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Conrad Johnson, Krell, Creek integrated amp??

I have eliminated my integrated search down to approx 3 units: Conrad Johnson CA-200; the Krell S-300i; Creek Destiny 2. The Creek and Krell are in $2500 price range. The CJ retails for about $6600. However, I am aiming or hoping to buy used. I have the Creek SE5350 Classic which is very good, but I want to make a major improvement in sound quality. Unfortunately, there are no CJ dealers in my state to audition the CA-200 I heard the Krell briefly but with no solid impression. I have read a few comments about it having some electronic problems. The Creek Destiny 2 is a strong choice, but I have not heard it and only read reviews on the original Destiny........ All advice welcomed. Thank you, Jim
sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by ckoffend

ckoffend
684 posts
 
I would suggest considering the older Krell 400i vs. either the older 300 or the new S300i. But that is based on my preferences in performance. The older 300i was nothing special, with the S300i being a pretty decent improvement over it. But I still feel the S300i falls short of the old 400i, which is better in my opinion all the way around. It (400i) will be a bit smoother, better soundstanging and in my experience a bit more pleasant overall. I like Krell (owned several of their power amps), so I am not saying the old 300i sucks, just that the 400i is notiecably better than it or even the new S300i. The 400 can be bought used pretty cheap, something like $1500 I think.

That being said, I think there are better integrated amps out there than any of these, but you would need to provide more info. for a good recommendation (as requested above).
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Don't know it at all, but anybody who claims their amp (integrated or power) can drive ANY speaker based on 60 watts is not to be trusted. There needs to be a strong caveat with such a statement (such as sensitivity rating of the speaker and stability [ie. 8 ohms with little variance]).
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