Sugden...Sensitive!

[southall-1998]

I find this Series 2 A21a just too loud on 'CD' without attenuators! Just doesn't sound right to my ears.

Once I insert in some decent -12db RCA attenuators....Cured! Sounds much better, and I can happily use the volume properly.

With 2 other CD Players I've had to do the same thing!

What is also interesting, is I've experienced the same thing with the older A21a (2000 model)

This system is in a bedroom, the room isn't very big, and not tiny either.

Perhaps my ears are a tad sensitive!

S.

[Ali Tait]

Input sensitivity is only 170mV for full output..

[southall-1998]

Input sensitivity is only 170mV for full output..

So what! It sounds terribly loud without the attenuators IME.

S.

[Ali Tait]

Yes. That's why. Most CD players are 2v output, far more than the amp requires.

[southall-1998]

The Sugden could be a tad old fashioned as well!

S.

[Ali Tait]

Good amp, I have a wooden sleeve version tucked away.

[Virkon]

I use the same for my cd player, advantage s1, into my trilogy pre without them I can hardly turn the volume knob.

[Dauntless]

I find this Series 2 A21a just too loud on 'CD' without attenuators! Just doesn't sound right to my ears.

Once I insert in some decent -12db RCA attenuators....Cured! Sounds much better, and I can happily use the volume properly.

With 2 other CD Players I've had to do the same thing!

What is also interesting, is I've experienced the same thing with the older A21a (2000 model)

This system is in a bedroom, the room isn't very big, and not tiny either.

Perhaps my ears are a tad sensitive!

S.

Yes, as Ali says your amp is very sensitive. Rothwell sells attenuated phono cables to get over this problem of high CD output and it is a common problem. ' Line level ' was brought in to cure this problem, designed to level signals up at the pre amp stage. I think this is one reason some folk don't like digital as they are running with very sensitive amps which produce good results with analogue but are overloaded by digital. If you run balanced as I do most of the time the problem is even worse as your digital signal could run up to 4 volts. I think buyers of amplification should consider carefully the input sensitivity of a prospective amp before buying. I myself look for at least 1.5 volts input for full output of a power amp but I don't use analogue myself these days. If I was still spinning the 'black stuff' the Sugden would be fine.

[southall-1998]

Thanks for responding, guys.

I'm using these attenuators- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HIFI-HANGAR-12db-In-Line-Attenuators-for-Vintage-Valve-OR-Transistor-Amplifiers-/221649502266?nma=true&si=jCZmttAdIzCfnySWzheLY8ca6EM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

S.

[Anthony K]

I had a shearne audio amp class a that was the same

[Macca]

. I think this is one reason some folk don't like digital as they are running with very sensitive amps which produce good results with analogue but are overloaded by digital. .

Totally agree. That is why I use a passive pre. Attenuators ruin the sound IME.

[awkwardbydesign]

Totally agree. That is why I use a passive pre. Attenuators ruin the sound IME.

Isn't the NVA a resistor attenuator?

[agk]

I've had this problem in the past but the cdp I have now is -10db by design. Them folk across the pond have their bright ideas occasionally.

[Macca]

Isn't the NVA a resistor attenuator?

Not the same as using something like Rothwells between a source and an active pre. That way you are first attenuating the output , then boosting it again. With a passive you are just attenuating.

[southall-1998]

Totally agree. That is why I use a passive pre. Attenuators ruin the sound IME.


Well, the attenuators I use sounds fine!

S.

[walpurgis]

Well, the attenuators I use sounds fine!

S.

I have used Rothwell attenuators and can't say I heard any deterioration.

[orbscure]

I have used Rothwell attenuators and can't say I heard any deterioration.

+1 for the Rothwells :)

[southall-1998]

I have used Rothwell attenuators and can't say I heard any deterioration.


Will bare the Rothwell's in mind.

I'm currently using the Hi Fi Hangar ones (-12db)

S.