FS: UNIQUE Croft Micro 25 RSLS with Khozmo passive attenuators and remote control
I have been a devoted user of Croft gear since 1989, when I was studying in the UK. I own six (6) Croft boxes.
The preamp on offer is the top of the Croft line. It is the Micro 25 RSLS with external power supply (230V) and dual-mono architecture, i.e. has two 12BH7A valves, one per channel. Glenn Croft has further upgraded the Micro 25 RSLS with Mundorf Mcap Supreme capacitors, better resistors and better RCA posts. The preamps has four (4) line inputs and two (2) outputs, so that even a subwoofer can be driven. No phono stage is included.
Croft owners know that if there is one point with Croft gear that has room for improvement that would be the volume pots (actually there are two of them with Croft amps). In this particular model, the inexpensive Tocos volume pots have been replaced by the excellent (and rather expensive) Khozmo shunt passive attenuators (discrete 64 steps), which were expertly fitted by Arek Kalas himself, the designer and manufacturer of Khozmo. Those attenuators come with two LED displays (one per channel), that indicate the volume level. Furthermore, Arek installed an upgraded input selector. A new, metal front-plate was cut with to accommodate the volume indicators. The workmanship is so good as if it had been designed like that from the very beginning.
And a very nice surprise is that the preamp now has a remote control. It’s a heavy-duty metallic remote control (not made out of flimsy plastic), that allows to control the volume of each channel independently or change the volume of both channels at the same time, change the channel and mute/unmute. All of that from your listening position, a very rare treat for Croft owners.
So, what about the sound? It is definitely cleaner, with more detail, less grainy and even smoother than the already excellent stock Micro 25 RSLS. The upgrade to the stepped attenuators was well worth the cost and the long wait, until all the mods could take place.
This is a one-of-a-kind Croft model, most probably the ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD. It is in full working order.
The preamp currently lives in Greece and can be shipped to anywhere within the European Union (to avoid customs controls and opening of the boxes). Shipping cost will be assumed by the seller (via EMS). The amps will travel under the risk of the buyer. Any additional insurance may be assumed by the buyer.The asking price is 2,400 GBP (incl. shipping costs). The preamp can be shipped within one (1) day after reception of the payment into seller’s bank account.
I will be happy to reply to any AoS members, if someone is seriously interested and needs more information. Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Panos
P.S. I am selling this beloved Croft preamp along with other hi-fi gear (to be posted later), because I have decided to downsize my hi-fi systems.
Preamp...
PSU...
Last edited by pankon; 24-11-2019 at 19:21.
System1: Lenco L75 with custom plinth, SLAT, sph bearing, SG4 external power supply + Alfred Bokrand AB-309 tonearm + Denon DL103R (aluminum body) + Well Tempered 12" tonearm clone + Denon DL103R (wooden body), ASR Mini Basis Exclusive HV, Marantz CD6005, LAB12 DAC1 SE+, Hattor BIG passive + active pre, Lab12 Suono power amp, Falcon LS3/5a Gold Badge, LAB12 Gordian, Belden 8428, Black Cat Red Level Triode, LAB12 Knack MkII
System 2: Roksan Xerxes original (HiFi Inspire plinth) with Maxon ReMax motor + Audiomods Series6 + Ortofon Cadenza Black microridge retipped, ASR Mini Basis Exclusive, Marantz CD6003, Croft Micro25R + Series7R monoblocks (110W/ea), Harbeth SHL5 Plus 40th Anniv.
System 3: Marantz CD6003, Croft SuperMicroII ('R' spec by Croft, Tesla E83CC in phono)+ Series7, Snell Type EII (with bypass caps, new internal wiring, WBT nextgen 0703Cu), Mark Grant HDX1, Atlas Hyper 3.0
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