Creek Classic 5350SE is a mid-range amplifier. Until the release of the Destiny line, it was the manufacturer's highest-end integrated amplifier model.
Predecessor: Creek 5350 & 5350SE (2000-2005)
Successor: Creek Evolution 5350 (2010-2013)
Years of production 2005-2008
Price: approximately 1500,- USD
During the early part of 2005 it became apparent that unless some design changes were made to the popular Creek 5350SE Mk2 integrated amplifier, it would have to be phased out of production. The changes were necessary as a direct result of the
non-availability of some parts. Rather than simply go to a mk3 version, the decision was made that three of Creek’s highly acclaimed award winning products would undergo some basic design changes and together form the company’s Classic
range. A separate power amplifier joined the Classic range in April 2006.
Released in August 2005, Creek’s Classic 5350SE integrated amplifier is worthy of its name. This new amplifier underwent subtle changes resulting in an overall improved performance.
The most noticeable changes from the original amplifier were the removal of the tape selector switch and a reduction in size of the pre-amplifier circuit board. The front panel was re-styled to accommodate the change, and the casework was
re-worked to handle the removal of the redundant 2nd Tape Output.
The Classic 5350SE is constructed in a modular way, with separate power amplifier, pre-amplifier and remote volume control circuit boards, connected with flat cables, plugs and sockets. It features a passive pre-amplifier circuit, providing no
additional gain to the source signal. Although not strictly necessary, the Classic 5350SE can be configured with an active pre-amplifier if required, by plugging in an optional gain board which can be switched in steps of +3, +6 or +9 dB.
The rotary selector switch on the left hand side of the amplifier selects the desired inputs. There are six inputs including tape in plus tape out. As all the line input levels are the same, it is not necessary to use the precise inputs as designated.
However, for added flexibility, the first input on the Classic 5350SE can be used either for vinyl disc or auxiliary line. To connect a turntable, it is possible to have the optional MM or MC phono plug-in board fitted. These boards are available in
four options: MM standard and MM special edition, MC standard and MC special edition. The alternative to a plug-in board is the Creek OBH phono pre-amplifer.
To accommodate Bi-wiring and Bi-amping, the Classic 5350SE is fitted with 2 pairs of high current speaker binding posts plus separate pre-amplifier output and power amplifier input sockets. Speaker A/B selection is switchable from the front panel.
Joining and separating the pre/power sections is achieved with a switch on the rear panel, which is recessed to avoid accidental use. Separating the pre and power amplifiers via this rear panel switch allows the user to connect an external device such
as a subwoofer. This provides an ideal solution for anyone wanting to extend the bass frequency of their loudspeakers when listening to music. The Classic 5350SE also hosts a front panel mounted headphone socket.
End of production and successor
As a direct consequence of the acceptance and extraordinary success of both the Destiny and Evolution ranges, demand for Creek’s Classic products started to wane. Production of this series was therefore discontinued in 2007/08.
In 2010 - the Evolution 5350 integrated amplifier has been designed to fill the gap left by the Classic range, between the entry level Evolution 2 and the top of the range Destiny. It has borrowed technology from both the Evolution 2 integrated amplifier and Classic 5350SE and is styled to match the Evolution 2 CD Player and Evolution 2 Tuner.
Technical specification
| Creek | Classic 5350SE |
| RMS Output Power, 8 Ω | 2 x 90W |
| Frequency response | 3 Hz - 25 kHz (-1 dB) |
| THD (20 Hz...20 kHz) | 0.05% |
| Signal to Noise Ratio: MM | |
| Signal to Noise Ratio: High level / LINE | 105 dB |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 430 x 280 x 70 |
| Weight | 8 kg |
