Used 11A Line Preamplifier for Sale Audo Mart

Started by steve, December 17, 2025, 01:45:10 PM

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steve

Steve Sammet (Owner, Electronics Engineer, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS 11A Perceptual Perfect Tube Preamp
SAS 25 W Ref Triode 50 W UL
2 way Floor Standing Test Speakers
SAS Test Phono Stage
Acutex 320 STR Mov Iron Cartridge

Nick B

Rare indeed. Don't recall if I've ever seen one for sale. Still quite a stylish unit too.
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Hattor Big preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Holo Cyan2 dac
Holo Red streamer
Spiritual Sound loom
TWL Digital American II p cords
Custom power cords
JPLAY, HQ Player, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

steve

#2
Quote from: Nick B on December 17, 2025, 08:18:43 PMRare indeed. Don't recall if I've ever seen one for sale. Still quite a stylish unit too.

Yes, and most probably won't know that it is the first and only perceptually perfect line preamplifier.
And it was accomplished with newly manufactured tubes, Not expensive NOS tubes.

By perceptually perfect, the ear cannot tell when the 11A is in the system and when it is out
of the system. That is exactly what one should use to start their reference system as one will
choose a more accurate dac, amp, speakers for more natural sound., dynamics, spatial detail,
3D, closer to the live event.

cheers

steve
Steve Sammet (Owner, Electronics Engineer, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS 11A Perceptual Perfect Tube Preamp
SAS 25 W Ref Triode 50 W UL
2 way Floor Standing Test Speakers
SAS Test Phono Stage
Acutex 320 STR Mov Iron Cartridge

steve

#3
The owner has the status of owning the worlds most perfect/natural sounding line preamplifier, via
decades of specialized listening tests. The 11A will bring out inner detail some 40+ db deeper than
any other line preamplifier in the world.  The result is the closest experience to being there live.

Some reviews for those who were not around some 15 + years ago.

Graham: "I took the B11a into a shop in Auckland. I know the owner fairly well, and we agree that Shindo make some wonderful pieces of kit. (I wasn't looking for a change!) Almost immediately we started listening, he said "That's really fast!" We also agreed that the B11a was much clearer, making the Shindo Aurieges sound slow, muddy, and coloured."

Bernie: "I have also tested the 11A in terms of comparing the sound from my excellent cd source directly to amps versus inserting the 11A pre between. I could detect no difference whatsoever.... So, my two cents: the SAS preamps are stellar � with my 11A I hear no compression or any other alteration of the originating signal."

Terence: "I have been using the 11A since I received it but I didn't want to be premature in my assassment, although my initial assessments were favourable. Now, I must say that the 11A is certainly the best preamp I have ever owned, and the best I have ever heard-ss or tube. Thank you for a wonderful product, Steve."

Charles Phd, did musical reviews for PBS, Florida: "I just saw this post and you know I have to chime in here. After three years of preamp auditions I just pulled the trigger on the SAS 11A preamp. It was an unknown product to me but Marty Dewulf over at BFS (and who knows whats going on there these days, by that I mean it seems that Marty has slipped into retirement - forgive me Marty if I am wrong) Anyway he always said wonderful things about the preamp! So having no mind of my own I bought the preamp from Steve at SAS audio. The reason I bought the preamp is that I did not want to do the crazy audiophile thing of always upgrading. Buying the SAS preamp was the best thing I could have done. It's wonderful! Clear, fast musical and very truthful to the source. And more importantly it works well with both tube and solid state amps (i.e. Pass 30.5 & Audio-space 300b mono-blocks).

