Roksan Caspian M-1 ⚫️ Arcam Solo Music MKII ⚫️ Sugden A21SE

Roksan Caspian M-Series-1
Arcam Solo Music MK-2
Sugden A21SE (not Signature)
Cambridge Audio CXN v2

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

This is my best amp hands down. 🤯🤩🤤

[@Buddythunder1]

I have the Sugden IA-4, it is like the A21SE, but even more so - I love it. Your discussion of bass bloom was about the most understandable I've heard. Beatboxing awaits!

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Thank you 😊

[@shawnhudson3735]

Great comparison, love the descriptions. Very helpful for us who struggle to audition these in person. Thank you!

[@obscurazone]

Really enjoyable presentation! I particularly loved your explanation of bass response, I knew exactly what you meant and I've actually always struggled to describe what you did, so thanks :) Sudgen are made in my home town so I've always had a very soft spot for them. This is my dream amp, so it makes me happy that everyone who hears it really enjoys how it sounds.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Thanks for your kind words

[@kesm66]

I purchased a Sugden A21SE. Upon listening I’ve decided to sell the Hegel H390 that I have. The Sugden is literally what the company slogan states: Rescuing Music From Technology. It powers BOTH of my speakers (Spendor 4/5 Classic & Salk Song 3 towers). I’m astonished at the power and sound signature of this amp…powerful, delicate, midrange control, organic & lively…just a perfect balance of detail and musical timbre. The Sugden is an amp that you fall in love with…all you need is a decent source…it’s simply a wonderful amp. Note: I demoed the Sugden IA4. It’s awesome as well but I preferred the A21SE. The IA4 was different but not better.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Thanks for sharing your experience!!!

[@rileydaniels7845]

I have original Salk Song Towers. My source is Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst DAC and internal amp cartridge. The sound is incredibly dynamic and fast, but is a bit drier than I'd like. Considering switching to Sugden 23 SE and using as a source the Linn streamer, DAC, preamp without internal amp. How did the Somgtowers do with the Sugden?

[@kesm66]

Great in my system. Shocked that it drives ‘em so well. I say try it & seek a vendor that has a 30 day return policy if possible.

[@7daysoffallling]

I did the same. To be honest before I bought h390 I also listened to Sugden but at that point my decision was impacted by the hype around Hegel. Upon a second listening in my room I decided to sell the Hegel and buy the A21SE. It drives beautifully B&W 805d4 and Harbeth P3ESR.

[@kesm66]

The newness of the Sugden A21SE has settled but the sound quality still captivates me. Impeccable amp that drives at low and loud volumes…music is natural sounding on this amp.😮. The reviewer is spot on in his description.

[@Kobryner1]

Sugden A21 Signature is my 8th. and by all means the final integrated amplifier in my hi-fi set..

[@DJWerkz]

I retired from the audio community some time ago but wanted to put together a system of reasonable quality for the cheapest cost. I ended up with a pair of Tannoy Revolution DC6T Signature speakers that I bought at an estate sale extremely cheap (no one knew what they were) and driving them with a Roksan Kandy KA-1 MKIII integrated. Source is an Oppo BP95 universal digital player. The Roksan is very neutral, not exactly my preferred taste but like your Caspian, very controlled and again, really comes alive at louder volumes. I did have the Roksan fully serviced recently with a full replacement of all capacitors. Service shop absolutely loved this British amp (I am a Brit living in the USA). I will be looking to change the Roksan as I want a balanced integrated, or at least something with true balanced inputs. Anyone want to buy an incredibly sweet piece of Kandy ? Lol

[@ralex3697]

Pure class A

[@golfjunkymusicjunky8370]

Super

[@AliTurna]

Hello thanks for the nice comparison. What do you think about the 23 watts version of Sugden so called Signature edition compared to special edition?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

The only thing I know about both devices in comparison is that the 30watts SE has a power supply which is twice as powerful as the one built into the 23watts non-SE

[@rog86]

When you are talking aboit the bass getting less controlled at larger volumes on the sugden, do you know approximately what volume, in db? Thamks.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

I am sorry I don’t but it is at volumes I would never listen to in my 23m2 living room.

