Changes have been made to the amplifier to refresh the design for 2009, to match the new EVOLUTION 2 CD Player. However, there is no reason why it cannot work with the mk1 CD player also.

To achieve 80 Watts power into an 8 Ohms load and >140 Watts into 4 Ohms, the mains transformer has to be big. The Evolution 2 uses a 250VA toroidal transformer, which will provide enough current to almost double its output into 4 Ohms. To achieve high-end 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. A high capacity power supply using 20,000 micro-Farads of multiple smoothing capacitors are used to power the left and right power amplifiers and provide a very dynamic performance.

The Evolution 2 uses a high quality, Burr-Brown PGA2311, digitally controlled analogue volume control.  This allows the user to adjust the volume accurately, 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 relative level on a large blue coloured VFD.  Position 80 is the loudest and 0 is mute. To amplify the signals into the volume control circuit, a high grade Burr-Brown OPA2134 Op-Amp is used as a pre-amplifier.  Signal switching is performed by gold contact relays, which are digitally selected from a microcontroller, similar to the Destiny Integrated Amplifier.

The Evolution 2 is configured with higher open-loop gain, using a double differential input and driver stage plus discrete Darlington power output stage, using high current bi-polar transistors.  High grade polypropylene capacitors, bypassed with large value electrolytic capacitors, are used to couple and decouple the signal into the power amp.

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 Evolution 2 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 – including a new feature Direct AV, which bypasses the pre-amplifier and volume control to allow the power amplifier to be used in a 5.1 surround system.  Input selection is via the EVOLUTION 2 remote handset or the rotary input selection control.  The display brightness can be altered from the Evolution 2 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 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.

The EVOLUTION 2 CD Player, which went into full production at the beginning of 2009, is the latest incarnation of Creek Audio’s successful entry level EVOLUTION CD Player.

The EVOLUTION 2 builds upon the strengths of the original by replacing older technology parts and retaining the best bits, to enhance its overall performance. It is designed to cosmetically match the EVOLUTION 2 Integrated Amplifier, although it will work perfectly with any make hi-fi amplifier.

Casework
The EVOLUTION 2 CD player is housed in a large steel and aluminium case and finished in either a brushed silver or black 12mm thick front panel. Rubber isolation feet help to prevent mechanical vibrations from interfering with its high quality performance. It is physically the same size as the earlier model and matches the tuner and slightly larger integrated amplifier.

Transport
At the heart of a good CD Player is a high quality transport mechanism. The EVOLUTION 2 uses a dedicated CD transport mechanism comprising of custom made drawer loader and high quality laser assembly. Soft rubber bushes help to maintain playability under conditions of mechanical vibration. This brings improved playability strength and smoothness to its operation not bettered by CD players at any price.

CD Decoding
CD decoder and servo motor control functions are performed by a new Philips Compact Disc chip-set. This is now located on a dedicated circuit board mounted directly under the laser assembly for the shortest possible signal routing. This provides the EVOLTION 2 with a self-contained CD transport module. Power supply, digital control, SPDIF output and I2S signals to the DAC are connected to the main board with only two connectors.

Power supply
The EVOLUTION 2 uses a single high current C core mains transformer, with multiple low voltage output windings, fed from the mains IEC connector via a common mode filter. An external voltage selector allows it to be easily used in all countries. 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.

To stabilise and isolate the voltages to the various analogue and digital circuits the EVOLUTION 2 uses eight voltage regulators. Digital and analogue power supplies are kept completely separate and even the master clock circuit uses its own power supply.

Low Jitter clock
Essential to a good sounding CD player is a low jitter master clock. The EVOLUTION 2 has been designed to use a highly accurate oscillator module that clocks the data from the CD decoder to the D to A converter and also clocks the system microcontroller with the same frequency. This is done to reduce the internal interference that would otherwise cause sonic performance reductions if allowed to run at a different, asynchronous frequency.  The digital I2S data from the decoder is re-clocked to provide a low jitter signal to the DAC.

