SUGDEN MASTERCLASS FPA-4 Class A amp

I think you would be fine getting the Sugden A21se Signature pure Class A integrated amp. It is 30 watts @ 8 ohms, 40 @ 4 ohms. Unless of course you are stuck on seperates. I don’t understand the question about is the Sugden "high end"? Who can say it is or is not? What determines that? Your budget, your income? To me, this is not really the important question, the important thing is what you want or like. Imo, yes, the Sugden is high end, but that is just an opinion. As the previous post mentions, Sugden makes a very special product indeed. They have been at it since 1967, first in Class A solid state, still made in the UK.

I currently own a Sugden IA-4 . Driving a pair of Klipsch Cornwall lV speakers. I used to own a Pass Labs Int 60. While the Pass Labs had a big airy soundstage it always sounded a little dry and recessed to me. The Sugden has the same big sound stage, airy top end. With the addition of better instrument separation and a realism to the music that makes you feel you can reach out and hug the singer. Sugden is one of the best kept secrets in our hobby.
‘if you have a chance just get one.

Picking up the old thread, but I have the IA-4 and it sounds superb with devore o93 speakers. Huge soundstage, feels lit from within, no grain, and a ton of body. Tends to illuminate everything in the upper midband with endless detail and no fatigue. Highly recommended combination. It seems like all the Masterclass products are proving positive, and this is the first SS amp I’ve really loved with these speakers more than high quality tube integrateds. 

Eric,
I have the Sugden FPA-4. It's nice with Auralic Altair Streamer-DAC-PRE-Amp.
Sounds very well with my Monitor Audio PL-300 floorstanding speakers.
Soundstage and power, really very nice.
A hi-end equipment you buy without sell "your house". 

Hello
I have the Sugden FP-4 amp with the Sugden DAP800 preamp
its a nice combination.
It sounds natural and a good sountstage,and enough power to drive my Kharma DB7-S speakers.

Eric

Arizona Hi Fi in Phoenix, AZ. Great shop with great products and a great owner.

Let us know if you get one & how it works out.

jperry, may I ask where you heard it?

OK jperry!
🤝🤝🤝👏👏

The sound stage was great on both speakers I heard them on. I have not heard the Monitor Audio speakers so I can't comment. I would have purchased, but it was not the best match with my preamp. 

gnostalgick and Jperry,

Thanks a lot your opinions.
Monitor Audio matches very well low power amps, specially Class A.
I hope the soundstage would be nice.

Thanks again!

I have heard it on the Wilson Benesch Vector and it sounded great. An excellent match. I have also heard it on the ProAc Response D-40r. Also a great match. Very neutral and pure in tone. Excellent bass drive particularly on the Vector.

I really wish I could answer that--I was looking into it myself earlier this year.  Depending on where you are you might be able to audition their A21 integrated and get a taste of their sound. Tone Imports is the distributor, but I don't think many carry their separates in the states. I did find a magazine review that mostly loved the clarity and purity of tone, but found the power lacking (measurements were something like 23 watts @ 8ohm & 28 @ 4).  And as Stereophile measurements show the MA 300 to be more like 87db efficiency instead of 90db, it's probably not a great match for larger rooms or louder volumes.

FWIW I ended buying a used First Watt M2. If I could upgrade every piece of my system but one, that'd be what I kept.  I haven't dealt with them, but Reno Hifi sells Pass Labs & First Watt online, and do allow for home auditions.  They could probably also best direct you to the model that would best match your speakers & taste.