[@marksobotkin6141]

do you think the SMSL is around 90% of the Sudgen as far as sound quality?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

In my opinion there are different aspects. In terms of tone the A1 might be 90% of the SE but not in terms of resolution and rhythm

[@dimachesebastian6407]

This amp is on my wish list for a future low to middle volume listening.. Wich speakers should i chose that have open rich sound in low volumes?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Powered by the Sugden I would choose a warm sounding speaker e. g. by Dynaudio. To by honest I don’t know if Sugden calls it special edition but I do 😎

[@dimachesebastian6407]

@@DigitalPhilosophers sugden still have full body sound even on late night listening? Like 30-40db. I want it strictly for late night listening experience.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@dimachesebastian6407 At low volumes this is hifi heaven

[@sheerkhanful]

If you know, how does the A21se compare to the IA4?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Unfortunately I didn’t experience the IA4. One thing I remember is a retailer telling me that the IA4 has a state of the art preamp built in. I would like to know if I can hear such differences but I don’t (yet)

[@mykeldg]

How does the sugden compare to the smsl A1 at medium low to volumes?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

The Sugden delivers more resolution in detail and color. I am not talking about coloration. There is no coloration at all. I am talking about colors. Imagine a tv screen that has more colors than another tv screen.

[@mykeldg]

@@DigitalPhilosophers thanks! do you think the SMSL A1 is one of the best options if I don't have the budget for a Sugden?( as opposed to $1000-$1500 class AB amps.) I don't listen very loud and have a small space to fill. (Using 87dbm bookshelves )

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@mykeldg Yes I do.

[@mykeldg]

@@DigitalPhilosophers thanks man! your videos inspired me to try class A. So I did (though not sugden or smsl) but the Schiit Aegir. I have to say, everything you said is right. I prefer it over the higher powered AB amp I tried previously 👍

[@bobbycaldwell9478]

Thank you for your video. You describe so well the difference between class AB and class A without using technical and complex explications. So after that, I need to discover that sound I never heard before. I got Roksan an d Hegel amplifiers at home both class AB. So I plan to listen to this Sugden associated with my Sonus Faber Lumina III. One question, are all the class À amplifiers similar according to that warm and natural sounding? Thank you for all.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

In my experience class A amps can sound very different. One thing I always appreciate about class A is something I call calm and clear. I don’t know how to describe it in an other word than calm. It is this unforced clarity through all the speakers I used with class A amps. Please notice that I refer to Arcams class G as class A even though this is technically not correct but listening at low to mid volumes I never leave the class A mode. In my experience the biggest difference between class A amps is the bass control at high volumes. Generally speaking class A amps don’t have tight bass at high volumes unless you pay more (again, generally speaking)

[@bobbycaldwell9478]

@@DigitalPhilosophers Yes I imagine this non aggressive sound. I definitely have to discover it. Thank you and have a good day from France.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@bobbycaldwell9478 One thing I forgot to mention is the tone of the class A amps I‘ve heard so far. Wooden instruments sound like wooden instruments. Metallic instruments sound like metallic instruments. Class A amps made my speakers sound more natural. Also regarding male and female voices

[@bobbycaldwell9478]

@@DigitalPhilosophers Many reasons to listen to a class À amplifier. My second system I need to change my amplifier for, has Sonus Faber Lumina III with a sensitivity of 89 db. The brand talks about 50 to 250 watts Amp on the paper to drive them correctly . Do you think the A21 would be strong enough for them and for my 40 m2 living room?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@bobbycaldwell9478 My approach: I would definitely give it a try at home and listen if both sound together the way I want them to sound together

[@janis4847]

Can the Sugden power my Elac Vela FS 409 (89 dB at 2,83 V/m), or is 30W not enough for normal and louder volume?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

How big is your room?

[@janis4847]

@@DigitalPhilosophers About 20m², but I also use smaller room of about 16-18m² (I change sometimes)

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@janis4847 The Sugden is an easy recommendation. It is more than enough for my 23m2 room

[@tomsarti8961]

Do these TANNOYS perform well so close to the wall ?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Yes even then. As always it’s better away from the wall

[@metroboom25289]

Can you compare the Sugden to a vintage musical fidelity a1 class a amp

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

I would love to but unfortunately it will take time for me to get my hands on a musical fidelity unit

[@richarddegannes2928]

Hi, What is the big difference between A21SE Signature Integrated Amplifier vs Masterclass IA-4 Integrated Amplifier that justifies the increased price of the IA-4? Thanks.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

The IA-4 has a “state of the art“ preamp built in and a lot of even higher quality components are chosen. Furthermore it has a bigger power supply so it has more power than the 3wpc difference would suggest

[@richarddegannes2928]

@@DigitalPhilosophers Thanks for reaching out. How would you compare SUGDEN ANV50 INTEGRATED AMP to A21SE signature and IA-4. Which in your opinion should I get to pair with either KEF Reference 1 speakers or ProAC D30RS speakers? TIA.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@richarddegannes2928 unfortunately I only can compare the A21SE and the IA-4. I didn’t hear the other gear you mentioned. Maybe at a show but not at home

[@thierryschietse8493]

Sugden c le TOP ... A21se

[@massimolombardo946]

Sugden and linton Wharfedale is it good

[@iamkevn]

Hi, I am actually testing Sugden A21a power amp from a local dealer. He told me to try it out. I couldnt agree more with you. Its running from a rotel ra-03 acting as preamp. The sound is everything you said. I will be getting the new SE soon. Thank you.

