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slipperyjim
03-04-2010, 11:57
Under heavy domestic pressure, I have to replace my beloved pair of Leak TL25+ PAs.

Reckon I'll get between 600 and 800 GBP for the pair and this is my budget for replacement. Need a single box replacement with no exposed valves. Can get used or new but, if new, would have to be British (if Gordon gets back in, someone has to support the private sector).

Croft 5 comes to mind.

Rest of system is Garrard 301, RB300 (soon to be replaced by OL Silver), Dynavector DV20X, Croft Supermicro with volume bypassed, Lightspeed optical attenuator, Heybrook Sextets.

Any ideas?
DSJR
03-04-2010, 13:15
Welcome, and PLEASE post details and pics of system, music tastes and a little about yourself, or the forum police'll get-ya!!! :)

Don't get a Croft series V, as it's rocketed in value recently from the £250 it used to get a year or two ago to the current £500. The Series 7 isn't much more at £700, uses valves where they do the most good (driving stage) and has far better Mos-Fets for the output, meaning that costly and lossy output trannies are avoided. the sound is better too and far more consistant with different speakers....

You may not agree, but I'd get a Rega RB1000 or at least the RB600 myself. better wiring and the tube finish apparently helps too. The stainless steel inners and superior bearings are worth it as well IMO. I think the 10" Jelco 750 may fit the hole as well, although I'm not sure.
hifi_dave
03-04-2010, 14:01
The Croft Series 7 power-amp is even more of a bargain as it is only £700..:doh:
Haselsh1
03-04-2010, 14:45
The Croft Series Seven is wickedly good. The amount of detail it exposes is ruthless and amazingly musical. I've had mine now for around three months and would not and do not intend to change it.
slipperyjim
03-04-2010, 17:05
Oops. I actually meant the Croft Series 7 not 5. sounds like a resounding yes. Now need to find a way to audition it.

Some interesting opinions on tonearms too. Thought the OL was a bit of a no-brainer. Obviously wrong.
slipperyjim
05-04-2010, 22:29
Croft Series 7 seems like a good way to go initially. Croft mention a few dealers but I'm not sure how stocked or set up for demo they are. Are Radlett the best bet?
Haselsh1
06-04-2010, 08:36
Croft Series 7 seems like a good way to go initially. Croft mention a few dealers but I'm not sure how stocked or set up for demo they are. Are Radlett the best bet?

Using my own personal experience, Radlett is the only way to go for Croft. I'm sure Dave will be only to happy to help you out.