2. amps-preamps
  3. 128843-10135

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 5 responses by mesch

mesch
3,394 posts
 
I agree with yogi, the PBJs should be fine, especially at 5".  I use a 0.5 meter pair of Audioquest Diamondbacks on my NAD integrated.
I keep looking for a shorter pair of quality interconnects to use just to 'clean up' the backside of integrated however have not found any as of yet.
mesch
3,394 posts
 
Sfall, I am confused, OP states his has pre out/ main in jumpers.  Are you saying the pre is passive? 
mesch
3,394 posts
 
I do know that Creek makes a  phono card that can be inserted in place of the Aux input. 

I don't know wether insertion of a SHORT IC would make an improvement with this integrated, however can't believe it would hurt to try. In this case we are talking a 5" IC.  

JSB, please provide your thoughts after trying the PBJs.  
mesch
3,394 posts
 
I understand, that should a integrated have pre out and amp in connected by a jumper, it doesn't make a difference regarding replacing the jumper with a short interconnect (do believe 'short' to be a greater operative with a passive though). I was confused by the statement that 'the 5350 doesn't have a preamp...'. Probably should have worded my followup question differently.


mesch
3,394 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback. I may try those jumpers on my NAD. 

Bottom line, cables are system dependent. Copper vs, silver, braided vs. solid core, dielectric, shielding..., Good luck in your cable search.  
More to discover