Thank you for the tip.As somebody who likes - but can no longer afford Cardas Cables - I would recommend Linn Silver I/Cs (all copper) and K200 S/Cs. I also like Atlas Mavros and TQ Cables or Colin Wonfor EWA Cables.
Thank you for the tip.As somebody who likes - but can no longer afford Cardas Cables - I would recommend Linn Silver I/Cs (all copper) and K200 S/Cs. I also like Atlas Mavros and TQ Cables or Colin Wonfor EWA Cables.
Hi,
The A21a is a mismatch with the P3’s imo, whilst it can deliver in many areas, it’s a tall ask with speakers like the P3’s at 83dB. Going to the A21SE will bring more control but as the op has said, it has exaggerated the upper frequencies of the P3’s. For the first time, I would disagree with @CnoEvilregarding the TQ cables. As much as I love them, the combination with the Sugden and P3’s will only raise the problem further.
Two sensible choices are Van Damme OFC or VDH 352’s. Both will help with taming the top end but the VDH will still allow detail but better control of the bass. These are both affordable solutions but not the full picture. Moving the speakers for optimum position will help too along with room interaction aids.
The A21SE is one of the most Dynamic Class A amps money can buy but it needs to be carefully matched. It works better with the C7’s than the P3’s and the 30.2.
Regarding interconnects, stay away from silver, decently made copper is the option to consider and once again, VDH have a habit of doing what you need. Consider something like the Wave, you can pick them up second hand affordably. Don’t spend silly money, you don’t need to with Sugden although Siltech are nice but expensive.
How about these interconnects.
https://www.markgrantcables.co.uk/uk/audio-cables/mark-grant-hdx1-pure-copper-audio-cables/
the same as mine. perfectHow about these interconnects.
https://www.markgrantcables.co.uk/uk/audio-cables/mark-grant-hdx1-pure-copper-audio-cables/
Hi,Your findings tally with my experiences.
the se is brighter in my opinion, I can’t see cables fixing things. I think it’s all about the speaker matching.
I found the audio note k, Stirling’s and Kensington’s were a fantastic match with the se, though the jamo Concert 8 I’ve just purchased where too lively, so I put the a21al on with the concert 8, and they sound lovely!
Hi, Lee.the same as mine. perfect
No. I have a Sugden Musicmaster power amp. These are the speaker cables i bought from Mark Grant https://www.markgrantcables.co.uk/uk/speaker-cables/van-damme-2-x-6mm-hi-fi-speaker-cable-up-lcofc-terminated/ which replaced my Townsend cabling, I reckon these would be more that good enough for your Sugden ampHi, Lee.
You have them with a Sugden A21 SE?
I’ve never heard a Sugden a21SE at home, but when I had a mad moment during lockdown and considered Sugden, everything I read backs up your statement.the se is brighter in my opinion, I can’t see cables fixing things
Thank you Lee. Nice and affordable!No. I have a Sugden Musicmaster power amp. These are the speaker cables i bought from Mark Grant https://www.markgrantcables.co.uk/uk/speaker-cables/van-damme-2-x-6mm-hi-fi-speaker-cable-up-lcofc-terminated/ which replaced my Townsend cabling, I reckon these would be more that good enough for your Sugden amp
Absolutely,Thank you Lee. Nice and affordable!
If I'd known you were considering Sugden - I'd have given most helpful encouragement. B|I’ve never heard a Sugden a21SE at home, but when I had a mad moment during lockdown and considered Sugden, everything I read backs up your statement.
@JJohn Is the amplifier brand new? Do they mellow age? I’m afraid a modestly powered amp and very insensitive speakers is a compromise, and ‘improving’ things has detracted not improved. I’m sure you find an answer without reverting back, and the vDH cables are deliberately tone controls, so might help. (I have a pair of unused Linn Black copper ICs you’d be welcome to borrow if you pay the postage).
Hi, thank you for the tips and for your borrow offer, but I live outside the UK.I’ve never heard a Sugden a21SE at home, but when I had a mad moment during lockdown and considered Sugden, everything I read backs up your statement.
