Vincent SA-32 MK Hybrid Preamplifier Silver

The Vincent SA-32 MK is a hybrid stereo preamplifier with four tubes that combines balanced connections, three preamp outputs and Bluetooth in a slim powerLine chassis.

Compared with the limited SA-32 AE it does without the digital section and stays compact and uncomplicated: tube colour for the signal, tone controls for everyday use, and all of it in just 77 millimetres of height.

Why the SA-32 MK?

Because it gives the power amplifier behind it exactly what a preamp must do: amplify cleanly, switch cleanly and add the tube colour discreetly. Four 6N16 tubes work in the preamp, the frequency response runs from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.5 dB), and the signal-to-noise ratio is above 90 dB. Two RCA and one balanced XLR preamp output also make bi-amping possible.

What you get

• Hybrid preamp with four tubes (6N16)
• Four RCA inputs, one balanced XLR input and Bluetooth
• Three preamp outputs (2× RCA, 1× XLR) plus a fixed-level rec out
• Bass and treble controls, bypassable with the TONE button
• Switchable gain (0 dB / −8 dB)
• VRC-14 remote control for volume, mute and input selection
• Power control cable (3.5 mm) included

Who is the SA-32 MK for?

For anyone who wants to run a tube preamp with a good power amplifier without spending a fortune: CD player, streamer and phono preamp connect via the RCA inputs, balanced sources via XLR, your smartphone via Bluetooth.

Honestly: the SA-32 MK has no phono input and no D/A converter, and no digital inputs. A turntable therefore needs a phono preamp, and digital sources need their own converter. If you want HDMI ARC and digital inputs in the preamp, take a look at the limited SA-32 AE.

Our verdict

The SA-32 MK is the uncomplicated tube preamp for anyone who wants to feed their power amplifier a little tonal colour: slim, with an XLR output, Bluetooth and tone controls, but without digital ballast. Which power amplifier and which speakers suit it best, we're happy to clarify with you. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or drop by HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical specifications

• Type: hybrid stereo preamplifier (tube and transistor), powerLine
• Tube complement: 4× 6N16
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB), 20 Hz – 50 kHz (±2 dB)
• Nominal output voltage: 2 V
• Total harmonic distortion: below 0.1% (1 kHz, 1 W)
• Input sensitivity: 500 mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio: above 90 dB
• Input impedance: 47 kOhm
• Inputs: 4× stereo RCA, 1× stereo XLR, 1× Bluetooth (external antenna)
• Outputs: 2× stereo RCA pre out, 1× stereo XLR pre out, 1× stereo RCA rec out (fixed level), 2× 3.5 mm jack (power control)
• Tone control: bass/treble, bypassable with the TONE button
• Gain: switchable 0 dB / −8 dB
• Phono input: not available
• Max. power consumption: 40 W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 77 × 360 mm
• Weight: 6.2 kg
• Colour: Silver
• Included in the box: Vincent SA-32 MK, VRC-14 remote control, power control cable (3.5 mm), Bluetooth antenna, power cable, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Does the Vincent SA-32 MK have a phono input?
No. The SA-32 MK has no phono stage. You connect a turntable through a separate phono preamp to one of the RCA inputs, or you use a turntable with a built-in preamp. We're happy to show you suitable phono preamps from Vincent and other brands.

Can I run bi-amping with the SA-32 MK?
Yes. The preamp has three preamp outputs: two RCA and one balanced XLR output. That lets you drive several power amplifiers, for example for bi-amping. There is also a fixed-level rec out for a recording device. The gain can also be switched between 0 dB and −8 dB in case a power amplifier is very sensitive.

How do I connect my smartphone to the SA-32 MK via Bluetooth?
Select input S1 on the unit and pair your smartphone or tablet under the name "Vincent". The external Bluetooth antenna is included. It's convenient for a quick stream in between; for the highest sound quality, use the RCA or XLR inputs instead.

Which power amplifier suits the SA-32 MK?
Classically the Vincent SP-332 with 2 × 250 W – a matched pairing from the same house. But via its RCA and XLR outputs, the SA-32 MK can basically drive any power amplifier. We're happy to advise you on the right combination.

Why buy the SA-32 MK at HD Zürisee?
Because we advise you on the right combination of power amplifiers, speakers and cabling before you commit. As a Vincent specialist dealer we take care of setup and service and are personally there for you in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich, even after your purchase.

Goes well with

• Power amplifiers – the right power, for example the Vincent SP-332
• Speakers – from compact to floorstanding
• Turntables – for the analogue source
• Cables – RCA and XLR in the right length