Sugden Masterclass ANV-50 Integrated Amplifier

The ANV-50 Celebrates Sugden Audio’s 50 Years with Pure Class A Amplification

The Sugden Audio Masterclass ANV-50 integrated amplifier is a pure Class A powerhouse engineered to commemorate fifty years of audio innovation. Designed with modern audio enthusiasts in mind, this amplifier is the latest iteration of Sugden’s dedication to high-fidelity sound, tracing its legacy back to the groundbreaking 1967 A21, the first-ever solid-state pure Class A amplifier. This new model combines Sugden’s revered pure Class A warmth with cutting-edge technology, ensuring an audio experience that’s both authentic and effortlessly powerful.

Sugden’s Pure Class A Power Amplification

The ANV-50 features a pure Class A amplifier at its core, enhanced by a meticulously designed “ideal” final output stage that pushes the performance boundaries of conventional amplification. This distinctive two-stage amplification system ensures Sugden’s signature rich, natural sound quality, effectively driving an extensive range of loudspeaker systems with ease. The power amplifier and pre-amplifier sections are fully DC coupled, eliminating any capacitors in the signal path, which prevents sound degradation and maintains the amplifier’s pristine output fidelity.

Advanced Comparator and Correction Circuit for Optimal Sound Integrity

The ANV-50’s output stage is equipped with an advanced comparator and correction circuit, a unique Sugden innovation, to deliver exceptionally accurate sound. This circuit compensates for potential errors in the power output section, adjusting for load and distortion variations to align with the high-impedance input amplifier. This ensures the output matches the input’s purity while maintaining signal authenticity. The ANV-50’s Sugden Error Correction feature produces exceptionally low open-loop output impedance, achieving a high damping factor even at elevated frequencies. Combined with current-feedback architecture, this correction circuit offers an impeccable response, preserving every detail in dynamic music playback.

High-Speed, Reliable Power Supply for Instantaneous Response

The ANV-50 integrates a revolutionary 1 MHz switching power supply, enhancing the amplifier’s efficiency and responsiveness. Unlike Class AB amplifiers, which rely on transformers and rectifiers that introduce lag, the ANV-50’s Class A section remains active, instantly responding to any audio signal input. This high-speed power supply maintains Sugden’s renowned standing current and power reserves, ready to meet the demands of even the most dynamic audio passages. With a Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF) of 100 years, this high-current, ultra-stable power supply exemplifies longevity and reliability, allowing the ANV-50 to deliver consistent, distortion-free performance for decades.

Enhanced Connectivity and Precise Remote-Controlled Volume

Designed to accommodate a variety of audio setups, the ANV-50 features five line-level inputs operated by relays, a pre-out, and a tape output for flexible integration. Its single pair of multi-way binding posts supports secure, high-quality speaker connections, ensuring that every detail in the audio signal reaches the speakers. The amplifier’s volume control is managed remotely via the RC5 handset, allowing easy, precise adjustments from a distance.

Technical Specifications and Build Quality

The ANV-50’s technical precision includes an impressive frequency response of +/-1dB from 12Hz to 45kHz and a wide bandwidth of 8Hz to 86kHz. With a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 85dB, this amplifier minimises interference, delivering exceptionally clear, powerful sound. Rated at 50 watts into 8 ohms and 100 watts into 4 ohms, it provides ample power for most high-performance loudspeakers, making it an ideal choice for serious audiophiles.

Encased in a robust chassis measuring 143 x 430 x 370mm, and with a packed weight of 11kg, the ANV-50 promises both physical durability and aesthetic appeal in any high-end audio setup.