For two years I have been very happy useing the Croft Basic 25 Hybrid Intigrated amplifyer. A few changes at the TT has thrown up the possibulity to move on from the basic intigrated amp . . . better signal demands better apmlification? So logicaly, looked at the next two steps up the Croft range, cut a story short, what I tried was not suited to my ears :doh: I started to hear the SS side of the amps, big sound, very dynamic but very wearing . . .
So I am now looking at regressing to my previous life of full valve amplification. Friday, I'm Picking up an Icon Stereo 40mkIII (KT88 valves), along with a couple of RIAA phono stages, one Croft and one PureSound for home evaluation. Constraints are cost and phisical size of the amp.
I dont know where this is going to lead, one problem I may encounter is the PMC LB1 speakers are low on the efficincy stakes at 87db and 4ohms. Icom tell me, suck it and see, but idealy, they would prefer a less dificult load, its not an ideal world so, depends on volumes required, room size, soft funishings, carpets etc., . . . sit on the fence or what? Room 12ft sq, there are limited soft funishings, plus fited carpet.
If you were face with the above, how would you deal with it . . . Back in the good old days for instance my standard speaker was a 6-8ohm Rogers LS35a, EAR 509 power amps. I could go back to LS35a type speaker, but no way the 509s!
This is a speculative post, something to exercise the brain that may give me ideas, one has an open mind.
CJSF
So I am now looking at regressing to my previous life of full valve amplification. Friday, I'm Picking up an Icon Stereo 40mkIII (KT88 valves), along with a couple of RIAA phono stages, one Croft and one PureSound for home evaluation. Constraints are cost and phisical size of the amp.
I dont know where this is going to lead, one problem I may encounter is the PMC LB1 speakers are low on the efficincy stakes at 87db and 4ohms. Icom tell me, suck it and see, but idealy, they would prefer a less dificult load, its not an ideal world so, depends on volumes required, room size, soft funishings, carpets etc., . . . sit on the fence or what? Room 12ft sq, there are limited soft funishings, plus fited carpet.
If you were face with the above, how would you deal with it . . . Back in the good old days for instance my standard speaker was a 6-8ohm Rogers LS35a, EAR 509 power amps. I could go back to LS35a type speaker, but no way the 509s!
This is a speculative post, something to exercise the brain that may give me ideas, one has an open mind.
CJSF