Trying to keep parents out of Circut-City

So I guess you are asking about which amp? I would easily give the nod to the Creek. The Cambridge is also a nice amp if it comes down to price (the Cambridge costs half as much) Also for $60 more you can add phono to the Cambridge if your parents have some old records they can spin. Don't forget about getting them some decent cables. If nothing in the budget for power conditioning, at the very least get a Vansevers Companion. It is a $30 power strip that will not ruin the sound like most cheap power strips. Go to Vansevers.com to find a dealer who will ship to you or E-Mail Mike Vansevers.

If you don't mind used and can find one, I also suggest the Cambridge Audio A3i integrated amp that the A500 replaced. It is better than the A500 and was designed top to bottom by Mike Creek. So the best of both (low price and a Creek). It also came standard with a decent phono stage. I still have one in a smaller system in my den/home office. It is a keeper.