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CREEK - CLASSIC 5350SE Integrated Amplifier (85Wpc)

Classic Design, Classic Creek

The successor to the much loved Creek 5350SE, the new Creek Classic 5350SE has just been updated. With a cleaner faceplate design and upgraded preamp section, the Classic 5350SE is the logical evolution of its Stereophile “Class A” Rated predecessor.

The Classic 5350SE features a passive pre-amplifier section, modular construction, massive power supplies, headphone jack, pre-out/main-in jacks, A/B speakers and remote control. The passive pre-amp section is the key to the Classic 5350SE’s transparency and lively tonal balance, eliminating all active gain stages in the pre-amp section and thus potential distortion and noise. The Classic 5350SE's modular construction separates the power amplifier, pre-amplifier and remote volume control circuit boards for greater reliability and durability. Its massive power supplies give the amplifier section a robust and unflappable character that allows the Classic 5350SE to power even difficult loads with ease. The ARC 53 remote control allows volume adjustment and source selection, yet is small enough to comfortably be used with only one hand.

The Classic 5350SE makes Bi-wiring and Bi-amping easy by providing 2 pairs of high current speaker binding posts plus separate pre-amp output and power amp input sockets. Speaker A/B selection is switchable from the front panel; joining and separating the pre/power sections is achieved with a link on the rear panel.

Analog lovers can add an optional board to convert the Aux input to a phono section. There are four optional phono boards: The Standard MM or MC boards and the souped up Special Edition MM or MC boards. The SE boards feature upgraded capacitors and resistors for greater dynamic range and transparency. The upgrade boards are easily installed in just a few minutes and require only a Philips-head screwdriver (to take the top off the 5350SE).

For the technically minded: The Classic 5350SE uses a high current, N channel only, MOS-FET power output stage, driven by a P channel MOS-FET phase splitter and double differential voltage amplifier with symmetrical class A driver, to achieve ultra-low distortion and high speed with minimal negative feedback. Therefore, the Classic 5350SE is able to avoid using any active circuitry in its pre-amp and still achieve high input sensitivity. The Classic 5350SE uses 250VA toroidal transformers, together with multiple power supply capacitors totalling 31,000uF, to achieve the quality of computer grade capacitors but with very low inductance, for the ultimate in sonic performance.

Like other Creek amplifiers, the 5350SE is DC servo controlled, to enable direct coupling from input to output and accurate low frequency roll-off, thereby eliminating sonically degrading capacitors from its signal path.

NOTE: Since the volume control is passive, most listeners find that their normal listening levels with the Classic 5350SE is with the volume set between 11 and 1 o’clock on the volume knob. This is normal for units with passive volume controls.

"After 20 years of evolutionary improvement in his designs, Mike Creek has taken several leaps ahead with the 5350SE integrated amplifier. Do I believe the 5350SE to be the most significant Creek design I've heard? Yes. Is the 5350SE the most exciting component I've reviewed in four years? Yes. Am I buying one? Yes. The Creek 5350SE is the finest $1500 integrated amplifier I've ever heard, but I'll say more than that: If you're considering spending $10,000 on a stereo and have allocated $3000 to a separate preamp and power amp, you might want to consider spending $1500 on the Creek 5350SE and allocating the leftover cash elsewhere. It's that good. Mike Creek, you revolutionary, you."

         -Robert J. Reina, Stereophile

Specifications
Power output (both channels): 90W into 8 Ohms
Power output (one channel): 180W into 4 Ohms
Max current: >25 amps
THD (total harmonic distortion): <0.05% 20Hz - 20 KHz
Frequency Response: 3Hz - 25KHz - 1dB
Power Amp Slew Rate: > 50V per µs
Input Sensitivity: 620 mV for 50W
Signal to Noise Ratio: >105 dB
Separation: >60 dB
Remote control: yes
Power Consumption at Idle: < 40W
Power Consumption at Full Power: 340W
Weight: 15.4Lbs (7Kgs)
SizeHWD: 2.75”x17”x11” (7x43x28cm)