OBH
Series
Creek’s OBH range of miniature amplifiers is legendary.
During 2003 the products underwent significant change. Gone
is the black and green appearance, replaced by Creek’s new
silver finish front panel styling, complete with a 50%
longer casing. Recognised as being amongst the best in
their respective fields, the OBH products win award after
award for excellence in design. The range includes
headphone amplifiers, passive pre-amplifier and phono
pre-amplifiers.
OBH15
Phono Pre-Amp
£220
With modern amplifiers expected to cater for so many new
devices, the Phono capability has frequently been one of
the features to disappear. Creek Audio has always been
aware of the benefits of vinyl – that is why the company
continues to provide a number of Phono stage options.
The most recent addition to the Creek range is the OBH-15,
combining moving magnet and moving coil Phono
pre-amplifiers, into one diminutive chassis. Seriously
impressive and offering audiophile performance, the new
OBH-15 will augment any system.
The OBH-15 Phono pre-amp can now drive longer cables, due
to its low output impedance. It has combined the high
quality discrete semiconductor circuitry of the OBH-8 and
OBH-9 input and gain stages, and added improved open loop
gain by cascoding them, prior to the selector switch and
combined passive RIAA circuit. Separate Burr-Brown
professional grade low-noise op-amps are used for each
channel, to buffer the output signal and provide a very low
impedance drive to any pre-amp or integrated amplifier. The
OBH-15 can switch from moving magnet to moving coil
cartridges, via a simple push button on the rear panel. As
it has two input circuits, optimised for each type of
cartridge it allows for the connection of two turntables. A
high gain MC version, for low output MC cartridges, is
available to order.
The OBH-15 has a built-in high performance power supply
regulator circuit which makes it immune from power supply
fluctuations so, it can be used with the un-regulated
OBH-1, 6 Watt power supply; but it will sound better with
the regulated 12 Watt OBH-2, which is available as an
option.
Internally, the OBH-15 has built to the highest standards
using a glass-fibre double sided, plated through hole PCB
and very high-grade components. The OBH-15 looks the part
too! Designed to complement the Creek range of amplifiers,
tuners and CD players, the new OBH range features an
impressive 4mm thick solid aluminium front panel in a
silver finish. The remainder of the 150mm deep extruded
aluminium case is painted black, so the product all but
disappears.
OBH-21
£190
OBH-21SE £250
Creek OBH-21 and 21SE headphone amplifiers eliminate the
need to use a full sized integrated amplifier to boost the
audio signal when only headphones are used. An average
output level CD player or tuner can be connected directly
to the input of the headphone amplifier. This is much more
convenient and can improve performance for headphone
listening compared with larger integrated amplifiers.
The OBH-21 incorporates advanced circuitry utilising high
grade op-amps for signal amplification, providing the
capability to drive headphones with impedances ranging from
30 to 300 Ohms without a problem. Gain (level) will be
greater for lower impedance headphones.
There are two 1/4" (6.3mm) stereo headphone jacks on the
front panel of both models. The matching impedance for each
of these sockets is slightly different which allows for
better individual matching. When using two sets of
headphones, the impedance will be the same for both. The
output level can be adjusted by an analogue volume
potentiometer coupled to a solid metal control knob on the
front panel. The OBH-21 has only one pair of stereo inputs
using stereo RCA (Phono) sockets on the rear panel. To make
connection to another amplifier easier, there is another
pair of sockets which can patch the input signal through to
another amplifier. This is especially useful if the OBH-21
is used in series with the tape loop of a pre-amp or
integrated amp. It is suitable for any line level analogue
source.
In common with all electrical appliances, the OBH-21
requires a power source. A custom stand-alone Creek OBH
type power supply is provided that must be connected to the
unit via the DC inlet on the rear panel. The mains power
supply and connector plug will vary, depending on country
of use. Inside the OBH-21, custom circuitry is used to
convert the power supply from a single, positive rail, into
a split positive and negative supply and ghosted ground.
Split rail supplies provide better Common Mode Rejection
Ratio (CMMR) which will improve the sound quality by
increasing interference suppression and allow for DC signal
coupling on the SE version.
The OBH-21 uses two high-grade NE 5534 op-amp circuits for
the amplifying stage and audio grade coupling capacitors in
the signal path to block DC (direct current). The SE
version uses two instrument grade LM 7171 op-amp circuits
but has no coupling capacitors from the signal path to
achieve DC coupling from input to output, for better sound
quality. Like the Classic and Destiny amplifiers; it uses a
custom Creek DC servo loop to eliminate any trace of DC
from the output.