Digital to analogue converter
Every CD player needs a DAC to recover the analogue signal from the digital recording. The EVOLUTION 2 now has a Burr-Brown PCM 1796 DAC circuit, which is capable of 24 bit/192kHz operation. It provides a balanced current output, so it is necessary to convert this into an unbalanced voltage output before it can be used. Creek do this by using a high grade op-amp.

To eliminate digital artefacts from interfering with the analogue sound quality, analogue filtering and impedance buffering are applied to the signal, also with a high grade op-amp. A gold contact relay is used at the output to mute the signal to ground when the player is stopped and paused.

Gold plated RCA analogue and digital output sockets have been chosen to provide a good connection and appearance for a product at its price point. Optical digital output is also available via a standard TOSLINK connector.

Function controls
The EVOLUTION 2 operates with soft touch buttons on the front panel for Play and Pause, Stop, Open and Close, Track forward, backward and power On/off.

Software controls functions, display and remote control. A visual indication of its status is displayed on a large blue Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD).

A dedicated remote control handset is supplied to operate both the EVOLUTION 2 integrated amplifier and CD player. It cannot operate the EVOLUTION Tuner, which has its own remote control that can control limited amp and CD player functions. It has all the features you would expect, including the ability to dim the brightness of the display. Evolution 2 uses different remote codes to Creek’s Destiny products.

We have combined a superior set of electronics with sophisticated styling to provide you with a quality product that delivers everything you have come to expect from products manufactured by Creek Audio.

One of the great strengths of Creek Audio through the years has been the ability to produce exceptional tuners. The Evolution AM/FM Tuner carries on that tradition. Styled to complement the Evolution range of integrated amplifier and CD player, and released in 2006, this tuner is the perfect match.

With today’s airwaves seemingly becoming even more crowded, coupled with the ever-increasing methods of accessing radio broadcasts, why would you purchase a dedicated tuner? The answer is quite simple – it is the only way to bring radio broadcasts magnificently to life. Separates do sound better and a stand-alone analogue tuner will provide a purer quality of sound.

Firstly, in a hi-fi context, most listening is undeniably FM, although this analogue tuner is not limited only to FM. Tune-in to your favourite station and you are instantly aware of the exceptional quality. Listening to it is addictive, and the idea that radio is purely a source of background music, carries no weight. The Evolution Tuner is functional, versatile, high tech, yet simple.

The design objective for the Evolution AM/FM Tuner was to develop a product that, regardless of price, could be a benchmark for both radio and audio performance. By using high quality components and sensible electronic design Creek has achieved its goal. The mixture of high technology and design simplicity has reduced the component count to a level previously thought impossible.

Whilst the majority of synthesised tuners today use buttons to tune-in stations and select pre-set station memory, the Evolution RDS AM/FM Tuner uses a rotary tuning knob connected to a digital encoder to provide tuning and pre-set station selection in a way that makes this digital tuner operate and feel like an analogue tuner. To simplify its functionality, Creek’s engineers have reduced the number of local functions to a minimum, while maintaining all the necessary functionality. Front panel controlled functions include Rotary Tuning Mode, Rotary Pre-set Mode, Band Switching - AM/FM, Auto Scan tuning and Memory store. These, plus Mono, Stereo, Display Brightness and direct pre-set station number entry are also available via a system remote control, that also serves the Evolution amplifier and CD player. The Evolution RDS AM/FM Tuner also has the ability to display the name and frequency of the station tuned using RDS (Radio Data System) on its blue vacuum fluorescent display.

To achieve high sensitivity and selectivity, the Evolution AM/FM Tuner uses a four tuned circuit FM radio front-end with J-FET RF amplification and mixer and is shielded from interference by a tin-plated metal can. A high-grade 10.7Mhz IF circuit and PLL stereo decoder process the signal.

A mixture of conventional and Surface Mount Technology is used together on a double-sided, plated through-hole, printed circuit board to provide a high level of interference suppression and help to achieve hi-fi levels of performance.

