View Full Version : Which CROFT pre-amp?
Wakefield Turntables
02-10-2015, 18:18
Is there a general consensus of opinion as to what is considered the best Croft pre-amp?
Currently own the Micro Basic 25. I only intended it to be a stop gap amp but it's lived in my system for over a year and I love it. :eyebrows:
This (or one very similar):
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Tannoyista%20System/Tannoyista%20system%20update%202015/DSC00597_2.jpg
;)
Marco.
Wakefield Turntables
02-10-2015, 18:53
Thats the Charisma X. It's very heavily modified. I'd like to start stock and work up the modification ladder.
rubber duck
02-10-2015, 19:48
Andrew, the Micro 25 is a step up from the Basic but if you haven't had this in your system, you could be perfectly happy with the Basic. I was and have both which I intend to keep, especially as the Basic is now discontinued. That in itself might suggest how much of a bargain it was. Marco should know, he's been championing the Basic for ages. Of course the best Croft amp currently available would be the 25RS which I haven't heard, and the 25R which I've heard but not in my system.
Wakefield Turntables
02-10-2015, 19:57
Yep, I know all about the 25RS but I wondered if the older designs were considered better in any way?
Why do you think Glenn stopped making his preamps with the larger Octal valves?
Wakefield Turntables
03-10-2015, 07:53
Why do you think Glenn stopped making his preamps with the larger Octal valves?
Good point James, why do yo think he stopped making them?
Haselsh1
03-10-2015, 07:53
I have found in the past that there is a massive difference between the 6SN7 type valve and the ECC83 type of valve. Unfortunately, I now have no choice but to use the ECC83 type due to availability of decent preamps.
Why do you think Glenn stopped making his preamps with the larger Octal valves?
Having spoken with Glenn about this in the past, primarily it was because getting good NOS 6SL7s (or 6SN7s) was expensive, and current production ones sound crap in comparison. Also, reliability wasn't consistent. As anyone who buys NOS tubes knows, you don't really know what you're getting until you plug it in and listen to it!
They might measure fine, but could still be noisy or develop faults, after even just light use when equipment is tested - and the bigger valves tend to be more 'temperamental', in that respect.
Current production ECC83s are relatively cheap, readily available, are generally reliable and sound/perform consistently well. I also believe that the circuit they use is easier and less costly to implement - all of which makes it a no-brainer decision for Glenn to use, instead of employing the use of larger octal valves, which when properly implemented, do sound better but are more expensive to produce a preamp from.
That said, the current range of Croft equipment still sounds superb, but in a different way... Most people just want to buy equipment fit for purpose, out of the box that sounds great, without faffing around modifying things, so the current stuff fits the bill. However, if you are prepared to go down the modification route, and seek out an old Charisma or Epoch, then the rewards (after spending a not inconsiderable sum on the necessary components) are significant.
Do remember also that Glenn will build virtually anything you want to your bespoke requirements, so if you wanted a 6SL7 or 6SN7-based preamp, designed from scratch, he'll do it for you and put it into a nice case. Obviously, however, that route will be more expensive than supplying him with a Charisma or Epoch to modify, as with the latter the core components and circuit are already in place.
Therefore, there's plenty of choice out there for anyone who wants to get a Croft preamp. Whatever option you choose, you're guaranteed to end up with something rather special, which will provide significantly more 'SPPV value' than is available with designs other manufacturers are producing at many times the price! :cool:
Marco.
Haselsh1
03-10-2015, 08:04
Again, my previous experience of 6SN7 types is that they go microphonic in a relatively short time and therefore have to be replaced at yet more cost. I am of course referring to modern variants. I adore Glen Crofts amplifiers for their sound quality which is way up there with the best of British.
Again, my previous experience of 6SN7 types is that they go microphonic in a relatively short time and therefore have to be replaced at yet more cost. I am of course referring to modern variants.
Yup, Shaun, that can happen, and I have experienced the same thing myself both with NOS and current production valves. I'm afraid it comes with the territory.
I recently bought four NOS 1950s Russian (Melz factory) 6N8S (6SN7 equivalents), which had been properly tested in the seller's professional valve tester, and he had supplied all the relevant measurements, so all seemed fine.
When I got them, they worked ok for a couple of days, and then three of them went noisy separately, all within the space of a day, producing weird 'whistling' noises through the speakers... Bear in mind that they had cost me £75 each! :doh:
I then bit the bullet and bought another three to replace the ones that were faulty, and thankfully they've been fine. I persevered because, when they're good, those valves sound utterly superb, and way better than any other similar types I've heard.
