Hey! So finally found these dream SA12e mono blocks? Looks like they are super rare even in Europe.
regads from Stuttgart,
karl
I got mine. I have the chiropractor bill to prove it from unloading 130# (each!) mono blocks. I had to run a new circuit to my listening room. This pair was just a little too much for the circuit in there.
Now, the hunt for a pair of S/1600e ...... just because I miss my chiropractor!
Now, the hunt for a pair of S/1600e ...... just because I miss my chiropractor!
I'm not wealthy enough to be able to compare to some of the other high end amps out there. Before Threshold I had Sansui, Hafler, Adcom, BGW, Phase Linear, JBL, Forte, Yamaha and a few others. For all of those, you wouldn't need to do a side by side to know the Threshold would sound better.
I have a haffler DH200 and recently sold a Adcom GFA-555. Both rebuilt and working to spec. Never had a Phase Linear although there is a 700B for sale close by that likely needs work. Had a Sansui au-719. I agree that none of those did quite what the old threshold does. It casts a deeper soundstage than most other gear that I have tried.
I would love to have a pair of SA/1's some day.
I would love to have a pair of SA/1's some day.
A pair just popped up for sale. Over priced at almost $10K. It's a used HiFi outfit. I think they paid too much for it so it'll probably be a nice window piece for them for years to come, sort of like the pair of SA/12e in Europe.
Although having star items that are obviously over priced may set the tone for the rest of your stock. At least that's what I think when I see something like that.
Although having star items that are obviously over priced may set the tone for the rest of your stock. At least that's what I think when I see something like that.
Going off of memory, I believe they generally sell for 4500-6500. 10k is a lot. Beauties though. The classic threshold look is probably my favorite look of any HIFI amp. Add gauges and my knees get a little weak...
I wouldn't be surprised if someone gets the itch enough that they buy them or pay close to it.
I wouldn't be surprised if someone gets the itch enough that they buy them or pay close to it.
Well when u compare with todays prices and what you get for your 5-10 grands, I think they pretty well worth way above the 10 grands mark.
I could not find any information on S1600s on the web. You got any link?
Regards,
Karl
I would wager to say that even though the old thresholds are terrific amps (I love mine), a large majority of people would prefer the sound of the X250.8 more. You can buy a X250.8 for $10,500. You can buy a X150.8 for around $7k. Mr Pass has been working to create unique designs very actively for around 35 years since the SA-1's. With that being said, I am going to try to adapt the new Stasis front end to my S/500. I should be getting the rest of the parts to populate the board tonight and I will try driving a channel with it. Should be fun. Hopefully no smoke...
The SA-1's are a great buy for the collectability and cool factor compared to other high end amps on the used market though.
You got to listen to a pair of these SA12e mono blocks. I could have a chance to audition a beautiful and well maintained set (they are almost my age 🙂 ) before the Munich high end 2022, and I couldnt believe how these mono blocks after all these years could compare and be even better sounding than most of the super pricy setups there. The dynamics, sound stage, Instrument separations, tonal accuracy and that bass I heard, made me dream for a pair really badly 😉
So they definitely still play strong in the highest league.
regards from Stuttgart,
Karl
I am re activating my 12e with my IRS Beta as soon as I get the woofers back from restoration!
Hehe now you made me drooling over the IRS betas.
I could source a beautiful black pair of SA12e in factory condition here in Germany 😉 not only beautiful to look at but dreamy to listen to as well. I read somewhere from Mr. NP himself that 500-800 pieces/pairs were built. 60% in black and 40% in silver. Let me know when ur system is ready to go.
What preamp will you use?
Audio Research bit the dust so for now I will hook them up to my Lexicon. Different eras different tech but will be interesting.
On a related note, anyone has thoughts on where I can get my Theta Data transport repaired? It stopped recognizing disks.
Betas and Aerials
Attachments
Ervikingo:
Mike Moffat is now one of the principals at Schiit Audio. Maybe check with him?
Regards.
Mike Moffat is now one of the principals at Schiit Audio. Maybe check with him?
Regards.
Wow, nice! Where have they been all these years? Let me know if you also adjusted the bias! What is your first impression?
Sleeping in their original boxes waiting for the new house to be built. Ran a smaller system in the meantime with Arial 8B and 2 Sherbourn 5/1500 bridged in a bi-amp mode. Plenty of oomph.
As to adjusting the bias, that is way over my level of skill.
DrKarl, I have listened to them several hours already. I had forgotten how clear and effortless they work. Zero noise and plenty of oomph to move the bass towers of my Beta.
Bass is clear and musical. On jazz and classical you can feel the scratch and plucks of cellos and bass. On rock the bass has a solid controlled punch (remember I have Betas that use control woofers).
They get barely warm.