Hey good listening

Charlie

PS I have no connection to Steve at SAS audio"

George: "Steve,, this pre is "top shelf",, I currently have it thru odyssey mono se's to a pair of Carver Amazings,,, it's gonna be difficult for me to box it up and ship it on to Weez,,, organic, man,, organic,,, as soon as I receive the address, I'll ship it on,, I've got it "dialed in",,, it's so good,,it's scary---thanks for the opportunity to let me/us audition such a fine piece of gear---- george

Charlie: "Steve,The overwhelming Majority of comments regarding the 11A during the tour have been very favorable. Everyone at Woodsyi's with the exception of Doug S who seemed to have prior issues with you because of you refusing to offer the 10A with a remote volume thought that the 11A was by far the best sounding pre of the bunch. DaveG sat there with Scotty and myself and fully agreed that the 11A was clearly the superior preamplifier out of the group."

Rich (Audio Circle): "I've been listening to a lot of preamps this week and even with the problems, it is evident to me that the 11A is in a different league. I'm glad I heard it first, because it set a high mark for the others to follow. The only other pre that sounds naturally musical so far is the Minimax with vintage 12AU7s. They are just too tubey though. But at least the sound is natural and tone is not all screwed up. Manley Shrimp sounds like sandpaper and Van Alstine is like cheap hifi, with hyped treble and bass and weird honky mids. I guess that's what you can expect for 1500 bucks. Makes 10b look very tempting."
Thanks Steve.
Rich"

Ray: "your prees are somewhat legendary in their reviews."

Jack: "My 10A is going to the grave with me, it's my favorite piece of audio gear. The 11A is better but they rarely come up for sale." (Jack auditioned my 11A at his venue.)

Bob: "Hey guys. . .if anyone's interested, I'm selling my Tram 2 preamp since my SAS B11A is so awesome...." (Tram 2 uses DHT 45, 2A3s)

Rich Weiner phd, Reviewer, Bound for Sound: "The SAS 10A is the most musically truthful preamp I'm aware of, and I will expand that statement by listing some of the line stages I've had in my otherwise very stable system: Herron VTSP-1, VAC CPA III, VAC Standard LE, Audio Research 3A, ARC 8, ARC 10, Mark Levinson ML-1, Levinson ML-7, Levinson ML-10A, Original Aronov PS-100 and Musical Concepts modification, Nagra PL-P, Beveridge RM-1, Rappaport, Placette Passive - there are more, but you get the point. Until I got the 10A, I struggled to make the other components live up to their potential."

(Rich purchased the 11A Line Preamplifier as his reference, March, 2006, Martin DeWulf, Publisher, Bound for Sound, no advertisements allowed,
also purchased the 11A as his reference. After Martin's passing, his wife uses the 11A as her reference.)"

In every field there are certain items that are so worthy, they are priceless. The SAS Audio Labs 11A is such in the audio world.

steve
Steve Sammet (Owner, Electronics Engineer, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS 11A Perceptual Perfect Tube Preamp
SAS 25 W Ref Triode 50 W UL
2 way Floor Standing Test Speakers
SAS Test Phono Stage
Acutex 320 STR Mov Iron Cartridge

Nick B

Quote from: steve on February 10, 2026, 08:56:48 PMThe owner has the status of owning the worlds most perfect/natural sounding line preamplifier, via
decades of specialized listening tests. The 11A will bring out inner detail some 40+ db deeper than
any other line preamplifier in the world.  The result is the closest experience to being there live.

Some reviews for those who were not around some 15 + years ago.

Graham: "I took the B11a into a shop in Auckland. I know the owner fairly well, and we agree that Shindo make some wonderful pieces of kit. (I wasn't looking for a change!) Almost immediately we started listening, he said "That's really fast!" We also agreed that the B11a was much clearer, making the Shindo Aurieges sound slow, muddy, and coloured."

Bernie: "I have also tested the 11A in terms of comparing the sound from my excellent cd source directly to amps versus inserting the 11A pre between. I could detect no difference whatsoever.... So, my two cents: the SAS preamps are stellar � with my 11A I hear no compression or any other alteration of the originating signal."

Terence: "I have been using the 11A since I received it but I didn't want to be premature in my assassment, although my initial assessments were favourable. Now, I must say that the 11A is certainly the best preamp I have ever owned, and the best I have ever heard-ss or tube. Thank you for a wonderful product, Steve."

