Question about Class A

Well, I thought I would post an update.

I received the Sugden A21se a few weeks ago and have been listening to it whenever I get a moment. The only times I really can listen wholeheartedly is in the late evenings when the wife goes to bed and things outside settle down (unfortunately I have some noisy streets) and even then, the weekends are really the best time for me to listen.

So far, I don't notice a huge difference between the Sugden and my Vincent. But I would say that is probably because of the rest of the equipment. Perhaps if the Sugden had better equipment to play with, it could shine even more.

Right now it feels like, if both were considered sport cars, perhaps the Sugden would be ahead but if you looked in the rear view mirror, the Vincent is not too far behind.

It's probably too early to tell. I need to spend more time with it.

In no way, does it sound bad. I think certain tracks whether digital or vinyl have caught my attention but need more time.

Now, I am thinking I want to use both amps. I may purchase a quality switchbox. I have contacted Decware and Mapletree regarding their offerings.

So that is my quick update for now.

Unless I missed it, nowhere herein did you state the other components of your system.  Remember you are listening to a system, not a single component.

I would not involve a switch box. Listen to the Sugden for a while. Then replace with the Vincent. Repeat with extended listening sessions. The experience will lead you to understand what sonic attributes are most important to you. 

Another question, what is size of your room?

@mesch 

I did list some of my components earlier in the thread but here is what I am working with:

- Martin Logan Motion 40 Speakers
- MoFi Studio Deck TT w/Hana SL MC
- Questyle CMA400i DAC
- Playing with 2 different phono pre-amps at the moment (Moon 110lp V2 and Jolida JD9 MK II)
- Technics SL-G700 SACD
- Windows PC used for Streaming (Qobuz) and Library of music (Flac, DSD) using Jriver

My room is about: 20' x 11' Cathedral Style Ceilings

The reason I mentioned the switch is because I really like my Vincent too and would like to utilize it sometimes.

Another option is a used class A amp,

-Luxman L series from the early 80's they are quite good and reasonable cost. also one of the higher powered class A amps out there at 50wpc. they also do not go into class AB/B.  L530,L540,L560 these amps are the predecessor to the new production Class A amps like the L590axii.  note the L560 was the last and best but rare outside Japan, i had one and its very good if you can find one (110v though). 

-Older Pass alpha series. 

-older krell 

-sungden of course. 

Cheers. 

glen 

Glad to hear that you bought the Sudgen A21SE. IMO there is also build quality to be considered when a purchase is made, and so in this case you won't have any regrets. I think that in integrated designs, the pre and power sections can be optimized for each other as intended by the designer.

  I have owned more than one great sounding piece of gear only to have it dump because of corner cutting in quality. Ever since, I am as interested in the build quality as to performance and even price.