Sugden A21 Signature

[Art K.]

Perhaps my forever amp! Single ended joy.

 

[Art K.]

I have been auditioning a Belles Aria. Although painful to listen to at first it has improved remarkably. Still, I had to work hard to convince myself that I would like it long term.

Then came the A21. I just unboxed it this morning. I accidentally left my office key at home and went back home for it. While there I succumbed to the temptation of hooking up the Sugden. Within 5 minutes, still stone cold, I knew I loved it. I listened for an hour as it sounded better and better.

As far as looks, it's beautiful. Comes with a tag signed by everyone involved in it's manufacture. Hand built in England by folks who really care about workmanship. Pride of ownership is off the charts. Phono stage is a bit noisier than the Belles which is dead silent. That said the Sugden is very quiet and sounds great.

In short, I love it! Bravo. The Belles goes back to Gene with many thanks for letting me audition it. The Sugden is my long term solution. More as it just gets better!

 

[Art K.]

Plenty of power, actually. Much better with inner detail and great control of the of driver. 25 watts with this single ended Class A design seems like all I'll need.

 

[newworld]

How hot does the chassis get? Is it possible to leave it turned on 24/7?

 

[Art K.]

You can leave it on 24/7 but it just shortens it's life per Sugden. Turn it on and it's perfect in a half hour. Excellent from the moment you turn it on. Best amp I have had in my space ever. Makes me wish I had never wasted money on the others. The SE is even better but you have to buy an outboard phono.

 

[Art K.]

Oh and it gets quite hot. Single ended Class A...damn fine!

 

[Art K.]

 

[Art K.]

 

[newworld]

Pictures are not showing up. Did I do something?

 

[mustvid]

So, youve moved on from the Heed it looks like. Sounds like a wonderful amp. Is it a big improvement above the Heed?

 

[Art K.]

Both the Sugden and the Belles offer detail and texture that are missing with the Heed. I love the Elixir but yes the A21 and the Aria are significantly better. I can only keep one so I have some decisions to make.

 

[TEA FOR ONE]

Plenty of power, actually. Much better with inner detail and great control of the of driver. 25 watts with this single ended Class A design seems like all I'll need.

I agree,in the right room,25 class A watts is plenty. I mix in a First Watt F5 in my system,and the results are rather impressive in my small listening room.

 

[Archguy]

Pictures are not showing up. Did I do something?

I happen to have one in my files, since I think it's so sharp looking.
Congrats to the OP.

 

[stamir]

Great amp. I have the A21SE and can't get enough of it

 

[Art K.]

The A21 is a lovely amp. In the end the midrange was too forward for me and I kept the Belles.

 

[newworld]

For now...

 

[Art K.]

Indeed, for now. I can't say forever about anything, can you?

 

[Art K.]

…and now, with different speakers, I have once again invested in a Sugden A21 Signature. I thought I was finished buying before retirement but the opportunity to get one of these, brand new, at a reasonable price was irresistible. The Croft and the Rega IO are staying. The Croft has a sound that I can’t replace at anywhere near the price and it’s going to be passed on when I go. That said I also feel that the Suggie is an heirloom piece. The vast majority of A21’s ever built are still in service, per Sugden. So let the fun begin…it may take a few weeks to get mine, and I’m excited about it.

 

[Tbomb25]

…and now, with different speakers, I have once again invested in a Sugden A21 Signature. I thought I was finished buying before retirement but the opportunity to get one of these, brand new, at a reasonable price was irresistible. The Croft and the Rega IO are staying. The Croft has a sound that I can’t replace at anywhere near the price and it’s going to be passed on when I go. That said I also feel that the Suggie is an heirloom piece. The vast majority of A21’s ever built are still in service, per Sugden. So let the fun begin…it may take a few weeks to get mine, and I’m excited about it.

Nice i always wanted to try 1 of these....cant wait to hear what you have to say about it..

 

[Art K.]

I may be reversing this as my DAC and the Sugden are incompatible.