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Creek Integrated Amp--Great Or Just So-So?

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Posted on March 28, 1999 at 12:21:25
Marc


 
I have a large budget to spend on an amp & linestage (about $10,000). I have been thinking of ss separates, and have been looking at a high-end 100 watt, class A amp, and a high-end tube linestage. I have Meadowlark Shearwater spkrs that are easy to drive, and I listen to jazz mostly, at modest levels (about -8 on my current attenuators). OK, so I'm reading about this new integrated amp from Creek. I haven't auditioned it yet, but it's impressive--60 or 70 watts (not class A), 18 amps of current, and it uses a passive linestage inside. Given my modest listening levels, I'm wondering if I would be wasting $10,000 on separates when the Creek seems like a terrific, very simple product. What do you think?

 

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I think that what you think is the only issue., posted on March 28, 1999 at 12:58:15
Dave VH


 
Do you want a system that someone tells you is good, or one that you audition and choose for yourself?

Never spend more than you need to get sound that you like, unless you feel a need to play a "keeping up with the Joneses" game and other materialistic status games!

Some people are quite pleased with audio systems that were not terribly expensive - and many of these folks could easily afford very expensive audio gear. On the other hand, there are folks who spend money an audio that should be going to other priorities in their lives, and deprive them of travel opportunities, retirement, etc. The choice is yours. However, if you want someone to tell you what to do, I'm sure someone will oblige.

It can come down to a battle between your ears and your ego.

Since your budget is so large, you could buy the Creek just to live with it for a while. If you decide later that it is not up to your standards, you could sell it or trade it in on more expensive gear.

Dave VH

 

Re: Creek Integrated Amp--Great Or Just So-So?, posted on March 28, 1999 at 13:45:50
Alan Ersen


 
I recently had a look at one. The first thing that I noticed, was that it was rather cheaply built. I picked it up and it did not seem very solid. The binding posts on the rear panel were sagging under the weight of the heavy loudspeaker cables. Of course you will have to listen to one first before you can be certain.
Alan Ersen

 

Re: Creek Integrated Amp--Great Or Just So-So?, posted on March 28, 1999 at 15:28:35
MikeP


 

"... that it was rather cheaply built."
That and the fact I really need a couple of more inputs are my chief criticisms of the OBH12. OTOH I like the sound better than any preamp I've had and, after all, it is cheap.

 

Re: Creek Integrated Amp--Great Or Just So-So?, posted on March 29, 1999 at 06:54:58
ts


 
I'm not familiar with the newer Creek integrated (presumably the 4330se) but I do have the 4330R (40 wpc). The sound is awesome, which by itself is remarkable considering its price. Yes, it does have a bare-bones appearence, has a passive preamp, limited front-end controls, etc. but I certainly would not consider it "cheap" in the sense of inferior workmanship. BTW, I too use fairly heavy speaker cables but have not noticed any bending of the output binding posts. Bottom line - yes, the Creek line is relatively inexpensive and eschews external esthetics and some degree of user control but in terms of absolute sound quality for the price, IMHO the Creek would be hard to beat.

 

Re: Creek Integrated Amp--Great Or Just So-So?, posted on March 29, 1999 at 16:44:16
Bill


 
The shearwater is a good speaker with very good drivers. Do not get the creek. Go with class A amplification. Try the Monarchy 100 deluxe which goes for $1650 new and a good pre amp maybe the Audible illusions 3a . All this will set you back $3800 and the sound will be among the best available. Use a good interconnect that is not to expensive like D H labs.
This is just an example of what you can do. Enjoy!

 

Re: Creek Integrated Amp--Great Or Just So-So?, posted on April 4, 1999 at 19:44:05
Monty


 
With your budget I would listen to Pass, Levinson, conrad-johnson, Krell, Audio Research.

 

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