However, most folk won't have that type of patience, or the perhaps the funds to 'service' the demands of going down that road with NOS valves.
Marco.
Wakefield Turntables
03-10-2015, 08:47
Hmmmm old croft pre amps are quite hard to find, I managed to source an epoch in Norway :eek:.
It's because those who have them love them! If they were crap, then I guess they'd be in plentiful supply, second-hand ;)
Let's also remember that they weren't exactly produced in huge quantities in the first place.
Marco.
hifi_dave
03-10-2015, 09:15
You need to be aware that many older Croft products weren't actually made by Glenn Croft but by his so called 'distributor'. I can't go into details but these are inferior and not worth bothering with.
Glenn has moved onto the smaller valves because, to his ears, they sound better, are quieter and more reliable. In his opinion, the amps he now makes are the best he has ever made. Certainly, back in the day when we had Croft pres using Octal valves, we did have a lot of trouble with noise and microphonics.
From my customers point of view, the Croft pre amps sound better as you move up the ladder and all offer unbeatable value for money.
Having spoken with Glenn about this in the past, primarily it was because getting good NOS 6SL7s (or 6SN7s) was expensive, and current production ones sound crap in comparison. Also, reliability wasn't consistent. As anyone who buys NOS tubes knows, you don't really know what you're getting until you plug it in and listen to it!
They might measure fine, but could still be noisy or develop faults, after even just light use when equipment is tested - and the bigger valves tend to be more 'temperamental', in that respect.
Current production ECC83s are relatively cheap, readily available, are generally reliable, and sound/perform consistently. I also believe that the circuit they use is easier and less costly to implement - all of which makes it a no-brainer decision for Glenn to use, instead of the larger octal valves, which when properly implemented, do sound better.
That said, the current range of Croft equipment still sounds superb, but in a different way... Most people just want to buy equipment fit for purpose, out of the box that sounds great, without faffing around modifying things, so the current stuff fits the bill. However, if you are prepared to go down the modification route, and seek out an old Charisma or Epoch, then the rewards (after spending a not inconsiderable sum on the necessary components) are significant.
Do remember also that Glenn will build virtually anything you want to your bespoke requirements, so if you wanted a 6SL7 or 6SN7-based preamp, designed from scratch, he'll do it for you and put it into a nice case. Obviously, however, that route will be more expensive than supplying him with a Charisma or Epoch to modify, as with the latter the core components and circuit are already in place.
Therefore, there's plenty of choice out there for anyone who wants to get a Croft preamp. Whatever you choose, you're guaranteed to end up with something rather special, which will provide significantly more 'SPPV value' than is available with designs other manufacturers are producing at many times the price! :cool:
Marco.
Thanks for that Croft insight Marco, it is what I suspected having heard about the potential microphonic problems with the larger Octal valves. It is a bit of tightrope to walk obtaining and running these valves in one of Glenns older designs and having reliable longterm performance. I am sure when they are working within specification and don,t start 'whistling' your onto something really special.:)
I have weighed this up myself and consider his latest 25 range certainly up to the job although I appreciate they can be bettered by older Croft designs +plenty of cash or other manufacturers costing even more spondoolies!
As always there are compromises to make but I am certainly happy with the glorious sound I get from my modified 25R. The new linestage does alow it to breath somewhat.
However regarding the OP ( Andrew), I would serious consider keeping your basic and have the linestage upraded to the RS and run a Croft RIAA R phono stage through this. This is Glenns recommendation for the best preamplification he can currently do with the new designs.
walpurgis
03-10-2015, 09:59
Hmmmm old croft pre amps are quite hard to find, I managed to source an epoch in Norway :eek:.
I tried an Epoch in my system. Can't say I was particularly struck. Both my existing pre-amps were better.
Hi Jim,
Yup, undoubtedly good advice there for Andy. There is definitely a distinct sonic difference between, say, a 6SL7 and an ECC83; 'night and day', actually. It's rather like comparing a 300b with a KT88...
Like you say, it's definitely 'the luck of the draw' with NOS valves of any description. However, to put it into perspective, in nearly eight years of owning and using my modded C-X daily, on average for 5-6 hours per day, I've had about three faulty valves, despite having bought (probably 100s of different 6SL7s) over that timescale.
