Budget vintage amps that preferably go 'Cheep!' (like a budgie)

[Ali Tait]

Not too bad I'd imagine? Sugden should be ok I think.

[Macca]

I loved the A60 but that was back in 1991 and it was an 'old' amp even then, so component age might be an issue to consider - if it works fine but doesn't work with the 'speakers then sell it back on ebay, you should get what you paid. - The way to look at it if you are buying kit on ebay is that you have to be prepared to go through the hassle of selling it on if it doesn't suit. Either that or add it to the pile of rejects in the spare room and take the hit cash-wise

[Rare Bird]

I can safely say the 'A60' is one of the most reliable vintage tranny amps ever. Regarding component age, change the power supply reservoir caps, early units were ''6,800uF'', the later ones ''10,000uF''.. change to the latter value anyway,preferably the slit foil variety.. An improvement to me was swapping the 'IN5401' rectifier diodes for Schottky '50SQ100's..For those fussy about potentiometer quality i'm afraid they are full of cheap Alps pots, the very late 'A60's had slightly better pots, but the most cheapo..Vol pot is 100K which is a common pot value, tone & Balance are 22K not easy to source.You should have no real issues with the originals but the volume generally crackles.Note that inputs are 5 Din, some units had Phono for Turntable only...Speaker outputs are Binding post that accept bare wire or 4mm Bannana's, there is an additional pair of output posts for switched output, this means when you insert the headphone jack, the speakers mute, direct connection means no mute..

A good amp nice & slim & very acceptable in a modern eviroment, only dated issue with the asthetics are the source select press buttons! & maybe the wooden sleeve to some, black looks best IMHO.

Re: The Sugden 'A21' mentioned..The 'A60' is a better sounding amp IMHO, better than an 'A48' aswell.. If you can source the 'A60AP' & locate a 'SA60' power amp you have the chance of building up an old Active pre/power system where crossover board for say the Linn Kan, ARC etc speakers can be fitted inside the power amp..Other bits to look out for the 'A60' was the 'HA10' Moving coil pre amp that either took it's power from the disc input or the dedicated power supply..or just a slot in MC board ('MC-60').The Early units had a discrete Phonostage, later ones they used 'NE5534' IC, this can be upgraded by using an Analogue devices 'AD711JN'... Regarding CD playback again early had a standard Aux input, later dedicated CD in..

& of cource to make things all so pretty the Matching 'T21' FM Tuner.A tuning display like no other, this is a very good tuner, signal tuning & strength display are green & red LED's, may seem odd at firt usage but you get use to it..All presets are push buttons on front to match the amp, each is tuned in at the real via small tuning pots to what ever station you wish for your selected pre set channel. also a gain potentionmeter on rear to match loudness to other source inputs you have plugged in the amp, so you don't get a nasty level difference when selecting another louder source..good stuff got my 'T21' for 21 quid on fleece bay..

[Macca]

If you can't find an A60 then try a Cambridge P50 or P70 - very similar sound and the P70 has MC phono stage too.

[Rare Bird]

If you can't find an A60 then try a Cambridge P50 or P70 - very similar sound and the P70 has MC phono stage too.

Aye the 80's Cambridge were ok 'P35' was nice enough past that nay..Steer clear of the '70's models 'P40', 'P50', 'P60', 'P110'..Not the most reliable amps..