The OBH-21 can also be used in conjunction with other Creek
OBH series products, such as Phono pre-amplifiers or the
passive pre-amplifier. Furthermore, it can also function
with a stand-alone pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier,
connected in the tape loop.
The OBH-21SE is a higher grade version of the standard
OBH-21. Higher grade components and additional circuitry is
used to produce a better performance.
OBH18
MM Phono Pre-Amp
£170
With modern amplifiers expected to cater for so many new
devices, the phono capability has frequently been one of
the features to disappear. At Creek Audio, the engineering
team has always been aware of the benefits of vinyl – that
is why the company continues to provide a number of phono
stage options.
The OBH-18 was released in late 2003. The function of the
OBH-18 is to boost the level and correct the frequency
response of a low level signal coming from a moving magnet
phono pick-up on a conventional turntable. The signal
required by most modern amplifiers is described as being
'LINE' level, which is, in technical terms, between 200 and
500 milli-Volts with a flat frequency response. Unless your
amplifier has a specific 'Phono' or Disc input, the level
will be too low and the frequency response will be wrong.
The OBH-18 is designed to boost the signal and introduce an
R.I.A.A. frequency response characteristic.
The OBH-18 looks the part too! Designed to complement the
Creek range of amplifiers, tuners and CD players, the new
OBH range features an impressive solid aluminium front
panel in a silver finish. The remainder of the 150mm casing
is black so the products all but disappear
OBH
22 Passive Pre-Amp
£299
Creek’s latest product release is the OBH-22 passive
pre-amplifier.
The function of the Creek OBH-22 passive pre-amplifier is
to provide input selection and volume adjustment to a Hi-Fi
system from an armchair, via infra-red remote control. The
unit can also be controlled directly from the front panel.
The OBH-22 consists of a high quality motorised volume
potentiometer, and two stereo relays which select the
desired input plus tape output, together with a muting
relay that can short the signals to ground. A built-in
micro-controller decodes the infra-red signals transmitted
by the handset and translates them into commands which
activate the motorised potentiometer and the muting and
input selection relays. After each operation, the
micro-controller turns itself off to avoid any possibility
of interfering with the main music signal. LED’s are used
to indicate the status and mode of operation.
The OBH-22 is purely passive and does not introduce any
gain or distortion into the signal path. It is therefore
suitable to be used as a control pre-amplifier, provided
the sensitivity of the power amplifier that is being used
is high enough to be driven directly from the source. i.e.
CD player or tuner etc.
The volume control can be operated manually at any time,
whether the OBH-22 is powered or not, but without power
only Line 1 can be utilised.
EVO
SERIES
Evo products have been developed using 3D solid modelling
software and high grade PCB development tools. They are
designed to look similar to the new Destiny high-end range,
but not to be confused with it. Cosmetically, the Evo uses
a 12mm solid aluminium front panel which is machined to
create a visually appealing look and feel. The casework is
larger than previously used on the Creek 50 series, to
accommodate the extra power and facilities. To provide a
solid feel and stiffness, the outer case is made from
folded steel, coated with a textured paint finish. Control
knobs, buttons and disc feet are machined from solid
aluminium.
EVO Integrated Amplifier
£495
To achieve 85 Watts power into an 8 Ohms load and >160
Watts into 4 Ohms, the mains transformer has to be big. The
Evo uses an over-rated 250VA toroidal transformer, which
will provide enough current to drive the amplifier to
almost double its output into 4 Ohms. To improve the sound
quality, no expense has been spared.
Separate windings are used for each of the high current
high voltage and low voltage, analogue and digital
circuits. Two sets of rectifiers and a total of 20,000
micro-Farads of multiple smoothing capacitors are used to
separate the left and right circuitry and improve the
dynamic performance. This is a technique used by Creek
before for its up-market products and is now available in
the entry-level Evo. In terms of value for money, this
cannot be over-stated.
Generally, few Hi-Fi companies put so much effort into
their product's power supplies at this price point, but
Creek knows that this is an area where the rewards are high
for such investment. To allow it to be easily used in
different countries, the Evo also uses an external voltage
selector.
