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is creek5350se best integrated for 1000-1200 bucks

hello, i've just joined here at audiogon, i'm 22 and i've loved listening to music my whole life, and i've lived on minisystems for a good many years, and a couple years ago upgraded to separate components. what a difference! i consider myself an audio enthusiast, but i know very little about building a decent stereo system. i want to upgrade now from my best buy/circuit city setup that i have now ) my budget is about 5 grand, and it will take me about three years to acquire my integrated amp, speakers, cd player, and cables/interconnects. i've decided to build it piece by piece, starting with my amplifier. for cost reasons, i've decided on an integrated, the creek 5350 se. the shame of this is, i have not heard it myself, have only read reviews on audioreview and the propaganda from various dealers across the web. i've compared it to many others in the price range, and i believe it is the best value for the money. for speakers i have chosen psb stratus gold, maybe some blems for under 2 grand, and for my cd player, the creek cd 53 reference. probably could get this unit demoed for a grand or more. if anyone out there, or in here, could steer me in the right direction for a good integrated, can't spend any more than 1500. i don't want to make a purchase like this without some expert opinions. thanks for any advice.
zed
milkandjuice
14 posts
 
I have a Musical Fidelity 3.2 integrated, I am very happy with it, the sound is very smooth with such a detailed top end for an entry level integrated. The Unison is also a fine amp, under much advice from other forums I auditioned it and if I hadn't already own the MF it would be the definately on the list.

Dru
dburdick
61 posts
 
I'd also consider the Classe integrateds, or something like a McCormack .5 (~$650 used) and a tube pre.
vinton2b15
5 posts
 
Do listen to the Rotel RA-1070, its $1200 and is an excellent choice.
Vinny
cody
20 posts
 
Purchase a Quad cdp, and 99 power amp for about 2500. Look at the Spendor 3/5 SE, and live happily ever after.
newton
110 posts
 
I recently bought a Creek 5350SE. Am using it with Audio Phyic Brilon II, Rega Jupiter, and Nordost cabling. I'm quite happy with it---its quite neutral. I also liked its looks, and it fit into my space requirements. It's been highly reviewed in many publications----Stereophile, TAS, and the British mags. So enjoy it! Yes, there are other fine integrated amps out there----but it takes time to do the research/legwork to check them out. Happy listening!
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