Sugden Legends - Models from the early 1960s to now are highly regarded and collectable

Sugden has a rich and novel history and through its passion for music it has a clear objective to enable Sugden devotees to enjoy the fun and emotion that music can invoke. In 1964 James Edward Sugden designed and produced what is regarded as the worlds first commercially available solid state pure Class ‘A’ amplifier the A21. This has been a continuing model for nearly 50 years. This is a rare achievement.

At Sugden the construction of one piece of equipment is entrusted to one person with the result they have a personal pride and interest in what they have made. Their name is attached to the product, this is real hand-made craftsmanship in West Yorkshire, England. The company has a rich history, owned and operated as a family business still with ties to James Sugden who is now in retirement. As you will see through some of the models in our "Sugden Legends" their is a real pleasure and pride in being a Sugden owner.

Sugden Si402 Pure Class ‘A’ all silicon transistor stereo power amplifier. Special features of the Si402 include two completely independent amplifier sections, common transformer, a choice of high or medium damping factors for high quality loudspeakers including electrostatics (early 1960s).

The Sugden A21 (Original) Pure Class 'A'Stereo Amplifier was designed by James Edward Sugden. Released in 1964 it is regarded the longest running amplifier model, in the lineage nearly 50 years on the current model is the A21a Series 2. The A21 is also regarded the first commercially made solid state Pure Class ‘A’ amplifier to appear on the market. Whilst the designs were unconventional, the sound performance won wide acclaim and established the company at the forefront of domestic hi-fi.

 Sugden A51 Pure Class 'A' Stereo Power Amplifier. Released in 1967. Still has amazing sound reproduction and disgraces many latest brands of power amplifiers. Very collectable and rare to find. We are looking for one for our Sugden Museum. Can anyone help?

The Sugden A21 Series Two Pure Class 'A' Integrated Amplifier designed by James Edward Sugden was released in 1968 with power output increased from 10 watts to 12 watts from the popular Series 1. The current model is the Sugden A21a Pure Class 'A' Amplifier - acknowledging a pedigree of nearly 50 years from 1964 to now! In 2011 The Absolute Sound & Hi-Fi+ recognised the Sugden A21 and included it in the hall of fame as "One of The Ten Most Significant European Amplifiers of All Time".

Sugden A48 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier released in 1976. The A48 S2's smooth fatigue free listening owes much to the Class A circuitry of the power stages. The configuration chosen gave maximum benefits of the better reproduction qualities of Class A and the economic output of Class B. The amplifier was dynamic, precise imaging, sound stage and separation normally found in more expensive "separate" combinations. The novel colour combination of light brown, orange and white are now in fashion!

Sugden A48III Integrated Amplifier. (1985-1990)

 Sugden A25 Mosfet Integrated Amplifier. (1985-1990)

Sugden Au51 (Original) Stereo Power Amplifier. (1986-1990)

Sugden Au51 (Original) Stereo Power Amplifier - Internal View. (1986-1990)

Sugden Au51c Pre-Amplifier with Sugden Au51cs Power Supply & Sugden Au51p Power Amplifier. (1990-1999)

Sugden A21a Original Pure Class ‘A’ Integrated Amplifier and Power Amplifier continuing evolution of the 1964 Sugden A21 Original. (1989-1998)

Sugden A25B Mosfet Integrated Amplifier. (1990-1995)

Sugden Optima 140 Passive Line Amplifier. Realistic, involving and natural music reproduction. (1995-1999)

Evolution of the 1989 Sugden A21a Original: no change to model code, still Sugden A21a Pure Class ‘A’ Integrated Stereo Amplifier and now a matching Sugden CD21 Compact Disc Player (1998-2007)

Sugden Audition-C Integrated Amplifier. Complete musical experience. (1999-2004)

Sugden Bijou CDMaster Compact Disc Player, HeadMaster Class 'A' Headphone Amplifier & Pre-Amplifier and AmpMaster Power Amplifier - with dedicated stand. (2002-2008)

Sugden Masterclass AA Pre-Amplifier, Sugden Masterclass AA Class ‘A’ Stereo Power Amplifier & Masterclass Compact Disc Player replaced the Sugden Au51 Series. In the Masterclass Series Sugden introduced gold-plated circuit boards and silver soldering. The improvements to sound quality were simply amazing with even more music being presented. (1999-2007)

Sugden Masterclass AA Remote Volume Pre-Amplifier. Internal View showing full dual mono configuration. (1999-2007)

Sugden Bijou MusicMaster Pure Class ‘A’ Power Amplifier is an extraordinary amplifier, very deceiving for a 16 watts per channel power amplifier. (2004-2008)

Sugden LS21 Two-Way Tuned Quarter Wave Floor-Standing Loudspeakers

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Finished in real timber veneers, cherry finish shown.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Finished in real timber veneers, book matched. In order shown: walnut, maple, cherry, white and black finishes.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeaker cabinets are hand polished to produce a satin finish with low gloss level. Over time the finish will result in a natural patina. The fine drivers are installed. The treble unit has a large diameter voice coil and soft dome ferrofluid filled. The bass/mid driver is designed in England and made in Sweden. It also has a large voice coil and the chassis is die cast aluminium providing superior rigidity.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeaker cut-outs for drivers.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeaker template to ensure precise cut-outs.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Finishing done with hand tools.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Finishing done with hand tools.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Router of hardwood edge.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Veneers glued and pressed.