Significantly, the Evo is the first product made by Creek
to use an electronic volume control. It uses a Burr-Brown
PGA2311, stepped resistor attenuator operated by a
microcontroller. This allows the user to adjust the volume
accurately, in 1 dB steps, from 0 to -80dB. An analogue
style rotary encoder, with 40mm solid control knob, is used
to alter the volume from the front panel and display the
reverse level in dB on a large blue coloured VFD display
i.e. 80 is loudest and 0 is off. To buffer the signals in
and out of the pre-amp, high grade Burr-Brown OPA2134
op-amps are used. Signal switching is performed by relays,
which are driven by signal from a powerful microcontroller,
similar to the Destiny amp.
The Evo is configured as a high open-loop gain circuit,
using a double differential input and driver stage plus
discrete Darlington power output stage, using high current
bi-polar transistors. This is similar to the circuitry
Creek used prior to its more complicated MOS-FET designs.
High grade polypropylene capacitors, bypassed with large
value electrolytics, are used to couple and decouple the
signal into the power amp as the Evo doesn't use a DC servo
correction, like the Classic and Destiny amps.
To keep the amplifier safe, it is monitored by discrete
transistor circuitry to protect against over current
demand, short circuits and DC offsets. Relays mute the
input and separate the loudspeaker output in the case of
faults.
The Evo operates conventionally with rotary controls for
input selection and volume control and buttons for Tape
selection and power On/off. It has four inputs plus tape -
selection is via the remote handset or the input selection
control. A visual indication of its status is displayed on
a large blue Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD). The display
brightness can be altered from the Evo remote control
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 with 1 set of
4mm terminal binding posts, with plastic touch proof
covers. The amplifier also has a headphone socket which is
becoming an increasingly rare feature of modern day
amplifiers.
Mains connection is via a standard, fused, IEC chassis
plug. A high quality power cord, with suitable mains plug
for the country of use is supplied.
CLASSIC
SERIES
Features Solid aluminium front panel in silver or black
finish.
5350SE
Integrated Amplifier
Includes ARC 53 remote handset. - £850
The Classic 5350SE evolved from one of the most popular
amplifiers ever produced by Creek Audio – the 5350SE.
The Classic 5350SE is constructed in a modular way, with
separate power amp, pre-amp and remote volume control
circuit boards, connected with computer grade flat cables,
plugs and sockets. It features a passive pre-amp circuit,
providing no additional gain to the source signal. Although
not strictly necessary, it can be configured with an active
pre-amp if required, by plugging in an optional gain board
which can be configured in steps of 3, 6 or 9 dB. An
optional MM or MC Phono pre-amp can also be plugged in to
further increase the flexibility of this fine integrated
amplifier.
To accommodate Bi-wiring and Bi-amping, the Classic 5350SE
is fitted with 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 switch on the rear panel, which is recessed
to avoid accidental use. Typically this would be used when
connecting an external device such as a subwoofer or
graphic equaliser. The Classic 5350SE also hosts a front
panel mounted headphone socket, which is unusual in modern
integrated amplifiers.
Short circuit, DC offset and anti-thump protection
circuitry makes the Classic 5350SE a sophisticated, user
friendly integrated amplifier, with a technical performance
close to the best that can be achieved.
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 optional plug-in
gain board uses all discrete transistor circuitry in a
unique double differential servo controlled design
achieving unbelievably low distortion and noise
performance.
The Classic 5350SE uses a 250VA toroidal transformer,
together with multiple power supply capacitors totalling
31,000uF, 105 degree C, low impedance, to achieve the
quality of computer grade capacitors but with very low
inductance, for the ultimate in sonic performance.
Like other Creek amplifiers, the Classic 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.
The Classic 5350SE remains a landmark in Hi-Fi design,
incorporating state of the art circuitry with elegant
styling to achieve a versatile and high fidelity amplifier
par excellence
Classic
Power Amp A53
(90 watt stereo power amplifier) £700
In response to the demand for bi-amping from many existing
customers of the Classic 5350SE and original 5350SE Creek
has developed a simple solution. We have simply taken a
Classic 5350SE and removed everything that was not
associated with the power amp section. We removed the pre
amp, remote control volume and input selection circuitry
and micro controller. This left us with the Classic Power
Amp.
This is not a retrograde step because, for those of you who
read the specs would realise, the 5350SE-integrated
amplifier is already a power amp with passive pre-amp. In
other words, if you were to eliminate the pre-amp section
and drive it from the power amp with a separate pre-amp
through the input sockets on the back, the performance
would be the same as for the integrated amp. The Classic
Power Amplifier is constructed in a similar case too the
integrated amp, but obviously, without the sockets,
switches and knobs and other unnecessary function controls
that are used in the integrated amp.