Station pre-sets are held in a non-volatile memory, similar to that of a PC computer, with up to a maximum of 80 memory locations available between FM and AM. A large sized blue vacuum fluorescent display makes it easy to read, and the intuitive system remote handset makes it easy to control the Tuner, Amp and CD player from one handset.

The open and dynamic sound of the Evolution RDS AM/FM Tuner can be restricted by the quality of the aerial or antenna used. In addition, the distance from the station and the source quality from the chosen radio station will determine the absolute noise performance.

The Destiny integrated amplifier produces world beating audio performance through its use of a unique MOS-FET power amplifier circuit and passive or active pre-amplification. This circuitry continues to outperform alternatives and together with Creek's policy of continuous development, is now better than ever.

The Destiny amplifier is Creek's high-end model which uses all the analogue sound optimisation techniques and components collected over many years in the industry by Mike Creek. Here is what makes the Destiny special:

Power Is Nothing Without Control

Power Supply
300VA low noise toroidal transformer with separate windings for high and low current analogue circuit requirements. Separate ultra-fast Schottky diode full wave bridge rectifiers for each channel. 10 x 2200uF low impedance high temperature reservoir capacitors for each channel to provide 44,000uF in total for maximum isolation and good dynamics. Separate toroidal mains transformer for both standby operation and digital circuit requirements. This keeps standby power consumption below 1W.

Pre-Amp
Volume is adjusted locally and by remote control by a motorized 27mm ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer.

The Destiny has 5 unbalanced inputs, plus a single tape loop, via gold plated high quality RCA connectors, selected by gold contact relays and indicated by tricoloured LED's.

To separate the pre-amp and power amplifier in the Destiny, a semi-hidden push switch on the rear panel switches signal paths to and from the pre and power amplifier and is carried by double shielded custom audio-grade wiring. The Destiny can be used either with a passive pre-amp or a gain selectable active pre-amp. Selection is in three steps - 3dB, 6dB & 9dB. The gain is adjustable from underneath the pre-amp section with a 3-way slider switch. To select active or passive operation a push button on the front panel and a remote control button switches between the two and is indicated with an LED on the front panel.

The Destiny amp can only accept the high-end plug-in Destiny Phono amplifier. Being fully isolated from the input ground, it is possible to input either MM or MC cartridges in balanced mode. The early range of Phono boards which suit Creek's EVOLUTION 2 & EVOLUTION integrated amp and earlier Creek amplifier models will not fit the Destiny amplifier.

Most types of dynamic headphones can be connected to the standard size 1/4" jack socket on the front panel, for high performance reproduction. Loudspeaker connections are available for 2 pairs of speakers. 8 extremely strong, touch-proof binding posts are bolted to the rear panel and are selected either from the front panel switches or remote control. Loudspeaker connection is controlled locally and by remote control by 2x 8 Amp gold contact relays.

Power-Amp
The Destiny power amplifier section uses an evolution of the unique MOS-FET output stage developed by Alex Nikitin for Creek in 1993. It follows in the path of the famous 5350SE, but uses mostly surface mounted components to reduce the size and increase the quality. Output power from this circuit has been increased to greater than 200W into 4 Ohms, which is substantially greater than the 5350SE.

Amplifier Control Circuitry
The Destiny amp uses a microcontroller that controls the protection of the amplifier and ancillary products under fault conditions. Protection of the amplifier under fault conditions is facilitated by an array of sensors and precision measurement circuits feeding-back information to the microcontroller. It monitors the amplifier constantly for over-temperature, over-current, DC offsets and power supply status and remote control commands. If any of fault conditions is exceeded the microcontroller will take the appropriate corrective action. This can include, muting the input signal, disconnecting the speaker outputs and in extreme cases, switching off the mains supply to the power amplifier circuitry.