Charles Phd, did musical reviews for PBS, Florida: "I just saw this post and you know I have to chime in here. After three years of preamp auditions I just pulled the trigger on the SAS 11A preamp. It was an unknown product to me but Marty Dewulf over at BFS (and who knows whats going on there these days, by that I mean it seems that Marty has slipped into retirement - forgive me Marty if I am wrong) Anyway he always said wonderful things about the preamp! So having no mind of my own I bought the preamp from Steve at SAS audio. The reason I bought the preamp is that I did not want to do the crazy audiophile thing of always upgrading. Buying the SAS preamp was the best thing I could have done. It's wonderful! Clear, fast musical and very truthful to the source. And more importantly it works well with both tube and solid state amps (i.e. Pass 30.5 & Audio-space 300b mono-blocks).

Hey good listening

Charlie

PS I have no connection to Steve at SAS audio"

George: "Steve,, this pre is "top shelf",, I currently have it thru odyssey mono se's to a pair of Carver Amazings,,, it's gonna be difficult for me to box it up and ship it on to Weez,,, organic, man,, organic,,, as soon as I receive the address, I'll ship it on,, I've got it "dialed in",,, it's so good,,it's scary---thanks for the opportunity to let me/us audition such a fine piece of gear---- george

Charlie: "Steve,The overwhelming Majority of comments regarding the 11A during the tour have been very favorable. Everyone at Woodsyi's with the exception of Doug S who seemed to have prior issues with you because of you refusing to offer the 10A with a remote volume thought that the 11A was by far the best sounding pre of the bunch. DaveG sat there with Scotty and myself and fully agreed that the 11A was clearly the superior preamplifier out of the group."

Rich (Audio Circle): "I've been listening to a lot of preamps this week and even with the problems, it is evident to me that the 11A is in a different league. I'm glad I heard it first, because it set a high mark for the others to follow. The only other pre that sounds naturally musical so far is the Minimax with vintage 12AU7s. They are just too tubey though. But at least the sound is natural and tone is not all screwed up. Manley Shrimp sounds like sandpaper and Van Alstine is like cheap hifi, with hyped treble and bass and weird honky mids. I guess that's what you can expect for 1500 bucks. Makes 10b look very tempting."
Thanks Steve.
Rich"

Ray: "your prees are somewhat legendary in their reviews."

Jack: "My 10A is going to the grave with me, it's my favorite piece of audio gear. The 11A is better but they rarely come up for sale." (Jack auditioned my 11A at his venue.)

Bob: "Hey guys. . .if anyone's interested, I'm selling my Tram 2 preamp since my SAS B11A is so awesome...." (Tram 2 uses DHT 45, 2A3s)

Rich Weiner phd, Reviewer, Bound for Sound: "The SAS 10A is the most musically truthful preamp I'm aware of, and I will expand that statement by listing some of the line stages I've had in my otherwise very stable system: Herron VTSP-1, VAC CPA III, VAC Standard LE, Audio Research 3A, ARC 8, ARC 10, Mark Levinson ML-1, Levinson ML-7, Levinson ML-10A, Original Aronov PS-100 and Musical Concepts modification, Nagra PL-P, Beveridge RM-1, Rappaport, Placette Passive - there are more, but you get the point. Until I got the 10A, I struggled to make the other components live up to their potential."

(Rich purchased the 11A Line Preamplifier as his reference, March, 2006, Martin DeWulf, Publisher, Bound for Sound, no advertisements allowed,
also purchased the 11A as his reference. After Martin's passing, his wife uses the 11A as her reference.)"

