1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 174822-132496

Question about Class A

So I read all the time how awesome Class A Amps/Integrated's (SS and Tube) are.

I currently have a Vincent SV-500 Hybrid and feel it sounds really good.

But I have this itch now to hear what Class A would sound like and would it be a big difference to my current Vincent.

I wanted to ask what are some good Class A Integrated's that I could look into?

I know Pass Labs always comes up and for good reason but those might be a bit out of my budget.

I would say I can probably go to $3K new or used.

Sugden is another brand that I have researched a lot and the A21 retails for around $2500 and there is a dealer in Socal that carries it, so that one is tempting.

Vincent has the SV-237 MK II but I think that is only Class A for the 1st 10 watts into 8-ohms and I have 4-ohm speakers so I am not sure if that would give me any Class A magic. I am sure it would sound similar to my SV-500 but have more base extension.

Could you all recommend any other one's? I have been researching but haven't come across any (SS or Tube).

Thanks

jay73
jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
246 posts
 

Just came across this Amp: Vision SET 400 Amplifier

 

Any opinions on it? So far the reviews I read seem positive.

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

AVA build quality value minded gear. Rave reviews all over the interweb.

mesch
3,530 posts
 

The OP is looking for a Class A integrated amplifier.  Budget extends to 3K new/used.  The Sudgen A21SE used is the only one that comes to mind. Others?

erik_squires
17,574 posts
 

BTW, I didn't suggest you buy a Luxman, but that the Luxman line has nearly identical integrateds except for the class A portion, so you could use them to compare and listen to the difference, to see if Class A was really a worthy goal all by itself.

jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
246 posts
 

Really appreciate all the feedback so far.

@erik_squires , Thanks for that clarification. That is a good point

@mesch, You are right, I was asking about an Integrated but with all the great feedback, now I am also considering adding an amp versus a whole new integrated.

I emailed AVA and Frank responded. I was inquiring about their SET 400 Amp and if he thinks it would be a good match for my speakers.

Frank actually recommended their SET 120 instead of the 400. So I am considering that also now and of course it is much less expensive so that is a plus.

The SET 400 is out of stock right now but Frank mentioned that they are working on a whole new chassis and that is going to take another month or so. Looking forward to see what they produce.

With all the feedback and now also seriously considering AVA Products with their great review and still being very curious about the Sugden, as suggested earlier in the thread, I am going to see if I can get a demo at the dealer that I mentioned and I need to inquire about their return policy.

What I may do, is purchase the A21 and the SET 120 and then compare in home to see what I like better. If the A21 comes out on top and I really like it, I would have to return the SET 120 within their 30 day trial period and I might just go back to the local dealer and exchange the A21 for the A21se.

Those are my thoughts right now.

At the end, I have to be happy with I buy and be content with it.

More to discover