Sugden A21SE Stage Two Phono Amplifier: Pure Vinyl Performance
The Sugden A21SE Stage Two Phono Amplifier is designed for vinyl enthusiasts who demand a precise and authentic analogue sound. With dedicated support for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, this phono amplifier offers high-end performance at exceptional value. Its two-box design, which separates the power supply from the amplifier, ensures low noise and greater signal purity, providing a faithful reproduction of the vinyl sound.
Dual-Cartridge Compatibility for Versatile Playback
The A21SE Stage Two caters to a wide range of turntable setups, supporting both MM and MC cartridges. The amplifier features internal gain adjustment, allowing users to switch between MM and MC cartridges with ease. For MC cartridges, there are two fixed load options—100 ohms and 470 ohms—providing flexibility for different cartridge characteristics. The MM section operates with a fixed 47k ohm load, ensuring compatibility with a broad spectrum of MM cartridges. These load options offer optimised signal processing, preserving the natural warmth and detail of vinyl recordings.
Two-Box Design for Signal Purity
A standout feature of the A21SE Stage Two is its two-box construction, which separates the power supply from the amplifier itself. By isolating the power stage in a dedicated enclosure, the design minimises interference and noise, allowing the phono amplifier to focus purely on amplifying the delicate signals from the turntable. This results in a neutral and transparent sound, delivering an accurate representation of the original recording while retaining the warmth and richness that vinyl lovers cherish.
Precise Sound Reproduction
The A21SE Stage Two is designed with a focus on neutrality, ensuring that your vinyl records are reproduced with faithful detail and accuracy. The amplifier’s frequency response is rated at ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, offering smooth and even performance across the audible spectrum. With a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 64dB, the amplifier minimises unwanted background noise, allowing the music to take centre stage without interference.
High-Quality Outputs and Adjustments
The fixed line-level output ensures consistent, high-quality signal transmission to the connected system, whether it's going to an integrated amplifier or another pre-amplifier stage. For fine-tuning, the internal gain and load adjustments provide precise control over the performance of MC cartridges, allowing the A21SE Stage Two to be tailored to specific setups and cartridges. The inclusion of an earth terminal further reduces the potential for unwanted hum or noise, ensuring a clean, uninterrupted signal path.
External Power Supply for Optimal Performance
The external power supply ensures that the amplifier has access to clean, stable power, essential for maintaining audio fidelity. By separating the power stage, the amplifier reduces the risk of noise contamination, which is critical when dealing with the minute signals produced by phono cartridges. This thoughtful design is aimed at delivering the purest possible analogue sound, free from power-related distortions.
Compact Yet Robust Build
Measuring 60 x 140 x 77mm for the phono amplifier and 50 x 140 x 77mm for the power supply, the A21SE Stage Two is compact enough to fit seamlessly into any audiophile setup. Despite its small size, it offers robust build quality, ensuring durability and long-term performance. At just 2kg (packed), it is lightweight but engineered to high standards, reflecting Sugden’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.
The Sugden A21SE Stage Two Phono Amplifier is an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity sound with the flexibility to accommodate both MM and MC cartridges. Its two-box design, precise gain and load adjustments, and neutral sound profile make it a valuable addition to any high-end audio system.
