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Advice on New Integrated Amplifier

I need some advice on cleaning up my current system, which is:

Integrated Amplifier: Creek 5350 SE (with phono card)
Turntable: Roksan Radius 5
Loudspeakers: Totem Arro
Digital: iTunes/Spotify via wifi only

I am having a problem with the Creek. One channel drops out (scratchy for a bit then gone) intermittently. I emailed Mike Creek about it, posted on these forums before, and conducted research. It seems the ribbon connectors need to be cleaned frequently. Mike Creek said to open the unit and blow out the female receptacles. That didn't work too well so I used compressed air and deoxit. I've done this 3 times in 18 months. So, every six months I need to crack open this integrated to keep it working. Ugh.

I took the unit to a local repair shop in Chicago. They could find nothing wrong with it. Go figure. They were not interested in hardwiring each of the 16 pin connectors involved. Neither am I and I'm not too bad with a soldering iron.

So, I'm likely in need an integrated amplifier. I'm thinking that I need the following:

- < $2k in cost (new or used)
- Decent ability to drive 4-6 ohm loads
- A & B speaker outs because I drive a main set (Totem Arros) and another in my office (Monitor Audio in ceiling units)

I may also think about upgrading my Totem Arros to Tannoy Revolution XT 6Fs (http://tannoy.com/residential/#!products_1547)

I listen to a broad spectrum of music including:

Rock/Pop
Blues/Folk
Jazz

I would really appreciate the advice of forum users! PS: I bought the Creek used from Audiogon and have had issues since I got it so there's no warranty for me. I love the sound of it and its simplicity.
128x128jbhiller
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,155 posts
 
System synergy is everything..... You know when you find it .
There are a buzzilion choices out there but narrowing down to those select few requires some patience and personal auditions.

I've owned both the Totem Arros and Forests simultaneously in prior systems. I've auditioned many contenders and pretenders with them.
For my select coin .... SIMAUDIO integrated amp .... Full stop.

These are frequently paired up with Totems at audio expos, and since both hail from Montreal, they are frequently voiced with each other's kit .
Totem's own (discontinued) AMBER integrated amp was a joint development with SIMAUDIO based on the matters design.

To raise it up another notch, slide in a matched SIMAUDIO Cdp and DAC.
But don't scrimp and nickel-n-dime the ICs with any SIMAUDIO product ... They are very revealing and using crap cables with them will create a predictable matched result accordingly.

Last point....

The ARROs perform at their max using Totems own TRESS speaker cable which is a near clone of CHORD's Rumour or Oddysey ( all are silver plated copper). I used both with the Arros with a slight personal slant toward the TRESS (that's what the Arros are apparently internally wired with)
riffer
362 posts
 
OP says amp needs A&B out. Otherwise I would agree with Akg_ca on the Simaudio recommendation, having run the Arro's with the i-5. I currently run the Arros with a Magnum Dynalab MD-209, and it is far superior, but well out of the OP's price range. I think that the Magnum Dynalabs extra power has a lot to do with it, so I am thinking an i-3 with the Arro's would work quite well. But of course no A&B.

I was always told the Tress was Dh Labs T-14. It's funny how all these rumours get around :)
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
The latest Creek Destiny can be had for less than $2k on the used market. I have read great reviews on the Destiny but have no concerning reliability.

Also, if you want to sell your faulty Creek, I would be interested. :)
theforerunner
36 posts
 
McIntosh MA6500 would be perfect for you. Two sets of speaker outputs. can definitely drive 4-6 ohm loads and sounds absolutely spectacular.
smrex13
645 posts
 
If you are thinking of changing your speakers, I would make that decision first. Only then would I start looking for an integrated that pairs well with the speakers.

There are a lot of very good integrated amps in the $1500-2000 range (new - I won't speculate on used prices). Just off the top of my head I can think of the following that I have heard or owned: Exposure 2010S2D, Naim XS2, Musical Fidelity M3si, Yamaha AS2000, Rogue Sphinx, Croft Phono Integrated, NAD 377BEE. They all have strong points to recommend them - it's really a matter of matching them with the speakers you have and finding a sound that you like.

I'd read up on the various reviews for an amp in the power range you are looking for to narrow down the choices. Then demo if you can. If you can't demo, look for a good price on a used unit here on Audiogon and give it a go.

Have fun! Scott
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