I need some direction


I've got the itch for more power and something different. My current system consists of Marantz SACD (SA-8260), Audio Refinement Complete Alpha and JM Labs (816s) with audioquest cable. I listen to Jazz and R & B w/ some classic rock on occassion.

Lately I have been looking hard at the Portal Panache Int. I have a weakness for passive integrateds (owned 3 Creeks)but most were not powerful enough. I'm curently in a small to medium size room but will be moving to a larger one in the future.

Any ideas ?
james3
If you already like the Audio Refinement have you considered the YBA line? The Initial will not give you any more power but you could look at something like a Passion 200 or 300 integre. It would be a mighty step up but could very well keep you from wanting to upgrade for ten or fifteen years.

Good luck!
If you have been happy with YBA I think you'll be quite enchanted with the Passion. Amazing! I love mine. I owned the Integre for 7 years before I had the itch to move up. I have never heard the Panache, but have listened to many heavy weights before and since the Passion. This baby can go tete a tete with anything out there, at any price, and hold its' YBA head high...
The new Creek Classic 5350 SE is 90x2, passive pre, and it sounds like you like Creeks... you get a lot more power out of it than the older Creek 4330 or the Complete you have. Could be your ticket, but like you said, you maybe ready for something different. The Portal has gotten rave reviews, and there is a comparison review between the Portal and the 5350SE either on Audio Asylum or here on Audiogon.