Creek destiny vs Primare I30

[stpierre76]

Currently looking at buying new gear.Anybody ever done a direct comparaison between the Pimare i30 and creek destiny amp.There are roughly same price and specs so it be interesting.Disappointed that what hi fi never did a review on creek destiny.I got some focal 807 chorus speaker with 7' woofer.

thanks in advance

 

[mikegtar]

I too would be interested in learning WHF's thoughts on the Destiny. They reviewed the Destiny CDP (4 Stars) but haven't seen anything about the amp.

In 2008 Hi Fi News preferred the Primare I30 over the Creek Destiny, Roksan Caspian, Arcam A32 ..... but maybe you would choose differently after a few demos with different source and speaker combos.

The Creek amp can run in passive or active mode (active can be set with 3, 6 or 9 db gain) which gives a different sound, so you should also bear this in mind when doing A/B comparisons with other amps.

Try giving Alex at Audio Affiar a ring because he has sold Creek and Primare for quite a while now so should be able to give you an opinion between the two.

From my point of view, I have owned a Creek Destiny and Epos setup for a couple of years now and have no hesitation in recommending it for audition.

 

[stpierre76]

thanks for replying ang giving me heads up on creek.i will definately try and audition both in same shop.just got to found one that sells both.

 

[Rethep]

@mikegtar:

Which Epos did you use it with ? Are you still using this combination, and if not, why not ? Thank you.

 

[mikegtar]

Hi, with the Destiny I started off with EPOS M12.2 standmounters on Partington Dreadnought Broadside stands half filled with Atabites.

Then I took a shine to the EPOS M22i floorstanders when they came out and put them on some nice granite slabs.

Then I added a pair of Spendor S5e floorstanders because they were on special offer and I'd had my eye on them for a couple of years following an audition with some Cyrus kit.

The EPOS M22i and Spendor S5e speakers are both in my lounge on A/B outputs from the Destiny Integrated/Power amp combo and it depends what type of music, speech radio, TV or movies I'm listening to as to which I choose to listen through.

They are very different sounding speakers, each with their own charm and both of very high quality sound and construction. I wouldn't part with either of them.

The M12.2's are currently under the stairs waiting until the time when I re-arrange the second bedroom and add them to the Technics SUA900MK2 which are currently driving Kef iQ5se speakers. The M12.2's were the first proper hifi speakers that I heard. Clarity and soundstage was a real upgrade from my old Kef iQ30's, and I look forward to listening to them again.

 

[Anonymous]

I have the Creek Destiny 2. One of the good things about this amp is that it drives different speakers. I've had Monitor RS1s Linn Majik 109s and now the Kef R300s. The Creek drives them all with aplomb! I have the impression it's an easy amp to live with. Enough power. Not too forward. Never harsh.

But then my only comparison is an old NAD and the Onkyo 9555, both of which are blown straight out of the water by the Creek. Oh, and I had the Roksan M2 (or whatever it's called) for a while, which was too forward for my taste.

 

[Anonymous]

Both are great amplifiers. It's a matter of tase. Creek Destiny is more neutral, Primare i30 is sweeter and warmer. But not it's not overwarm or overmellow anyway.

In the passive form, Creek Destiny sounds sweet and relaxed. When running in active form, it gains verve and bite, i.e., better transient attack and dynamics (without sounding harsh or edged).

I'd prefer them to Roksan Caspian, Arcam FMJ A32 and Naim XS.

 

[albireo]

Would the Creek Destiny II drive 4ohm speakers (Dynaudio Focus 110) well?