The question is, how does the Paradyne/Anthem compare to the Creek at your normal listening levels? If you're listening at fairly low levels in a relatively small room, then the Creek could actually sound superior.

I prefer integrated because they eliminate interconnects, shorten signal paths and interface ideally. Still, your Paradyne/Anthem could be better than you Creek. You just need to listen.

Dave

There may indeed be an issue with matching. I haven't used an integrated as a pre... might be good, but I'd be very hesitant to stick to that as a long-term system solution. Still, I don't think you have to doubt your ears if you like what you hear out of the Creek integrated better. Although I think it would be a great stretch to say an integrated outperforms Shindo or darTZeel separates (although I think that's theoretically and practically possible if there's a shift in philosophy amongst audio manufacturers), it's entirely possible that a quality integrated amp can out-do a pre/power combo. I'm also a fan of integrated amps, like dcstep, and own both tube & SS integrated amps, and I've heard pre/power systems which sound far less musical than my units. Personally, I would probably have to spend at least 3 times more to get a reasonably significant performance benefit, and that's not a worthy upgrade path, IMO. (That kind of upgraditis should be only reserved for analog gear.)

Besides, more & more manufacturers are making no-compromises integrateds. dcstep's Rowland, for example. darTZeel's coming out with an integrated, I think. And top of the line ASR, Krell, Boulder, Gamut integrateds are supposed to equal or better the performance of separates.

As for the upgrade path, if you really like the Creek sound, the obvious upgrade would be the Destiny. If you like a bit more power & dynamism, look into Primare or older Plinius units; they'll drive almost any speakers out there to hell and back, and they're very musical & subtle, too. Also, look into whether or not you like tubes; many many options, but solid state amps would be safer matches to the speakers than tubes.

Plinius changed hands not long ago and customer support seems to have gone out the window. It's a shame to see a great name mishandled.

Don't look at Rowland as ICDpower. His new Capri pre-amp circuit is being compared to the likes of ARC Ref3 and Conrad Johnson. He's now taken Power Factor Correction from the 312 and put it into the Continuum 500, so when you buy a C500 you get the Capri circuit, the Power Factor Correction and power circuits of two 501 monoblocks. The combination is incredibly transparent and involving.

Stop worrying too much about impedance, power circuits and tube vs. SS vs. ICEpower and just listen. You're right to do it in steps, as you can afford it.

Dave

Quote:
I had been looking in Primare's direction actually, at their PRE30. Perhaps I should consider the I30 instead. Has anyone in these forums listened to it? Why do you say "older" Plinius units?

I say older Plinius units because I own a 8150 & frankly it sounds much better than the 9200. When I bought it, I A-B'd the 8150 with the 9200 side by side, and it was no contest: 8150 was much more musical. I upgraded the power cord to CPCC Top Gun, thanks to the recommendation of a musically and technically savvy friend, and now, I'm convinced it's still one of the best sounding solid state integrated amps out there, no question. It sounds phenomenal with this PC upgrade. On Audiogon, the Plinius 8200 and 9200s come out often, but haven't really seen 8150 surface much. It's got 150 wpc/8 ohms, 230 wpc/4 ohms, which is a lot of great, clean power. As I said, it's got a great musical sound to it, a tube-like warmth especially in the midrange. Look out for it if you can. I heard that Plinius changed hands & their support is not how it used to be, as dcstep mentions. That said, they're built to withstand a nuclear holocaust and you can find ready support amongst the network of dealers/distributors here. Scot Markwell at themusic.com is especially responsive...

I've heard Primare I30, and among the recent integrated amps, it's the one that made the best impression on me. Primare I30 matched with their CD31 was perhaps one of the best sounds I'd heard when auditioning for integrated amp systems. Not only that, the combo probably looked the best aesthetically. Personally, I preferred the Primare over Creek, Krell & Plinius 9200 models I'd heard... was very close to purchasing it until I found a 8150 & a great tube amp. I haven't heard the Boulder unit... another integrated amp that's piqued my interest is the new Pass integrated amp.