Sugden HeadMaster Pre-Amplifier

The SUGDEN® HeadMaster™ is a dedicated pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier with exceptional qualities of musical performance. It has been specially developed to extend the boundaries of audio pleasure to ultimate near-field listening conditions. It is also suitable for use with most commercial headphones.

The unit is equipped with three stereo input facilities, a parallel tape output, and a switched pre amplifier output plus a remote control. These facilities create a very flexible piece of equipment, which can operate as a stand alone dedicated headphone system or be combined as a high quality pre-amp in a total audio system. The special design features of the amplifier circuitry have been incorporated to enhance headphone performance but also facilitate a very high quality pre-amplifier performance.

The amplifier signal path configuration is pure Class A constructed completely from discrete components. The application of the Class A circuit has been optimised to obtain its characteristic benefits of superb low level listening and low distortion. Particularly important with the use of headphones is the inherent avoidance with Class A configuration of odd and high order harmonic distortion. The amplifier is wide bandwidth with a very neutral and transparent sound stage through the full musical spectrum and volume range.

The inputs of the amplifier are selected through a logic operated relay circuit to keep the input signal paths as short as possible. The relays are twin gold contact bifurcated crossbar types [not solid state] with a contact resistance of less than 0.05 ohms. These relays, which are used in all Sugden® Hi-End pre amps, are chosen for their non-invasive handling of the incoming signals. The single-ended phono connectors are all high quality individual, gold-plated connectors with Teflon inserts.

The housing for the electronics is creatively designed and precision engineered from high quality aluminium in our own manufacturing facility. The sculptured presentation as well as advancing pride of possession includes full practical and ergonomic considerations. Its modest mass is particularly relevant to headphone use and superb audio performance.

As with all Sugden® products, the acoustic qualities are enhanced by many hours of listening and component testing with the most sonically compatible selected for use. By not compromising on quality and continuity of production by our own skilled workforce, we guarantee years of musical pleasure.

Specifications:

Inputs: Three stereo pairs.
Input Impedance: 50K
Input sensitivity: 150mv in for 1volt output
Outputs: Switched headphone socket / Attenuated Pre-amp out Tape-out
Output Impedance: 4Ohms to 56kOhms
Power output: 5.5volts at onset of clipping
Bandwidth: -3dB points 10Hz & 270kHz
Frequency response: +-0.3dB 20Hz-25kHz
Signal to noise: > 90dB
Dimensions: 230mm x 265mm x 82mm [wdh] weight 3.5kg

This item is only available for shipments to U.S. and Canada.