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Creek 5350SE - Is it all that?

Is Stereophile right? Is the Creek 5350SE a world-beater?

I pose the question because the only Creek dealer in my area doesn't have one to listen to. I guess the new "Classic" models are too scarce.

I'm in the market for an integrated amp, $1500 or less. Remote is a must, headphone jack a plus. I've been considering the Creek 5350SE, Bryston B60R (used), and the Naim Nait 5i. Speakers will be Paradigm Studio 20's, Epos M12.2's, or similar.

Unfortunately, the only amp I've been able to hear for myself is the Nait. Any opinions on whether the Creek would have advantages over the Nait (besides headphone jack) or the Bryston? Any other recommendations, used or new, that might be as good as or better than the Creek? Thanks.
jpbach
bigtee
803 posts
 
As Muzikat says, the Creek sounds a little laid back do to its passive volume control/preamp section. You can add Creek's preamp module but I felt it caused some sonic degradation. The Creek has a warm, smooth sound.
I have never heard the Nait but I did prefer the Creek to the Bryston which was harder and had a touch of high frequency roughness in comparison.
Is it all that? Depends. In the right system yes. For the price,it is excellent.
tgrisham
1,179 posts
 
I think it is a great amp for the money. I love my Creek 5350 SE. Many people rave about the Prologue as well, but I haven't heard it.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the creek is a great product. even shahinian names the creek as one of their recommended amps. the creek is laid back, the naim is livelier, and the bryston (my favorite of the three wouls be is the middle. the bryston is also made in north america(the creek is now from china), and sonically would be as 'neutral' as one could buy for the money. it would (of the 3) probably work the best with the widest variety of front ends.
davt's avatar
davt
499 posts
 
I recently got a Creek Classic 5350SE with the MM phono board. It took a few weeks to break in and it really is a very nice amp. I noticed a marked increase in detail, range, depth and tightness of base. Soundstage is much bigger and required me to reposition my speakers. I am very happy with it. I use it with Dynaudio 52SE speakers, a VPI turntable and Arcam FMJ 33 CD player. I have not heard the Naim, I have heard good things about it as well.
mor2bz
41 posts
 
perhaps if you mentioned what speaker you use people could make a recommendation.

if your speakers are average or above and you don't have a big room or are a headbanger, i would say a dared vp16 tube amp , bypass the vol. control with a simple mod, add a welborne labs remote discreet resitor vol. control, change out the bright driver tubes ($25) and you are good to go for a thousand or more dollars less than what you are planning to spend. then get a turntable. the nait sounds better than the creek, but do it my way and be happy for a while. the amp is cheap but it trounces a modified hafler and a oddyssey khartago (that was also souped up ). i have heard this amp drive axiom 60s very well although i use much more efficient speakers. i am in ft. collins co if you want to hear. good luck
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