Question about Class A

The OP is looking for a Class A integrated amplifier.  Budget extends to 3K new/used.  The Sudgen A21SE used is the only one that comes to mind. Others?

BTW, I didn't suggest you buy a Luxman, but that the Luxman line has nearly identical integrateds except for the class A portion, so you could use them to compare and listen to the difference, to see if Class A was really a worthy goal all by itself.

Really appreciate all the feedback so far.

@erik_squires , Thanks for that clarification. That is a good point

@mesch, You are right, I was asking about an Integrated but with all the great feedback, now I am also considering adding an amp versus a whole new integrated.

I emailed AVA and Frank responded. I was inquiring about their SET 400 Amp and if he thinks it would be a good match for my speakers.

Frank actually recommended their SET 120 instead of the 400. So I am considering that also now and of course it is much less expensive so that is a plus.

The SET 400 is out of stock right now but Frank mentioned that they are working on a whole new chassis and that is going to take another month or so. Looking forward to see what they produce.

With all the feedback and now also seriously considering AVA Products with their great review and still being very curious about the Sugden, as suggested earlier in the thread, I am going to see if I can get a demo at the dealer that I mentioned and I need to inquire about their return policy.

What I may do, is purchase the A21 and the SET 120 and then compare in home to see what I like better. If the A21 comes out on top and I really like it, I would have to return the SET 120 within their 30 day trial period and I might just go back to the local dealer and exchange the A21 for the A21se.

Those are my thoughts right now.

At the end, I have to be happy with I buy and be content with it.

@jay73  I agree that the SET 120 would be the better purchase as you would not need the additional power. Are you talking about the integrated version or the amplifier? AVA makes both. 

What are your sources?  If digital you would have to replace the DAC in the SV-500. At your budget with purchase of the 120 integrated you could purchase a tube DAC if wanting some tube sound in your system.    

I must say that I once owned a Vincent hybrid amplifier, the SV-226. It was class AB. I sold it and consider that move one of my audio mistakes. It had more power than the SV-500 at 100wpc and was line level only. Fed it with an outboard DAC and phonostage for sources. I would encourage you not to be in a hurry in your decision making. Continue to explore.

I am still at a loss to recall a class A 20+wpc amplifier that retails for ~3K other than the Sudgen. Not to say they don"t exist.    

I personally am a huge fan of Class A.  In the Luxman 509x/590axII issue, one being A/B and the other, respectively, Class A, ask yourself why so many 509x units come up for sale, and not long after being bought, but the 590, a Class A unit, is only rarely for sale.  I think the fact one is Class A is the factor.  Once I experienced it there was no going back.  I am trying to get there myself......