SAS Audio Labs^TM
48 years experience with Tubes

Ultimate Vacuum Tube Preamplifier:

NEW: SAS Audio Forum

Where Music Comes Alive ^TM

click to enlarge 11A

Bound for Sound, Issue #178, Martin DeWulf, June 2007, Review: "I liked this preamp enough to purchase it. Because of its flexibility, unfailingly honest approach to the music and its organic honesty, I bought it. But it's more than a reviewer's tool. It's a music lover's companion as it is able to express the finer, the more subtle aspects of a performance, without resorting to proven audio gimmickry. It took an industry outsider of sorts to put into place a different set of sonic priorities, one that got us closer to the music and away from the bottom line."

Reviewer Richard Weiner has also recently purchased the 11A line preamplifier as his reference.

SAS Audio Labs introduces the Reference 11A series vacuum tube stereo preamplifier. The 11As are the culmination of decades of research and development. Whether orchestra, opera, jazz, or rock, the 11A brings out the emotions, the realism of the event. Each 11A is individually handcrafted, usually with stock available for immediate delivery. There are three reasons the 11A is the head of the class.

• I use multi listening method testing on the 11A tube preamplifier, which is far superior to basic "voicing" that others use. The 11A passes through the toughest challenge, multi method listening tests. These tests took years to develop and are far more sensitive at detecting any sonic problems, and hence easier to correct problems, than simple "voicing" allows. This is a nice advancement towards perfection.



• I also test individual parts for accuracy. Afterall, if a part is poor sounding, the component will as well. Just because a part is expensive does not make it the best.



• I use a unique design, not copy someone elses, or parts thereof. Some advertise using $200 parts, but in a poor design the music still suffers. Get the design and parts right, and your ears will thank you for it.

• 10-15-07: George, 11A:
  Steve,, this pre is "top shelf",, I currently have it thru odyssey mono se's to a pair of Carver Amazings,,, organic, man,, organic,,, I've got it "dialed in",,, it's so good,, it's scary---- george"



• 9-08-07: A group auditon took place including the 11A, BBBB, 9.0 SWLP:
  ("It's a full monty SWLP 9.0 SE with tube rectified PS, Black Gates on PS, Silver Bybees on the output and proprietary teflon coupling cap upgrade. I use the Black Sand Ref silver mk 5 on the PS.")




Bunky:
"I thought that every preamp that we listened to at the BBQ sounded very good but the SAS 11A sounded the Most lifelike to my ear's.thanks....WCW III"

Scotth:
"As was pointed out, I did find the SAS to be the most accurate, and hence most desirable preamp sonically."

• Brian L: North Barrington, Illinois
  "Hey Steve,
  Hooked up the 11A. WOW! Smoked the Herron VTSP-1A! Definitely nicer. Can't wait until it's fully burned in....
  I am very happy!!!!!!!!
  

  The standard 11A has 5 inputs and monitor jacks. The basic 11A audio preamp has no monitor feature and three inputs. Extra inputs can be added upon request for a nominal fee.

  
  
  11A Standard Features
  • Vacuum tube voltage regulation. NO solid state regulation anywhere in the direct signal path.
  
  
  
  • Can handle amplifier input impedances from 20k and higher:
  
  
  
  • High quality Jenalabs 6N, cryogenically treated wire throughout (except filament and LED circuitry). High quality, cryod IEC AC receptacle and Jenalabs power cord also standard:
  
  
  
  • High quality coin silver contact switches:
  
  
  
  • Vampire all copper (gold plated) jacks:
  
  
  
  • Specially ordered caps in the signal path:
  
  
  
  • High quality, accurate, expensive resistors and ceramic tube sockets. Not the 25 cent metal film variety.
  
  
  
  • The tubes are run conservatively for years of trouble free service:
  
  
  
  • DC regulated filament supply
  
  
  
  • Tube dampers, and chassis resonance control, helping to provide a dead silent backround:
  
  
  
  • Soundcare spike bases. The spike bases have been compared to several popular isolation feet and were preferred in this particular applicaton:
  
  
  
  • AC line polarity switch:
  
  
  
  • For those who need it, a variable bass control for tweeking the different input impedances that amplifiers offer. A high frequency switch for tweeking the highs.
  
