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Bonky
30-05-2011, 11:52
I have a lovely ‘warm’ Sugden amp in need of a bit of tweaking (Rotary switch needs replacing and there’s a mains hum on the MC input).
Besides Sugden themselves, any recommendations for a repair and general tweaking company?
I’ve found one: ‘Amplabs” (http://amplabs.co.uk/). cost: £99.

But I know nothing about them. Has anyone used them or similar? I would prefer them to be as local as possible (to Sheffield UK).

On another issue, would a Bantam Gold be a ‘better’ amp than the Sugden?

Thanks,

RTJ
Rare Bird
30-05-2011, 12:07
What Sugden is it, you say MC stage tells me not to get all excited about it maybe being an oldie
Bonky
30-05-2011, 12:12
What Sugden is it, you say MC stage tells me not to get all excited about it maybe being an oldie

Sorry, it's an A21A.

I'm not that old....

BW

RTJ
Ali Tait
30-05-2011, 12:33
He meant the amp, not you. I have one of the original wooden sleeve A21's Andre.
lurcher
30-05-2011, 13:03
He meant the amp, not you. I have one of the original wooden sleeve A21's Andre.

I just replaced a pair of output transistors in one of those Ali, I was very impressed how good it sounded. Sorry to say much nicer than a A21a (IMHO).

Its possible to replace the Alps pot in a A21a with a stepped attenuator, but you need to move the torroid back 10mm or so to leave space.

Sugden suggest replacing the output muting relay and the bridge rectifiers on the power boards.
Rare Bird
30-05-2011, 13:07
Nice one Ali is it the Richard Allan or the Suggie?..Yeh i was refering to the amp but being the 'A21a' it's a late 90's amp..I'd take it upto Sugden themselves being in Sheffield, it'll only take you around 40 mins to get there.
Bonky
30-05-2011, 13:13
He meant the amp, not you. I have one of the original wooden sleeve A21's Andre.


Yes, I know; it was a joke. (Hence the "..." at the end)

Thanks anyway

RTJ
hifi_dave
30-05-2011, 14:21
Definitely return it to Sugden. They know their amps better than anyone and their charges are very reasonable.

Why go anywhere else ? :scratch:
Ali Tait
30-05-2011, 19:49
I just replaced a pair of output transistors in one of those Ali, I was very impressed how good it sounded. Sorry to say much nicer than a A21a (IMHO).

Its possible to replace the Alps pot in a A21a with a stepped attenuator, but you need to move the torroid back 10mm or so to leave space.

Sugden suggest replacing the output muting relay and the bridge rectifiers on the power boards.
Yes indeed Nick, I agree. Why fix what ain't broke? Ta for the advice, I might dig it out and have a fiddle, it's been in the cupboard for years. It was the first class A amp of any kind I'd heard up till then, and was responsible for me buying the WAD 300b kit when I'd never even heard a valve amp before. I'm glad I did.

What transistors did you use?
Ali Tait
30-05-2011, 19:53
Yes, I know; it was a joke. (Hence the "..." at the end)

Thanks anyway

RTJ

Aye, so was mine, the smilie didn't work for some reason.
lurcher
30-05-2011, 19:54
BDY38
Bonky
30-05-2011, 21:07
Aye, so was mine, the smilie didn't work for some reason.
Hi, Oh I see, that makes a difference. OK let's drop it.

On another issue mentioned at the bottom of my OP, would a Bantam Gold sound better (please don't let us into a philosophical discussion of what that means), than my Sugden?

Thanks to all so far,

BW

RTJ
Ali Tait
31-05-2011, 09:28
Hard to say. They would certainly sound different I think, and if the Sugden was fettled, it would sound even better. I can't compare them until the weekend, but I could have a listen and get back to you if you like, I have both amps, though my Sugden is the original version, so I'm not sure how relevant it would be.
Ali Tait
31-05-2011, 09:28
BDY38

Cheers Nick.
Bonky
31-05-2011, 16:23
Hard to say. They would certainly sound different I think, and if the Sugden was fettled, it would sound even better. I can't compare them until the weekend, but I could have a listen and get back to you if you like, I have both amps, though my Sugden is the original version, so I'm not sure how relevant it would be.
Thanks Ali; that's very kind of you.

BW

RTJ
Ali Tait
31-05-2011, 20:57
No worries, I'll let you know what I think.
Bonky
03-06-2011, 19:58
Definitely return it to Sugden. They know their amps better than anyone and their charges are very reasonable.

Why go anywhere else ? :scratch:
.. because I want it 'tweaked'/improved as well as mended. The company I mentioned in my OP do this and Kevin Scott of 'Living Voice' Audio (I have their 'Avatar' speakers) knows of another company that do this. I was looking for feedback/recommendations.

To tide me over, I've just ordered a Mini-T (Rev2); I hope it drives the efficient Avatars (94db) OK.

Thanks,

Bonky