2. amps-preamps
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Jumpers for Integrated Amps: What are you guys using?

Hi Folks,

I just recently picked up a Creek 5350SE integrated amp and I’ve started doing a little reading on the subject of pre-out/main-in jumpers. I’m looking for some recommendations for the 5350SE and wanted to ask what you guys use? Since essentially the jumpers separate the preamp and amp, should this be treated as physical separates and therefore, should I just use another pair of interconnects? I do have a 5 inch pair of Kimber PBJ’s on the way as I read these work well with the Creek. All you Creek owners out there... what are you using? Anything?

The same thread also recommended Kimber Silver Streak with the WBT connectors, but that will get more costly. I wonder if Kimber makes these custom? And, speaking of silver interconnects, I’m currently using DH Labs Q-10 speaker cable on my Vandersteens, and Air Matrix interconnects on my Naim CD3.5. Since DH Labs made my custom Naim DIN to RCA cables, I asked about pre/main jumpers. They shortest they can make them is 14-16 inches. Should I keep everything brand consistent at this length?

I’ve also read about how this one guy bought a 1/8 inch solid silver rod and made his own u-shaped jumpers (modeled after his factory u-jumpers) and the sound was incredible. Anyone ever try that?

Thanks... JSB
jsbach1685

Showing 3 responses by djohnson54

djohnson54
396 posts
 
I don't understand. What does the preamp side being passive have to do with anything?
The answer is nothing.  If you had a separate passive "preamp" it would still have to be connected to the amp.  No one here would make that connection with two solid pieces of bare wire as is commonly done on integrated amps like the Creek that have pre-outs.  There are some considerations when driving a long pair of interconnects from a passive pre (you can search the archives for this if interested but it doesn't apply in your case right now).  Since you have the Kimbers coming, there's no harm in trying it.  I doubt very seriously if it will sound worse.  Dick
djohnson54
396 posts
 
If its nothing then why would they go out of their way to make it, advertise it and offer an active card as a back up?
@sfall I haven’t done any research on this particular item but I believe the card you are referring to would be used to add gain to one of the inputs (as opposed to a passive line stage which only cuts the gain available from the source). My point to the OP was that the line stage portion of the Creek (active or passive) still needs to be connected to the amplifier portion. That’s what the included jumpers do and they can be replaced with better connectors. Whether it will make any difference is in the ears of the beholder but it can’t hurt anything to try and he already has a set of interconnects on order for this purpose. Your admonishment to be "really careful" was needlessly scary.  Dick
djohnson54
396 posts
 
I think you were the only one that was scared. You do seem to be shaken up over all this
Not really.  Just trying to convey accurate information.  The OP asked a question about what difference active or passive made and I answered his question.


A passive doesn't add or take away anything, that's why its called a passive
I guess your volume control doesn't do anything then.

You were talking about IC's. There's a difference. Creek does not put the jumpers on the outside so they can be replaced with better ones. They do it so the amp or preamp section can be completely bypassed.
There is a difference in the way they look but the function is the same.  Creek probably doesn't intend for them to be replaced but people do it all the time with no adverse effects.  That's why you can buy 5-6" interconnects.  Yes, they use jumpers so the amp or preamp can be bypassed.  I also agree that all connectors benefit by occasional cleaning.

In any event, I'm not going to turn this thread into a pissing contest.

To the OP, I would also like to hear the results of your replacing the jumpers with the Kimbers.  Best of luck.  Dick



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