In that respect, experience suggests that 6SL7s, used as signal valves in a preamp, appear to be more reliable than 6SN7s, used as driver valves in a power amp (the Russian ones I mentioned earlier being a case in point) - I guess because in the former application the valves aren't being driven as hard, or perhaps 6SL7s are generally more reliable? I don't know.
All I know is that in the many years I've owned my modded Charisma-X, it's provided trouble-free use, other than the odd valve going down, which really comes as part of the territory of owning valve equipment. Therefore, the *real* picture here is that it's not 'the norm' for the larger octal valves to go tits up (it's far more likely that they'll be great and last for years, as in general they were built to much higher standards than current production ones), but you can get faulty ones.
Therefore, the choices are there for those interested in owning Croft equipment to take the route that best suits them :)
Marco.
Firebottle
03-10-2015, 10:13
.... producing weird 'whistling' noises through the speakers....
Marco, the valves themselves may not be at fault here. What you describe could be a sign of instability, with the valves oscillating at a very high frequency. This often sounds like weird whistling in the audio band which is why I suspect this.
I don't know the exact circuit of your Charisma but it is possible that a simple cure may be available. 'Grid stopper' resistors are usually fitted to prevent this problem so I would get Duncan or Anthony to check if your pre is fitted with them, or if present what value they are. They don't affect the audio performance in any way.
Worth a check surely with your investment in the particular valves?
:)
I tried an Epoch in my system. Can't say I was particularly struck. Both my existing pre-amps were better.
That's the whole point, Geoff. The stock ones aren't that good, which is why they need modifying. What they have got going for them though, is an excellent (point-to-point wired) circuit, designed to be used with great sounding output valves (6SL7s).
In order to 'unlock' that greatness, however, the original electrolytic coupling and PSU caps need replaced with quality modern polypropylene (or teflon) types, and the carbon-based volume pots replaced with quality stepped attenuators. Fitting an 'over-specced' off-board PSU also helps, with separate regulation for the line-level and phono stage, as does changing the amp from valve rectification (via the use of a 6080 tube), to solid-state MOSFET rectification.
Do all of the above, with an Epoch or Charisma (and Glenn will carry out the work for you, if necessary), and you've got a seriously killer valve preamp!
All in, it'll cost around £1500 to have the above mods done, which when added to the cost of a second-hand Epoch or Charisma (say £700), comes to under £2.5k. And I'd put said preamp up against ANY other valve preamps on the market, at any price, and expect it to compete very favourably with them! :exactly:
I've compared my own modded Croft against £15k preamps, and it's often outperformed them, or certainly not disgraced itself. Therefore *that* is the whole point of going down the modification route with a Croft: to obtain the highest possible SPPV. It just depends if you can be arsed with all the faff, or merely want something simple that's 'plug & play'! :)
Marco.
Marco, the valves themselves may not be at fault here. What you describe could be a sign of instability, with the valves oscillating at a very high frequency. This often sounds like weird whistling in the audio band which is why I suspect this.
I don't know the exact circuit of your Charisma but it is possible that a simple cure may be available. 'Grid stopper' resistors are usually fitted to prevent this problem so I would get Duncan or Anthony to check if your pre is fitted with them, or if present what value they are. They don't affect the audio performance in any way.
Worth a check surely with your investment in the particular valves?
:)
Hi Alan,
Thanks for that advice, mate. It's appreciated, but I've already had the amp checked out (as you've suggested), and all is fine. Simply swapping out the faulty valves, for different ones, cured the problem instantly :)
Marco.
Wakefield Turntables
03-10-2015, 10:48
Cracking debate. Too much to comment on at the moment as I'm running a clinic at the moment and just having a tea break. I'll be back later this afternoon. Thanks for all the input so far.
The other advantage of buying an old Epoch Elite or Charisma-X is that you get cases, such as these:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/910/koQWhK.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/913/auzYAj.jpg
...to house everything in, as opposed to a somewhat nondescript looking black box! ;)
Marco.
The other advantage of buying an old Epoch Elite or Charisma-X is that you get cases, such as ... :
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/913/auzYAj.jpg
...to house everything in, as opposed to a somewhat nondescript looking black box! ;)
Marco.
It would look better IMO for both knobs to be the same size.
It would look better IMO for both knobs to be the same size.
Indeed. Luckily, I don't use them anymore... They've been replaced with something nicer, along with what's behind, being controlled by them, suitably upgraded! ;)
Therefore, the input selector switch is a Seiden, and the volume controller, a DACT stepped attenuator :)
Marco.
