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Conrad Johnson, Krell, Creek integrated amp??

I have eliminated my integrated search down to approx 3 units: Conrad Johnson CA-200; the Krell S-300i; Creek Destiny 2. The Creek and Krell are in $2500 price range. The CJ retails for about $6600. However, I am aiming or hoping to buy used. I have the Creek SE5350 Classic which is very good, but I want to make a major improvement in sound quality. Unfortunately, there are no CJ dealers in my state to audition the CA-200 I heard the Krell briefly but with no solid impression. I have read a few comments about it having some electronic problems. The Creek Destiny 2 is a strong choice, but I have not heard it and only read reviews on the original Destiny........ All advice welcomed. Thank you, Jim
sunnyjim
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,846 posts
 
Check out Rogue Audio Cronus.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
What speakers will it drive, how large a room will the speakers be in, what volume levels are you seeking, what sound qualities are most important to you?
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I have S300i in my second system. No problems at all. A great integrated.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
I would suggest considering the older Krell 400i vs. either the older 300 or the new S300i. But that is based on my preferences in performance. The older 300i was nothing special, with the S300i being a pretty decent improvement over it. But I still feel the S300i falls short of the old 400i, which is better in my opinion all the way around. It (400i) will be a bit smoother, better soundstanging and in my experience a bit more pleasant overall. I like Krell (owned several of their power amps), so I am not saying the old 300i sucks, just that the 400i is notiecably better than it or even the new S300i. The 400 can be bought used pretty cheap, something like $1500 I think.

That being said, I think there are better integrated amps out there than any of these, but you would need to provide more info. for a good recommendation (as requested above).
timlub
2,043 posts
 
Hi Jim,
Dollar for dollar a strong contender would be the Dussun amps out of China. The T6 ($700.)would be a fair comparison @ 100/150 watts 8/4 ohm. The V6i ($1100.00)@ 150/300 8/4 & the V8i ($1500.)@ 250/500
8/4. I haven't seen anything compete with these at their price range. These are all smooth and accurate amps. The V series are known to be Very Dynamic with rock solid bottom, liquid mids and smooth neutral top end. The T series won some very respectable awards from The Absolute Sound. Just google, you will be surprised that these are considered to compete with seperates up to $10,000.
You can get these at the prices above new, Used should be a fair amount lower. Just a suggestion, everything you have named is fine gear. (Also Classe Cap 151) Tim
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