For further amplification: preamp advice and moving along from Croft
I am very familiar with both a Croft Micro 25 and the 25R in my system.
I'm rather emotionally attached to these unassuming boxes and intend to keep them safe and sheltered.
At the same time, I have funds of £750 to spend on the used market for a preamp.
Who has upgraded from a Micro 25 and to what?
Is it feasible for me to upgrade on this budget in the second-hand market?
I welcome the opinion of those that have upgraded from the Micro 25 and would like to know:
- what appreciable sonic improvements have you gained?
- what have you lost?
Please would only those that have direct experience comment. Thank you.
Solid state or valve allowed but no passives. Ta.
Phono stage is a bonus but not essential because I have a CJ EV-1.
I'll be using a 200W power amp with an input sensitivity of 1.46V and an input impedance of 20k ohms.
Speakers are Colin Topp's Edingdales.
Music of all spectrums; weight, bass extension, grip and slam a priority but not at the exclusion of air, detail and beguiling timbre.
I'll put the kettle on.
Johnny Dodgem.
Cartridges vintage MMs including Pickering xsv-4000/xsv-3000 : Stanton 881s/D81 : AT140LC/VMN40ML
Spinners hot rod 1210 (Jelco 750D, Origami, Ammonite, Longdog, Vantage, Achromats) : Pye G63 & Garrard AT6 : Two full custom Lencos : Kenwood KD-650D
Streaming Qobuz : BluOS & Node2 (Fidelity Audio modified) : RME ADI-2 DAC
Pre-amps Tron Seven (GT modified) : Conrad Johnson EV1 : Croft Micro 25 : Decware ZStage
Power Amps PrimaLuna ProLogue 5 (KT120) : PrimaLuna ProLogue 4 (KT77)
Speakers The Edingdale : Meadowlark Hot Rod Shearwater