Sugden A21 Special Edition
- Estimated delivery: Oct 25 - Oct 29
The Sugden A21SE (Special Edition) is a modern evolution of James Edward Sugden’s iconic A21, originally released in 1967 as the world’s first commercially produced solid-state Pure Class-A amplifier.
Designed and hand-built in West Yorkshire, England, the A21SE trades massive wattage and modern digital convenience for pure, fluid, single-ended music playback.
Core Upgrades Over the Standard A21
While the standard A21 delivers around 23–25 watts into 8 ohms, the A21SE introduces key internal changes:
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Larger Power Supply: Features a 50% larger power transformer (300VA vs 200VA). This gives the amplifier far better current drive and control over complex speaker impedance loads.
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Preamp Stage Redesign: Uses a modified, low-noise preamplifier circuit that increases clarity, dynamic contrast, and micro-detail without introducing harshness or brightness.
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Higher Output: Delivers 30 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and 40 Watts into 4 Ohms.
| Feature | Specification |
| Circuit Topology | Pure Class-A Single-Ended Solid State |
| Power Output | 30Wpc @ 8 Ohms / 40Wpc @ 4 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz – 141kHz (+/- 1dB) |
| Inputs | 5 x Line Level RCA (Relay Switched) |
| Outputs | 1 x Pre-out (Variable), 1 x Tape-out (Fixed), Speaker Binding Posts |
| Phono / DAC | Line-level only (Requires external phono stage/DAC) |
| Dimensions & Weight | 115mm (H) x 430mm (W) x 360mm (D) / 14 kg (30.8 lbs) |