Proper valve completment for the Croft Epoch

[Wakefield Turntables]

Does anyone know the proper valve complement for the Croft Epoch? It looks like I've been sold an amp with incorrect valves, but that's ok, I'm happy to learn and experiment.

[Tweedle-Dee]

Andrew,
I believe there may be a number of combinations of valves used in Epochs, depending on the version. Glenn upgraded the PSU of mine and it now uses 1 x ECC83, 1 x 85A2 and 2 x 6SL7 (line level only version).

Before Glenn's upgrade mine was a standard Epoch V. I will check later what valves the original PSU used, for your reference.

Kind regards,
TD

[Wakefield Turntables]

David,

Thanks. Looks like mine has x5 6H9C, x1 6GV8 & and I think? x1 85AZ

I need to do a little research into the variants of valves, time consuming but interesting.

[The Black Adder]

It should use 1 x ECC83, 1 x 85A2, 2 x 6SL7 (Line) 1x 6SL7 (middle) 2x 6SL7 (Phono)

In terms of upgrades it depends on how far you want to push it. But the external PSU makes the biggest difference IMO.

You can roll valves in there and also gain a superb upgrade. Sylvania's in phono, Melz in Line. The middle valve also plays a big part in the sound. I use Brimar in that position.

The 85A2 IMO should be Mullard. And the ECC83 should be something like a NOS Mullard, Tungsram, Tesla or an Amperex BB.

Of course it's all down to taste and you need to live with it and take your time to get the very best out of it.

Hope that helps
Jo

[Wakefield Turntables]

Shit! Mine looks nothing like that. I'm really gonna have to fresh look at whats sitting in their.

[Jimbo]

It should use 1 x ECC83, 1 x 85A2, 2 x 6SL7 (Line) 1x 6SL7 (middle) 2x 6SL7 (Phono)

In terms of upgrades it depends on how far you want to push it. But the external PSU makes the biggest difference IMO.

You can roll valves in there and also gain a superb upgrade. Sylvania's in phono, Melz in Line. The middle valve also plays a big part in the sound. I use Brimar in that position.

The 85A2 IMO should be Mullard. And the ECC83 should be something like a NOS Mullard, Tungsram, Tesla or an Amperex BB.

Of course it's all down to taste and you need to live with it and take your time to get the very best out of it.

Hope that helps
Jo

Hi Jo,

as you know I am always interested in all things 'Croft'. Can I just ask what the separate PSU did in terms of SQ upgrade in performance?

[The Black Adder]

Hi James.

Sure, the depth and the clarity of the sound was so much more easy to listen to. Everything became effortless, timing was spot on and the bass became tighter and more focused.

To be honest, although I did expect some differences, I didn't expect that much of a difference. In time everything just gets better too.

[The Black Adder]

Shit! Mine looks nothing like that. I'm really gonna have to fresh look at whats sitting in their.

Oh? - Hmm... must be a different type then. Or maybe a custom build?

I wouldn't worry about it though. How does it sound?

[Arkless Electronics]

6H9C/6H9S are Russian equivalents of 6SL7 and also available from China. 6GV8 is a triode-pentode similar to ECL85 and probably in the regulator.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Oh? - Hmm... must be a different type then. Or maybe a custom build?

I wouldn't worry about it though. How does it sound?

Well I've done a little more digging. The x5 6H9C v111 77 valves turn out to be Russian alternatives to 6SL7's but reportedly with a little more gain. So in essence those valves are correct. I'd still like something better as I'm unsure of the valve brand. I missread the 85A2 as 85AZ, so no wonder I can find no info on that valve , and with regards the ECC83, well I happen to have a few spare Mullards . I'm off to the boozer now but I can see some research over Sunday's hang over and maybe an order going into Watford Valves.