Bonky
08-08-2013, 21:36
I have a 2003 Sugden A21a driving some LV speakers. I was concerned that the SQ wasn't 'bright' enough, and, indeed posted on AoS to this effect.
Well, the Good News is that all seems well.
I replaced my Chord Bi-wires with single 6mm VanDamme Blue cable ( which made a slight improvement -I think(!)) but then got my Suggie refurbished by Sugdens (an hours drive) for £122 and the improvement is dramatic. They seemed to have a standard refurbishment of replacing the rotary input switch and various relays. The most immediate improvement seems to have been in the MC input.
The guys there seemed to poor scorn on replacing output capacitors for the sake of it - just because they were a bit bowed. Their argument was that they were built to bow under heat and that there was no detriment to SQ at all - all a fad (at which there was much mirth).
Apparently 90 -95% of their output is for export these days and I got the feeling that they were somewhat disenchanted with aspects of the UK market - cliques of distributors and magazine writers.
Anyway, to all A21A owners - don't despair... It's still a fantastic amp!
As, I hope, an interesting aside, whilst the Suggie was away I blew the dust of a Mission Cyrus 1 that had lain in my garage for over 15 years. It worked first time with the LVs and I was impressed with the dynamics and 'high end'. (I almost wondered whether it was better than the Suggie (other than the MM/MC input) at one time).
I'm pleased to relate that the Sugden now, to my old ears, is better.
The Cyrus is now relegated to my iMac/Caiman/ Q Acoustics system; an improvement, I think to my previous second system that had a T-amp. I had wondered at one time to buy a Rega Brio-R or a second-hand Cyrus 8VS2 but am now thinking it wouldn't be worth it.
Best wishes,
Richard.
Well, the Good News is that all seems well.
I replaced my Chord Bi-wires with single 6mm VanDamme Blue cable ( which made a slight improvement -I think(!)) but then got my Suggie refurbished by Sugdens (an hours drive) for £122 and the improvement is dramatic. They seemed to have a standard refurbishment of replacing the rotary input switch and various relays. The most immediate improvement seems to have been in the MC input.
The guys there seemed to poor scorn on replacing output capacitors for the sake of it - just because they were a bit bowed. Their argument was that they were built to bow under heat and that there was no detriment to SQ at all - all a fad (at which there was much mirth).
Apparently 90 -95% of their output is for export these days and I got the feeling that they were somewhat disenchanted with aspects of the UK market - cliques of distributors and magazine writers.
Anyway, to all A21A owners - don't despair... It's still a fantastic amp!
As, I hope, an interesting aside, whilst the Suggie was away I blew the dust of a Mission Cyrus 1 that had lain in my garage for over 15 years. It worked first time with the LVs and I was impressed with the dynamics and 'high end'. (I almost wondered whether it was better than the Suggie (other than the MM/MC input) at one time).
I'm pleased to relate that the Sugden now, to my old ears, is better.
The Cyrus is now relegated to my iMac/Caiman/ Q Acoustics system; an improvement, I think to my previous second system that had a T-amp. I had wondered at one time to buy a Rega Brio-R or a second-hand Cyrus 8VS2 but am now thinking it wouldn't be worth it.
Best wishes,
Richard.