The Upgraded Croft Epoch Elite Pre-amplifier - Review 2016

The Croft Epoch Elite is an exceptional valve preamplifier built during the 1990s by Glenn Croft, combining a classic tube presentation with bespoke internal component enhancements.

Discover the Croft Epoch Elite Pre-amplifier — Upgraded by the late Glenn Croft

T he Epoch Elite was a sibling to the Croft Charisma preamplifier, both crafted during the 1990s by Glenn Croft. At the time, Glenn was still involved with Eminent Audio — his marketing arm — though that relationship eventually soured. What remains, however, is the sonic legacy of his designs.

The Epoch Elite shared its chassis with the Charisma X and the Twinstar Amplifier, which was a lower profile than the other units.

My experience with Croft has always been pleasant. Previous to buying the Epoch I owned a couple of the current range of preamplifiers and amplifiers. The sound from the Croft engaged me enough to find out what else he made in the past.

The idea of buying the Epoch Elite came from a dear friend who owned a Charisma X which he had upgraded. At that point, I was running the 7R preamp together with the 7R power amplifier which I loved, but I found something was missing.

The idea of buying the Epoch Elite came from a dear friend who owned a Charisma X which he had upgraded. At that point, I was running the 7R preamp together with the 7R power amplifier which I loved, but I found something was missing.

Inside the Croft 7R

Although the 7R was an amazing power amplifier, it lacked a little grip which my Tannoys needed. I bought the Epoch on the recommendation of a friend as he presented me with a precise picture of what was missing. That was depth and scale.

For more information about the Tannoy Loudspeakers, click HERE!

One of the things which attracted me about the older Crofts was the use of the larger Octal valves as opposed to the later models using the smaller valves. The difference in sound between the octal and the smaller signal valves is not something to be sniffed at. Each type offers a different flavour and in my case, the octals are juicier and less restrained.

The amplifier I'm using with this is the Tube Distinctions Copper amplifier. For more information, click HERE!

The Epoch Elite

At the start, it was still pretty much in stock form and I could see that it had enough room inside it to update a few things which would deliver real benefits. Internal space is something the new models don't have.

From what my friend had done to his Charisma X, there were a few things to get done which, collectively, would yield a massive, positive upgrade in the sound.

1. Introducing Obligato SCR caps on the valve stage

2. Updating the power supply caps with ClarityCap MR TC‑4 and Mundorf MLytic caps

3. Externalising the power supply with dual 500vA transformers

4. Removing the Alps Black Beauty pot to replace it with a high‑quality attenuator

5. Re‑wiring all signal connections with flat silver wire

A call to Glenn confirmed this and with no further ado, it went up to him to undergo the first part of the surgery.

Because of the height of the ClarityCap MR TC‑4 caps, the height of the unit needed to be increased by around 2cm so the lid could safely clear the tops of the capacitors.

I also had to make a new faceplate. In addition to that, two acrylic side panels together with two chassis spacers also needed to be made.

Inside the Epoch Power Supply

The second set of updates shortly followed, but this time Glenn wanted to add some further modifications of his own which led to him being very surprised in how things turned out.

6. 2nd regulator fitted so each channel is independently regulated

7. All line stage and central valves were upgraded to 6SN7s rather than 6SL7s (except the phono stage which still uses 6SL7s)

8. The phono stage was improved, making it dual mono

9. Updated RCA sockets

The sonic result of these upgrades from stock was phenomenal. The depth of the soundstage is so deep. Instruments and textures have an uncanny realism. The highs are clear, unstrained and precise whilst the bass is voluptuously enveloping.

It can be a little scary on some tracks — it's like the sound is flying past you, ready to come through to meet you head‑on. It handles old recordings really well as modern dance tracks.

One of the updates, namely the Khozmo attenuator, marked a major improvement. Although the Alps Black Beauty is a wonderful pot, the Khozmo really cleaned the whole sound, bringing everything together with added clarity.

The first Khozmo attenuator I had fitted was a Shunt type using the amazing ZFoil resistors. And yes, a marked improvement was noted — but I wondered what a Series Khozmo would sound like. Doing an A/B comparison, the Shunt type had a slightly improved and smoother sense of presentation.

At the time of this review, the Series Khozmo was fitted. The Series was fitted for around 4–5 years and has always been reliable and fabulous sounding — a solid attenuator.

In all the years I've had this preamp, its strengths have been its continued involvement without causing fatigue and its ability to reproduce everything without adding any adjusted layer of equalisation or unbalanced presentation.

The phono stage is utterly mind‑blowing too. Although only Moving Magnet, it matches up with many step‑up units perfectly. Glenn is an ardent fan of the Decca Blue cartridges, and that is something I've still yet to try.

My current cartridge loaded onto my Trio L‑07D turntable is a Denon DL103C1 and it sounds tremendous.

For a full review of the Trio L‑07D turntable, click HERE!

There was also another modification in which I stumbled on something totally by chance. The original top lid of the Epoch, Charisma X and the Twinstar is made from shiny non‑magnetic stainless steel. Then, by chance, I found a very limited version which was manufactured from aluminium with a textured black powder‑coat finish. I was lucky enough to obtain one of these top lids and decided to give it a try.

The lid is obviously lighter in weight than the stainless lid. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as shiny stainless, it still looks great.

The result in sound is certainly surprising. With the alloy lid, the sound gains an extra layer of fluidity — although admittedly only slightly — it certainly adds that final touch which snaps and gels the sound together even more in those transients.

Having no real tangible coupling effect, the only reason I can think why this slight improvement in sound is perceived is that the lighter top helps with cooling, as its effects are more pronounced after the preamp has been on for a while.

In addition to this, I've heard over the years that some people prefer to run these amps (and others) with no lid at all because of the sonic improvement. I guess this lid is the next best thing.

Here is the link to Croft Acoustics:

http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/

Here is the link to Khozmo Attenuators:

https://khozmo.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Croft Epoch Elite different from later Croft preamps?

The Epoch Elite uses larger octal valves (6SN7/6SL7) rather than the smaller miniature valves found in later Croft designs. These octals deliver a richer, more fluid presentation with greater scale and tonal density. Combined with its spacious internal layout, the Epoch Elite is far more upgrade‑friendly than the later compact chassis models.

How much do the upgrades improve the sound?

The upgrades transform the Epoch Elite from a charming vintage preamp into a genuinely high‑performance valve control centre. Improvements in depth, texture, transient clarity and bass authority are immediately noticeable. The dual‑mono regulation and Khozmo attenuator deliver exceptional precision and realism.

Is the phono stage good enough for modern cartridges?

Absolutely. Although it is Moving Magnet only, the phono stage pairs beautifully with step‑up transformers and handles a wide range of cartridges with ease. Its tonal balance, openness and musicality make it competitive with many standalone phono stages.

Why does the alloy top lid change the sound?

The lighter alloy lid improves cooling and reduces mechanical resonance compared to the heavier stainless steel version. The result is a subtle but noticeable increase in fluidity and transient clarity, especially after the preamp has been running for a while.

Is the Epoch Elite still worth upgrading today?

Without question. The Epoch Elite is one of Glenn Croft’s most flexible and expressive designs. With modern components and careful updates, it becomes a world‑class valve preamplifier that can compete with far more expensive contemporary units.

About the Author

Reviewed by Josie — analogue audio specialist and long‑term enthusiast of valve amplification, vintage studio equipment and high‑performance loudspeaker systems. With over 30 years of hands‑on experience restoring, modifying and evaluating classic audio components, Josie brings a detailed, real‑world perspective to every review.