Предусилители — Vincent SA-32 AE

The Vincent SA-32 AE is a stereo hybrid preamplifier released as a limited special edition to mark 30 years of the powerLine series, which began with the SA-31 in 1996. Production is capped at 200 units worldwide, the list price is EUR 1,999, and the edition can be ordered in black or silver. The name AE stands for Anniversary Edition.

Key specs that matter

Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.5 dB. Output voltage is 2 V, input sensitivity is 500 mV and input impedance is 47 kOhm. THD is specified at under 0.1 percent (1 kHz, 1 W), and the S/N ratio is quoted as better than 90 dB. For analogue sources the rear panel offers five RCA sockets plus one XLR socket pair, joined by one optical, one coaxial one HDMI ARC and a Bluetooth input. The output panel carries two RCA pre-out pairs, one XLR pre-out, an RCA tape output and two 3.5 mm power control jacks. The case is 430 mm wide, 95 mm high and 360 mm deep and the unit weighs 7.23 kg, with maximum power consumption of 40 W.

Engineering and use context

Where the standard SA-32 of 2017 relied on four 6N16 tubes, the anniversary model uses four valves of two types, each assigned its own role, and Vincent lists the AE as the successor to that 2017 preamplifier. A pair of 12AU7 tubes sits directly after the inputs, while two ECC88 tubes work as phase splitters within the tone control stage. The power supply has been redesigned around an R-Core transformer, chosen for its low stray magnetic field and efficient energy transfer, and filtering relies on Wima and Nichicon capacitors intended to reduce ripple voltage. Compared with the standard model, the AE has a larger chassis, which provides the room needed for its expanded digital connection panel. Tone controls are fitted, and a remote control comes with the unit.

Pairing

The balanced pre-out connects to power amplifiers with XLR inputs, and the two RCA pre-out pairs serve amplifiers with unbalanced connections. The AE lacks an internal RIAA equaliser, so a record player needs an outboard phono amplifier, whose output then goes into a free unbalanced or balanced line-level input socket. A television can be linked over the HDMI ARC connection, although control of the preamplifier from the TV remote through CEC is not possible.

Alternatives

The SA-T7MK is a further Vincent preamplifier.