SA-1A5

The Stam Audio SA-1A5 is a meticulously reverse-engineered replica of the legendary Danish CL-1A opto compressor — the predecessor of the 1B — brought into a 500-series format operating at the same voltage and with the same sound as its full-size counterpart. Unlike the smoother 1B, the original CL-1A was more aggressive with higher THD and a grittier sound with an extended top end, largely due to its American-made iron. The SA-1A5 reproduces this character with custom-wound, reverse-engineered US-made input and output transformers that precisely replicate the original ratios, frequency response, and THD. A custom-made opto element was developed specifically for this unit with proprietary matching circuitry to ensure identical attack and release time constants to the original. Built with a selected 12AU7 tube and premium components, each unit also features a 5-position side-chain high-pass filter. Every SA-1A5 is 100% handmade in Chile with individually auditioned transformers, tubes, opto elements, and capacitors. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.