Welcome to SAS Audio Labs. My first exhibition at the AKfest was a resounding success. Besides presenting the reference 11A line preamplifier, I also exhibited my test two stage 25WPT pure class A, Pushpull mono-block amplifiers. Many returned at least twice, some returned accompanied by several others, and my assistant mentioned one couple auditioned our room 4 times.
Here is the system I presented for those who wish to copy and receive similar results.
- Upgraded NAD 525Bee cd player. Upgrades included the power supply and bypassing the entire analog and mute sections, obtaining the analog signal output directly from the DAC chip. Of course I included impedance and static protection.
- Reference 11A Line Preamplifier with variable output control to match with different input impedances of the following amplifier.
- Pure class A, two stage test 25WPT monoblock amplifiers.
- Selah Phast Jr. 3.5 way speakers using Scanspeak woofer, Seas aluminum lower midrange driver, Morel dome midrange driver, and Scanspeak tweeter. Slight tweeking is necessary for optimum results.
- "V" interconnect cables.
- "V" speaker cables.
- Jenalabs "basic" power cords for the 11A and monoblock amplifiers.
Here are some comments.
Number 6:
"I was really impressed with the musical sound from the SAS exhibit. It was very enjoyable. The SAS components had an amazing sound. "
Nick:
"SAS Audio: I never had the opportunity to hear SAS gear before the show. Steve was
running his top of the line tube preamp along with his custom 25w class a tube
monoblocks with Selah Audio floorstanding speakers. I think the cd player was made
by NAD. I really enjoyed the sound in this room. Steve had a purity and a sound quality
that most rooms did not attain IMHO. It was extremely musical and with very good bass.
There was no boom or bloat in this system. That really stood out to me. I didnt' get to
hear too many tracks I was familiar with but I did get to sit in the sweetspot and enjoy
the system. I believe his preamp & tube monoblocks are serious electronics. I would
love to hear the tube monoblock amps in my own system. "
----------
Max:
"I agree with you, Chuck. I really enjoyed the SAS room. It really sounded nice and I
could not tell it was all tubes save the CD player. The Phast Jr's were perfect for that
room. They put out good bass, the mids were not over bearing and the treble was spot
on. Steve's 25w mono's powered them real good. I went back there twice because I had
to hear the room again. Plus it was nice talking to Steve and his helper (forgot his name)....
good guys."