In every field there are certain items that are so worthy, they are priceless. The SAS Audio Labs 11A is such in the audio world.

steve

Congratulations, Steve. Great products stand the test of time 👍
Nick
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Hattor Big preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Holo Cyan2 dac
Holo Red streamer
Spiritual Sound loom
TWL Digital American II p cords
Custom power cords
JPLAY, HQ Player, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

steve

#5
Quote from: Nick B on February 11, 2026, 08:55:36 AM
Quote from: steve on February 10, 2026, 08:56:48 PMThe owner has the status of owning the worlds most perfect/natural sounding line preamplifier, via
decades of specialized listening tests. The 11A will bring out inner detail some 40+ db deeper than
any other line preamplifier in the world.  The result is the closest experience to being there live.

Some reviews for those who were not around some 15 + years ago.

Graham: "I took the B11a into a shop in Auckland. I know the owner fairly well, and we agree that Shindo make some wonderful pieces of kit. (I wasn't looking for a change!) Almost immediately we started listening, he said "That's really fast!" We also agreed that the B11a was much clearer, making the Shindo Aurieges sound slow, muddy, and coloured."

Bernie: "I have also tested the 11A in terms of comparing the sound from my excellent cd source directly to amps versus inserting the 11A pre between. I could detect no difference whatsoever.... So, my two cents: the SAS preamps are stellar � with my 11A I hear no compression or any other alteration of the originating signal."

Terence: "I have been using the 11A since I received it but I didn't want to be premature in my assassment, although my initial assessments were favourable. Now, I must say that the 11A is certainly the best preamp I have ever owned, and the best I have ever heard-ss or tube. Thank you for a wonderful product, Steve."

Charles Phd, did musical reviews for PBS, Florida: "I just saw this post and you know I have to chime in here. After three years of preamp auditions I just pulled the trigger on the SAS 11A preamp. It was an unknown product to me but Marty Dewulf over at BFS (and who knows whats going on there these days, by that I mean it seems that Marty has slipped into retirement - forgive me Marty if I am wrong) Anyway he always said wonderful things about the preamp! So having no mind of my own I bought the preamp from Steve at SAS audio. The reason I bought the preamp is that I did not want to do the crazy audiophile thing of always upgrading. Buying the SAS preamp was the best thing I could have done. It's wonderful! Clear, fast musical and very truthful to the source. And more importantly it works well with both tube and solid state amps (i.e. Pass 30.5 & Audio-space 300b mono-blocks).

Hey good listening

Charlie

PS I have no connection to Steve at SAS audio"

George: "Steve,, this pre is "top shelf",, I currently have it thru odyssey mono se's to a pair of Carver Amazings,,, it's gonna be difficult for me to box it up and ship it on to Weez,,, organic, man,, organic,,, as soon as I receive the address, I'll ship it on,, I've got it "dialed in",,, it's so good,,it's scary---thanks for the opportunity to let me/us audition such a fine piece of gear---- george

Charlie: "Steve,The overwhelming Majority of comments regarding the 11A during the tour have been very favorable. Everyone at Woodsyi's with the exception of Doug S who seemed to have prior issues with you because of you refusing to offer the 10A with a remote volume thought that the 11A was by far the best sounding pre of the bunch. DaveG sat there with Scotty and myself and fully agreed that the 11A was clearly the superior preamplifier out of the group."

Rich (Audio Circle): "I've been listening to a lot of preamps this week and even with the problems, it is evident to me that the 11A is in a different league. I'm glad I heard it first, because it set a high mark for the others to follow. The only other pre that sounds naturally musical so far is the Minimax with vintage 12AU7s. They are just too tubey though. But at least the sound is natural and tone is not all screwed up. Manley Shrimp sounds like sandpaper and Van Alstine is like cheap hifi, with hyped treble and bass and weird honky mids. I guess that's what you can expect for 1500 bucks. Makes 10b look very tempting."
Thanks Steve.
Rich"

Ray: "your prees are somewhat legendary in their reviews."

Jack: "My 10A is going to the grave with me, it's my favorite piece of audio gear. The 11A is better but they rarely come up for sale." (Jack auditioned my 11A at his venue.)

