GeoffRoberts

I’ve found it very quiet, no issues with hum. It takes two 12AX7 / ECC83 / 7025 tubes, (different names for the same type). I’m not aware of any substitute, but there are many different brands of 12AX7 tubes available, and I have found that swapping them gives a big difference to the sound. This tube was made in the UK, USA, Europe, and even Australia and probably other places. They’re still widely in production too, with some very high quality modern tubes. When I originally bought it I relied on information from UK forums, as well as reviews for other Croft products, which were always very positive.

Item: Croft Acoustics RIAA MM Valve Phono Stage Location: Sydney Price: $790 Item Condition: as new Reason for selling: Upgrade Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: I've really enjoyed this phono stage. The sound is lovely and natural, with a really nice percussiveness. Croft have a really strong following in the UK, they don't do much marketing, but word of mouth is strong. They are had wired in the UK, and high quality. I bought it new about 2.5 years ago. It has been in my rack since then, and I can't see any obvious blemishes on it, it works perfectly. This is a MM phono stage, I've used it with MC cartridges with a step up transformer, which worked really nicely. It really responds to different valves, so you can really taylor it to your ear. The tube rollers will enjoy this one. I will supply with the original JJ valves, which have very low hours. I used them for the first couple of weeks to get a taste for the sound, then put some old stock valves in. The RCA valves pictured are not included.

Price drop to $850

Currently available

Happy to consider offers.

Item: Croft Acoustics RIAA MM Valve Phono Stage Location: Sydney Price: $895 Item Condition: Pretty much as new Reason for selling: Upgrade Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: I've really enjoyed this phono stage. The sound is lovely and natural, with a really nice percussiveness. Croft have a really strong following in the UK, they don't do much marketing, but word of mouth is strong. They are had wired in the UK, and high quality. I bought it new about 2.5 years ago. It has been in my rack since then, and I can't see any obvious blemishes on it, it works perfectly. This is a MM phono stage, I've used it with MC cartridges with a step up transformer, which worked really nicely. It really responds to different valves, so you can really taylor it to your ear. The tube rollers will enjoy this one. I will supply with the original JJ valves, which have very low hours. I used them for the first couple of weeks to get a taste for the sound, then put some old stock valves in. The RCA valves pictured are not included.

Glad to hear it has worked out for you. My experience in the sound is similar to yours. There was no issue of graininess with my last sut, but certainly the openness and detail is what I hear.

You can use a MM phono stage with an MC cart, you just need to add a step up transformer or a head amp to boost the signal. Many people actually prefer this approach to using an MC Phono stage, particularly a SUT with mm valve Phono.

Price drop: $900

Masana Temples, the new album from Kikagaku Moyo, has just arrived. It’s excellent. You never quite know what you will get from Kikagaku Moyo. I’ve enjoyed all their albums, they’re consistently recording good music, but the style varies widely. This one is pretty laid back, very 70s feel, but difficult to describe. Have a listen, it’s worth your time.

Will consider reasonable offers.

Best of luck with sale, I owned this turntable fir a few years and loved it, never had an issue. The polishing job looks great, and it sounds as good as it looks.

FS: Sampson era Matchless Dirt Box Location: Sydney Price: $1,000 Reason for selling: not playing much guitar Selling my Sampson era Matchless Dirt Box, very rare, and easily the best over drive pedal I’ve used. Two 12AX7 valves, ptp wired, and just wonderful tone. I’ve owned it 17 or 18 years, but really haven’t played much guitar in the last 10 years, so it’s time to move on. I’ve sold a lot of my guitar gear, but this is one of the few things I’ve held onto despite being used rarely. It has that signature Matchless tone, so if that’s something you like, here you have it in a box. This is 110v (I’m pretty sure they were only made in 110v), so a step down transformer is required.

Weekend bump

Thanks Andy. I was actually very happy with my system, and had no plans to change the Croft. An EMIA popped up for sale, which got me curious and I as it’s not something you see very often, I decided to check it out.