Sugden A48B

Hi everyone,

I currently own an older sugden a48b, high current, tested at a stable 50wpc (amp has received upgrades).

The amp is being used with a pair of NHT 1.5's, but I'm displeased w/ the sound (and I do not believe it's the fault of the amp). What i'm hearing is a veiled midrange with a 'hard' top end (hard sounding, yet not extended).

I'm looking to get better transparency in the midrange and more subtlty in the high frequencies (but with excellent extension), but my concern is that the amp will not properly drive the speakers that I have in mind.

I'm interested in the Epos M12.2 (not 12i), but a former Epos dealer states the combination would be 'boring'. I've always thought of that speaker as being a bit forward and 'in your face' with excellent midrange openness, but now i'm hesitant, as I would have to buy used.

the former owner of the amp states that he used to run a pair of Totem Model Ones with that amp with good results, and I know the Model One requires good current/ amplification (so that's a positive).

My main concern is that the sound i'm getting is characteristic of the amp itself, which no speaker will 'rectify'. Difficult to say without having other speakers on hand (sucks being poor).

Short list of speakers (bass not an issue - own a powered sub for the lowest notes):

epos m12.2
quad 12l (i may even go for Actives and lose the amp entirely, but i'm not sure)
Audio Physic Yara II classic
Proac Tablette 2000
Totem Arros
Totem Rainmakers
GMA EUROPAS

Any - and i mean ANY other suggested contenders that have an 'open' sound characteristic would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone knows that particular integrated amp, please chime in on its sound character as you perceived it to be.

Thanks in advance, everyone!