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Thread: Changing from a valve amp to SS integrated .....

  1. #1
    Join Date: Jun 2020

    Location: Manchester, UK

    Posts: 24
    I'm Luke.

    Default Changing from a valve amp to SS integrated .....

    Morning all,

    So after various discussions with my Wife and the constant niggling I decided to downsize NOT downgrade my amp(s).

    My current amp is EAR Yoshino 890 with Townshend Allegri + pre. It sounds great and I love it but I’m after a one box amp that I can change the volume on remotely and don’t have to wait as much for it to warm up.

    So after speaking to various dealers and other forum mates I narrowed it down to either a Norma Revo IPA40 or Sugden Masterclass IA4.

    The Norma I’ve heard and it’s stunning to my ears, different to my EAR 890 but great from a cold start, remote volume, my Wife likes the look of it and it reduces a box and gives a little more room (not much admittedly) it ticks all the boxes.

    My question is what are people’s opinions on the Sugden as a comparison as I’m going to struggle to get anywhere to listen to one for a while ? Also I’m not familiar with the house sound.

  2. #2
    Join Date: Mar 2017

    Location: Seaford UK

    Posts: 1,861
    I'm Dennis.

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    I know I'll be flamed for this, but IMO most SS amps are so good that they are really nearly devoid of a house sound, but with my experiences of valve gear through the decades, they do have character.

  3. #3
    Join Date: Dec 2008

    Location: East Riding of Yorkshire these days

    Posts: 4,779
    I'm Shaun.

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    Am I correct in assuming the Sugden is Class A..? If that is the case then I am going to assume the obvious based on experience and say that it will have a certain character also. I love Class A amps and their sound. Whatever you do I wish you luck.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Jun 2015

    Location: London/Durham

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    I'm Lawrence.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Pharos View Post
    I know I'll be flamed for this, but IMO most SS amps are so good that they are really nearly devoid of a house sound, but with my experiences of valve gear through the decades, they do have character.
    I'd say some SS amps. Possibly most class AB once you get to high price levels which I know Sugden Masterclass are getting towards (well high for me anyway ). Class D I won't comment on as I only had Ice Power and found it didn't let the music flow as I like. Ditto high end Class A.

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  5. #5
    Join Date: Mar 2017

    Location: West Sūþsēaxe

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    I'm Edward.

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    I very agree with Dennis (Pharos) with the caveat that it is very much preamp dependant. Assuming a decent valve power amp the end result will/can be utterly transformed by what preamp is used.

    Not heard the Norma integrated but have a Sugden "Aztec" Masterclass IA (kindly brought up to IA4 2018 spec by Sugden). Not sure I would say it has a 'house sound' but in any event wonderful in terms of engagement and transparency. At 'switch on' the sound is nearly perfect, after a few minutes it becomes perfect.

    Good luck in your decision Luke.
    Current: [P20] Roon/Tidal > Custom PC> Chevron Paradox NDF16 > Phast Pre > Neuro. 686 > Tannoy Berkley (RFC tweaks)


  6. #6
    Join Date: Nov 2011

    Location: Seaton, Devon, UK

    Posts: 13,240
    I'm Adrian.

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    Quote Originally Posted by CrillboBaggins View Post
    Morning all,

    So after various discussions with my Wife and the constant niggling I decided to downsize NOT downgrade my amp(s).

    My current amp is EAR Yoshino 890 with Townshend Allegri + pre. It sounds great and I love it but I’m after a one box amp that I can change the volume on remotely and don’t have to wait as much for it to warm up.
    Just a thought instead of moving to an SS have you considered one of these, both have remote volume control and line switching. I run an T1500 mk2 and it sounds superb, very transparent colouration wise, and once valves bedded in does not take long to warm up. They are not that well known here in the UK but are extremely good IMO and very good VFM.

    http://allnicaudio.com/product/t-1500-mk2/

    http://allnicaudio.com/product/t-2000-25th/

    Lotus HiFi are the main dealer in UK and are very helpful.
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  7. #7
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: Staffordshire, England

    Posts: 37,778
    I'm Martin.

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    At that price level I'd get both of them in on home demo for at least a week. There's probably very little between them but you can never be sure of that once in the real world and connected up to some speakers.

    Sugden have never made a poor amplifier and the Norma is impressive on paper.
    Current Lash Up:

    TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.

  8. #8
    Join Date: Sep 2009

    Location: west mids, UK

    Posts: 3,268
    I'm Phil.

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    The sugden 1a4 is very well known and easily available s/h for about 2.2-2.4k . loads of stuff on them. superb back up from yorkshire based company . My a21se had a small fault and was fixed very efficiently . very low noise floor , incredible dynamics . that would be my choice

    Now the norma is gathering speed in being known , a harbeth reviewer recently did a review in hifi critic . i still am VERY nervous of buying stuff that is not mainstream
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  9. #9
    Join Date: Feb 2008

    Location: South Wales

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    I'm NotTakingLifeTooSeriouslyTheseDays.

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    Noooooooooooooooo!
    Seriously though, there are many decent solid state amps out there to choose from, just take your time, and get something you can live with long term.
    Good luck with your quest
    A...
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  10. #10
    Join Date: Feb 2013

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