Anyone with experience of some older integrated amps (Namely Creek)

[KidKomet]

When I was younger my Grandfather had a little old stereo setup and I'm fairly certain the amp was Creek [My old man can't remember either] but I completely forget the speakers. Anywho, I loved the sound it pumped out as kid and I'm sure my perception on audio will have matured since then but I was looking to recapture it as best I could. Saw this on eBay, before I make the trip I need to know if it'll be worth the effort as I know nothing of these amps. Any help is appreciated, thank you. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Creek-CAS4040-amplifier-/221297883936?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item338661bb20#ht_253wt_1399

 

[skippy]

That was my first serious entry into HiFi.

I auditioned it at Practical HiFi in the eighties. It was paired with Linn Index speakers and a Linn Axis turntable. They played Luka by Suzanne Vega and it sounded like nothing I'd heard prior (genuine goose bump moment)

I think the system cost me 1200 quid back then, I couldn't afford it, but HP saw to that.

So, for a tenner I'd say it's a bargain.

 

[eggontoast]

The CAS4040 was Creeks first amplifier which sold by the bucket load and threw them into the lime light, they sounded very good then and are still good today. The one you have posted a link to on eBay is a MK1 version, there were three versions of the 4040, all of which are very good. It would make a good starter or second system amplifier for anyone. They are pretty bullet proof too so you shouldn't have any reliability issues either, I'd would say go for it, but don't buy the first one you see as prices vary greatly, look at spending between £50-£70 which is not bad depreciation since they were only £99 new !!.

EDIT: Just noticed that one on eBay is pickup only, might be a bargain if you live close by !

 

[John Duncan]

Mine too. Bought mine second hand for £70 in 1984/5 because it came up and was what I had wanted. Took me another six months I think to be able to afford the TT and speakers so it just sat there glowering at me. It's a nice amp but I suspect that it will go for a price which might buy you something more modern and reliable (eg Marantz or Cambridge, say).

 

[eggontoast]

...... something more modern and reliable (eg Marantz or Cambridge, say).

Thanks, Iv'e got coffee all over my keyboard.

 

[davedotco]

Back in the day, when we were in the mood, we would demonstrate the 4040 against allcomers, A&R60, Nytech, 3020 even the then brand new Nait which arrived in 1983.

It saw them all off with ease, to anyone who was in any doubt we played a Chaka Khan track that overloaded the phono stage on ever amp we ever tried (even at 3 or 4 times the price) but not the Creek.

Once heard that distortion, could be detected on most budget amplifiers on any disc cut with a bit of level, really annoying and put me off budget amps for a very long time.

Favourite system of the day was Rega/Creek/MS20s, though naturally an entry level LP12 setup was much better, even if you had to use the cheaper JPW speakers to fit in budget. Reasonably affordable in those days too, we're talking 1981-83.

 

[KidKomet]

Thanks for the help guys! I think I may go for it, even if it's not specifically that one then definitely another 4040 as it's not much money to take a risk with. I already have a reasonable 5.1 (Onkyo 616 and Q Acoustics 7000) and even that system doesn't have that certain something I used to hear, though still sounds good to me. I may see if I can dig out some old photo's to find the speakers. Wharfedales come to mind but I can't be certain.