Classe. much better build quality and sound imo.
Creek has always imo been a mid-fi component. Or the first rung on the audiophile ladder.
Creek or Classe Integrated amp
I'm toying around with down-sizing to an integrated amp from my separates. For reference, I currently have a Nakamichi PA-7 amp (STASIS technology, so basically a Threshold in Nakamichi classic black) and a Threshold FET 2 pre-amp. I recently down-sized my speakers to a used pair of B&W CDM-1s (NOT SE or NT series) and have included a Phase-Tech FL-8 sub unit. I like the speaker combination quite well. Previously had B&W Matrix 804, series 1s which I sold to my neighbor, but I think I made the right move to the CDM-1/sub combo.
Anyway, the USED int amps I'm looking at from afar are a CLASSE CAP-101 and Creek Destiny. I do see that the Creek was written up to high praise in Stereophile nearly 10 year ago. I believe the Classe is from the similar timeframe.
Does anyone have a broad opinion about Classe and/or Creek that would translate to this comparison? Or specific experience in a similar move they undertook that could recommend one unit over the other?
Thanks.
Anyway, the USED int amps I'm looking at from afar are a CLASSE CAP-101 and Creek Destiny. I do see that the Creek was written up to high praise in Stereophile nearly 10 year ago. I believe the Classe is from the similar timeframe.
Does anyone have a broad opinion about Classe and/or Creek that would translate to this comparison? Or specific experience in a similar move they undertook that could recommend one unit over the other?
Thanks.
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Without prejudice to the prior post suggesting ranking the CLASSE outperforming the CREEK, there is another more practical risk to assess first, as follows. (1) CLASSE closed up shop in mid-2106 with a sayonara to most of its employees.... and On October 6, 2017, Classé Audio closed its Montreal offices. https://hometheaterreview.com/what-really-happened-with-classe-audio/ (2) There was a brief respite and hope of a limited resurrection going forword ..... BUT with unknown limitations on past products now creating risks as follows https://www.stereophile.com/content/classe-audio-revived 3) Caveat Emptor for legacy CLASSE . If you do go with a CLASSE legacy product, , be prepared that you may be SOL because: (A) The “new” CLASSE resurrection in the 2nd article refers to support and sales of “new” products .... and no mention of the same for legacy products . Hence you may still be SOL for parts going forward. (B) That uncertainty breeds a high risk of getting killed on a resale going forward |
I had the Classe' CAP101 and later traded up to the CAP150. Both integrateds suffered from cold solder joints and had to shipped back to Montreal many times for repair. I purchased the integrateds for a second system mainly because I had a model 10 amp and later moved up to a model 15 amp in my main system with never having problems. |
I appreciate the breadth of responses on more than just comparing the two brands. Certainly interested to see if there are any other opinions on the two brands--but from what I'm gathering, it sounds like I may not be doing myself any favors swapping out my existing separates just to downsize. Thanks, Posters! |
- 12 posts total