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February 10, 2008 - 8:03pm
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Creek 5350SE or Rotel RA 1062
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What amp did you hear the NP2 with to decide on them?
Creek over the Rotel, but the NP2 from what I have read is being partnered with amps of a much higher class than Creek.
I like Creek better. Rotel products sound too bright for my tastes.
Actually, I haven't heard them yet. I knew I wanted a pair after hearing the Arcus ten years ago but wouldn't spend that type of money for a speaker until I read about the new entry level NP2's. Currently have 603 S3, but prefer the wide and deep soundstage of the Avalons. My previous system was Conrad-Johnson PV-12, Classe CA150, Thiels 2.3, MIT 330 tube term and MH750 spkr wire. Want something smaller that sound good and don't want to spend >$1500 if the rotel will not fit the bill. The 603 are biwired with MIT AVT3's. I've seen them paired with Ayre, Muse and CJ an over-kill in my opinion since the Hi-FI reviewer didn't think the speaker was finicky but need 100 watts of good clean power and thought the Rotel integrated would fit the bill.
Thanks,
Wig
The B&W explains the Rotels.
You won't go wrong if you went with CJ or McIntosh.
RabPaul,
Does CJ or Mcintosh make an integrated amp for $1500. Also, what do you think about the Rotel RCD 1072 transport?
Thanks,
Wig
CJ or McIntosh used?
JoLida or Rogue perhaps?
Rather than the Rotel (a friend has the 1072) can I suggest you look into Cambridge Audio and find something that will fit your budget.
You are buying what is regarded as good speaker at price not previously available for that brand. If you can spend as much as the cost of the speaker on amplification and source you should be pretty much there. You don't need to spend all at once either i.e keep the Rotels and when the time is right (speakers have been run in say 6 months or when you have saved enough) upgrade.
In broad strokes I'd always go with Creek.
The Jolida JD 1501A is a surprisingly nice sounding amp at a surprising price under $700.
I vote for Creek.
Thanks guys,
Based on RR reviews, it seems he preferred the Creek Destiny which is the bigger brother of the 5350SE over the Ayre AX-7. Said it to be the new reference Integrated amp. May look into the 5350SE to match up with the Avalons NP 2.0
Thanks,
Ron
I think some even prefer 5350's sound to Destiny's. I'd say it's a solid buy.
Any of you familiar with the Rogue Cronus tube integrated amp? Love tubes but wonder if the quality of this amp, 55 watts will be ok for the Avalons NP2's. I'm willing to spend up to $2K.
Thanks,
Wig
I have mentioned JoLida and Rogue but your Avalon dealer should have an intimate knowledge of these speakers and the amps which go with them. See what they have that fits your budget or what they recommend that's within your budget. Kind of surprised at the SS to tube about turn. Once a tubey always a tubey?
I haven't heard the Avalon so I can't really comment, but you can manually set the Cronus to handle 8 ohms nominal or 4 ohms nominal... it seems that the Avalons have a pretty good sensitivity at 90 db at 4 ohms nominal, but the important thing is if it's near constant at that nominal rating... or if it dips lower frequently.
I did get a chance to hear the Cronus very briefly and I remember it sounding good. The fact that it has a great headphone out (which I didn't get to test) is a huge plus, I think, if you do any headphone listening. Pretty rare for integrateds to have this function. If you're willing to go up to 2K, you might want to check out PrimaLuna Dialogue 2 with phono. Don't know about its compatibility w/ Avalons. I'd also consider the Yaqin tube amps, they are highly praised and will save you so much cash.
I've always been fond of tube after spend five years with a CJ PV-12 and didn't think I would find something similiar or reasonable for $2K, so I gravitated toward the most popular and highly rated Creek, Nad and Rotel. But after some good reviews and info from this board, I've decided on the Rogue Cronus tube integrated-amp. I've been in correspondence with a dealer in the UK who carry the Avalons' and Rogue equipment, and said it is a very good match. I still have six weeks in the sand box and will order once I return back to the UK. I'm glad I read these post often, almost missed out on the Rogue amp due to my ignorance since I've never heard of them but will be smiling soon under the glow of tubes. Can't wait to hear this amp on the 603 S3's which will be a better match than the Rotel integrated. I've decided to get my moneys worth with these speakers and upgrade to the Avalons with I return back to the states in 1 1/2 years. The reviews indicates that the 603's are neutral and really disappears.
Thanks,
Wig
I don't think there is much reason to get a new amp just to get a new amp. Why don't you see whether your 60 watt Rotel drives the new speakers OK? There's no need to rush into this.
The Creek is a rather more powerful amp, though.
If the Rotel works for you, my inclination is to consider looking for a amplifiers that will drive any speakers you are likely to buy in the future. If not, the Creek is a perfectly good amp as far as I know.