Bob: "Hey guys. . .if anyone's interested, I'm selling my Tram 2 preamp since my SAS B11A is so awesome...." (Tram 2 uses DHT 45, 2A3s)

Rich Weiner phd, Reviewer, Bound for Sound: "The SAS 10A is the most musically truthful preamp I'm aware of, and I will expand that statement by listing some of the line stages I've had in my otherwise very stable system: Herron VTSP-1, VAC CPA III, VAC Standard LE, Audio Research 3A, ARC 8, ARC 10, Mark Levinson ML-1, Levinson ML-7, Levinson ML-10A, Original Aronov PS-100 and Musical Concepts modification, Nagra PL-P, Beveridge RM-1, Rappaport, Placette Passive - there are more, but you get the point. Until I got the 10A, I struggled to make the other components live up to their potential."

(Rich purchased the 11A Line Preamplifier as his reference, March, 2006, Martin DeWulf, Publisher, Bound for Sound, no advertisements allowed,
also purchased the 11A as his reference. After Martin's passing, his wife uses the 11A as her reference.)"

In every field there are certain items that are so worthy, they are priceless. The SAS Audio Labs 11A is such in the audio world.

steve

Congratulations, Steve. Great products stand the test of time 👍
Nick

I had one individual contact me about 5 years ago, that he had no idea, never heard of the company/preampifiers,then performed
a review check and purchased the used 10A. DukeW posted.
Lack of recognition seems to be one problem.

http://www.audioreview.com/product/amplification/preamplifiers/sas-audio-labs/10a.html

A second problem is the example of Duke's post below John Doe's, which shows what happens when
I would not sell my 10A for $300 to a review magazine. At least 2 other online review magazines joined in,
dogging me in audio forums, for over a decade, until I retired. Of course john doe misleads as to my
qualifications and the false attacks on my integrity.

Instead of helping you, the public, they help their "friends" who pay them, just as they tried to with me.

Please be careful.

steve
Steve Sammet (Owner, Electronics Engineer, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS 11A Perceptual Perfect Tube Preamp
SAS 25 W Ref Triode 50 W UL
2 way Floor Standing Test Speakers
SAS Test Phono Stage
Acutex 320 STR Mov Iron Cartridge

Nick B

Quote from: steve on February 12, 2026, 08:44:46 PM
Quote from: Nick B on February 11, 2026, 08:55:36 AM
Quote from: steve on February 10, 2026, 08:56:48 PMThe owner has the status of owning the worlds most perfect/natural sounding line preamplifier, via
decades of specialized listening tests. The 11A will bring out inner detail some 40+ db deeper than
any other line preamplifier in the world.  The result is the closest experience to being there live.

Some reviews for those who were not around some 15 + years ago.

Graham: "I took the B11a into a shop in Auckland. I know the owner fairly well, and we agree that Shindo make some wonderful pieces of kit. (I wasn't looking for a change!) Almost immediately we started listening, he said "That's really fast!" We also agreed that the B11a was much clearer, making the Shindo Aurieges sound slow, muddy, and coloured."

Bernie: "I have also tested the 11A in terms of comparing the sound from my excellent cd source directly to amps versus inserting the 11A pre between. I could detect no difference whatsoever.... So, my two cents: the SAS preamps are stellar � with my 11A I hear no compression or any other alteration of the originating signal."

Terence: "I have been using the 11A since I received it but I didn't want to be premature in my assassment, although my initial assessments were favourable. Now, I must say that the 11A is certainly the best preamp I have ever owned, and the best I have ever heard-ss or tube. Thank you for a wonderful product, Steve."

