The Evolution 5350 integrated amplifier was designed to fill the gap left by the Creek’s Classic
Range when it was discontinued in 2009. It borrowed technology from both the Evolution 2
and Classic 5350SE and is styled to match the Evolution 2 CD Player and Evolution Tuner.

Creek Audio developed a completely new high current bi-polar power amplifier to enable
it to drive low impedance loudspeakers with modern dynamic music from high resolution
sources. This required a radical approach to enable it to be fitted into a slim-line case.

Each power amp is built as a module, using a high proportion of surface mount
components, on a double sided PCB, bolted to a massive 18 fin heat-sink. This means both
channels are identical and can be fitted and removed easily for servicing if necessary. The
power amplifier topology includes a cascoded differential voltage amplifier and MOS-FET current
drive stage feeding a double Darlington output stage with four high-current bi-polar transistors
to produce a very powerful amplifier capable of driving the most demanding of loads, with high
resolution and accuracy. DC stability is maintained by a servo amplifier that rejects DC and
allows the amplifier to be coupled directly without capacitors.

In a further development of the Evolution 5350 integrated amplifier's pre-amplifier section,
5 inputs are selectable by high current gold plated relays and switchable access to the power
amp allows the Evolution 5350 to be driven directly by the front channels of a 5.1 AV receiver.
The standard Creek plug-in Phono pre-amp is also featured.

A high-grade PGA 2320 digitally controlled analogue volume control circuit together with
OPA604 Op-Amps are used to provide a pre-amp with higher overload margin and lower
distortion.

To enable 2 x 200 Watts into 4 Ohms to be produced from a small case, Creek developed a
massive power supply using a high grade 350 Watt toroidal mains transformer that powers
left and right power amp channels separately, plus pre-amp and digital circuits. To keep the
power amps operating safely, they are monitored by discrete transistor circuitry to protect
against over-current demand, short circuits, over-temperature and DC offsets. Relays mute
the input and separate the loudspeaker outputs in case of faults.

The Evolution 5350 is operated from the front panel by rotary digital controls for input selection
and volume control plus push buttons for Tape and Speaker selection, Mute and Power On/Off.
It can also be operated by Creek’s new SRC 3 remote handset.

Gold plated input and output sockets have been chosen to provide a good connection and
appearance for a product at its price point. Loudspeakers are connected by up to 2 sets of
high current gold plated binding posts, with plastic touch-proof covers. The amplifier also has
a headphone socket; something which is becoming an increasingly rare feature in modern
amplifiers. A large vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) on the front panel indicates the state
of the amplifier. Input selection, volume position and loudspeaker connection information is
displayed through a blue filter. The brightness level can be altered from the remote control
handset.

Specification

Power Output (both channels into 8 Ohms)
Power Output (both channels into 4 Ohms)
Peak Output Current into 1 Ohm (50 mS)
Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
Frequency Response
Slew Rate
Gain
Input Sensitivity - one channel driven/8 Ohms
Pre-amp Output Level
Signal to Noise Ratio ‘A’ weighted
Separation (line inputs)
Loudspeaker Outputs
Headphone Output
Weight
Dimensions
Remote Handset
Finish Options
Voltage
Warranty
                                                                              

120 Watts
200 Watts
>25 amps RMS
<0.02%
1Hz - 50kHz - 1dB
> 30 V per µS
X 48 (33.6dB)
500 mV line input
Follows signal level via volume control
>90dB
>60dB @ 1kHz
Two
Yes
10.5 kgs
430 x 90 x 370
Yes
Silver or Black
Switchable 115V/230V
Two years original purchaser only
Warranty valid in country of purchase

Copyright ©  Epoz 2011