The Sugden LS21 Loudspeaker crossover components are audiophile quality manufactured by Mundorf Germany. The components are hand soldered to the crossover board.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Real wood veneers are pressed at the Sugden factory.  Note angled internal tuning board.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Real wood veneers are crown cut and book matched.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Real hardwood inlays.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Cabinet structure double mitre corner locking joints.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Cabinet structure double mitre corner locking joints.

Sugden LS21 Loudspeakers. Machining of the high density particle board which is later double mitre locked to become a 23mm thick cabinet before the timber veneers are pressed on

Sugden A21SE Special Edition Series

Sugden A21SE Special Edition Pure Class 'A' Integrated Amplifier and Sugden CD21SE Cascode Current Compact Disc Player in Graphite finish.

Sugden A21SE Special Edition Pure Class 'A' Integrated Amplifier, Titanium finish. The A21SE is capable of producing music in its most natural and organic form. Free from crossover distortion, power can be delivered smoothly without the high frequency ‘pain’ associated with so many transistor amplifiers.

Sugden A21SE Amplifier partial internal view.

Sugden A21SE Pure Class 'A' Integrated Amplifier internal view. Dual mono configuration for power amplifier stages and separate pre-amplifier. Robust toroidal transformer with separate windings for each power amplifier and pre-amplifier.

Sugden A21SE Stage Two MM/MC Phono Amplifier.

Sugden A21SE Stage Two MM/MC Phono Amplifier. Designed and hand-made in England. The A21SE Stage Two offers true high-end phono amplification in a compact, heavy weight, minimalist two box design. Separating the amplification from the power supply helps reduce interference and increase resistance to pick-up noise.

Sugden A21SE Stage Two Phono Amplifier internal view of circuit layout.

Sugden A21SE Stage Two Power Supply internal view of circuit layout.

Sugden A21SE Stage One MM/MC Phono Amplifier.  Will only partner the Sugden A21SE Amplifier.

Sugden A21SE Stage One MM/MC Phono Amplifier circuit layout.

Sugden Fusion 21 Precision Compact Disc Player. The Fusion combines modern digital technology with unique Sugden design criteria dedicated to high quality audio performance. The heart of the Fusion player is a precision ‘CD Engine’ comprising of a very accurate loader/laser assembly driven by custom software. To expand the possibilities of digital playback, the Fusion CD player is also capable of acting as a high quality stand-alone digital to analogue converter. Musical, detail, rhythm, timing.

Sugden A21a Series

Sugden A21a Pure Class 'A' Integrated Amplifier

In 1964 James Edward Sugden designed and produced the worlds first commercially available solid state pure Class ‘A’ amplifier the A21. This has been a continuing model for nearly 50 years. In 2007 it was upgraded to A21a Series 2.

In 2011 The Absolute Sound & Hi-Fi+ recognised the Sugden A21 for changing the face of audio significantly and included it in the hall of fame as "One of The Ten Most Significant European Amplifiers of All Time".

Sugden A21a Series 2 Pure Class 'A' Integrated Amplifier internal view showing dual mono configuration for power output stages and separate pre-amplifier board. Robust 200VA toroidal transformer with separate windings for each power amplifier and pre-amplifier. Provision to add a plug-in MM/MC phono stage to connect a turntable.

Sugden A21a Series 2 Pure Class 'A' Integrated Amplifier. Rear view of amplifier showing Mains Power, Loudspeaker Outputs, Pre-Amp Out, Tape Output and five inputs.

Sugden Fusion 21 Precision Compact Disc Player

Sugden Fusion 21 Precision Compact Disc Player is the result of nearly twenty-five years development of Sugden digital products. The latest player combines modern digital technology with unique Sugden design criteria dedicated to high quality audio performance.

The heart of the Fusion 21 player is a precision 'CD Engine' comprising of a very accurate loader/laser assembly driven by custom software. The interconnected front-end board (servo) is capable of short term data storage through its on board memory, made possible by the CD disc running at a higher speed than conventional CD mechanisms.

To expand the possibilities of digital playback, the Fusion CD player is also capable of acting as a high quality stan-alone digital to analogue converter.

The result is amazing with a guarantee you will rediscover your music collection. 

Sugdens are individually hand-made in England.