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Thread: Croft phono stages etc.

  1. #11
    Join Date: Feb 2010

    Location: Bridgend, Wales

    Posts: 171
    I'm James.

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    I can only add my experiences with the basic RIAA phono stage. I originally bought it to partner the Decca London Super Gold I was using at the time, having heard that Glenn designed his stages around them. Indeed, this pairing made a very acceptable noise indeed

    When I sold the Decca I have to admit I wondered if I'd be keeping the Croft but as it turns out it's way more than a one trick pony. It's currently making very nice tunes with my SPU (by way of an Ortofon SUT) and in fact I prefer this combination to the Decca.

    My stage was modified by Glenn a few years ago to include 2 inputs, he turned it around quickly and even screenprinted the front of the unit around the new switch! I have rolled some PSvane tubes into it and this has brought about a more even handed feel to the sound, the original JJ tubes can be a little rough and ready, though exciting and involving.

    Hope this helps. Ask me anything you can think of
    Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck / Kuzma Stogi S / Benz Micro Ace S L
    Lenco L-75 / Carl Ellis Plinth / Ortofon AS-212 / Ortofon SPU Classic GM E MkII
    Ortofon ST-7 SUT / Nick G Modded Lentek Head Amp / Croft RIAA

    Cambridge Audio CXU / Theta DS Pro Prime

    Classé Model 30 / Luxman M-383

    Usher Compass X-719


    May contain opinions that others find disturbing.

  2. #12
    Join Date: Feb 2014

    Location: Indianapolis, Indiana USA

    Posts: 779
    I'm Timothy.

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    Thanks James, appreciate your comments. Buying Croft over here in the US is decent, at least we can get them. Getting them modified/upgraded can be tough, a trip back across the pond. The basic RIAA and the "R" versions are what we have available, which is good. Probably for me, if I take the Croft approach, it will be either of these two models.
    Holbo TT-Nag 110-Croft phono/Innuos Zen MK2/LinnenberG Telemann DAC-Preamp/LinnenberG Allegro monoblocs/Duevel Venus/LinnenberG Maestro SE-Senn. 660S DH Labs cabling

    Croft Series 7 amps, WLM La Scala, Naim Uniti1, Naim Nait XS3, Naim ND5XS2, Guru Junior

  3. #13
    Join Date: Feb 2014

    Location: Indianapolis, Indiana USA

    Posts: 779
    I'm Timothy.

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    Guys and gals(?), Croft phono stages are still in the mix, I am also hoping to maybe have a listen to the TRON Convergence MM stage as well. Just talked with US importer, Jeff Catalano from High Water Sound in NYC about pricing and such. I guess He and Graham are working on US pricing so I should know at least where that stands soon. Of course what I have read about GT’s gear, seems to be another fantastic option As well. More to come in due time....
    Holbo TT-Nag 110-Croft phono/Innuos Zen MK2/LinnenberG Telemann DAC-Preamp/LinnenberG Allegro monoblocs/Duevel Venus/LinnenberG Maestro SE-Senn. 660S DH Labs cabling

    Croft Series 7 amps, WLM La Scala, Naim Uniti1, Naim Nait XS3, Naim ND5XS2, Guru Junior

  4. #14
    Bigman80 Guest

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    Quote Originally Posted by Frazeur1 View Post
    Guys and gals(?), Croft phono stages are still in the mix, I am also hoping to maybe have a listen to the TRON Convergence MM stage as well. Just talked with US importer, Jeff Catalano from High Water Sound in NYC about pricing and such. I guess He and Graham are working on US pricing so I should know at least where that stands soon. Of course what I have read about GT’s gear, seems to be another fantastic option As well. More to come in due time....
    Hi,

    I've heard the Tron Convergence, I had one here for about 4 weeks. I've also heard Croft offerings and I have to say, the Croft is where I'd spend my money.

    I know it's difficult when you can't get a home demo, every one has their opinion. Mine is, you won't go wrong with the Croft, whichever box you choose.

    Sent from my VKY-L09 using Tapatalk

  5. #15
    Join Date: Feb 2014

    Location: Indianapolis, Indiana USA

    Posts: 779
    I'm Timothy.

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    Curious, I assume it was the MM Convergence stage? No doubt I love Croft too, and obviously still in the running. If I can get an at-home trial before I buy on the Tron, I will. It is a shame I cannot get the same for Croft here. To be honest, I doubt I would have an issue with either one, but due diligence and all that business! Thanks for your note/comment, much appreciated!
    Holbo TT-Nag 110-Croft phono/Innuos Zen MK2/LinnenberG Telemann DAC-Preamp/LinnenberG Allegro monoblocs/Duevel Venus/LinnenberG Maestro SE-Senn. 660S DH Labs cabling

    Croft Series 7 amps, WLM La Scala, Naim Uniti1, Naim Nait XS3, Naim ND5XS2, Guru Junior

  6. #16
    Bigman80 Guest

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    Quote Originally Posted by Frazeur1 View Post
    Curious, I assume it was the MM Convergence stage? No doubt I love Croft too, and obviously still in the running. If I can get an at-home trial before I buy on the Tron, I will. It is a shame I cannot get the same for Croft here. To be honest, I doubt I would have an issue with either one, but due diligence and all that business! Thanks for your note/comment, much appreciated!
    I am sure it had SUTs inside but I'd need to double check.

    Sent from my VKY-L09 using Tapatalk

  7. #17
    Join Date: Feb 2014

    Location: Indianapolis, Indiana USA

    Posts: 779
    I'm Timothy.

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    I know the Convergence MC has transformers in it. I haven’t seen a MM one yet, which is what I need for my Nagaoka. I will probably be staying with an MM for a good while, maybe forever....
    Holbo TT-Nag 110-Croft phono/Innuos Zen MK2/LinnenberG Telemann DAC-Preamp/LinnenberG Allegro monoblocs/Duevel Venus/LinnenberG Maestro SE-Senn. 660S DH Labs cabling

    Croft Series 7 amps, WLM La Scala, Naim Uniti1, Naim Nait XS3, Naim ND5XS2, Guru Junior

  8. #18
    Join Date: May 2011

    Location: Sheffield

    Posts: 225
    I'm John.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jimbo View Post

    Just a though you would do even better if you bought a Croft 25 linestage preamp and used it with a Croft RIAA R phono stage. This would better all the Croft preamp including the RS but is only a benefit particularly for vinyl although you would stil have a linestage for digital . If this is important then maybe a 25R linestage and Croft RIAA R.

    Lots of choices!
    Is an RIAA-R plus line-stage-only 25R really better than a 25R with integrated phono? I can see a perceived benefit in having separate PSUs for phono and line stages, but does it actually sound better?

  9. #19
    Join Date: Apr 2009

    Location: Near Saffron Walden, Essex

    Posts: 7,087
    I'm Dave.

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    Yes, it does.

  10. #20
    Join Date: Jan 2013

    Location: Birmingham

    Posts: 6,772
    I'm James.

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    Quote Originally Posted by fiddlemaker View Post
    Is an RIAA-R plus line-stage-only 25R really better than a 25R with integrated phono? I can see a perceived benefit in having separate PSUs for phono and line stages, but does it actually sound better?
    Yep, don't take my word for it, that was from Glenn himself. A mate of mine has a RIAA R and he said it was way better than his RS.
    Main system : VPI Scout 1.1 / JMW 9T / 2M Black / Croft 25R+ / Croft 7 / Heco Celan GT 702

    Second System : Goldring Lenco GL75 / AT95EX / Pioneer SX590 / Spendor SP2

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