The Astronic line of amplifiers was manufactured by Associated Electronic Engineers Ltd., of Dalston Gardens, Stanmore, Middlesex UK, who, between 1954 and 1967 produced a small range of hi-fi pre, power and integrated amplifiers, including the UK's first graphic equalizer unit (at the time called a 'response' control unit) in 1965.

The A1432 was released in early 1958 and was a stereo preamplifier with an 6-position selector (CCIR tape; Mic; radio and four gram positions), independent bass and treble controls, switched filter (5, 7, 10 kcs and flat); variable slope and provision for loudness control in addition to volume ON/OFF control. Gramophone inputs were 78; EUR, FFRR, AES/LP (4mV or 20mV). Hum and noise was minus 65dB and distortion quoted by the manufacturer as unmeasurable. The unit was attractively finished in cream stove enamel with gold metal control inserts.

Along with its slightly more expensive brother the A1434; the A1432 was intended for use with a pair Astronic's new A1440 20-watt mono power amplifiers or their older 10watt A1333 Mk I or Mk II mono power amplifiers.

Priced at £22 when new, today this rather obscure and hard-to-find preamplifier would suffer much the same shortcomings as other early stereo control units - a dated sound with too many filters and equalization devices interfering with the signal path. It might be worth in the vicinity of £30 - £80 if in excellent working and physical order.

Prices of some of Astronic's other products:
A1434 preamplifier - £22. 5s; A1440 20-watt mono power amplifier - £37. 16s; A1333 10-watt mono power amplifier - £18. 19s 6d.

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