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Pass Labs vs. Sugden

Has anyone had the chance to compare Pass Labs with Sugden? Any apples to apples comparisons -- amp to amp, integrated to integrated, etc.?

Been reading and seeing articles on Sugden, but in the States and on this forum, Pass Labs dominates. Is that because Sugden sells mainly overseas or is there a real basis in how they're made, sound, etc. Interested in sonic and bang-for-buck opinions if you have had experience.
128x128hilde45
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,918 posts
 
Please do let me know. I'm genuinely curious.
steveashe's avatar
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steveashe
113 posts
 
As am I.  I'm "this close" to  buying a Sugden ANV-50 or IA-4.  The ANV-50 especially looks interesting; I have a relatively small listening room and am hesitant to get a Class a due to heat.  Seems like the ANV-50 would be next best thing.  I'd be using  the Sugden piece with Harbeth M 30.1's.  

I was just looking at the Pass INT 60.  For me, it's just too big and heavy. 
brianbiehs
23 posts
 
I have the Pass Int-25 and it's a fantastic amp. At 51 lbs. it's no lightweight but I imagine it's infinitely more manageable than the Int-60 or 250. It's no lightweight in price either, especially compared to Sugden. However, this little amp goes way beyond it's conservative power rating and there are demo units regularly available at Reno HiFi. Mine was a demo but essentially new. Something to consider.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,918 posts
 
Pass Lab's reputation is so legendary, it almost seems like the only Class A game in town. That's why Sugden is so interesting to me.
soix
8,983 posts
 
Clayton Audio is lesser known but makes very highly regarded Class-A amps that you may also want to explore.  There’s also Plinius.  FWIW. 
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