CR Developments tube amps and pre's, anyone heard


Hi all:

I have been investigating this product to bring into the store. Although it seems to have a good following in the UK where it s made, do any of my respected audiophile neighbours in the USA have any "experienced" thoughts on this line. The Woodham KT88 integrated and the Artemis power amps look very good, but as you all know, looks guarantees nothing about overal sound.

You are the best folks to commission for an opinion, and I truly repect your opinion moreso than that of any audiorag! Here's the Canadian distributors website, check the amps out. www.canadianhifi.com

thanks all, Audiojudge
audiojudge

Showing 1 response by gtan

I currently use CR's 2-box Kastor pre-amp and CD player. I have owned the class A Romulus, Woodhams KT88 and may spring for the Artemis soon. I am quite a CR fan! They are hand built, generally reliable, have low noise and sound dynamic, fast and musical. I am told by the designer that many of their tube products are based on pro/studio designs but customised for domestic use.

However, the CD player has quirky controls and is fussy with certain discs. Also their products are not tropicalised. In my experience, they do not seem to fare too well in hot and humid climates. I have seen my Romulus OPT burn up and some caps/resistors in the Kastor overheat. I have also been warned that the Artemis runs very hot and should not be left on indefinitely.