Croft Series 4 Dilemma...Please help...Series 4sa Vs. Series 4a KT120 Modded

[donmarrese]

I've managed to scrap some hard earned cash together, and fulfil my 30 (age) something dream of owning a Croft Series 4 amplifier. Now in my 50's, if I don't get something now, I never will, and rob my ears of experiencing sonic pleasure...forever!
on the Table is an un modified Series 4SA. needs a service and poss new valves...and a Series 4A modified by his Holiness, Glenn Croft to KT120 standard....

Which one to go for in terms of Sonic value...depreciation and originality doesn't come into it as my ears cannot appreciate the latter..

your help is needed for me to decide...

Desperate from North London

[DSJR]

Series 4 amps are warm, cuddly and sweet in the best valve tradition. My advice is to ask Glenn what was done to the 4a, and what will need doing to the original 4SA. he can make either into either, if you see what I mean as the innards are simple and easily configured.

[donmarrese]

Thanks for that...but which sounds better...?

[DSJR]

Generally, they got better as they went along, but an old one can be updated as this 4a was. These days, they're more alike than different, but don't spend too much as the Series 7 is claimed to be better than all of them, even if it doesn't look as nice ;)

[jandl100]

A 4SA was my first ever valve amp - must be over 30 years ago. :wheniwasaboy:

I've never heard a 4a, but I'm sure both are good amps.

One thing to bear in mind is that a modded one may be harder to sell on should you wish to, but as it's a GC-mod that may not apply.

Just get the prettier one and have GC service it for you, if you can. :)