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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.
jbhiller

Showing 7 responses by jbhiller

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,446 posts
 
It's frustrating. And, strangely, I'm still open to buying another Creek. But it's unacceptable. I have an old Denon integrated (early 90s) that still works. I really love the Creek but am a little shy in buying another.

I know Creek and Music Hall are somewhat affiliated (yet I don't understand the relationship exactly).

My 5350 sounds a dream; I'm just tired of cracking it open every 6 months to clean it. Obnoxious!
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,446 posts
 
Wow!
Great stuff.

I'm going to look at the used Bryston, Creek Destiny, McIntosh 6500, Sim products, BUT I don't even know where to begin in trying to fix the Creek. Just today both channels dropped out, and back in, and out. I wish I bought it under warranty then I could ask Mike Creek to do right by the product.

Bryston's transferable 20 year warranty is so tempting.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,446 posts
 
Two updates:

1. I've narrowed by shortlist to the following names:

McIntosh
Sim
Magnum Dynalab
Acoustic Research
Luxman
Musical Fidelity
And... CREEK.

2. I found a repair shop in Overland Park, Kansas that has great familiarity with the Creek 5350. It sounds like it may or may not truly be the ribbon connection. It could also be the pre-amp switch. It's going to cost me $300 to fix it.

I think that I'm going to fix it. I'll keep you posted.

If I get it back and it happens again, I'm going to back my car over it and buy something like a McIntosh or Bryston for the build quality.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,446 posts
 
In case anyone is interested.

I demoed Naim equipment over the weekend with Totem Forest Signatures in Chicago. Just great.

I also heard back from Creek. They can locate a replacement Alps switch for 89 pounds plus shipping. They indicate the switch is very rare, which I can say is likely true because I cannot locate it anywhere.

I'm going to do the following:

1. Order the switch ASAP
2. Install new ribbon cables in the unit.
3. Install the new Alps switch.
4. Get new speakers and run the Creek til this switch dies.
5. In the interim, I'll think about what type of electronics I want to upgrade to from the Creek.
6. My electronics shortlist is: Luxman, McIntosh, Simaudio, Musical Fidelity.
7. My loudspeaker shortlist will be comprised of smaller footprint floorstanders or medium sized ones--all to please my wife.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,446 posts
 
I think there is some confusion. I only demoed Naim equipment last week. I haven't had the chance to demo the Rogue Sphinx and Exposure. NAD is really not on my list, but I'd be willing to give it a listen.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,446 posts
 
Timrhu,

I would certainly consider selling you the Creek. It's in 8/10 condition.

I can send you the information on the Alps switch that I bought from Creek. It should be here in Chicago (shipping from London) this week.

It needs the switch installed and new ribbon cable, which I have. But the ribbon connection pins are a bit worn. I think it needs a new connector soldered in. They are cheap, but I'm not sure how to do that. And, I'm not sure how to solder the switch in either.

I called some folks and got quotes from $200 range, +/-.

I can send you pics, my telephone, etc. I really love the amp, but would consider selling.

Can you private message me? If not my email is jameshiller@mac.com.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,446 posts
 
It was Naim separates--preamplfier and amp. Pretty pricey..somewhere north of $5/7k for both, maybe more.

Very nice stuff. Something I missed with the Naim stuff that I get from my Creek.

I received my Alps switch from Creek today. $150 and I'm going to have to install it. I'm thinking of hiring a pro and having her clean things up and check the bias. I may buy a Creek EVO 100A and later sell the 5350se. It's such a great box in great shape.
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