View Full Version : Amplifier / CDP advice
What I am looking at at the moment are these options:
1.
Croft Integrated Phono amplifier with a PROJECT CD BOX (S or SE)
2.
AUDIOLAB 8200CDQ, which I could then use as a preamp.
Positives here are that I could then run digital output from the TV and BDP through the CDQ, as I get a DAC.
I would continue to use my Clearaudio Nano as the phono stage and as power amp, I could *maybe* manage to swing in a Croft 7R, otherwise it would probably have to be the cheaper normal series 7.
The R7 (or plain 7) would have to sit on top of the CDQ.
:scratch:
Does anyone have any experience/opinions about the units mentioned? I would be interested particularly in how you think the TT thru the Croft Integrated Phono might compare to thru the Nano/CDQ/7R.
I realise there is a difference in budget of the two systems of about £600, by the way.
[Another variant might be to keep the Nano in option one and get the Croft Line Integrated R, but I might be missing the point of the Croft Phono stage?]
I could also probably home demo option 1, but I would like to get my ducks in a row before taking up anyone's time.
hifi_dave
30-03-2016, 09:26
How about the Croft Integrated with a Rega Apollo-r ?
How about the Croft Integrated with a Rega Apollo-r ?
Hi Dave, two issues with that. Firstly, I don't think the Rega would fit on top of the Croft, and second, it was the first one I suggested and the verdict is that it is ugly.
The TD 150 arm Does Not actually require replacement. It's far a better arm than audio weenie myth... claims
Careful maintenance / setup will Ease most upgrade aspirations for some time ;)
One 'could' fit an Oppo DVD player ?
It's better than the Marantz .. also IF one watches DVDs (a dying habit imo) it's also useful for that .
Note that unless playing the Exotic Brands game ..Simple Stoopid NAD gear is v good value for $ and 'better' than 80% of the Gear available.
hifi_dave
30-03-2016, 16:40
Having spent all day demonstrating Croft to various customers, I can confirm that the sound is exceptional.
The Rega Apollo-r sounds wonderful but looks are in the eye of the beholder.
The TD 150 arm Does Not actually require replacement. It's far a better arm than audio weenie myth... claims
Careful maintenance / setup will Ease most upgrade aspirations for some time ;)
The bearings on my arm are a bit floppy - it works ok though and I am happy with it for now.
Having spent all day demonstrating Croft to various customers, I can confirm that the sound is exceptional.
The Rega Apollo-r sounds wonderful but looks are in the eye of the beholder.
I would love to hear one, though I don't think I could swing it.
I am leaning heavily towards the Croft.
I think maybe my OP was too long winded - perhaps I should start another along the lines of:
Has anyone anything to say about the PROJECT CD BOXES, or the Audiolab 8200CD?
Failing that any recommendations for non-blingy CDPs in the £3-700 area?
(i.e. Dave I see you have a Puresound A8000 going begging.... any comments on that? I think it sounds a bit bonkers TBH, but I'd be interested to know how it might work with a Croft, and whether a Croft could sit happily on top of it with that valve window 'n all)
hifi_dave
31-03-2016, 09:09
The Puresound CD player is excellent. More 'analogue' than most in that it has a sound stage and body, not thin, flat and hard like many.
The Croft sits on it with approx 1/2 inch either side spare and the buttons are almost the same colour. The back right foot is half on, half off the window.
hifi_dave
31-03-2016, 10:39
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/002_zpsifeozwzb.jpg
Voila !!!
The arm fitted to the Mk. I TD150 was somewhat rudimentary, the arm fitted to the Mk. II TD150 (with the black spherical counterweight) was much better. It should be adequate for your Shure M75 (with Jico SAS stylus).
The arm fitted to the Mk. I TD150 was somewhat rudimentary, the arm fitted to the Mk. II TD150 (with the black spherical counterweight) was much better. It should be adequate for your Shure M75 (with Jico SAS stylus).
I have the "cannonball" arm. It is pretty good but as I mentioned the bearings come loose fairly easily. It is certainly good enough at the moment but the next upgrade to the system will probably be an SME 3009 at some stage, if I happen across a decent one. Also maybe a more solid plinth which I understand should make a worthwhile improvement to everything.
Thanks for that photo Dave, I think it looks like a great option. I'll give you a call when I am back from Wales and see if we can work out a good time to drop in and see you. I have had approval on the CDP looks wise, and we might even end up getting a Croft from you as well...
Having provisionally made a decision on all this I now feel slightly bereft, as I do enjoy window shopping for kit online.
:)
R
hifi_dave
31-03-2016, 13:18
That's the problem with getting a good system - you have nothing more to explore..:hmm:
That's the problem with getting a good system - you have nothing more to explore..:hmm:
This is why they invented the stereo cartridge!
Also I am sure I can find a way to improve on my PMCs at some point...
:cool:
If you do go for an SME 3009, and I agree it would be a worthwhile upgrade, you need to find one with the horizontal cable entry if you want to use the original plinth.
Pieoftheday
31-03-2016, 19:04
The bearings on my arm are a bit floppy - it works ok though and I am happy with it for now.
I would love to hear one, though I don't think I could swing it.
I am leaning heavily towards the Croft.
I think maybe my OP was too long winded - perhaps I should start another along the lines of:
Has anyone anything to say about the PROJECT CD BOXES, or the Audiolab 8200CD?
Failing that any recommendations for non-blingy CDPs in the £3-700 area?
(i.e. Dave I see you have a Puresound A8000 going begging.... any comments on that? I think it sounds a bit bonkers TBH, but I'd be interested to know how it might work with a Croft, and whether a Croft could sit happily on top of it with that valve window 'n all)
I had one of the project CD box, SE I think,pretty good thought I didn't get on with the slot drawer thing. Edit. CD box s
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