Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sugden A21a Integrated Amplifier (SS) by hairydog

Model:	A21a
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1600.00
Description:	Pure class A - 25 Watts per channel
Manufacturer URL:	Sugden
Manufacturer URL:	Sugden

Review by hairydog ( A ) on January 03, 2007 at 21:05:55
IP Address: 71.163.66.138

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Just a summary review of this amp. I have used the Sugden for over a year now and find it to be an excellent integrated amplifier. It was 2000 dollars with phono, not the 1600 listed here. This is Sugden A21a 25 watts per channel (not the new series 2 version, but the one that goes back to 1989 and has no remote). I like its no nonsense classic looks, build and especially its sound quality as well as the convenience. I imagine some audiophiles at one time or another have "downsized" and so it was for me with the A21a integrated. I wanted good sound in one box. I have used a Pass Aleph 30 amp and a CJ MV55 tube amp previously, The Sugden is my third amp in the last ten years. The Sugden is often described as sounding like a tube amp and I'd say that it does have midrange dynamics very close to that of a good tube amp, but is clean and smooth in the treble like the Pass labs was. There's heat to deal with but once I got used to tubes or class A solid state, I found I did not like class AB amplification as well. The "Sugden secret review" compares the Sugden's sound to Krell. I have heard a Krell frequently when a friend owned one(the KSA 50 class A biased amp)and it is nothing like the Sugden sound to my ears. Krell is more 3D and analytical. My perception was the krell was artificially 3D and the Sugden stages in a natural way. The Sugden has its own set of traits with many pluses, and all things considered I prefer it to the Krell sound. When I take price, convenience, and the superb musical sound of the Sugden into account, it is the most satisfying piece of gear I have ever owned. It sounds like more than 25 watts and should only cause worry with tough 4 ohm or inefficient speakers. Part of the magic of the Sugden for me is that I dont find myself analyzing the sound. You really just have to hear one to know what I'm talking about, but it's as if this amps sole purpose is to enjoy your music. But If you want to pick out hi- fi qualifiers, they are there. Vocals are very lifelike, piano has proper harmonics and I find myself playing lots of solo piano recordings. Stage is 3D but not "hyper", detail is good. All kinds of music are handled impressively. It can do rock well, but really excels with jazz and classical. Horns sound very convincing. Bass is firm with good weight, maybe a tad soft and slow compared to the Aleph 30 I had. The Sugden has a sweeter midrange than the Aleph 30. Its midrange is not the equal of the CJ MV55 I had but the A21a has better bass and a smoother top end. Although the noise specs on the Sugden are not great, subjectively it is a very quiet amp with black background and very low hum and hiss. The tonal balance is just right to my ears. Sometimes I feel it could be a little clearer, but then realize plenty of musical detail is there, but not under a spotlight. The use of Kimber 4TC speaker cable really put things right. Initially I thought The phono stage was a bit more muddled than the line stage. I changed to a different cartridge and that helped alot but would say an out board unit may be needed if you have an expensive vinyl rig and play records alot. Now I enjoy using the onboard phono stage too. I use it with a Rega P3 and an AT150MXL. So to sum up, this is one fine amplifier and should cater to those who place a high value on enjoying music above all else. It is understandable why the amp has become a classic. Sugden isnt all too well known here in the US, I rememebered seeing an ad for them in one of my old UK HI Fi news issues, and later came across the original 10 watt A21 design on the Class A amplifier site (which posts schematics for DIY community). Of course an obvious caution is the A21 runs really hot. Hotter than the Pass Aleph. Give it plenty of breathing room. I use a cooler running integrated in the hot months (a Rega Mira 3, which has its own set of virtues). I should also mention that initially the A21 blew mains fuses with the 3.15 amp 250 volt fuse installed. For awhile I was worried that I might have too high an AC volatage to keep this amp. I contacted Sugden UK and informed them, they sent me 4 amp 125 volt fuses and it has not blown a single fuse since, the amp works like a charm now. Recently an Agoner came by to pick something up and I played the Sugden for him, he was very impressed, and could not believe me when I told him it was 25 watts. He kept saying "wow". Anyone considering an integrated should try and hear one. Although the A21a is Sugdens entry level amp, it is my exit level amp.

Product Weakness: Runs very hot
Product Strengths: Superb musical sound. Convenient one box amp.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Sugden A21a or Rega Mira 3
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rega P3 TT/Rega Apollo CDP
Speakers:	Monitor audio studio 2
Cables/Interconnects:	KImber 4TC/Timbre/silver streak
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, rock,
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 13 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	nice sounding room
Time Period/Length of Audition:	14 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Runs very hot
Product Strengths:	Superb musical sound. Convenient one box amp.