  
  
  • 45 second Parallel muting function relay, not series. No solid state devices. (The mute function is designed to prevent catastrophic failure in case of power outage. The muting is not a cure all. I still recommend the standard procedure of turning off the amplifier first, then the preamplifier.)
  
  
  
  • 7 year parts and labor warranty, 1 year on tubes: (see guarantee page)
  
  
  
  
  
  11A Tube Preamplifier SPECIFICATIONS:

  
  Frequency Response:			  10 - 25 khz  (less than -.1db, 100pf, 100k load)                                       
  Gain:                         		  23db gain, approx.
  Maximum Output Voltage:                    9 vrms  
  Total Harmonic Distortion at 2 vrms:       0.015% or less. (Predominate harmonic at least 76.5 db down.)   
  Signal Polarity:			   Inverts
  Input Impedance:			  25k ohms
  Min. Amplifier Input Impedance:		  20k 
  Volume Controls:                           2 
  Tape Loops:                                1 (for dubbing etc.), None for B11A 
  Line Inputs:                               5 (3 for B11A)
  Preamp. Outputs:                           2 
  Tube Regulation:		           Yes
  Tubes:                                     JJ E88CC (Far superior to other E88cc/6dj8 types for low distortion.)
  Line Cord Length:			   6 feet standard Jenalabs "Basic"
  Power Consumption:                        27 watts
  Power Requirements:                      120 Volts AC, 50/60hz (0.3 or 0.315 amp, 125 volt sloblo fuse required)
  
  Dimensions:                               19" front
                                             3 5/8" high (without any feet)
  					   4 1/4" high (with spikes installed)
                                            14 1/4" deep (counting knobs and jacks)
   
  Actual Weight:		       	          14 lbs.
  Shipping Weight:                          19 lbs. (Charged 30lb rate because of dimensions)
  
  Factory Direct Price B11A:		          $2849.00  
  (Shipping included within the Continental USA)
  Factory Direct Price 11A:                         $3049.00 
  (Shipping included within the Continental USA)
  
  Outside USA, check on shipping charges.
  

  
  
  To Audition or Purchase the 11A Tube Preamplifier

  Payment can be made from a Paypal account, credit card through Paypal (do Not need a paypal account: use email address sasaudio@omnilec.com ), a Cashiers Check, Post Office Draft, Money Order (US dollars), or Personal Check (allow time to clear) payable to SAS Audio Labs. Normal shipping is DHL ground unless specified differently. Guarantee/Warranty

  Basic 11A Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
  
  

  Standard 11A Vacuum tube preamplifier
  

  

  Payment can be made from a Paypal account, credit card through Paypal (use email address sasaudio@omnilec.com ), or Postal Money Order for fastest clearance. Please allow 10 days for Cashiers Check, Money Order (US dollars), or Personal Check to clear. Make checks payable to SAS Audio Labs. Normal shipping is DHL ground unless specified differently. Guarantee/Warranty

  
  
  
  SAS Audio Labs 1901 N. Morton Ave. Suite 184
  Morton, Illinois USA 61550
  TEL: (309) 263-0736
  1:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST Monday - Friday
  Email, sasaudio@omnilec.com

  Specifications, Prices subject to change without notice.

  
  
  " * tm, sas audio labs, SAS Audio Labs,
  SAS AUDIO LABS, and the SAS AUDIO LABS banner are trademarks of SAS Audio Labs."
  copyright©: 05-23-2006. Updated: 05-06-2008. SAS Audio Labs and all contents of this article, including graphics,
  components, component layouts, any and all designs and schematics, "lead to lead wiring" are copyrighted.
  All rights reserved. No portion of this article may be reproduced without the written permission from
  Steve Sammet at SAS Audio Labs. SAS Audio Labs is registered with the state of Illilnois.