In a stock, none updated state these pre's do drag their heels in places... but with a full update as mentioned by Marco, even if it's just the regulation update they start to then pick up the pace and level the playing field.
There is nothing wrong with the current versions either, I've heard the 25R and RS now and they are stonkingly good. Even the RS has lot's of room for improvement too! But they are a different flavor to the octal types to which I was hooked as soon as I heard mine.
Yup, that's it in a nutshell :)
Marco.
Yup, that's it in a nutshell :)
Marco.
What is the different flavour - strawberry or chocolate?:)
The current Crofts have a zesty lemon & lime tang, whereas the older ones smack of delicious caramel and chocolate! :D
Marco.
Ok I know where your coming from now. Good job I like both although I would prefer caramel and chocolate.
rubber duck
03-10-2015, 14:58
The other advantage of buying an old Epoch Elite or Charisma-X is that you get cases, such as these:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/910/koQWhK.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/913/auzYAj.jpg
...to house everything in, as opposed to a somewhat nondescript looking black box! ;)
Marco.
I'd take the current black box any time to the bling or for that matter, most amps out there. No idea why current Croft gets such a hard time in terms of looks. They are clean and understated. I also prefer to listen rather than look at my amps, and am glad Glenn chooses to spend money where it matters. The thing that struck me with the 25 Basic was how simple the circuit looked, and the sound pretty much reflects this - fresh and immediate. Not perfect by any means but it gets to the heart of the music.
hifi_dave
03-10-2015, 15:08
Early and current Croft products use functional casework to reduce costs. The internal circuitry is where the money goes and it shows with unbeatable sound for your Pound.
The middle period Croft, usually built by his 'distributor', placed emphasis on bling.
Wakefield Turntables
03-10-2015, 17:41
You need to be aware that many older Croft products weren't actually made by Glenn Croft but by his so called 'distributor'. I can't go into details but these are inferior and not worth bothering with.
Glenn has moved onto the smaller valves because, to his ears, they sound better, are quieter and more reliable. In his opinion, the amps he now makes are the best he has ever made. Certainly, back in the day when we had Croft pres using Octal valves, we did have a lot of trouble with noise and microphonics.
From my customers point of view, the Croft pre amps sound better as you move up the ladder and all offer unbeatable value for money.
Great point Dave and I do wonder if I should just plump for the 25RS. The MM stage on this little microbasic is excellent especially when coupled the the ST80 SUT and my SPU or Denon 103.
Thanks for that Croft insight Marco, it is what I suspected having heard about the potential microphonic problems with the larger Octal valves. It is a bit of tightrope to walk obtaining and running these valves in one of Glenns older designs and having reliable longterm performance. I am sure when they are working within specification and don,t start 'whistling' your onto something really special.:)
I have weighed this up myself and consider his latest 25 range certainly up to the job although I appreciate they can be bettered by older Croft designs +plenty of cash or other manufacturers costing even more spondoolies!
As always there are compromises to make but I am certainly happy with the glorious sound I get from my modified 25R. The new linestage does alow it to breath somewhat.
However regarding the OP ( Andrew), I would serious consider keeping your basic and have the linestage upraded to the RS and run a Croft RIAA R phono stage through this. This is Glenns recommendation for the best preamplification he can currently do with the new designs.
Yep, I've thought about getting the Croft RIAA R (see my above comment with regards the MM), I can only wonder at the sonic capabilities of the RIAA A phonostage. The microbasic phonostage + SUT gives my 4 box paradise phonostage a very good run for its money.
Hi Jim,
Yup, undoubtedly good advice there for Andy. There is definitely a distinct sonic difference between, say, a 6SL7 and an ECC83; 'night and day', actually. It's rather like comparing a 300b with a KT88...
Like you say, it's definitely 'the luck of the draw' with NOS valves of any description. However, to put it into perspective, in nearly eight years of owning and using my modded C-X daily, on average for 5-6 hours per day, I've had about three faulty valves, despite having bought (probably 100s of different 6SL7s) over that timescale.
In that respect, experience suggests that 6SL7s, used as signal valves in a preamp, appear to be more reliable than 6SN7s, used as driver valves in a power amp (the Russian ones I mentioned earlier being a case in point) - I guess because in the former application the valves aren't being driven as hard, or perhaps 6SL7s are generally more reliable? I don't know.
All I know is that in the many years I've owned my modded Charisma-X, it's provided trouble-free use, other than the odd valve going down, which really comes as part of the territory of owning valve equipment. Therefore, the *real* picture here is that it's not 'the norm' for the larger octal valves to go tits up (it's far more likely that they'll be great and last for years, as in general they were built to much higher standards than current production ones), but you can get faulty ones.
