I know from experience that a 306 or a 303 with a passive gives a sweet and easy sound. Mike's having issues with stridency and harshness so that should solve it. It doesn't sound like your at the studio console but it doesn't sound pipe n slippers either.
Not that there are not many other ways of skinning the same cat but I just don't reckon Croft is the answer here as Mike uses his CD player a lot and I found the current Croft kit to be suboptimal with digital sources. It partners vinyl superbly well though. Someone told me Glenn Croft doesn't even own any digital kit, no guess as to why it is voiced the way it is then.
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.
The Quads are cheap anyway, not much to lose. But I'm open to all possibilities, budget allowing.
Current system 1210 GR. CDP - Meridian G08. Amp -Sugden A21I - Sig. Wharfedale Lintons.
Where would you go then? I mean the Monarchy is a very good amp. No question. Really that should do the job with a suitable pre-amp. The speakers and the source are fine. I don't know the Nakamichi pre-amp though but agree that barring faulty speakers it has to be the problem. So keep the Monarchy and get a different pre-amp? Or is the Monarchy gone already?
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.
I would go for the Monarchy with a Khozmo passive preamp. Max spend £700ish.
I'd go passive because it's an easier delivery.
If not the Monarchy, I'd go after this.
https://www.dba.dk/effektforstaerker...id-1052304338/