Case Design
The Destiny amplifier's metal case has substantial thickness and weight. The casework design uses heavy, custom extruded, aluminium sections which bolt together to make a very rigid and elegant structure. Control knobs and buttons, machined and polished by computer aided manufacturing techniques achieve a very high quality finish. The front panel itself is machined from solid 10mm thick aluminium. Groups of function buttons are clustered together within a machined circle to make it more intuitive to use. 9 tri-colour LED's indicate the functionality. Custom moulded feet are also used to isolate mechanical vibration and improve sonic resolution.

Remote Control
All functions for the Amplifier are remotely controllable and a slim European made system remote control handset called SRC2 is supplied to operate the Amplifier, CD player and Power Amplifier.

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 offset, 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 Creek SRC2 System Remote Control handset.

Loudspeaker connection can be from bare wire or audio type instrument plugs, through high-grade touch-proof screw terminals that can be switched from the front panel or remote handset 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 be performed simply via the Creek SRC2. For the ecologically aware consumer, the Destiny power amp draws less than 1Watt of mains power in standby mode.

The Destiny amplifier’s metal case has been constructed from custom designed extrusions including solid 10mm thick front panel, 4mm thick extruded side and rear panels that combined with the 3mm thick top and bottom plate to make a very substantial heavyweight 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 3mm thick moulded washers are stuck to the machined disc feet.

All in all, this is the best Power Amplifier Creek has made so far and will definitely compliment the integrated amplifier to achieve greater levels of current delivery for difficult loudspeakers loads. They are ideally suited to drive Epos Loudspeakers.

The Destiny CD Player has, over the last 3 years production, established itself as a benchmark in quality standards for CD reproduction. Creek Audio wished to express its desire to produce a truly high-end product range and created Destiny to achieve that aim. One look at its custom-extruded casework will confirm that it is truly a luxury product. Touching its smooth polished lines will also provide a reassuring sense quality and pride of ownership. The brushed 10mm thick aluminium front panel is available in either silver or black finish.

Underneath its 3mm thick aluminium cover lays an ingenious electronic solution to the ever more difficult task of manufacturing a high-end CD player.

The Destiny CD player has been designed ideally to be partnered with the Destiny Integrated Amplifier. It shares the same cosmetic style and also works from a Creek SRC2 System Remote control handset.

Some technical stuff...
Unlike other makes of CD player that use ROM drives, the Destiny does not compromise performance by converting its digital signal into an SPDIF format and back to I2S before its DAC converts the signal into analogue.

The Destiny CD player uses a FPGA programmed by Creek Audio to extract and decode the digital data from the disc, correct reading errors and translate the data into an I2S format that can be read by its internal Digital-to-Analogue-Converter (DAC).

Creek Audio has a long association with Cirrus Logic products and continues to use their Delta-Sigma CS4396 digital-to-analogue-converter, long after it has been superseded by other devices. This decision was made purely on the basis of sound quality, since with its 24bit 192kHz reading capability, the CS4396 far exceeds the resolution of the 16bit 44.1kHz CD format. Re-clocking circuitry is used to eliminate jitter, or timing errors, from corrupting the performance of the Destiny player.

A total of 16 voltage regulated, low-noise, power supplies are used in the Destiny player. All rectifier diodes used in the power supply are Schottky-Barrier types, for low noise, which do not require RF snubbing capacitors. All other power supply decoupling capacitors are audio grade low-impedance 105 degree Centigrade types. Audio signal path passive components are selected for sonic purity, such as high-stability MELF type resistors and film and polypropylene type capacitors.

DAC performance has been enhanced by careful attention to PCB layout. The Destiny CD player uses a modular, low phase noise (5pS) and temperature controlled, master clock oscillator. It also uses separate, instrument grade, OPA134 Op-Amps in the audio output to buffer each channel and the filtering of unwanted digital artefacts is improved. The op-amps in the output are also powered separately from their own low noise voltage regulators. Un-balanced audio output RCA sockets are high quality, solid metal and gold plated. Digital SPDIF output is by co-axial RCA and optical TOSLINK sockets.

