Power amp and passive preamp question.

[Bonky]

I' m reasonably happy with my Sugden A21a amp and Living Voice speakers. I have a Rega Brio R in another room. However, after reading of the sonic benefits of passive preamps I thought I may take the plunge. The problem is that neither of my amps has an input for another, external, preamp.

So my question is: can anyone recommend a second-hand power amp for my system? The LV speakers are very efficient so I don't necessarily mega watts!

Or perhaps I'm wasting my time...


Thanks,

Bonky.

[hifinutt]

you might be wasting your time as the sugden is a lovely amp
you might just upgrade to a better integrated like this beauty at an incredible price

http://www.hifi-forsale.co.uk/moreinfo7.php?prod_title=Vincent_SV-238&p=&prod_id=35921&bq=vincent&offset=

[Arkless Electronics]

Quite a few integrated amps are in fact a passive pot followed by a power amp anyway and even if not, any integrated amp can easily be made into a power amp in a reversible manner.

[ijrussell]

LVs are quite efficient but also like good good current delivery. A Class A solid state like your Sugden is ideal. If you're intent on switching, try a Sonneteer amp.

[Haselsh1]

Honestly thinking here that you have a fab combination. Sugden into LV's, fantastic. What could possibly be wrong unless of course... the dreaded upgradeitis has started to creep in...? It is all about self doubt of course. You have a fab combination, honestly.

;)

[Bonky]

Thanks everyone. Yes Shaun, it was upgrade-itis! Perhaps I should stay with my system and consider boxing-in my Rpi and buying another HD for my NAS.

I'm not afraid of soldering so a little bit of DIY could be a welcome challenge if ever I consider returning to the original topic.

BW

Bonky

[Macca]

I think you should try it - the A21a is good but you don't know until you try.

[Haselsh1]

I think you should try it - the A21a is good but you don't know until you try.

So very true...! If you don't look, how can you see...?

[Bonky]

So very true...! If you don't look, how can you see...?

So, back to the OP, what would you suggest as good, inexpensive power amps to use as an initial experiment?

Thanks again

Bonky

[Pieoftheday]

So, back to the OP, what would you suggest as good, inexpensive power amps to use as an initial experiment?

Thanks again

Bonky

Quad 306��

[mikmas]

I would second the Quad 306 suggestion.

I have used passives with a Quad 303 and Quad 405-2 and both respond really well to this set up. I think the 306 is less sought after so likely cheaper to find

[Pieoftheday]

I would second the Quad 306 suggestion.

I have used passives with a Quad 303 and Quad 405-2 and both respond really well to this set up. I think the 306 is less sought after so likely cheaper to find

Yep you can find em cheap, had mine fettled by Jez, arkless electronics, it's very good

[Bonky]

Thanks everyone. No 306s on eBay at present ....except one from Spain.

What do you think is the going rate?

BW

Bonky

[walpurgis]

Up to £130 for a tidy one. I'd not pay more myself. They crop up for sale regularly.

[Bonky]

There seems to be more Quad 405s for sale. Are these better than the 306s...for my application?
Thanks,

Bonky.

[walpurgis]

There seems to be more Quad 405s for sale. Are these better than the 306s...for my application?
Thanks,

Bonky.

Not necessarily. Older, has more power, not that it really matters, but will need servicing unless already done.

[Macca]

Behringer A500 - very cheap and I know it works as I've tried it.

[Pieoftheday]

Thanks everyone. No 306s on eBay at present ....except one from Spain.

What do you think is the going rate?

BW

Bonky

I paid 200sovs from a dealer
and just over a ton for a fettle from Jez, arkless electronics, bargain!!

[danilo]

Fit a stepped att /pot passive, or if feeling flush an TVC to a Firstwatt Amp (either Bought or diy) and you will happily sell on the Sugden.
Nothing comes easy though ;)

[Bonky]

Quite a few integrated amps are in fact a passive pot followed by a power amp anyway and even if not, any integrated amp can easily be made into a power amp in a reversible manner.

Thanks, PM sent.

BW

Richard

[Arkless Electronics]

Behringer A500 - very cheap and I know it works as I've tried it.

Not very good though..... I've modded and upgraded these before and even with the improvements it was pretty average.

[Macca]

The worst thing about them is the plastic controls. The sound is good for the money and o/p wanted cheap.

A fettled 306 would be a step up I agree.

[Pieoftheday]

Just seen a 306 ont bay, 99p start:)

[Bonky]

Just seen a 306 ont bay, 99p start:)

Yep, thanks. That's me!

BW

Bonky

[User211]

Not very good though..... I've modded and upgraded these before and even with the improvements it was pretty average.

It is a bit average but for the money it can dump some power and for the money bloody good really Can sound a bit hard. Wouldn't partner it with LVs.

[Arkless Electronics]

It is powerful for the money yes but I was unimpressed by it's sound quality. The input circuitry and vol control arrangement (not the actual vol control) seem to be the biggest problem but when I did some some mods for someone in the past he was adamant that this part had to be kept.... I seem to recall quite bad distortion from it that was dependent on vol control setting (NOT output power). A second hand Quad 306 would be a similar price to a new Behringer and would thrash the Behrringer on sound quality and reliability!

[r100]

I used my A500 with both pots fully open and a passive pre in front. For party evenings it is a great piece of kit but I found it lacks a little refinement compared to my (modded) 306 for example in the same configuration.

[Arkless Electronics]

I used my A500 with both pots fully open and a passive pre in front. For party evenings it is a great piece of kit but I found it lacks a little refinement compared to my (modded) 306 for example in the same configuration.

Yes it's important to have the vol controls fully up to minimise the issues with these. Removing them and other input circuitry would be better still!