The Classic Reborn
In 1982, the Creek CAS4040 arrived to critical acclaim and quietly changed expectations of what a compact British amplifier could achieve. Forty years on, the Creek 4040A reprises the essence of that original design — the same directness, the same musical honesty — while propelling the concept firmly into the twenty-first century. Mike Creek, drawing on five decades in the audio business, describes the new amplifier as a major step forward in technology and musical performance, and the claim is borne out the moment music begins to play.
Designed and engineered in London, the Creek 4040A is an integrated amplifier with DAC that suits the most demanding applications, whether anchoring a domestic audio system or serving a carefully assembled desktop setup. Feature-rich yet simple to use, the 4040A remains luxurious in operation throughout.
Engineering Beneath the Calm Exterior
Behind the understated fascia sits genuinely advanced amplification. Cutting-edge MERUS™ Infineon technology enables the Creek 4040A to drive even difficult loudspeaker loads to realistic levels with complete composure, delivering 55 Watts into 8 Ohms and doubling to 110 Watts into 4 Ohms with both channels driven.
That doubling is no accident. A 350-Watt high-frequency power supply, optimised specifically for audio electronics and voltage stabilised throughout, allows the amplifier stage to realise the full latent quality of the design regardless of mains voltage or supply quality. With peak current delivery beyond 20 Amps, the Creek 4040 amplifier keeps a firm, unforced grip on the music — bass lines carry weight and texture, dynamics arrive without strain, and quiet passages retain their composure.
A DAC Amplifier for the Modern Home
Digital sources are handled with equal seriousness. A reference-quality 32-bit ES9018k2m Sabre32 DAC converts both PCM and DSD signals to analogue, fed by coaxial SPDIF, optical TOSLINK and USB inputs. Music streamers, televisions, CD transports and computers all connect directly, making the 4040A a true DAC amplifier rather than an amplifier with digital connectivity as an afterthought.
Wireless sources are welcome too. As a stereo amplifier with Bluetooth in aptX HD form, the Creek 4040A streams from phones, tablets and laptops with genuine fidelity — ideal for the moments when convenience matters as much as ceremony.
Analogue Inputs, Vinyl and Headphones
Three analogue inputs are provided: two pairs of unbalanced RCA sockets and one pair of fully balanced XLR sockets, the latter usable single-ended where required. An electronic volume and balance control offers precise 1dB adjustments across a 70dB range, while tone controls allow ±10dB of treble and bass adjustment for rooms that need a gentle correction.
Vinyl devotees may specify the optional Sequel mk4 phono pre-amplifier, which installs in place of Line 2 and accommodates a wide range of Moving Magnet and high-output Moving Coil cartridges. For private sessions, a high-current, low-distortion headphone amplifier drives headphones from 30 to 300 Ohms through a front-mounted 6.35mm jack.
Compact Form, Considered Control
At just 21.5cm wide and available in silver or black, the Creek 4040A occupies remarkably little shelf space for the performance on offer. Two rotary control knobs and a sophisticated menu system make daily operation intuitive, with an infra-red remote handling duties from the sofa. Auto standby powers down non-essential circuitry when the music stops, keeping consumption below half a Watt at rest.
Audition the Creek 4040A in London
The measure of the Creek 4040A is taken in person, with familiar music and unhurried time. Visit Audio Lounge on Wigmore Street to hear the 40th-anniversary amplifier in a considered setting, or enquire with our team to arrange a demonstration and discuss the ideal partnering loudspeakers and sources for your room.
About Creek
Creek Audio began in London in 1982, when Mike Creek’s CAS4040 integrated amplifier earned critical acclaim for delivering genuine hi-fi performance from a compact, honestly engineered design. Five decades of experience in the audio business have shaped a consistent philosophy: engineering substance first, presentation second, music above all. Today, Creek Audio products remain proudly designed and engineered in London, England, combining classic British amplifier values with contemporary digital technology — a lineage the 40th-anniversary 4040 series celebrates explicitly. From the original CAS4040 to the flagship Voyage range, the marque continues to reward those who value musical truth over fashion. Explore the Creek Audio collection at Audio Lounge.
