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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.
128x128jbhiller
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 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
1,361 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!
djverne
77 posts
 
Smrex13
You mentioned that you had or have heard the NAD 375, Rogue Sphinx, and Exposure 2010s2d. Out of curiosity which one did you like the best?
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 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.
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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