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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
 

So I got the Sugden in and listened to just a few tracks last nite before I had to go to bed.

Question about the speaker posts on the amp. So I haven't come across the type of speaker posts that the Sugden has before.

There seems to be a a ring that you can loosen to accept spades and if you are not using spades, I suppose you tighten up. But right behind that ring, there seems to be another piece that turns (which accommodates banana plugs).

At first, it seemed liked I couldn't insert my speaker wires (Audioquest Type 4 Banana) but turn that piece (as if I was unscrewing it), now speaker wires seem to be able to go in.

I assuming that is so for different sizes of banana wires?

I'll have to inspect more. Fortunately, headed into a 3 day weekend, so I should be able to spend some time with amp now.

But wanted to get anyone's feedback on the type of speaker posts/jacks that Sugden has (if you have any experience with it).

Thnx

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,360 posts
 

https://www.sugdenaudio.com/how-to

jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
246 posts
 

Wow, this is great!

Thanks so much for this.

I really appreciate it.

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,542 posts
 

Nice! That is slicker than cat poop!  Looking forward to your impressions. 

jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
246 posts
 

Well, I thought I would post an update.

I received the Sugden A21se a few weeks ago and have been listening to it whenever I get a moment. The only times I really can listen wholeheartedly is in the late evenings when the wife goes to bed and things outside settle down (unfortunately I have some noisy streets) and even then, the weekends are really the best time for me to listen.

So far, I don't notice a huge difference between the Sugden and my Vincent. But I would say that is probably because of the rest of the equipment. Perhaps if the Sugden had better equipment to play with, it could shine even more.

Right now it feels like, if both were considered sport cars, perhaps the Sugden would be ahead but if you looked in the rear view mirror, the Vincent is not too far behind.

It's probably too early to tell. I need to spend more time with it.

In no way, does it sound bad. I think certain tracks whether digital or vinyl have caught my attention but need more time.

Now, I am thinking I want to use both amps. I may purchase a quality switchbox. I have contacted Decware and Mapletree regarding their offerings.

So that is my quick update for now.

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