Therefore, the choices are there for those interested in owning Croft equipment to take the route that best suits them :)
Marco.
Great advice, and all points taken on board.
The other advantage of buying an old Epoch Elite or Charisma-X is that you get cases, such as these:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/910/koQWhK.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/913/auzYAj.jpg
...to house everything in, as opposed to a somewhat nondescript looking black box! ;)
Marco.
I hate all that stupid bling. I prefer the simple, industrial looking black boxes.
Early and current Croft products use functional casework to reduce costs. The internal circuitry is where the money goes and it shows with unbeatable sound for your Pound.
The middle period Croft, usually built by his 'distributor', placed emphasis on bling.
See my above comment.
The Croft RIAA R phono stage is not the same as either the R or RS. It has 3 valves in the phono stage so quite a bit more sophisticated than any of the current Croft preamps.
Wakefield Turntables
03-10-2015, 18:31
OK. I've now put up a few adverts on the various forums for a Epoch or a Charisma.
Does anyone heard Mega Micro?
15456
Wakefield Turntables
03-10-2015, 20:16
I had no idea it existed. :scratch:
rubber duck
03-10-2015, 20:20
Maybe you mean Super Micro?
I'd take the current black box any time to the bling or for that matter, most amps out there. No idea why current Croft gets such a hard time in terms of looks. They are clean and understated. I also prefer to listen rather than look at my amps, and am glad Glenn chooses to spend money where it matters.
I completely agree. However, I don't consider the two images I posted, of an Epoch and a Charisma, to be 'blingy'... Perhaps it's the gold knobs on the former? If they were black or silver instead, then I see no bling.
Ditto with the Charisma casing, which I have with my amp (although mine has black, instead of shiny sliver knobs). In the flesh, it's simply a lovely pressed (non-magnetic) stainless steel casing with a black acrylic fascia. Not 'blingy' in the slightest.
Whilst I also like the 'industrial look' of the current range of Croft gear (and indeed that look of hi-fi in general), I enjoy owning some kit that has a distinctive appearance :)
Marco.
Does anyone heard Mega Micro?
15456
That's a classic from a bygone era! DarrenHW, of this parish, owns one :)
Marco.
The middle period Croft, usually built by his 'distributor', placed emphasis on bling.
Ah, Amar's 'creations' for Eminent Audio - I remember them well... :doh:
A rather bleak time for both Glenn and Croft. I was nearly involved in the court case, as Amar threatened to sue me for defending Glenn (siding with Matt), and simply telling the truth about his dodgy practices!
Marco.
That's a classic from a bygone era! DarrenHW, of this parish, owns one :)
Marco.
Hmmm! Completely dual mono, right down to the input selecting switches! I hope the dual mono aspect is maintained right back to the power supplies with separate mains transformers.
Haselsh1
04-10-2015, 08:17
My future Hi-Fi is going to be centered around a Croft Micro 25 R fitted with Genalec Gold Lion 12AX7's with gold pins. Quite what form the power amp will take is still up for debate but for me it has to be a Micro 25 R to get things rolling. Although I love the 'rawness' of my current Micro 25 Basic I find that my system would benefit from a better level of refinement.
I have a late 80s Micro II - Glenn brought output stage to latest spec & revised valve regulated supply (keeping it valve), I've since messed with smoothing caps (increasing values considerably) and swapping output caps. I love it - very agricultural looks, but it's still my reference pre & comes with a fantastic MM stage.
I chatted with Glenn a fair amount on best modification routes - mostly down to providing dedicated supplies per stage and channel...but am happy enough with the sound as is so far.
From a value for money perspectiv, think I paid £165 all up with purchase, work by Glenn & shipping from him to Ireland around 7 or 8 years ago. Beat that :)
OK. I've now put up a few adverts on the various forums for a Epoch or a Charisma.
