - keep us posted. I'll be looking forward to it.

Steve · « **Reply #12 on:** 3 Dec 2005, 05:58 am »

Jerry, I should have phrased the last part of my last post differently. Position 1 is already set for transparency/neutral, and that is what Marcus has been auditioning.

Position 3 is also set, so I am just making sure position 2 is pretty close to the original 10A. The switch isn't a typical tone control, but a unique design (copyrighted) adjusting the general tonal balance over the entire audio band. This position is more sensuous. So one doesn't need to tube roll to get what one wants.

earlmarc · « **Reply #13 on:** 5 Dec 2005, 01:01 am »

Steve will be trialing the CyroParts FI-10 IEC inlet as an upgrade on his New 10A preamplifier. He believes this may be a better option for his customers who want to experiment with quality power cords. I have tried the Signal Cable Magic and Digital cord on the preamplifier with his standard IEC and noticed improved performance across the board. I am excited that he may be offering this on the New 10A because I am looking at other power cables to try with the 10A. I suggested he try ERS cloth on the inside of the preamplifier, however, he wasn't sure about that option.

audiojerry · « **Reply #14 on:** 5 Dec 2005, 01:21 am »

Earlmarc, I hope you are wrong that a power cord makes a difference. I've been trying to divest myself of expensive pc's and I was really pleased to see that the 10A had a dedicated pc and sounded wonderful without one. However, I do admit that I still feel the need for quality pc's on my dac and transport, along with a fair amount of line filtering/conditioning in the form of a couple of PowerVar commercial isolation transformers, a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet, and a DeZorel power line filter, along with Triiphazers on my pc's.

earlmarc · « **Reply #15 on:** 5 Dec 2005, 01:31 am »

Jerry, my 10A had a captured power cord and I never had any compliant. Steve left the New 10A with me to trial which has an IEC inlet. I thought why not try it. I have found that power cords have the greatest effect on my digital front-end followed by the preamp and then the amplifier. You may not want to hear this Jerry, but the inexpensive Signal Cable Magic cord improved the sound of the New 10A enough that I am convinced that it benefits are enough to warrant Steve's upgrade and a better power cord than what I am currently using. I think you would be surprised!

Steve · « **Reply #16 on:** 5 Dec 2005, 04:29 am »

Yes, I am going to try the Furtech cryod AC connector and see if it is an improvement. If it is, it will probably be as an option as I really don't want to increase the price of the upgraded 10A. I want to keep it as affordable as possible for everyone.

I don't mind esoteric power cords as long as they don't interfere with the tonal balance. Minimizing any RFI is always a plus.