To maintain the isolation between digital and analogue supplies, Creek has designed a truly stunning mains power supply for the Destiny, with all components mounted on a thick double sided plated-through-hole PCB. Three separate fully encapsulated PCB mounted toroidal mains transformers are used to completely separate digital and analogue supplies. A multi-element, common mode mains filter is used to prevent interference to, or from, the Destiny power supply. The mains IEC plug with built-in double fuse holder is mounted on the power supply PCB together with the double pole mains switch. A voltage selector switch is accessible from under the case for multiple country operation. All the power supplies are separately connected to the mother and display boards for improved serviceability.

A brief history of CD...
From its European introduction in 1983, CD audio has undergone few fundamental revisions. CD audio is still a 16 bit 44.1 kHz digital replay system. There have been several attempts to kill CD off by introducing compatible and non-compatible high-definition reply systems, such as SACD and DVDA, but they have never really reached market acceptance with consumers. Good old CD has won the day as a music storage medium, due to its high quality-to-cost ratio.

Various attempts have been made by manufactures to increase the performance of the Red Book (audio CD standard) CD player, such as sample rate conversion, but the basic system has always remained the same. Some recording publishers have introduced non Red Book standard discs that have confused the market and have often made CD Player manufacturer's work more difficult, because software revisions are often required to updated or make older CD Players playable. These hurdles have to be overcome before a new CD player is launched and the Destiny CD Player was no exception.

To begin with, in the late 90's and early 2000's the source of good quality, reasonably priced, CD player transports became as rare as hen's teeth. Creek Audio, in 2003 in collaboration with Jeff Kalt of Resolution Audio, produced the CD50mk2 which used an ATAPI DVD-ROM to play CD's and extract raw digital data from the disc. These types of mechanisms were used extensively in DVD replay systems and were therefore thought more likely to be around after all dedicated CD transport manufacturers had disappeared. This hasn't transpired exactly as planned, but many audio manufacturers continue to use DVD drives to extract CD information.

All functions for the CD Player are remotely controllable and a slim European made system remote control handset called SRC2 is supplied to operate the Amplifier, CD player and Power amplifier.

The Creek OBH-11 is a miniature audio amplifier, designed specifically to drive a single pair of low to medium impedance (30 Ohm -300 Ohm) headphones from a line level source.

The OBH-11 is compatible with any source at line level. For example: an average output level CD player can be connected directly to the input of the OBH-11, just as it could also be used in conjunction with a stand-alone pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier which doesn't have a headphone output.

Creek has re-engineered the casework of the old OBH 11, so the front panel is now much thicker and has rounded corners, new style graphics and the metal logo found on the more expensive Creek products. It is ONLY available in black and is an addition to Creek’s range of popular headphone amplifiers.

OBH Uni Power Supply
The OBH-Uni is a 15 Watt high-efficiency multi-region power supply adaptor that replaces the OBH-1 and OBH-2.

Creek has designed this to simplify the requirements for OBH products used in all countries. It is supplied with a selection of snap-on power plugs and since it is capable of working from a range of mains voltages from 100 – 240V’s, we are confident it will make life a lot easier for everyone.

We have compared the performance with that of the OBH-2 and feel that it is a good replacement. Furthermore, since it no longer works at mains frequencies (50-60Hz) it will not interfere with high gain circuits like the Phono amplifiers and it also does not draw current when connected to the mains but not being used.

We are pleased to say that it complies with the new and up-coming regulations that demand power supply adaptors to be high efficiency switching types.

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 OBH-Uni power supply.

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.

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.

The Creek OBH-21 headphone amplifier eliminates 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. 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 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-Uni 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.  Split-rail supplies can provide better Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMMR) which will improve the sound quality by reducing interference.

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 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 or pre-amp output.

The OBH-21SE is a higher grade version of the standard OBH-21. Higher grade components and additional circuitry are used to produce a better performance. The main differences between the 21 and SE are as follows:-

Volume potentiometer type:-
OBH21 is fitted with a 16mm carbon film pot.
OBH21SE is fitted with a 27mm plastic film pot.