Charles Phd, did musical reviews for PBS, Florida: "I just saw this post and you know I have to chime in here. After three years of preamp auditions I just pulled the trigger on the SAS 11A preamp. It was an unknown product to me but Marty Dewulf over at BFS (and who knows whats going on there these days, by that I mean it seems that Marty has slipped into retirement - forgive me Marty if I am wrong) Anyway he always said wonderful things about the preamp! So having no mind of my own I bought the preamp from Steve at SAS audio. The reason I bought the preamp is that I did not want to do the crazy audiophile thing of always upgrading. Buying the SAS preamp was the best thing I could have done. It's wonderful! Clear, fast musical and very truthful to the source. And more importantly it works well with both tube and solid state amps (i.e. Pass 30.5 & Audio-space 300b mono-blocks).

Hey good listening

Charlie

PS I have no connection to Steve at SAS audio"

George: "Steve,, this pre is "top shelf",, I currently have it thru odyssey mono se's to a pair of Carver Amazings,,, it's gonna be difficult for me to box it up and ship it on to Weez,,, organic, man,, organic,,, as soon as I receive the address, I'll ship it on,, I've got it "dialed in",,, it's so good,,it's scary---thanks for the opportunity to let me/us audition such a fine piece of gear---- george

Charlie: "Steve,The overwhelming Majority of comments regarding the 11A during the tour have been very favorable. Everyone at Woodsyi's with the exception of Doug S who seemed to have prior issues with you because of you refusing to offer the 10A with a remote volume thought that the 11A was by far the best sounding pre of the bunch. DaveG sat there with Scotty and myself and fully agreed that the 11A was clearly the superior preamplifier out of the group."

Rich (Audio Circle): "I've been listening to a lot of preamps this week and even with the problems, it is evident to me that the 11A is in a different league. I'm glad I heard it first, because it set a high mark for the others to follow. The only other pre that sounds naturally musical so far is the Minimax with vintage 12AU7s. They are just too tubey though. But at least the sound is natural and tone is not all screwed up. Manley Shrimp sounds like sandpaper and Van Alstine is like cheap hifi, with hyped treble and bass and weird honky mids. I guess that's what you can expect for 1500 bucks. Makes 10b look very tempting."
Thanks Steve.
Rich"

Ray: "your prees are somewhat legendary in their reviews."

Jack: "My 10A is going to the grave with me, it's my favorite piece of audio gear. The 11A is better but they rarely come up for sale." (Jack auditioned my 11A at his venue.)

Bob: "Hey guys. . .if anyone's interested, I'm selling my Tram 2 preamp since my SAS B11A is so awesome...." (Tram 2 uses DHT 45, 2A3s)

Rich Weiner phd, Reviewer, Bound for Sound: "The SAS 10A is the most musically truthful preamp I'm aware of, and I will expand that statement by listing some of the line stages I've had in my otherwise very stable system: Herron VTSP-1, VAC CPA III, VAC Standard LE, Audio Research 3A, ARC 8, ARC 10, Mark Levinson ML-1, Levinson ML-7, Levinson ML-10A, Original Aronov PS-100 and Musical Concepts modification, Nagra PL-P, Beveridge RM-1, Rappaport, Placette Passive - there are more, but you get the point. Until I got the 10A, I struggled to make the other components live up to their potential."

(Rich purchased the 11A Line Preamplifier as his reference, March, 2006, Martin DeWulf, Publisher, Bound for Sound, no advertisements allowed,
also purchased the 11A as his reference. After Martin's passing, his wife uses the 11A as her reference.)"

In every field there are certain items that are so worthy, they are priceless. The SAS Audio Labs 11A is such in the audio world.

steve

Congratulations, Steve. Great products stand the test of time 👍
Nick

I had one individual contact me about 5 years ago, that he had no idea, never heard of the company/preampifiers,then performed
a review check and purchased the used 10A. DukeW posted.
Lack of recognition seems to be one problem.

http://www.audioreview.com/product/amplification/preamplifiers/sas-audio-labs/10a.html

A second problem is the example of Duke's post below John Doe's, which shows what happens when
I would not sell my 10A for $300 to a review magazine. At least 2 other online review magazines joined in,
dogging me in audio forums, for over a decade, until I retired. Of course john doe misleads as to my
qualifications and the false attacks on my integrity.

