Hi,
I'd like to share my impressions on these sets.
Listening with the HP4 brought least fatigue and was throughout enjoyable (+). However, the questions arose: was the music ment to be that way? (-) I usually feel, that music is about suffering, namely, with discomfort being its integral part. It is like the harmony vs. dissonance approach to music. The HP4 is about the harmony (+), but forgets dissonances (?). Is never harsh. A good person, no doubt about it. I couldn't resist its appeal and decided to keep it.
Never mind, that it broke down in the first hour of use. I just sent it to Mr. de Paravicini to repair. I am forgiving to good persons like this HP4...
Meanwhile I am listening to Sugden Headmaster. Sorry to disagree with Mr. fcklo, but in my opinion, the Headmaster sounds superior to the Solo. It is nicer (a bit in the direction of HP4), less harsh and more profound. It is situated, on the harmony-dissonance scale, between the Solo and the HP4, which qualifies it for balance, prudency and, I'd dare to say, maturity. I also found its operation as a preamp adequate and unobtrusive: it caused no deterioration of sound in my system. So, I decided to keep the Sugden as well.
I am afraid, my Solo has to go nearby my TV-set. It served me so well,,, And even if I could notice, that it were in some respects equal to the Sugden (perhaps, it is as analytical?) - it won't be enough to keep it with my system. I must say, that it is good for the price and excellent for the dimensions, thought. An excellent amplifier to go travelling with.