Croft Phono Integrated

I'm really happy, it's all come together nicely with the Simaudio Moon LP5.3 phono.

 

The R versions exert more control over everything, and this suits some listeners but not others.

I fall into the "not others" camp so, instead, I chose to retain my non-R Micro 25 and Series 7 and have them enhanced with some better quality components by Glenn Croft. This gave me an excellent upgrade at a bargain price.

I would suggest an audition of the R's (be careful how you pronounce that) at some point, but not until you are ready.

 

I'm definitely not ready from a listening POV, as well as a financial POV!

 

you have the stock tubes right?

 

I have a Mullard ECC83 in the pre and an RCA black plate 5751 in the power amp. I only received the 5751 today so popped it in and am giving it a whirl now - I should be working!

 

Can't wait to order the 25/7!

 

It just sounds so......right.

 

So i'm offered a:

Croft 25 Micro Line (shop used)
Croft 7
Phono RIAA MM (separated) (shop used)

For a total of €2250. Seems that Mr. Croft is very busy at the moment. A shop owner based in the UK also mentioned Glenn is going to "hefty" his prices.
Either way with Brexit happening prices will rise from January 1.

Food for thought.

 

Would this integrated work well with Martin Logan Theos speakers? Looking for an affordable integrated before I start looking again at just power amps. Thanks.

PT

 

To give you a feel for used prices here (UK), I bought my Series 7 for £400 and my Micro 25 for £350. Listening to it I feel it was worth every penny.

 

That's a lot cheaper. Where can i look for the UK second hand market?

 

Hifi Shark, the forums - Hifi Wigwam, Pinkfishmedia, Art of Sound - good old fashioned eBay.

 

Thanks. Will look into it!

 

Got a discount from the Dutch Croft dealer on a store demo used 25. So ordered the 25/7 combination. Without MM Phono but will look into that later when i can afford. Might also look into other Phono preamps. Crofts will be here on the 22nd!

 

I very nice Christmas present, then.

 

Going to be a long waiting, three weeks!

 

Great news!

 

Things changed. The Dutch Croft dealer has send me home with the Integrated and the Integrated R (and a bunch of expensive cables)

He didn’t want to see me back before Christmas.

Can’t wait to set them up tonight! Will choose what to buy after Christmas. Separates or Intgerated. 25 or 25r.

 

I think the Integrated R is pretty special. That one doesn’t have the built in phono does it? I’m still very happy with my Croft.

 

Yes. This Integrated doesn’t have a phono either. He has a phono for sale though. I will first decide if I want the R or the normal version.

 

I am looking forward to hearing what your impressions are.

 

The Netherlands are in a lockdown again so lot of time.

 

I started with the Integrated R tonight. So far i played, Big Thief - Capacity, Pixies - Doolitle, The Doors - LA Woman and now Ryan Adams with Heartbreaker.

The latter is where i really start enjoying the amp. Wide and big soundstage, crystal-clear details. Great backing vocals by Emmylou Harris. Perfect fit for my Spendors.

According to my dealer the 7 and 7R are totally different amps. Not sure where the difference is as i'm a technical noob. I learned to phase my power plug today though.

 

@RemyM unpredictably I was offered to swap (+ a little cash) my Series 7 power amp for a set of Series 7 monos - so I did!
They arrived yesterday so I put them in place and have had a little limited time to try them. Result; soundstage improved again, zero congestion between instruments and a little tighter. As always, very happy (easily pleased!).

 

So next week the 25R? ;-)