Then you'll be going down a very long upgrade route.:)
Not necessarily, Jim. You can do it all in one hit, if you can afford it, by following what Jo and I have done - and then just put the whole thing to bed and enjoy the music! :)
Marco,
Wakefield Turntables
04-10-2015, 16:44
I've learned to be more selective with how I spend my money nowadays and slowly upgrade as needed, I've been debating getting a new valve pre for over two years and have decided to go down the croft route after hearing a few. A don't mind spending money on upgrades as I see it as part of the hobby and get just as much excitement listening to new kit as buying new vinyl. I'm actually really looking forward to seeing how far i can take things.... :eyebrows:
I've learned to be more selective with how I spend my money nowadays and slowly upgrade as needed, I've been debating getting a new valve pre for over two years and have decided to go down the croft route after hearing a few. A don't mind spending money on upgrades as I see it as part of the hobby and get just as much excitement listening to new kit as buying new vinyl. I'm actually really looking forward to seeing how far i can take things.... :eyebrows:
Nice one Andrew, I am sure you will end of with a stunning preamp! Would love to go down this route myself but will wait till someone decides to sell up!:lol:
koyaanisqatsi
03-09-2022, 03:36
....... thought you guys might be interested in the innards of my new Mega Micro
of course it's the power supply in the second pic which blows ones mind .........
I'll let you know how it sounds when it gets here.
walpurgis
03-09-2022, 06:44
Looks like it means business! :)
Plenty of caps there in the PSU. Not many of the Mega micros around.
VinylDog
20-04-2026, 20:09
Bringing back a thread from the dead.
I am trying to find more info on the range of Croft (Micro?) preamps over the history of the company and found this thread very interesting. Unfortunately the Croft official website no longer seems to exist so can anyone point me to a decent 'history of Croft' web link so I can read up on them all...?
Lawrence001
20-04-2026, 21:13
The links are long dead now but I found this page useful when I bought a MkIV Octal
https://soundmovements.co.uk/diyaudio/Croft_preamps.html
VinylDog
21-04-2026, 15:41
Thanks for the link.
Wakefield Turntables
21-04-2026, 16:45
Cor blast from the past. I chose the Croft Epoch. I mega-modded it and I still use it as my weapon on choice over 11 years later. It's never skipped a beat and will probably see me out. There is a thread somewhere on here detailing my journey and mods that I did to the pre-amp.
An interior shot of a Croft 25:
https://i.postimg.cc/RZYGnTMZ/7D319C2B-BFF1-462A-9A1C-A38F032B736A-1-105-c-(5).jpg
(I have some more which I will have to find.)
An interior shot of a Croft 25:
https://i.postimg.cc/RZYGnTMZ/7D319C2B-BFF1-462A-9A1C-A38F032B736A-1-105-c-(5).jpg
(I have some more which I will have to find.)
That’s my old amp��
VinylDog
21-04-2026, 17:22
Fantastic - I love to see point-to-point wiring.
I have built a few valve amps over the years and there's something about being able to see the components and (in my case) sort of understand the circuit!
I see there are five valves in the 25 as opposed to just three in the phono version of the Basic - what are the valves used in the 25...?
Wakefield Turntables
21-04-2026, 17:38
Heres my old war horse, well some more info.
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?41615-The-Croft-Epoch-A-Tale-of-developing-a-MoFo-of-a-pre-amp&highlight=Croft+Epoch
That’s my old amp��
Ah yes - you sent me some photos by email, but at the time I couldn't find out how to post them here. Well to my shame I have now found out how to do it. Fortunately it didn't prevent the successful sale of your amp. Again my apologies.
Ah yes - you sent me some photos by email, but at the time I couldn't find out how to post them here. Well to my shame I have now found out how to do it. Fortunately it didn't prevent the successful sale of your amp. Again my apologies.
At least you found out how to post my piccies.:lol:
That whole saga selling my Croft was quite interesting. It actually resulted in my buying another 25R!:doh:
Just to answer OP here is some info Croft range.
Basic 25 Croft preamp with and without phono stage
Croft 25R preamp regulated with phono stage
Croft 25RS preamp regulated with separate power supply also available as line stage only or with phono stage.
I believe there were also a number of specials with alternative line stage ie 25R with RS line stage.
Stranraer
27-04-2026, 21:58
Just to add to the range, one of Glenn's last projects was beefing up my 25RS, which he called a 25RS+
On an email he stated it would have "better sockets, pots, capacitors, valves and resistors".
Glenn's compadre told me, when I picked it up, that he'd "really gone to town on it".
If there was a fire in the house it'd be the first thing I'd grab on the way out, along with the 7R monos.
There's a nice 25RS currently on eBay :)
There's a nice 25RS currently on eBay :)
And greetings all, I haven't posted here in absolutely ages. I see there's still Croft love here. I've gone down the route of a 25R and an selling the RS to fund a Garrard 401 project, which whilst being a bit of a money pit is pretty much a life long hifi desire.
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