The Sugden A21a Series 2 was just tested by HIFICRITIC. IT had only 20 watts a channel so either the rating is different over there or it is a slightly different model. In any case I would mark it off as it had insufficient power and simply didn't sound good. Its rating on sound quality was a 16 compared to the top NAIT at about 50. I had Electro years ago as a dealer and was not happy with their reliability. Accuphase is well built but I haven't used any in years. I have a pair of older 805s which I like but the new tweeter is probably more like the ones in my Mini Utopias, which can sound bright. When you can't hear the component good reviews are about the only way. The Exposure 2010 is an exceptional amp in all reports I have seen, apparently preferable to the 3010. It is suppose to be very pleasant to listen to for long periods. Disclaimer, I have not heard them myself. HIFI News reviews on amps can be bought on CD for a fairly reasonable price, I bought them myself and they are quite helpful. I have found HIFICRITIC the best source of info, they take no ads so do not appear on line but you can look at their web site for a rating of some amps tested in the past. The Exposure Classic CD player is one of the best bargains in that field and is as good as anything less than 3x its cost. I would look at the Exposure line, I am a small dealer and have been considering carrying them because they supposedly offer very musical , fatigue free listening but the present economy has held this up. They are a favorite of Sam Tellig according to my memory, look at the Stereophile archives on line to see what they say. Hope this helps.
Sugden - Electrocompaniet - Naim - Accuphase
This is my first posting! This seems a great place where a lot of audiophile knowledge is available ;-)
I’m in search for a great musical integrated amplifier and matching cd-player (same manufacturer) for my B&W Signature 805 speakers.
I mostly listen to pop, rock, 60s, blues, (no classical)
I’m looking for a musical pairing, slighty warm sound, not too analytical or cold sounding.
I want to listen for hours, so I’m looking for great mids and the highs have to be sweet (no harshness, or sharp s-sounds). Not too laid back either. With the very detailed nautilus-tweeter I don’t want an overdetailed and sharp sound, so the amp and cd shouldn’t be too analytical, and should be a little forgiven for bad (sharp) recordings.
Following models caught my attention:
1. SUGDEN A21SE and CD21SE
2 * 30 W class A amp. I’m wondering if this amp is going to drive my 805 with ease, as it is rather low powered? Is this pairing good for Rock music?
2. ELECTROCOMPANIET ECI 5 and ECC1
2 * 120 W (8 Ohm), 2 * 200 W (4 Ohm) and 2 * 350 (2 Ohm) transistor amp.
Electrocompaniet has a great reputation for building superb amps. I’m wondering if this rather new amp and cd-player is that good in their price range as their reference EMC 1/Up Cd player and NEMO class A amps, which where built to drive the B&W Nautilus.
3. NAIM SUPERNAIT and CD 5X.
Naim PraT should have enough drive for my speakers, but I’m worried that its drive will cause listening fatigue....
4. ACCUPHASE E213 and DP 400.
Smallest Accuphase integrated and cdplayer ( 2* 90W). Isn’t this pairing too analytical for the detailed Nautilus tweeter?
Can somebody give their opinions? I know that I shoud listen by myself, but there aren’t many great dealers in the neighbourhood... (closest: more than 150 miles, and he hasn’t all the stuff I want to hear...)
Thnx
John
I’m in search for a great musical integrated amplifier and matching cd-player (same manufacturer) for my B&W Signature 805 speakers.
I mostly listen to pop, rock, 60s, blues, (no classical)
I’m looking for a musical pairing, slighty warm sound, not too analytical or cold sounding.
I want to listen for hours, so I’m looking for great mids and the highs have to be sweet (no harshness, or sharp s-sounds). Not too laid back either. With the very detailed nautilus-tweeter I don’t want an overdetailed and sharp sound, so the amp and cd shouldn’t be too analytical, and should be a little forgiven for bad (sharp) recordings.
Following models caught my attention:
1. SUGDEN A21SE and CD21SE
2 * 30 W class A amp. I’m wondering if this amp is going to drive my 805 with ease, as it is rather low powered? Is this pairing good for Rock music?
2. ELECTROCOMPANIET ECI 5 and ECC1
2 * 120 W (8 Ohm), 2 * 200 W (4 Ohm) and 2 * 350 (2 Ohm) transistor amp.
Electrocompaniet has a great reputation for building superb amps. I’m wondering if this rather new amp and cd-player is that good in their price range as their reference EMC 1/Up Cd player and NEMO class A amps, which where built to drive the B&W Nautilus.
3. NAIM SUPERNAIT and CD 5X.
Naim PraT should have enough drive for my speakers, but I’m worried that its drive will cause listening fatigue....
4. ACCUPHASE E213 and DP 400.
Smallest Accuphase integrated and cdplayer ( 2* 90W). Isn’t this pairing too analytical for the detailed Nautilus tweeter?
Can somebody give their opinions? I know that I shoud listen by myself, but there aren’t many great dealers in the neighbourhood... (closest: more than 150 miles, and he hasn’t all the stuff I want to hear...)
Thnx
John
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- 17 posts total
- 17 posts total