Comments on the McIntosh MA6900 integrated amp

Jeffjarvis , did you hear the Accuphase E530 against the E408 ? Comparisons ?

I did listen to the E407 against the E530. The Class A E530 seemed a bit more enjoyable to my ears.(could it be the price of the E530 is $1000 higher so I THOUGHT it sounded better?)
Both pieces sounded terrific and the build quality is superb. I think you would enjoy either unit.
I would avoid the Class A products if you do not have good ventilation to dissipate the heat.
I was convinced and ready to buy the E530 but then stumbled into the, Class A Sugden Masterclass integrated and purchased that after listening with my speakers.
Very little info on the Sugden products available but my ears told me to buy.
Matched with the Electrocompaniet CD, the sound is remarkable.

DISCLAIMER:
My opinions may be completly bogus, trust your ears.

Hi Jeff
really glad you like the sugden. Many many years ago i had the priveladge of owning a sugden amp it was an A48 mk2. I had for over 10 years. I noticed your comments that they are a little known company however they are one the oldest british manufacturers and have a long history of well regarded components, mainly amps. I used to live in Yorkshire quite near to thier premises. i bought the A48 not just because of how it sounded but because of sugdens superb reputation for aftersales (and because at the time i could not afford a qaud) after having the amp for approx 7 years i upgraded my cartrige to a MC and needed to change the phono board in the amp. I phoned sugden they asked me for the serial number, the guy went away to check his records and came back with all the build details of the amp including the retailer who sold it and my name. The connectors to upgrade the phono stage were dispached to me free of charge along with fitting instructions....I was very impressed. I will always have a soft spot for sugden and would love to hear the masterclass. I suppose one the reasons for not replacing my old and trusted A48 with another sugden was the need for a bit more power and tone controls....Now there's another discussion for another day.

Mrd,
Glad to hear the positive report on the service at Sugden.
My,34 Class A watts do a fine job running the Nautilus 805s.

Sugden does seem to be a stodgy old company. I see they are finally putting a remote volume control on their 25 year old A21 design.
Our retailer has the A21 matched with the Quad 11L speakers. Very tidy system.

Wish you were close by and we could swap integrateds for a spell.
I'd still like to hear the MA6900 in my room.