Exclusive pictures of the new amps from Croft!

[matodono1]

That's a date, as they say, Matt

Will 'da man' be finished watching silly men in whites whacking a ball around a field by then and likely be around, too?

Marco.

I doubt that he would be interested in a shootout (or bakeoff as some of you guys are calling it these days). As for when he is about I couldn't tell you, I think the season is just about to kickoff. Fire him an email and ask him.

All I know is that I have the prototypes for only another two to three weeks before they go back to Glenn. So that is your window of opportunity to hear them. Contact me offline to arrange a convenient time.

Regards, Matt.

[Marco]

Will do, Matt. I'll probably give you a bell tomorrow

Marco.

[zenith2134]

The pre and power units pictured in the first post are very nice looking, but one pet-peeve of mine is seperate L and R volume controls....I can't stand that.

[hifi_dave]

It takes all of five minutes to get used to. You'll find that you don't need to change volume settings as often as you think. Also, there is a fair degree of latitude in the setting of the controls so you don't need to get them both exactly in the same position for exact balance. It really is of little importance other than to improve the sound.

[hifi_dave]

On the subject of exotic components in Croft amps - whilst Glenn appreciates that some expensive goodies can yield good results, he is passionate in his desire to make good value products. So, yes, a fancy volume control can sound a few per cent better it does so at a price and complication of assembly that is unacceptable to Glenn.

Glenn wants as many people as possible to be able to afford his products and to that end, he is currently working on a half price pre-amp. That's correct, a phono equipped pre at the target price of £350 to possibly £400.

That's where Glenn's mind is at. Sod expensive parts - how inexpensive can it be and still sound stunning. Remember the original Micro ? I do - we used to sell them by the lorry load. Nice one Glenn.

[DSJR]

I chatted to HiFi Dave above about how pleasantly surprised and stunned I am with the old SMA 4PP now it has some line-stage valves it likes, and this with original volume pots each end of the chassis too. I find I just set a nominal volume and even at low settings, there's plenty of fine tuning to get the balance right. As Dave says, I haven't once felt the need to twiddle with channel balance as once set, it stays there. The AVI "could" have a slightly wider dynamic range, but I don't mind, as it's wonderful to have the Croft singing so sweetly again, without the soggy bloat that other "classic" valves (Mullard Long Plates) gave IMO. The PP is rather different to the other Micro's in its requirements too. A great £250's worth (used cost) as far as I'm concerned...

[Marco]

Hi Dave,

On the subject of exotic components in Croft amps - whilst Glenn appreciates that some expensive goodies can yield good results, he is passionate in his desire to make good value products. So, yes, a fancy volume control can sound a few per cent better it does so at a price and complication of assembly that is unacceptable to Glenn.

Knowing Glenn, I understand where you're coming from - and that's absolutely fine

However, just so no-one is under any illusions, I must state quite categorically that the difference the Takman stepped attenuator made to my Charisma X equates to much more than "a few per cent better". It is a fundamentally MASSIVE improvement (the sonic effect of volume pots is very significant), and for about £60 fully assembled, hardly a king's ransom…

Anyhow, I admire Glenn's style. If only more designers/manufacturers had that mindset, so more power to him!

Marco.

[Nounours18200]

The Glasshouse Takman metal film unit here has given the best sound

a-.I have to change the current potentiometer of my preamp for a true attenuator (2x25kohm), and I am considering the Glasshouse Takman metal film unit.
Does anyone have already compared it with the DACT attenuator: I know that the Dact does not exist in 25k version, but I just want to compare their sonic performance.

b-.I also plan to upgrade the input selector with with a SEIDEN (2 pole, 6 way) that I have been told they are probably the best ones: do you have another manufacturer recommandation ?

Thanks

[Marco]

Bonjour Nounours,

Bienvenu à AOS

I have not directly compared the DACT with the Takman, although I have heard valve preamps using both sound excellent; the latter in my Croft Charisma-X.

I rate both pots highly, but as always of course, much depends on the implementation and the sonic signature of the equipment and system as a whole.

If choosing the Takman, go for the more expensive Seiden version, as the switch is vastly superior in operation and there is also a small gain in audio performance over the standard Takman.

As an aside, I am selling a mint condition (GENUINE) Alps Black Beauty pot, which are quite difficult to find. If this is of use for any of your projects then PM me or email me at: framed6images@aol.com

This also applies to anyone else, too!

Marco.

[matodono1]

On the subject of exotic components in Croft amps - whilst Glenn appreciates that some expensive goodies can yield good results, he is passionate in his desire to make good value products. So, yes, a fancy volume control can sound a few per cent better it does so at a price and complication of assembly that is unacceptable to Glenn.

Glenn wants as many people as possible to be able to afford his products and to that end, he is currently working on a half price pre-amp. That's correct, a phono equipped pre at the target price of £350 to possibly £400.

That's where Glenn's mind is at. Sod expensive parts - how inexpensive can it be and still sound stunning. Remember the original Micro ? I do - we used to sell them by the lorry load. Nice one Glenn.

Hi Dave,

The new pre-amp now exists, I have just taken the first photo's for the site http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk it is callled the "Micro 25 Basic" and is actually a response to some of the comments both here and on Pink Fish that the £700 Micro 25 wasn't quite budget enough for some.

For the money it is knockout. Not as refined as my own pre but at 10x the money for my own kit I don't hear 10x the sound. The effect is anticipated to be very special and Glenn hopes to sell a fair few. Hope you like the new photo's. I have also released details of the new phono stage (the RIAA). I will be updating the site with all the details over the next couple of days.

Best regards, Matt.