Switch from Naim to Sugden?
Having recently acquired a brand new pair of Spendor SP 1/2R speakers at a bargain price (because they've been replaced by the SP 1/2R2) , I'm now in the market for suitable amplification. Currently, the Spendors are on the end of a Naim SuperNait but I'm finding the sound a bit too "in your face'' with not enough detail for late-night listening at low volume.
Would a switch from the Naim to a Sugden class A amp do the trick? I'm thinking of the Masterclass IA4 integrated. Any feedback from Sugden users would be much appreciated.
Sugden make lovely sounding amps, and I am a big spendor fan (have SA1's), but personally I think I would find the two together too warm. I find Spendor need something a bit sharper, if that makes sense. Cyrus works well (IMO).
Having recently acquired a brand new pair of Spendor SP 1/2R speakers at a bargain price (because they've been replaced by the SP 1/2R2) , I'm now in the market for suitable amplification. Currently, the Spendors are on the end of a Naim SuperNait but I'm finding the sound a bit too "in your face'' with not enough detail for late-night listening at low volume.
Would a switch from the Naim to a Sugden class A amp do the trick? I'm thinking of the Masterclass IA4 integrated. Any feedback from Sugden users would be much appreciated.
Hi,
I used to have a Naim amp before switching to Sugden, but never heard for myself Sugden and Spendor.
I do know of people who use Sugden with Harbeth P3ESR which are supposed to be pretty close to your Spendors and they love the combo.
The Masterclass is superb for low level listening and excellent when you want to turn up the wick a bit.
As ever, if possible, try to home demo.
Mac
This is personal, but for me, it's Sugden all the way.
Welcome back Cno
Welcome back Cno
Thx mate.
(I think they also tightened the odd loose screw that they found in the old noggin, while they were at it!)
Welcome back Cno
Thx mate.
(I think they also tightened the odd loose screw that they found in the old noggin, while they were at it!)
I hope not. Imagine if you suddenly went all active, or class D on us, the forum wouldnt be the same 
You would have grounds to sue the surgeon I reckon!
Hope it went well and youre not too sore.
Macspur, Cnoevil & Gregvet - many thanks for your feedback. I've managed to audition the Sugden with the Spendor and find the sound to be exactly what I'm looking for. Final question - any reservations about build quality or reliability?
Excellent!
I've had my Masterclass approx 3 years and had no problems thus far. As for build quality, I'm no expert on the technical side of things, but certainly from the outside it's a superbly engineered piece of kit.
The only thing you will find, being Class A, it will run pretty warm, but this is nothing to worry about.
Patrick, the main guy at Sugden is very approachable, if you've got any doubts or queries, just drop him an Email and he will anser you promptly and in person.
Cheers
Mac
Hi Cno,
Good to have you back.
Hope all went well.
All the best.
Mac
Thanks Macspur. Looks like I'll soon join the ranks of proud Sugden owners! 
Might post a followup thread once I've installed the amp and lived with it for a few months. Cheers fellas! 
+1 for the Sugden masterclass IA4 great amp (maybe you should give the AMS 35I a shot 
)
Might post a followup thread once I've installed the amp and lived with it for a few months. Cheers fellas! I wish more people would listen to Sugden (if in budget) before making their decision.
Good job
Cno
Hi Cno,
Good to have you back.
Hope all went well.
All the best.
Mac
Thx Mac
Might post a followup thread once I've installed the amp and lived with it for a few months. Cheers fellas! That would be good, I look forward to it... btw what source do you use?
Mac
Having recently acquired a brand new pair of Spendor SP 1/2R speakers at a bargain price (because they've been replaced by the SP 1/2R2) , I'm now in the market for suitable amplification. Currently, the Spendors are on the end of a Naim SuperNait but I'm finding the sound a bit too "in your face'' with not enough detail for late-night listening at low volume.
Would a switch from the Naim to a Sugden class A amp do the trick? I'm thinking of the Masterclass IA4 integrated. Any feedback from Sugden users would be much appreciated.
Hi,
I used to have a Naim amp before switching to Sugden, but never heard for myself Sugden and Spendor.
I do know of people who use Sugden with Harbeth P3ESR which are supposed to be pretty close to your Spendors and they love the combo.
The Masterclass is superb for low level listening and excellent when you want to turn up the wick a bit.
Mac
Accuphase E350 amp, Electrocompaniet EMC1UP CDP, Siltech 25th Classic anniversary 330I XLR Harbeth Super HL5 on Sound Anchor Quod ELS63 stands, Chord Odessey2 speaker cable. Grado SR60 headphones.