To accommodate Bi-wiring, the Classic Power Amp is fitted
with 2 pairs of high current speaker binding posts. Speaker
A/B selection is not possible, but the amp can drive 2 sets
of 8 Ohms speakers in parallel if required, or separately
drive different drivers in a single multi-way speaker
through separate speaker cables.
Short circuit, DC offset and anti-thump protection
circuitry makes the Classic Power Amp a sophisticated,
user-friendly power amplifier, with a technical performance
close to the best. For the technically minded, the Classic
Power Amp 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.
The input sensitivity is the same as the Classic 5350SE
Integrated amp, so paralleling the integrated amp and power
amp will achieve the same gain, which can be controlled by
the common volume control in the Classic 5350SE. If used as
a stand-alone power amp, the power amp can be used with a
passive or active pre-amp as required. It will also work
very well with the Creek OBH-22 remote controlled Passive
Pre-amp.
The Classic Power Amp uses a 250VA toroidal transformer,
together with multiple power supply capacitors totalling
31,000uF, 105 degree C, low impedance, to achieve the
quality of computer grade capacitors but with very low
inductance, for the ultimate in sonic performance.
DESTINY
SERIES
Features Solid Aluminium Front Panel in Silver or Black
finish
Integrated
Amplifier
£1,200
(more than 100 watts per channel and includes src2 handset)
The Destiny integrated amplifier will continue to produce
world beating audio performance, through its continued use
of discrete analogue MOS-FET circuitry which was first
developed for Creek’s amplification products in 1993. This
circuitry has continued to be used with great success since
that time.
A major improvement in the Destiny over earlier Creek
amplifiers has been in the area of separating power supply
and voltage referencing circuitry for each channel.
Dedicated windings on the new and up-rated mains
transformer achieves >100 Watts into 8 Ohm operation.
In addition Creek has upgraded the circuitry that controls
the protection of the amplifier and ancillary products
under fault conditions. Protection of the amplifier and
ancillary products under fault conditions is facilitated by
an array of sensors and measurement circuits feeding-back
information to the microcontroller that monitors the
amplifier constantly for over-temperature, over-current, DC
offsets, power supply status and over-drive situations. If
any of these conditions is exceeded the microcontroller
will take the appropriate corrective action. This can
include, muting the input signal, separating the speaker
outputs and, in extreme cases, switching off the mains
supply to the power amplifier circuitry.
It continues, as before, to control the volume by adjusting
a motorized 27mm ALPS potentiometer. The Destiny has 5
inputs plus a single tape loop selected by relays and
indicated by LED’s.
Separating the pre-amp / power amplifier in the Destiny is
controlled by a semi-hidden push switch on the rear panel
and signal paths to and from the pre and power amplifier
are carried by custom audio grade wiring. Loudspeaker
connection is controlled locally by gold contact high
current relays that can also be controlled via the Creek
(CAN) bus.
The Destiny can still be run with a passive pre-amp but now
has the added feature of a gain selectable active pre-amp.
Selection is in three steps - 3dB, 6dB & 9dB. The gain
is adjustable from underneath the pre-amp selection with a
3 way slider switch. To select active or passive operation
a push button on the front panel switches between the two
and is indicated with an LED.
A new connector arrangement can be found inside the Destiny
pre-amp circuit board allowing the use of a plug-in gain
Phono circuit board. Being fully isolated from the input
ground, it is possible to input either MM or MC cartridges.
The early range of phono boards which suit Creek’s Classic
5350SE and earlier model Creek amplifiers will not fit this
new amplifier.
Most types of dynamic headphones can be connected to the
standard size ¼" jack socket on the front panel, for high
performance reproduction.
One of the more difficult tasks was to make the Destiny
switch into low-current standby operation. Waking up the
amplifier can now be performed simply via the Creek System
Remote handset.
The metal case of the Destiny amplifier is larger and more
substantial in thickness and weight. The new casework
design uses heavy extruded aluminium sections and turned
control knobs and buttons, machined by computer aided
manufacturing techniques, to achieve a very high quality
finish. The front panel itself is machined from solid 10mm
thick aluminium. Groups of function buttons are now
clustered together within a machined circle to make it more
intuitive to use. LED’s indicate the functionality.
