I'd be caerful with any integrated purchase. Based on a Stereophile recommendation I bought the Creek 5250 several years ago, but as another here has already pointed out, integrated Class B is not in the same quality category as Class B separates. Most integrateds, such as the Creek, have diminished bass and soundstaging capability compared to separates in t he same Stereophile category or class ranking. Much "smaller" sound results. "Postage stamp sound" as one of my local dealers put it. I feel Stereophile is committing a grave injustice by not pointing out the differences between integrated amps and their separates in the Recommended Components categories.
Integrated amps and stereophile ratings confusion?
I've been looking to upgrade my tube integrated amp to a receiver as i listen more radio than cd's, and also need more power. Magnum Dynalab 208 is the perfect candidate. I even found Stereophile issue where this amp was reviewed. Upon further research i also found out that the Magnum Dynalab receiver, which is based an older, cheaper Simaudio integreated gets Class A, while the MUCH improved I-5 gets class B? I would like to hear from both Sim-audio I-5 owners and MD208. Thanks!