Croft Phono Integrated Impressions so Far

[beadlesabout]

I set up my new croft phono Integrated today.

So far I’ve only tried the phono stage input. I’m using a Nahaoka MP-200 (4mv) and my speakers are Wharfedale Denton 80th anniversary (86db sensitivity).

I’m coming from a tisbury passive into a Quad 303 and so far I’m not sure about the croft. It seems a bit dry/harsh sounding. What’s odd is that 2am on the volume is loud. It feels like there is a lot more gain than there should be given the cart and speakers I’m using.

Is this an expected result?

[graham67]

Hi, having owned quad amps and croft RIAA and also heard croft integrated, compared to a quad, the croft is going to be more forward and harder. Also IIRC the croft integrated has a valve phono output stage so gain will be on high side as the ecc83 is a high gain valve and the jj is on harder side.

I ended up substituting 3 mica NOS 5751 (sylvania I think) in my croft phono stage as they have lower gain and a less forward presentation.

Also let the croft run in before making a judgement as some components may benefit after being burned in for a few hours.

[Jimbo]

Swap the JJ Tesla valves in the phono stage for some NOS ECC83 and you can influence the sound considerably. The JJ Teslas can sound a bit raw and harsh but the amp should be run for a fair bit first from new. Folks use many different ecc83 valves in the phono stage so it may be worth looking on the net to get some ideas. I would go for NOS Tesla, Mullard, Brimar, Sylvania.

If you want to reduce gain pop a GE 5751 in the line stage.

This is what I use in my power amp

https://www.watfordvalves.com/produc...il.asp?id=1394

[IHP]

I have a Croft 25R and partner it with a Croft 7 and sometimes a Quad 303. To my mind, the comment Graham made above is on the nail. I too find the Croft sounds a little more forward and detailed and the Quad a little more lush. I love both ! I do need to stress that I've not heard the Croft integrated though.

As always, take your time and relax into it, when we're used to one particular sound for a long time change can take some getting used to.

I've always though the 303 sounds like a pair of Quad IIs but with more whack, which is something that appeals to me very much indeed. I also perhaps might be biased, I'll admit to being a huge fan of Croft gear. This lot here put me onto it

[YNWaN]

I set up my new croft phono Integrated today.

So far I’ve only tried the phono stage input. I’m using a Nahaoka MP-200 (4mv) and my speakers are Wharfedale Denton 80th anniversary (86db sensitivity).

I’m coming from a tisbury passive into a Quad 303 and so far I’m not sure about the croft. It seems a bit dry/harsh sounding. What’s odd is that 2am on the volume is loud. It feels like there is a lot more gain than there should be given the cart and speakers I’m using.

Is this an expected result?

If you mean the volume, when pointing to where 2 o’clock would be, is loud then I would say, yes, so it should be! My own system would be deafeningly loud well before then and that’s using a much, much lower output cartridge (though in an entirely different setup). It’s a long time since I heard the Quad amps you have but I always found it a very ‘relaxed’ sound (the pre in particular) and most stuff will sound more upbeat.

[mikeyb]

If you mean the volume, when pointing to where 2 o’clock would be, is loud then I would say, yes, so it should be! My own system would be deafeningly loud well before then and that’s using a much, much lower output cartridge (though in an entirely different setup). It’s a long time since I heard the Quad amps you have but I always found it a very ‘relaxed’ sound (the pre in particular) and most stuff will sound more upbeat.

Yip at 2 I'm heading towards live levels

[walpurgis]

What’s odd is that 2am on the volume is loud.

Then turn it down.

[mikeyb]

Then turn it down.

Simple, yet.... Works

[Frazeur1]

Mark, Two O'clock on the Croft volume knobs are almost just beginning though, as it begins at Noon...It can be interesting depending on what the whole system sensitivity is. But I do love the Crofts!

[mikeyb]

Mark, Two O'clock on the Croft volume knobs are almost just beginning though, as it begins at Noon...It can be interesting depending on what the whole system sensitivity is. But I do love the Crofts!

So they do, in that case 2 is a bit early