Instead of helping you, they help their "friends" who pay them, just as they tried to with me.

Please be careful.

steve


There are a few reviewers who I trust. I've certainly heard of the review shenanigans and getting items for free or steep discounts. I really don't know what's true and what isn't. Often times, comments about equipment from experienced guys that I trust are much more helpful than some of the reviews. Guys like you, Charles, Jack, Dave and a few others here and guys on AC like Anand, Tyson, Danny Ritchie and some others
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Hattor Big preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Holo Cyan2 dac
Holo Red streamer
Spiritual Sound loom
TWL Digital American II p cords
Custom power cords
JPLAY, HQ Player, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

steve

Quote from: Nick B on February 13, 2026, 12:07:41 PM
Quote from: steve on February 12, 2026, 08:44:46 PM
Quote from: Nick B on February 11, 2026, 08:55:36 AM
Quote from: steve on February 10, 2026, 08:56:48 PMThe owner has the status of owning the worlds most perfect/natural sounding line preamplifier, via
decades of specialized listening tests. The 11A will bring out inner detail some 40+ db deeper than
any other line preamplifier in the world.  The result is the closest experience to being there live.

Some reviews for those who were not around some 15 + years ago.

Graham: "I took the B11a into a shop in Auckland. I know the owner fairly well, and we agree that Shindo make some wonderful pieces of kit. (I wasn't looking for a change!) Almost immediately we started listening, he said "That's really fast!" We also agreed that the B11a was much clearer, making the Shindo Aurieges sound slow, muddy, and coloured."

Bernie: "I have also tested the 11A in terms of comparing the sound from my excellent cd source directly to amps versus inserting the 11A pre between. I could detect no difference whatsoever.... So, my two cents: the SAS preamps are stellar � with my 11A I hear no compression or any other alteration of the originating signal."

Terence: "I have been using the 11A since I received it but I didn't want to be premature in my assassment, although my initial assessments were favourable. Now, I must say that the 11A is certainly the best preamp I have ever owned, and the best I have ever heard-ss or tube. Thank you for a wonderful product, Steve."

Charles Phd, did musical reviews for PBS, Florida: "I just saw this post and you know I have to chime in here. After three years of preamp auditions I just pulled the trigger on the SAS 11A preamp. It was an unknown product to me but Marty Dewulf over at BFS (and who knows whats going on there these days, by that I mean it seems that Marty has slipped into retirement - forgive me Marty if I am wrong) Anyway he always said wonderful things about the preamp! So having no mind of my own I bought the preamp from Steve at SAS audio. The reason I bought the preamp is that I did not want to do the crazy audiophile thing of always upgrading. Buying the SAS preamp was the best thing I could have done. It's wonderful! Clear, fast musical and very truthful to the source. And more importantly it works well with both tube and solid state amps (i.e. Pass 30.5 & Audio-space 300b mono-blocks).

Hey good listening

Charlie

PS I have no connection to Steve at SAS audio"

George: "Steve,, this pre is "top shelf",, I currently have it thru odyssey mono se's to a pair of Carver Amazings,,, it's gonna be difficult for me to box it up and ship it on to Weez,,, organic, man,, organic,,, as soon as I receive the address, I'll ship it on,, I've got it "dialed in",,, it's so good,,it's scary---thanks for the opportunity to let me/us audition such a fine piece of gear---- george

Charlie: "Steve,The overwhelming Majority of comments regarding the 11A during the tour have been very favorable. Everyone at Woodsyi's with the exception of Doug S who seemed to have prior issues with you because of you refusing to offer the 10A with a remote volume thought that the 11A was by far the best sounding pre of the bunch. DaveG sat there with Scotty and myself and fully agreed that the 11A was clearly the superior preamplifier out of the group."

