2. amps-preamps
  3. 172680-34747

A decent integrated amp under 2K ...

I'm looking for an INTEGRATED AMP. My speakers are Altec 620A (100 db efficiency) and my listening room is 14 x 21. I mainly listen to digital files from my DAC (Metrum) but sometimes I feel less lazy and put on a vinyl on my Garrard. I don't need a phono stage, I use the one from another integrated amplifier (Spendor D40). Here's my shortlist:

1) Belles Aria Integrated (slightly powerful for my needs)

2) Croft phono integrated (since I don't need a phono stage, I think it's a shame to burn tubes for nothing)

3) Rogue Sphinx V3 (too powerful for my needs)

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS: I can live with tubes but only in the PREAMP section and I try to avoid Class A due to the heat. I'm open to Class D (proof: the Rogue) but the choice is limited and these devices come with a bunch of stuff I don't need. I rather spend my $ where it will make a difference.

regards

alaindexe

Showing 4 responses by gwangler15

gwangler15
6 posts
 

In regards to the Croft, I had the Leben 300, the Rogue Sphynx v2, Electocompaniet ECI-3, Creek Destiny, and a Shindo Montrille (should not have sold that one). Except for the Shindo, the Croft was and is my favorite. It does not get very hot- just warm, and the sound gives just enough of that tube midrange that I prefer, without sounding syrupy.

gwangler15
6 posts
 

I have tried several of the Pass amps, and to my ears the Croft Integrated is just as good. The tubes are inexpensive and he voiced the amps to the JJ tubes. I rolled in some NOS tubes and eventually came back to the JJ. My amp is on all day long and has never had an issue or needed tube replacement. I run it through Reference 3a DeCapo’s which are 89db sensitivity and it hasmore than enough power to drive them. I also have a Decware SE34.5 “Rachael” with a CJ PV11 preamp, and it sounds very similar- which is excellent. If you have any questions, you can email him directly and he will respond quickly.  

gwangler15
6 posts
 

I get what you are saying about the unused tubes in the phono section- you may be able to run it without tubes in that section- you can email Glen Croft and he will let you know. Even if you don’t use them, the JJ tubes are inexpensive. Glen told me that you can substitute any of the 12a tubes in (12au7, 12at7, 12ax7), so you can play with the gain and sound if you want.

gwangler15
6 posts
 

That is what I like about Croft - you can communicate directly with Glenn if you have any questions and he seems like a good guy.

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