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)