Rich (Audio Circle): "I've been listening to a lot of preamps this week and even with the problems, it is evident to me that the 11A is in a different league. I'm glad I heard it first, because it set a high mark for the others to follow. The only other pre that sounds naturally musical so far is the Minimax with vintage 12AU7s. They are just too tubey though. But at least the sound is natural and tone is not all screwed up. Manley Shrimp sounds like sandpaper and Van Alstine is like cheap hifi, with hyped treble and bass and weird honky mids. I guess that's what you can expect for 1500 bucks. Makes 10b look very tempting."
Thanks Steve.
Rich"

Ray: "your prees are somewhat legendary in their reviews."

Jack: "My 10A is going to the grave with me, it's my favorite piece of audio gear. The 11A is better but they rarely come up for sale." (Jack auditioned my 11A at his venue.)

Bob: "Hey guys. . .if anyone's interested, I'm selling my Tram 2 preamp since my SAS B11A is so awesome...." (Tram 2 uses DHT 45, 2A3s)

Rich Weiner phd, Reviewer, Bound for Sound: "The SAS 10A is the most musically truthful preamp I'm aware of, and I will expand that statement by listing some of the line stages I've had in my otherwise very stable system: Herron VTSP-1, VAC CPA III, VAC Standard LE, Audio Research 3A, ARC 8, ARC 10, Mark Levinson ML-1, Levinson ML-7, Levinson ML-10A, Original Aronov PS-100 and Musical Concepts modification, Nagra PL-P, Beveridge RM-1, Rappaport, Placette Passive - there are more, but you get the point. Until I got the 10A, I struggled to make the other components live up to their potential."

(Rich purchased the 11A Line Preamplifier as his reference, March, 2006, Martin DeWulf, Publisher, Bound for Sound, no advertisements allowed,
also purchased the 11A as his reference. After Martin's passing, his wife uses the 11A as her reference.)"

In every field there are certain items that are so worthy, they are priceless. The SAS Audio Labs 11A is such in the audio world.

steve

Congratulations, Steve. Great products stand the test of time 👍
Nick

I had one individual contact me about 5 years ago, that he had no idea, never heard of the company/preampifiers,then performed
a review check and purchased the used 10A. DukeW posted.
Lack of recognition seems to be one problem.

http://www.audioreview.com/product/amplification/preamplifiers/sas-audio-labs/10a.html

A second problem is the example of Duke's post below John Doe's, which shows what happens when
I would not sell my 10A for $300 to a review magazine. At least 2 other online review magazines joined in,
dogging me in audio forums, for over a decade, until I retired. Of course john doe misleads as to my
qualifications and the false attacks on my integrity.

Instead of helping you, they help their "friends" who pay them, just as they tried to with me.

Please be careful.

steve


There are a few reviewers who I trust. I've certainly heard of the review shenanigans and getting items for free or steep discounts. I really don't know what's true and what isn't. Often times, comments about equipment from experienced guys that I trust are much more helpful than some of the reviews. Guys like you, Charles, Jack, Dave and a few others here and guys on AC like Anand, Tyson, Danny Ritchie and some others

Yes, this forum is descent with integrity which is why I stay. I trusted a friend who recommended the
Schiit Mimir dac, based on many individual reviews. I must admit that I had already
upgraded the Modi 2, the Mimir was inexpensive, plus return policy helped in my decision
to purchase it. Glad I listened to him in this instance.
 
However, my friend often recommended stuff over decades, via reviews, comments, that was either
snake oil, or was of no value except to make make money.
One such recommendation was to watch an individual/company R&D video of a particular
design which I had already researched/tested some 10 years earlier, and incorporated in
my test speakers. The suggestion is to check around and see if the recommendation is
cutting edge or not.

cheers
steve

Steve Sammet (Owner, Electronics Engineer, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS 11A Perceptual Perfect Tube Preamp
SAS 25 W Ref Triode 50 W UL
2 way Floor Standing Test Speakers
SAS Test Phono Stage
Acutex 320 STR Mov Iron Cartridge