Creek Destiny Integrated vs. Current Aragon System

Thank you for your help! My Sonus Faber Electa's state in the liturature a suggested power rating of 55 - 150W. I have read about the virtues of tubes, but I am concerned about maintenance and too little power to produce good low level slam and articulation. However, maybe these concerns are bogus. I am brand-new to this site, and am very grateful to hear from people for their experience and suggestions. I think I am still biased towards a more musical solid state solution to the Aragon for 2K.

In terms of my budget, around $2K, either new or used. I am interested, if it exists, in search of a more "musical" sounding solution. I do not picture myself as a "tube" person, but power is not my priority. Does a more musical product in this price range even exist, or does my search end here with such limited financial resources?

My interest in the Creek is a result of a "Class A" review of the product and the price. Another integrated, the Ayre AX-7e received a similar rating and I can find a used one for about the same price as a new Creek. I still am unable to audition either of these products and would be interested in opinions. Lastly, the bottom line, would I be significantly upgrading the musicality of my Aragon system with either of these, or is any improvement realized, not worth the investment?

Dear Jhold,

I, as you suggested followed-up on the Naim Nait 5i integrated. Everywhere I looked, this little number was receiving fantastic reviews. Has anyone else heard this amplifier? Opinions compared to the Creek or Ayre?

My quest continues. Thank you all for the help!

Thank you, Satch. I have the exact same Aragon preamp you have described. Others have suggested Tube amplification as an option for improved musicality. Perhaps a tube preamp may give me some of that "Tube Magic", that is if my 4004 can reproduce, with some accuracy, the sonic qualities of a tube preamp.

Anyone with some additional thoughts on this? Does a decent preamp exist for around 2K? Is a tube or hybrid a good idea, or should I stick with a better SS connected to my 4004?

Dear Schlagelk,
Thank you! I think I am getting closer to the audio quality I am seeking.

Taking the advice of a previous response, I brought my 4004 into a very experienced electronics repair shop and requested a tune-up for my 4004. The technician, with over 20 years of experience in this area, managed to get in contact with two Klipsch engineers from the former Aragon. The Aragon engineers provided him with schematics and recommended parts replacement/improvement for the amp. Upgrade is under way now for what I consider to be a very reasonable expense ($300.00) and is claimed to produce a much more musical amp; I'm really excited to hear it upon return!

So, like you, others have mentioned the target I may consider is going after is a pre-amp that may better my Aragon 24k SP. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.

Now, to find the right pre-amp.. I have no high end dealer in town, or even close, so I appreciate your suggested solution and would welcome suggestions from others as well.

Again - Thank you!
Rpg

To clarify, $375.00, mostly parts costs. The technician provided me with some really interesting information regarding the history of Aragon amps and their evolution. I am verbose by nature, so I'm not going to get into specifics here, but for those who own an Aragon amp, you may be interested in learning more about this. When the work is completed on my amp, I'll share my perceived results.