[@dimachesebastian6407]

What speakers will you chose? Are u for low volume listening?

[@iamkevn]

@@dimachesebastian6407 HI Demache, I use B&W 603 anniversary....I got my a21se now....listening levels are 85 to 90....se is better....volume at 9 o clock and pretty loud for me....so very happy

[@Mladenac]

Have you heard Roksan Caspian M2?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Unfortunately not yet. I think I will move on trying the Attessa streaming amp

[@Rascallucci]

I haven't heard the other two, but I used to own a Roksan Caspian M Series-1, my view is never push it at high volume. It doesn't have enough power and you will clip it. I had done it multiple times before and it will spoil the ownership experience. Plus, all Roksan amps run hot, so beware of that. Personally, I love the Roksan house sound, it is dynamic, punchy and sweet at the same time. Just listen to it within its limit and it is a highly engaging amp. I have since upgraded to the Blak now, a fantastic sounding amp, given its higher output it sounds more effortless than the Caspian M Series-1. In any case, for the purpose of this video, I think it would be hard to compare it to a more expensive Class A amp like the Sugden.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@bobbycaldwell9478]

Hi Alex Fu, I was using a Roksan Kandy K2 for a long time and I play very loud sometimes. Never have any problem of hot. As you said the sound is punchy and smooth at the same time. I enjoy it. Now my Roksan is used as preamplifier with a Hegel H30 as power amplifier and the result is excellent for my ears.

[@Rascallucci]

@@bobbycaldwell9478 I think if I upgrade, from a price point standpoint I might take a look at the Musical Fidelity M8xi. The specs look good on paper with 550 wpc, but I haven't auditioned it before. Or I would just go high end and go with the Gryphon Diablo 300 which is punchy and meaty.

[@bobbycaldwell9478]

@@Rascallucci OH, I was looking for the M8xi too, but I decided not to buy Chinese made, it's a personal decision. So I buy European electronics (and from UK too) even if Chinese made is serious. Danish, Sweden and English electronics are the best in Europe, and home made only, like Hegel, Roksan, Sugden, Dali Sonus Faber and many others. I know the choice has limits now, but it's a choice and many high ends brands are home made. That's nice. (Gryphon is out of budget 😁)

[@dmartyn3809]

Class A…all the way!

[@Philear4124]

Price wise, the Sugden is also the most expensive. I don't think you can buy a decent class A like the Sugden for the price of the Roksan. Grtz Phil

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

I think you are right

[@yessir4878]

hi! how much is a good price for an arcam these days? help would be extremely appreciated:)

[@yessir4878]

really love the channel btw! thank you:)

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

In my opinion any price under 800€ is a good price for the Arcam Solo Music MKII

[@ChrisTaylor-dz6nk]

Heco direkt. With 20 Watts..sudgen.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

I don’t understand this comment. Please explain it

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

Upto 2% quality distortion with the sugden is not my idea of pure high quality bliss or class leading sound quality, nor do those rms watts go very far with average sensativity loudspeakers and neither for any sort of high quality sound either.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Spec sheet versus reality

[@gryphongryph]

Don’t Get too fixated on spec, the Sugden is totally high end with the right speakers or in a smaller room.

[@obscurazone]

And yet every single person who hears any amp by Sugden - including this one, says they are amongst the very best (if not THEE best) amp they've ever heard, period. Weird how actually listening always trumps spec sheets ;-)

[@markwilson5262]

would never say roksan is thin ?????? i would say look at your speakers

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

At low volumes this caspian is the opposite of everything that is the opposite of thin

[@alexmacdonald2644]

I have a Roksan Kandy. The speed and punch/control is great, but I do feel it is a bit ‘steely’ - a kind of thinness?

[@18yearsoldnot]

@@alexmacdonald2644metallic timbre

[@PedjoGT]

Man you must to learn to speak without cmacking