Anyone hear a Croft Integrated Amp?


Hi, has anyone heard what the Croft Integrated amplifiers sound like?  I've read a bit about them and am curious since its also on the Stereophile B list. Sounds like it has a lot of promise.  Another part of this is has anyone tried it with Kef ls50s?

I currently run a Peachtree Nova 125 se and am considering an upgrade.
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Showing 6 responses by fjn04

I run my Croft phono integrated in to a pr of Harbeth P3 esr’s. Currently I’m running a Sony PS 1 with Furutech PC in to this system for bedroom tunes. It’s very enjoyable. I have tried this setup in my main room downstairs with my Amadeus, EMT cart and SUT. This sounded pretty darned great, and showed me the Croft and Harbeths can truly sing.
Are you using a Step Device in to your Micro 25 with the Low Output Hana? Nice setup.... My second system: WT Amadeus/ Charisma Denon 103 cart in to A23 Homage> Croft Phono Integrated amp> Harbeth P3’s.
Note: I now borrow the Homage Step Up from main setup, and had been considering a lower priced Step Up... I plan to switch gears, and go with an MM cartridge. Considering Audio Note IQ3, MFSL Master Tracker, or perhaps one of the Audio Technica’s. I also listen in a small room, around 11 X 12, but big opening to rear of listener. Running stock JJ’s, and considering RFT (ECC83) 12AX 7’s....
I just want to simplify this system, and not have to buy an SUT. Not only that, but this will be first foray in to MM’s, after 30 years in analog. It’s just something I need to do....I’ve heard the Dynavector 75/ III and I totally agree...very impressive. So realistically I have this integrated (Croft) with phono, and it’s very nice for my taste, and for the money. But I don’t believe in giant slayers, and I doubt it compete’s with stand alone phono stages costing up near $2K. So as many here have made the point of... Go MC, only if you have a very capable phono stage.
The phono integrated truly responds to tube rolling. I was going to go high output cart, and avoid step up.... But now that P3's are dialed in, Vicoustic DC2 diffusion installed, and Amperex (Philips) mini-watt installed in Croft, I'm staying with Charisma (Denon) 103. It just sounds too darned good to mess with. I've been back and forth, and no doubt there are some good high output/MM carts, but again, I'm staying with the 103. I'm thinking the little A23 step-up, which I've owned and enjoyed, although never with Denon, or Bob's Sky 20.
As long as you're having fun (-:  Happy New Year!  My Amperex Holland tubes must be run in now. I'm thinking about returning to the stock JJ's, just to come full circle. noromance- you have me thinking about those Shuguangs Treasures.