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Conrad Johnson, Krell, Creek integrated amp??

I have eliminated my integrated search down to approx 3 units: Conrad Johnson CA-200; the Krell S-300i; Creek Destiny 2. The Creek and Krell are in $2500 price range. The CJ retails for about $6600. However, I am aiming or hoping to buy used. I have the Creek SE5350 Classic which is very good, but I want to make a major improvement in sound quality. Unfortunately, there are no CJ dealers in my state to audition the CA-200 I heard the Krell briefly but with no solid impression. I have read a few comments about it having some electronic problems. The Creek Destiny 2 is a strong choice, but I have not heard it and only read reviews on the original Destiny........ All advice welcomed. Thank you, Jim
sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by timlub

timlub
2,043 posts
 
Hi Jim,
Dollar for dollar a strong contender would be the Dussun amps out of China. The T6 ($700.)would be a fair comparison @ 100/150 watts 8/4 ohm. The V6i ($1100.00)@ 150/300 8/4 & the V8i ($1500.)@ 250/500
8/4. I haven't seen anything compete with these at their price range. These are all smooth and accurate amps. The V series are known to be Very Dynamic with rock solid bottom, liquid mids and smooth neutral top end. The T series won some very respectable awards from The Absolute Sound. Just google, you will be surprised that these are considered to compete with seperates up to $10,000.
You can get these at the prices above new, Used should be a fair amount lower. Just a suggestion, everything you have named is fine gear. (Also Classe Cap 151) Tim
timlub
2,043 posts
 
Jim,
My first recommendation was for a Dussun, because of the sheer value, Unsound is absolutely right about the McCormick, but I clearly understand what you are saying about the integrated, I have fought with it myself. If your budget allows, I haven't heard any integrated better than the Coda... I'm sure they are out there, but I haven't heard it. This is a real gem. As you probably know the Coda guys came from Threshold/Pass. They really do have that same flavor and this integrated is a real winner that has tremendous current and is stable at 2 ohms. It is clearly on the FAST, DYNAMIC, RICH AND ACCURATE side of things, yet very smooth, but it DOES NOT sound Tubey at all. So if you are considering Tubes for that reason, this may not be the answer. Otherwise, I would give this a hard look. I hope this helps, Tim
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