Croft Micro 25 version "R" Pre-amplifier

The "R" effect! (Matt O'Donoghue)

The Micro 25 version "R" has been in my home system for the last three months. Over the years (in the EA era) I have spent a lot of money on Croft equipment and I can honestly say that this is the best performing pre-amp at this price point that I can think of. EA prices for this level of performance were about double of the current £1400 asking price. It seems that Glenn's venture into the hybrid realm in recent years have produced a circuit which sounds so smooth. For me it is the Mosfet regulated power supply which really makes a big difference to the sound. The valve purists may not like this fact but it really does perform.

As mentioned, this pre-amp is a sort of hybrid design with a SSD doing the job of the usual cathode follower valve. Glenn says that "hybrid" is not really a correct description as the Mosfet is not really in the direct signal path. Who am I to argue? It is what it is. The power supply is taken care of with two large toroids and features a regulated HT. There will be a MM only phono stage with three line level inputs.

Dual mono volume control is back with a mute switch for convenience. See below for a short list of specifications*.

Features and Specifications

• Regulated HT
• Dual Mono Volume control with mute switch
• Hybrid Design
• Dimensions H70mm W410mm D225mm
• 5x ECC83 1x 85A2
• 1x line and 2x phono (MM only)

* features and specifications to be taken as a rough guide and are subject to change.

Price

£1400 and is best matched to the Series 7 version "R" power amplifier also at £1400.