Amp upgrade time - £250 power (not integrated)

I just noticed that you asked the same question on the Yahoo Tannoy forum (I re-joined recently)! I replied on there as well .

I thought my A21a was the dogs, I shouldn't have sold it, if I could find another cheap enough I'd buy it like a shot!

Dave.

 

Have just been offered a Linn LK2 in a tempting deal. I know it's changing tack a bit, but I hear they're made very well and have very good current control... Does anyone have any strong opinions either way?
I can always seel it on if I don't like it

 

Right there's an A21 and A48B on ebay. The A21's the older version, he reckons it's in good condition. How would it compare to the A48B, A21a, or Monarcy Audio SM70?
Or how would they compare to a Quad 520 (or pair of 510s), the next contender down? And what are they worth?

 

I can help you out with a A21 vs A21a comparison; when I sold my A21a I bought an A21 as a stop-gap until I found a valve amp that I liked. The A21 is a lovely amp, but it's 'polite' if you know what I mean, it seemed less detailed than the A21a and I never got those 'spine-tingling' moments with it that I got with the A21a. It's only 12wpc but had no probs playing loud through my Cheviots (that I had at the time). I also think that the bass was a bit more warm and woolly. You could tell that they were both from the same stable, but the A21a is a much much better amp IMO. Personally I think that an appropriate value for an A21 in GWO is anywhere around £50-150, but sellers have been trying it on with some inflated prices on ebay recently.

 

OK, well might overlook that A21 then, but not looking for manners really. I assume you can't comment on the A48 then?

 

No, not heard one, soz.

 

OK, well I've treid hard to find a bad review, but can't find one for the A48B. So I might put a serious bid on it.
But behind it there's an NVA AP70 (decided will accept integrateds purely cos of choise and availabilit).
What are people's opinions on NVA amps?

 

My my, is that a tin opener? Worms in a can?

 

Harry, I quite like the NVA amp I heard.

Punchy, tight, detailed, rhythmic.

Think 'dnm' or 'onix' if you know those, that's the sort of thing it sounds like to me.

Doesnt sound like a small class 'a' amp like a sugden to me though.. different kettle/fish

 

Damnit, there's so much choice, it's overwelming.
OK so I'm trying to weigh the A48B against the AP70. Not necessarily seeking the small class a sound, it's just people say they sound good. But not only them.
If an A21a came up for the right price I'd jump at it, but somehow I now think that's unlikely.
My only worry about NVA is the Naim type cables (apparantly), what are these like to DIY? And possibly not the best current deliverers?

 

the NVA cable I had was a solid core one, bent rather like a coat-hanger when you moved it.

It's rigidity meant that I ended up snapping the RCA plug off the end.. whoops!

NVA only suggest their own cables, I'm not sure whether this is some sort of instability issue, or because they like the sound of them. An email to the seller on e-bay would probably let you know..

 

I like this aspect of the cable, it stays routed in place rather than just fall to the floor. A very good idea.

 

I thought so too until the end broke off

 

update - just accidentally bought a Quad 520. Didn't want to see it going for less than £150 (almost what I paid for the 306 a few years ago), and I ended up being the winner. I'll audition it against the A48B or NVA i'm planning on, then keep whatever sounds best and pass the other on

 

I spotted a Sugden AU21 power amp for sale for £299 here:
http://www.2ndhandhifi.co.uk/detail_page.php?id=428

...but perhaps this has come a little too late (!), and tbh although I've seen a couple of these for sale on ebay, I don't know much about them, but I think they date from the early 90's?. Anyway, one more option if the 520 doesn't live up to expectations.

 

Doh! always happens like this. Either way I'm up for a big Quad sell up anyway (520? 306 and 303). I've emailed about the A21p. Only thing is the A48B ends tomorrow, now I have the complication of wondering whether to bid on it or not. It might be the match I'm after, or the A21p might be... But depends whether I can nock a bit off the price. Damnit!

 

The A21p was sold, so I bought the A48B.
Will report my comparisons

 

Just as a footnote to this (knowing that you already got two amps, and I saw your other thread on them), I just got another SM70 mk2 for £226. Now for monoblocking...