SAE A501 Dual High-Resolution Vintage Power Amplifier, 250W x 2

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Vintage 250W amplifier from the late 1980's when SAE was making the best and most powerful amplifiers.

Beautifully built and displaying super cool and classic 1980's looks.

Tested and working like new.

YouTube video showing LED operation (not our amp/video):

If you'd like a complete SAE system have a look here:

https://skyfiaudio.com/products/sae-scientific-audio-electronics-01-complete-system-from-the-80s-serviced-see-video

HiFi Classics Review:

http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/sae-2401-264.html

SkyFi Test Notes:

• Both channels test clean to 250W.
• All meter segments work.

Cosmetic Notes:

Cosmetically in very nice condition considering its age and showing slight signs of use and surface scratches.

• Metal surfaces show some blemishes.
• One side panel has some scratches.

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Specs:

Power output:
250 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response:
20 Hz to 20 kHz

Total harmonic distortion:
0.02%

Damping factor:
60

Input sensitivity:
2.24V

Signal to noise ratio:
114dB

Speaker load impedance:
4Ω (minimum)

Weight:
46.96 lbs.
(21.3kg)

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the amplifier passes visual inspection, we move on to a controlled power on sequence using a Sencore safety analyzer to monitor current draw in real time. Once the amplifier is determined to be safe to operate, we connect it to full AC mains for function and power testing. We connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1KHz test signal at the amplifier’s input and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping. At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. If the device under test has both balanced and single ended inputs they are both tested at this time. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1KHz square wave check and a 20Hz to 20KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.