Goldpoint SA4M-47 passive 'preamp' winging its way to Marco Towers...

[Marco]

After a lot of humming and hawing (because after some recent tube upgrades in the Croft, it's sounding better than ever, and I just wasn't sure if it was worth investing in a quality passive), I've said 'fuck it', taken the plunge, and ordered an SA4M-47:








...with 50K stepped attenuators and black satin knobs!

It's due to arrive in 5 working days time, so should be here for next weekend. Let's hope it turns out to be a *viable* alternative to the Croft, and doesn't end up as an ornament!

Oh, I'll be putting my Tisbury passive up for sale, so if anyone fancies a good deal on that, pop me a PM.

Marco.

[DarrenHW]

Exciting!!!!

[Firebottle]

Like the 'f*ck it' bit

I will be very interested to hear your comparison with this and the Croft. I'm veering to prefer an active pre with a limited gain, having built the equivalent of a passive into a few of my amplifiers previously.

Intriguing times,

Alan

[Marco]

Exciting!!!!

Lol - it is, as it's a new toy to play with! I was all set to order one a few weeks back, and then I did a bit of tube-rolling in the Croft, which resulted in it sounding better than it ever has done, and I thought to myself: 'Do I really need a passive preamp?'

Then I looked at the spec of the Goldpoint, the fact that I've always wanted to have dual-mono volume controls, especially with 47 steps, to provide much more control over the volume than I have now - and rather importantly considered my passion for identifying 'high SPPV' products for AoS (although I believe some others here have already tried a Goldpoint), I decided to push the button.

I'm confident that it'll be a good acquisition... Full report to follow, when it arrives!

Marco.

[Marco]

I will be very interested to hear your comparison with this and the Croft. I'm veering to prefer an active pre with a limited gain, having built the equivalent of a passive into a few of my amplifiers previously.

Intriguing times,

Indeed, Alan, particularly as Chris is also sending me an LDR to try, so it'll be a shoot-out between a top-notch valve preamp, passive and LDR... Who will be the WINNER??

Marco.

[struth]

all right for some eh?

[Marco]

The losing item will be donated to a selected Bathgate charity. Know of any worthy causes?

Marco.

[struth]

The losing item will be donated to a selected Bathgate charity. Know of any worthy causes?

Marco.

yup...me; I'm a charity case if ever there was one; and need another passive

[Barry]

I think you should add a TVC to the triumvirate.

Regardless, I will be interested in your findings.

[Marco]

Lol - if anyone wants to donate a TVC, for the purpose of the review, I'm up for giving it a listen!

Marco.