Amplifier circuitry:-
The OBH21 uses 2 x NE 5532.
OBH21SE uses 2 x LM 7171.

Signal coupling:-
OBH-21 is AC coupled using audio grade caps.
OBH-21SE is DC coupled and offset voltages are controlled by a custom DC servo circuit.

Input socket type:-
OBH-21, Nickel pressed metal.
OBH-21SE, Gold pressed metal.

The Creek OBH- 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-21SE 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. 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 a high-grade ALPS Blue Velvet 27mm volume potentiometer coupled to a solid metal control knob on the front panel. The OBH-21SE has 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-21SE 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-21SE requires a power source. A custom stand-alone Creek OBH-Uni 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 power 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-21SE uses two instrument grade LM 7171 op-amp circuits and is DC coupled from input to output, for better sound quality. It uses a DC servo loop to eliminate any trace of DC from the output and give unrestricted output down to less than 1 Hz.

The OBH-21SE can also be used in conjunction with other Creek OBH series products, such as Phono pre-amplifiers or the OBH-22 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 are used to produce a better performance. The main differences between the 21 and SE are as follows:-

Volume potentiometer type:-
OBH21 is fitted with a 16mm carbon film pot.
OBH21SE is fitted with a 27mm plastic film pot.

Amplifier circuitry:-
The OBH21 uses 2 x NE 5532.
OBH21SE uses 2 x LM 7171.

Signal coupling:-
OBH-21 is AC coupled using audio-grade caps.
OBH-21SE, is DC coupled and offset voltages are controlled by a DC servo circuit.

Input socket type:-
OBH21, Nickel pressed metal.
OBH-21SE, Gold pressed metal.

The function of the Creek OBH-22 passive pre-amplifier is to provide input selection and volume adjustment to a Hi-Fi system either from a remote control handset or by controls on the front panel.

A Passive Pre-amp is really a contradiction in terms, as a passive circuit cannot amplify anything.  It has the simplest form of control that can be applied to an audio signal path.  This has the effect of making it impossible to distort or otherwise colour the sound of a signal passing through it.

The OBH-22 consists of a high quality 27mm ALPS Blue Velvet motorised potentiometer and two relays gold contact which select the desired input, together with a muting relay that shorts the signals to ground when active but is not in the signal path for normal operation.

A built-in micro-controller decodes the infra-red signals transmitted by the handset and translates them into commands which power the motorised potentiometer 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 input sensitivity of the power amplifier that is being used is sufficient 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 input 1 is connected.

Power for the OBH-22 comes from the Universal Creek OBH-Uni power supply that can operate in any country and is supplied with a range of snap-on mains plug connection.

This is now the de-facto standard Creek power adapter for the OBH-range.  It is made to the highest design standard using efficient high frequency switch mode circuitry that delivers more power for less space.  It also has very green credentials due to its very low inherent current consumption. When connected to the mains in standby, it consumes less than 1 Watt of power, making it suitable for use in countries and regions where new stringent regulations now forbid the use of simple linear power supplies.   Despite its small size, the OBH-Uni can deliver in excess of 16 Watts of clean DC to any of Creek’s OBH products.

Mike Creek has long held the view that vinyl disc reproduction is important to hi-fi reproduction and has always produced amplifiers with the optional capability to replay this format. Since 1993, Creek Audio has also produced a range of affordable, stand-alone, OBH-Phono Stages that can extract high-quality signals from vinyl discs and relay them as line level signal to use with regular amplifiers, of any make. It is therefore logical that Creek Audio should develop a turntable to add to their range of analogue products that would create a further step towards a complete one-brand system for the user.

During the autumn of 2007 Mike Creek sharpened his pencil and drew the first concept sketch of a turntable that would initially suit his own personal requirements, but eventually would meet the requirements of a number of Creek international customers. Based upon solid engineering practice and using high quality materials, the concept became a reality after all the parts were modelled in a 3D software program, allowing a three dimensional view of the product, long before the first piece of metal or acrylic was cut.