Sorbothane'TM moulded feet, are also used to isolate
mechanical vibration and improve sonic resolution.
Power
Amplifier
£1000
More than 100 watts per cahnel
The Destiny Power amplifier is designed to produce world
beating audio performance, through its continued use of
custom discrete analogue MOS-FET circuitry, which was first
developed for Creek’s amplification products in 1993. This
circuitry has continued to be used with great success since
that time and has evolved to meet the increasing demands
for higher power, lower distortion and noise.
The Destiny Power Amplifier uses separate power supplies
and voltage referencing circuitry for each channel.
Dedicated windings on mains transformer help it to achieve
>100 Watts into 8 Ohm operation and nearly double that
into 4 Ohms.
The Destiny Power Amp uses the same protection circuitry as
the Destiny Integrated amplifier under fault conditions.
Protection of the amplifier and ancillary products under
fault conditions is facilitated by an array of sensors and
measurement circuits feeding-back information to its
microcontroller that monitors the amplifier constantly for
over-temperature, over-current, DC offsets, power supply
status and over-drive situations. If any of these
conditions is exceeded the microcontroller will take the
appropriate corrective action. This can include, muting the
input signal, separating the speaker outputs and in extreme
cases, switching off the mains supply to the power
amplifier circuitry. A log of fault conditions is stored in
an internal memory device, which is also used to remember
the last setting used prior to switching off the mains
supply.
The Destiny Power amp is unusual in that it has two
separate inputs. Firstly it has a non-inverting, input via
high quality solid metal, gold plated RCA sockets that
connect to the power amplifier directly. It also has active
balanced inputs, via XLR sockets and uses relays to switch
between the two inputs. The Destiny Power Amplifier can
select either input from a button on the rear panel or
using the forthcoming Destiny CAN Link system that extends
the controls to another room or proprietary RS232 room
controller.
Loudspeaker connection can be from bare wire or audio type
instrument plugs, through high-grade touch-proof screw
terminals on the rear panel that can be switched from the
front panel, remote handset or Can Link by gold contact
high-current relays.
Like the rest of the Destiny range of products, the Power
Amplifier can switch into low-current standby operation
from the front panel or remote control handset. Waking up
the amplifier can now be performed simply via the Creek
System Remote handset. For the ecologically aware consumer,
the Destiny power amp draws less than 1 Watt of mains
current in standby mode.
The metal case of the Destiny amplifier has been
constructed from custom designed extrusions using solid
10mm thick front panel and 4mm thick extruded side and rear
panels that combined with the 3mm thick top and bottom
plate to make a very substantial heavy weight product. In
addition the buttons and feet are machined by computer
aided manufacturing techniques, to achieve a very high
quality finish. To isolate mechanical vibration and improve
sonic resolution custom designed 4mm thick Sorbothane ‘TM’
moulded washers are stuck to the machined disc feet.
All in all, this is the best Power Amplifier Creek have so
far made and will definitely compliment the Integrated amp
to achieve greater levels of current deliver for difficult
loudspeakers that demand high current. They are ideally
suited to drive the Epos range of Loudspeakers.
PLUG-IN
BOARDS
Creek Audio is well respected for the phono options it
offers.
Whilst it is possible to purchase a separate Creek phono
pre-amplifier, if indeed you own a Creek amplifier and
don’t want to add another piece of equipment, you can
simply choose the option to have a board fitted internally.
Creek amplifiers and pre-amplifiers have always been
designed to permit the first input to be interrupted by a
plug-in board.
When you buy the Creek pre-amplifier or integrated
amplifier, the first input is a line level input. However
you have an option to have a plug-in board fitted
internally to allow for phono use. Once this is fitted, the
first input is then automatically configured to accommodate
the phono connection.
Four versions of these boards are available – two for
moving magnet and two for moving coil. In both cases there
is a standard and special edition version.
MM
PHONE - MOVING MAGNET PHONO BOARD
- £49
MM
PHONO SE - SPECIAL EDITION MOVING MAGNET PHONO BOARD
- £79
MC
PHONO - MOVING COIL PHONO BOARD
- £59
MC
PHONO SE - SPECIAL EDITION MOVING COIL PHONO BOARD
- £79
53
GAIN - Gain Stage for CLASSIC 5350SE
-£100
MM
PHONO Board for Destiny Series
-£250
MC PHONO Board for Destiny Series
-£250