Advice on a pre-amp and/or phono stage pls

[Chivas]

Hi guys

My dad's been an audiophile all is life, but his system is getting a little dated, he's still running his DIY speakers from 20+ years. I convinced him to dust his LP12 off a couple of years ago and the bug has bitten him again.

He's recently acquired a new power amplifier (Valve Audio's Black Widow power amp - a very impressive South African jobbie) and is now interested in getting a new pre-amplifier and phono stage. I'm considering getting him something as a retirement gift the end of Feb.

I still need to think about my budget, but would appreciate your input/influence... ;)

Top of my list are:
1. Croft 25 Basic - £400
2. Croft Micro 25 - £700
3. Croft Micro 25 R - £1400
4. Icon Audio LA4 mk II + PS 1 MM - £1800

I'm listing the Crofts purely based on feedback on this forum, but I am extremely happy with my Icon Audio's with P10, but cannot tell how it compares to the Crofts and are considerably more expensive.

Questions:
a. Are the Crofts very sensitive to what power amp you run with them?
b. Money aside, which will give me the best result
c. Money considered, where in this list do I draw a sensible line?

PS. My dad only uses MM and logically yes, he probably needs to upgrade his speakers first, but it won't happen before I go visit him in South Africa.

Many thanks
Chivas

[hifi_dave]

I would/will say - get a Croft. IMO, you won't get anything like it at the price.

[Chivas]

I would/will say - get a Croft. IMO, you won't get anything like it at the price.

Is it a big step up from the Micro to the R?

[Undarra]

There's a thread by IHP about upgrading his micro 25 to R status. Not sure if you've read it, but he seems very pleased with the upgrade.

[Ali Tait]

These phono stages are very good indeed IMHO, I've not heard anything commercial near the price that can hold a candle to it -

http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/phono-stages/331-the-mains-cables-r-us-revel-phono-amplifier.html

It's built by a friend who is a member of this forum.

I've nothing to gain by this, I just think it's superb for the money.

[hifi_dave]

Is it a big step up from the Micro to the R?

Yes, it is a sizeable step up. I've never had anyone with the funds, opt for a Micro 25 over the R.

[Macca]

Yes, it is a sizeable step up. I've never had anyone with the funds, opt for a Micro 25 over the R.

Aw dave you shouldn't have said that. I am hankering for an upgrade to the micro basic and trying to convince myself it is not worth it. What is the 'R '
£1200?

[hifi_dave]

With MM phono input it is £1400 but PM me..

[Macca]

With MM phono input it is £1400 but PM me..

Cheers Dave - will do.

[Chivas]

These phono stages are very good indeed IMHO, I've not heard anything commercial near the price that can hold a candle to it -

http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/phono-stages/331-the-mains-cables-r-us-revel-phono-amplifier.html

It's built by a friend who is a member of this forum.

I've nothing to gain by this, I just think it's superb for the money.


Cheers Ali, it looks like an interesting option, but I will still have to buy the pre-amp and won't have much money left after that phono stage :(

[Ali Tait]

You could contact Nick and discuss your requirements, I'm sure he could design a pre/phono in one box for you.

[Chivas]

Dave, I've sent you a pm