Vincent SA-T8 Tube Preamp

For sale is an excellent Vincent SA-T8 Tube preamp in black finish. The SA-T8 tube preamp and the matching SP-T800 hybrid power amp (also listed for sale) represent Vincent's premium line and they were accorded high accolades in the TAS review and included as an Editor's choice. The SA-T8 is an all tube, balanced design, meaning that both the positive and negative legs of a signal are amplified separately. The gain stage consists of a cascade of two 12AX7 triode sections. The output stage features a cathode follower based on a 12AU7 section. The power supply uses two power transformers. It features shunt-regulated high voltage rails.

The SA-T8 has 4 RCA and 2 balanced (XLR) inputs. A heavy duty aluminum Remote Control allows direct selection of each input. It has both balanced and RCA inputs. It features also two 12V triggers that can be used to switch on/off the T800s or other similarly equipped amps.

The SA-T8 is a really musical pre-amp that allows the mid-range to shine through. It projects a spacious soundstage with depth and palpable image outlines. There is a sense of immediacy in the presentation and reverbrant decays can be followed all the way down. Percussion, brass, violin overtones and soprano voices are well controlled with plenty of resolved low-level detail. Midrange textures are smooth without being overly liquid and soft. Bass lines are tightly defined. The TAS reviewer considered the SA-T8 to be an absolute steal at its retail price ($2500) because, in his opinion, nothing else at this price point comes close to equalling its primary twin virtues of crystalline clarity and ample boogie factor.

This SA-T8 has been used lightly, only about 1000 hours in a pet free, smoke free environment, and is in superb condition cosmetically. It's rated 7/10 only because it is 2.9 yrs old.

The amp will be shipped double boxed along with the remote, power cord and manual. Buyer pays shipping and Pay Pal fees.