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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 2 responses by smrex13

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
smrex13
645 posts
 
I think that question was for me. Yes, I've had the Exposure 2010s2, the NAD 375BEE, and the Rogue Sphinx.

I thought the Exposure was a very nice amp - refined sound, clear, musical. However, I had it paired with the KEF LS50s, and it didn't quite have the power to drive them. I later came to realize that I didn't like the KEFs, but I had already sold the Exposure.

The Sphinx really didn't work out well for me. I thought the initial sound was somewhat artificial, and I had problems with hum issues. It didn't stay very long, so I don't know how it would have sounded after the tubes burned in a bit.

Frankly, the NAD was the most enjoyable of the three. I know that NAD sometimes gets a bad rap, but the 375BEE was really a good amp. It has a metal bridge between the pre out and the power in. When I replaced that with a good set of ICs, the sound took a huge jump (it was already pretty good). It has tremendous control of the bass, and a very open, non-fatiguing presentation. I think it's overlooked due to prejudices against NAD and the fact that most people demo it without replacing the metal jumpers.

Just my 2 cents. YMMV.

Best, Scott
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