@JJohn Is the amplifier brand new? Do they mellow age? I’m afraid a modestly powered amp and very insensitive speakers is a compromise, and ‘improving’ things has detracted not improved. I’m sure you find an answer without reverting back, and the vDH cables are deliberately tone controls, so might help. (I have a pair of unused Linn Black copper ICs you’d be welcome to borrow if you pay the postage).
FWIW. I would not let Nordost Cables near my system - not because they are bad, but because I don't like how they make the system sound.Hi, thank you for the tips and for your borrow offer, but I live outside the UK.
The amp is 1,5 month old. I estimate 160 hours of playing time - don't know if it is enough. The remaining cables are burned, except the power cable which has only 60 estimated hours of current going trough - Nordost recommend at least 168 hours.
I agree 100% with your comparations. I took a look at Linn website but the only reference to black cables that I find is related to interconnects (ICs). Were you refering to ICs or speaker cable?FWIW. I would not let Nordost Cables near my system - not because they are bad, but because I don't like how they make the system sound.
IMV. In the same way that Harbeth/Graham Audio are the opposite end of the sonic spectrum to Focal/Triangle; Nordost is the opposite to Cardas.
Linn do two I/Cs, described by the colour of their outside - ie Linn Black and Linn Silver.I agree 100% with your comparations. I took a look at Linn website but the only reference to black cables that I find is related to interconnects (ICs). Were you refering to ICs or speaker cable?
Have you asked Sugden what they recommend with their amplifiers? They should know best.Hi, good evening,
New Sugden fanboy in the forum.
I would like to get some cable suggestions from the community. Looked everywhere and no comments on cables.
I had a A21Signature with Harbeth P3ERS speakers and Audioquest cables (Type-4 + Golden Gate). The sound was very smooth and the bass quite nice.
I trade the A21signature by the A21SE and the cables by Nordost, at the same time. I was looking for a bit more power for the P3’s and a little more resolution.
I was expecting more definition on high frequencies and less bass but tight and solid bass, since I have Nordost cables for a long time in a different setup with Proac speakers.
The problem that I’m facing is that with less good recordings the sound has extra bright for my taste and I feel the bass decreased significantly. The same sensation on bright female voices like Celine Dion. I have realize that the SE version has a more forward presentation than the A21 signature and, strangely, a little less bass (??).
What cables do you recommend? I was thinking trading the Nordost by Transparent cables, since they have nice reputation on the bass department.
I would appreciate your help.
Thanks in advance!
John
Can I interject briefly on this one.
The A21a is a mismatch with the P3’s imo, whilst it can deliver in many areas, it’s a tall ask with speakers like the P3’s at 83dB. Going to the A21SE will bring more control but as the op has said, it has exaggerated the upper frequencies of the P3’s. For the first time, I would disagree with @CnoEvilregarding the TQ cables. As much as I love them, the combination with the Sugden and P3’s will only raise the problem further.
Two sensible choices are Van Damme OFC or VDH 352’s. Both will help with taming the top end but the VDH will still allow detail but better control of the bass. These are both affordable solutions but not the full picture. Moving the speakers for optimum position will help too along with room interaction aids.
The A21SE is one of the most Dynamic Class A amps money can buy but it needs to be carefully matched. It works better with the C7’s than the P3’s and the 30.2.
Regarding interconnects, stay away from silver, decently made copper is the option to consider and once again, VDH have a habit of doing what you need. Consider something like the Wave, you can pick them up second hand affordably. Don’t spend silly money, you don’t need to with Sugden although Siltech are nice but expensive.
You don’t have a class A amp but a class A/B.Can I interject briefly on this one.
I know I'm a relative novice with Harbeth -- only had the P3s on home demo for a week last summer (2020). On my amp they sounded beautifully balanced throughout all frequencies. I certainly didn't find them hard to drive/control, also excellent at low volumes which is important to me as usually play late at night.
I've not heard any Sugdens so can't directly comment, but for everyday usage (looking at specs and previous threads), I would suggest, unless you play at club levels, should be fine.
Re cables IMO any good quality copper should suffice whatever brands you have. I love my Atlas Equators.