integrated advice: Creek A50i vs. Cambridge 640a v.2

Looking to finally upgrade from my Yamaha surround receiver to power my Cambridge 640c and Paradigm Studio 20 v.2s, thoughts or other ideas greatly appreciated!
thanks

Home much are you willing to spend and what model Yamaha do you have? Does the yamaha have preamp outs?

I have seen both the cambridge and creek in the 3 to 4 hundred range which is around the top of my price range and I don't believe the receiver has preamp outs. Would you go with one or the other in terms of the integrateds?

update:
I am now leaning toward cambridge, but are between the 540 and 640, with my speakers, can I get away with the 540?

Well there are three internet authorized dealers selling the 540 for 299 and the 640 for 399 Don't see why the 540 wouldn't work for you. The hundred dollar difference could go for some decent interconnects. I read your post as though the yammie was going to be replaced by an intergrated

Thanks for the tip, I am looking to get an integrated to replace the yamaha, and had decided on getting either one cambridge or the other. I just wanted to be sure the 540 would have enough power for my paradigm 20's.

You should consider the Onkyo 9555 integrated as well. I would also consider looking for a used integrated on audiogon. If you can swing the money, this would be my choice. http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Onkyo%20...ier:1994892901

Take a look at this NAD integrated which would be a good fit with your Paradigms. It has plenty of dynamic headroom-
http://spearitsound.com/nad/C352.asp

And if you don't mind a receiver. Harmon Kardon makes a nice powerful high current 2ch receiver, 120wpc http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...9028136&sr=1-1

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackraven

You should consider the Onkyo 9555 integrated as well. I would also consider looking for a used integrated on audiogon. If you can swing the money, this would be my choice. http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Onkyo%20...ier:1994892901

Take a look at this NAD integrated which would be a good fit with your Paradigms. It has plenty of dynamic headroom-
http://spearitsound.com/nad/C352.asp

And if you don't mind a receiver. Harmon Kardon makes a nice powerful high current 2ch receiver, 120wpc http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...9028136&sr=1-1

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I take it that you are no longer a fan of Cambridge Audio after selling your player?

The Onkyo 9555 can be had for $300 refurbed at Accessories4less.com

frenchmon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

I take it that you are no longer a fan of Cambridge Audio after selling your player?



frenchmon

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I still like Cambridge Audio and I like the 840c but as usual in this hobby, I was looking for something better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackraven

I still like Cambridge Audio and I like the 840c but as usual in this hobby, I was looking for something better.

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Thats sounds about right when one has this as a hobby....to which my wife can't seem to understand.

frenchmon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackraven

You should consider the Onkyo 9555 integrated as well. I would also consider looking for a used integrated on audiogon. If you can swing the money, this would be my choice. http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Onkyo%20...ier:1994892901

Take a look at this NAD integrated which would be a good fit with your Paradigms. It has plenty of dynamic headroom-
http://spearitsound.com/nad/C352.asp

And if you don't mind a receiver. Harmon Kardon makes a nice powerful high current 2ch receiver, 120wpc http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...9028136&sr=1-1

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I would also suggest you consider the Onkyo A-9555. I am amazed by the quality of sound for the money. I owned a Cambridge Audio 640 A and found the high frequencies to be grainy and the midbass to be a little emphasized. If you ever want a turntable the built in MM phono pre-amp is very nice with my Ortofon OM20.

Just a quick update on my original post, thanks to everyone for the tips, I did end up going with the 640A and are still getting acquainted at this point, but are very happy with the difference so far. Now to start planning the speaker upgrade! Who knows when though.