Sugden A21SE Finally!

[CnoEvil]

How are things progressing?

 

[CnoEvil]

I am arguably one of the foremost owners of the Pulse on this forum, having heard God knows how many integrated amps over countless years... and read numerous reviews on the Leema. Now while I admit and hold my hands aloft in appreciation of the Sugden's ability beyond the Pulse, I do get a little frustrated that you assume the Pulse to be relatively sterile or uninvolving or unrefined.

As I pointed out earlier in the thread the Pulse is unique in its price catagory, in that, contrary to reviews, it doesn't demonstrate a lack of refinement, analytical clarity, seismic bass, but does have an uncanny way to engauge the listener.

The OP spent around £1200 on the Pulse and PMCs, but now you and others (Class A fans by the look of it) are suggesting Harbeth (a good shout) and a better source. Even if he goes s/hand, with the £1600 cost of the Sugden (That's around the same as my amp, CDP and speakers), I doubt he'll have much change from 3k +. Unless you are getting a hefty upgrade that's sounds a lot of sheckles.

Anytime you come to London you're more than welcome to see and hear what the Pulse can do -- and I'll cook you some wonderful grub. (I know you've heard the Pulse firing a pair of Focals, TB2is are a different animal altogether. Never know, you might actually like it. *wink*)

PP, I'm not criticising the Pulse per se, but making a general comment based on my personal experience over many years. I am referring to all AB, B and D amps that I've heard, including some expensive stuff from Electro, Linn, Moon, Coda, Bel Canto and even MF. Like Valves, there are certain qualities that Class A has, that other topologies don't have.

One of the best ways to hear what I'm talking about is to compare the same brand's AB vs A.....eg. MF M6500 vs AM35i, Pass Labs Int 150 vs Int 30A or something like a Plinius, which can be switched from AB to A.

Thank you for the offer to visit. The joy of being on here, is that I feel I have made I have made genuine "cyber" friendship with people, so expect a visit if I'm in your area. The offer is of course recipricoted.

*drinks*

 

[plastic penguin]

How are things progressing?

Interesting he hasn't made a comment for a few days. Perhaps he's waiting for the right pair of Harbeths.

 

[iQ Speakers]

Hi CnoEvil

Well I had a Sunday afternoon session and towards the end I tried swapping amps a few times. I think It's a little cleaner and vocals more forward and perhaps strings have a little more texture. But one thing for sure is pride of ownership is streets ahead, and I do love that alone. Cheers

 

[CnoEvil]

How are things progressing?

Interesting he hasn't made a comment for a few days. Perhaps he's waiting for the right pair of Harbeths.

Hmmm.

I'm now wondering if the Source is actually what is holding the system back. *scratch_one-s_head*

 

[chebby]

Hi CnoEvil

Well I had a Sunday afternoon session and towards the end I tried swapping amps a few times. I think It's a little cleaner and vocals more forward and perhaps strings have a little more texture. But one thing for sure is pride of ownership is streets ahead, and I do love that alone. Cheers

You know what to do. (And I would too in your situation.)

 

[iQ Speakers]

I'm hoping it will improve with use some say 50 hours

I probably won't get Harbeth's for a while Mrs Boggit might not take that quiet so well. I'm probably going to visit Macspur with the amp and listen to his Harbeth's. And possibly visit Guildford Audio for an audition as Rosewood P3ESR's don't come up to often and go for around £1000 so will probably go for new.

 

[chebby]

Rosewood P3ESR's ...

Stop it!!

(Sigh.)

 

[iQ Speakers]

What's that Chebby?

I can try uncle Mac's Electro EMC when I visit.

 

[chebby]

What's that Chebby?

The torture.

 

[CnoEvil]

I'm probably going to visit Macspur with the amp and listen to his Harbeth's.

Great idea....and you will also get to hear the effect that a great source has, as well....I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

[iQ Speakers]

They do look good in Rosewood, very good.

 

[matt49]

What's that Chebby?

I can try uncle Mac's Electro EMC when I visit.

A visit to Uncle Mac will open your ears! His system is a thing of joy and wonder.

*yahoo*

Matt

 

[plastic penguin]

How are things progressing?

Interesting he hasn't made a comment for a few days. Perhaps he's waiting for the right pair of Harbeths.

Hmmm.

I'm now wondering if the Source is actually what is holding the system back. *scratch_one-s_head*

I was trying to make a guess.

 

[plastic penguin]

And possibly visit Guildford Audio for an audition

Hint: That's scarily close to my gaff.

 

[chebby]

And possibly visit Guildford Audio for an audition

Hint: That's scarily close to my gaff.

8.6 miles.

 

[iQ Speakers]

Chebby are you stalking PP?

 

[chebby]

Chebby are you stalking PP?

No. He's mentioned the village he lives in many times over the years here.

 

[plastic penguin]

And possibly visit Guildford Audio for an audition

Hint: That's scarily close to my gaff.

8.6 miles.

8.6, 10.2, 3.5... all I know is it takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the traffic.

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi CnoEvil

Well I had a Sunday afternoon session and towards the end I tried swapping amps a few times. I think It's a little cleaner and vocals more forward and perhaps strings have a little more texture. But one thing for sure is pride of ownership is streets ahead, and I do love that alone. Cheers

I'm surprised you're finding the vocals a little more forward than on the Leema. I just wonder if that forwardness is down to the extra clarity?

 

[chebby]

But one thing for sure is pride of ownership is streets ahead, and I do love that alone. Cheers

And how often in life do you get to own something made in a place called Heckmondwike?

 

[iQ Speakers]

Well I've ordered some new slate roof tiles and hall carpet! 3rd time lucky hey?

@PP probably both, the voices are slightly clearer and further forward in the soundstage with things like guitars behind the voices closer to the speakers. But I always found the Pulse very good at this.

 

[iQ Speakers]

Well I don't know how or why but tonight I stopped analysing. I started smiling and didn't want to stop listening. I kept trying different songs to make sure I wasn't imagining things. I have a day off tomorrow so will double check the epiphany and report back.

Edit if it continues tomorrow I might even change my signature!

 

[CnoEvil]

Well I don't know how or why but tonight I stopped analysing. I started smiling and didn't want to stop listening. I kept trying different songs to make sure I wasn't imagining things. I have a day off tomorrow so will double check the epiphany and report back.

Edit if it continues tomorrow I might even change my signature!

That's how it starts! *diablo*

 

[plastic penguin]

Well I don't know how or why but tonight I stopped analysing. I started smiling and didn't want to stop listening. I kept trying different songs to make sure I wasn't imagining things. I have a day off tomorrow so will double check the epiphany and report back.

Edit if it continues tomorrow I might even change my signature!

That's how it starts! *diablo*

Thought it starts by... ahem... pushing the 'on' button.

I'm out of here. Whoosh!