Cosmetically, the Wyndsor Turntable uses some component parts already used in the Creek AR4 equipment rack. The adjustable feet and damping rings are identical to the AR4. The adjustable speed controller is made to match the Destiny range.

The Wyndsor turntable is supplied with a custom made Creek OEM300 arm. This has been made especially for Creek by Rega Research. Should a different arm be desired at any time, the turntable's versatility allows certain other arms to be fitted, depending on fixing requirements. The diameter of the standard arm boss is 23mm. However, two alternative sizes (24mm and 25mm) are included in the flight-case pack. The black acrylic base is fitted with three adjustable silver feet and spikes. The semi-transparent acrylic platter is driven by three silicon belts. The bearing is an inverted ball resting on a ceramic spindle, with oil-impregnated bronze bush.

A separate LP1 speed controller is supplied allowing you to switch to either 33.3 or 45 rpm and adjust the pitch. The case is made from custom extruded aluminium parts and is finished to look like a small Destiny amplifier. A 12” stroboscopic disc is included to assist in setting the correct rotational speed. There is a switch on the turntable motor which can override the speed controller. In addition, a heavy clamp is provided which should be placed on top of the spindle to help flatten the record and stop resonances or vibration from affecting its performance.

It will be necessary to plug the RCA plugs from the tone-arm into an appropriate amplifier fitted with a Phono pre-amp, set for either MM or MC cartridge matching. Creek Audio manufactures both moving magnet and moving coil Phono pre-amplifiers.

The Wyndsor turntable is supplied in a large metal flight case, which can be stored and used again.

In honour of his father’s electronics business, where Mike served his apprenticeship from 1970-1975, the turntable reflects the family business name, Wyndsor Recording Company Ltd. Bob Creek, Mike’s father, manufactured reel-to-reel tape recorders in London from 1948-1970 and, among other consumer products, turntables from 1970-1978.

Specification:
Base: 25mm gloss black acrylic
Platter: 35mm semi-clear acrylic
Bearing: Inverted ball and ceramic spindle with oiled bronze bushing in aluminium housing
Feet: 3 adjustable, machined aluminium cones, with steel spike and disc cup
Motor: Separately housed low-voltage AC motor from Czech SMR300-100, with on/off switch
Pulley: Clear acrylic 3 step pulley and 3 point fixing to motor spindle
Drive belt: Up to 3 silicon-rubber belts can be used with spares included
Arm base: Adjustable VTA arm base fitted with 23mm boss for OEM300 arm supplied
Arm boss: 2 alternative sizes of boss supplied (22 and 24mm)
Tone arm: Custom made OEM300, supplied by Rega Research
Counterweight: Stainless steel as standard, suitable for cartridges weighing up to 13 grams
Cartridge: Not supplied. MM or MC types can be used
Platter weight: A separate aluminium weight, including spirit level, rests on the disc to flatten it
Power Supply: Creek OBH-Uni. Universal 85-265V mains power supply. 24V DC output, 16W

The AR4 Audio Rack has proven to be a valuable addition to Creek’s product line-up.  It was designed to support Creek or any other brand in a way that isolates the products from outside vibrations, including feedback from the speakers. The AR4 has fully adjustable spiked feet and two cable management holes in each shelf.

The shelves of this self assembly rack are 10mm toughened glass measuring 600mm across (from edge to edge) and 400mm deep. The actual space available for product is 380mm deep x 465 mm wide. The overall height including spikes is 680mm.

The AR4 is provided in a knocked-down form, in a single slim carton, so therefore requires the user to assemble it. The legs are made from custom aluminium extrusions, with turned aluminium caps that have a bolt protruding from the bottom that passes through a hole in the glass. This has to be screwed into the top of the next section to build-up each layer.  Inside the top and bottom of each cap is a soft rubber washer which forms a firm suspension that helps to damp resonances to the shelves.

When fully assembled the rack’s suspension will allow it to move slightly in a horizontal plane. Due to its modular construction, more shelves can be added, if required.