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Creek Audio 4040 A
The all-new 4040 A integrated amplifier has been designed to reprise the essence of the original CAS4040 which was launched in 1982 to critical acclaim. While huge technological advances and modern digital features have propelled the 4040 A into the 21st century, it continues to release the same endorphins its ancestor did 40 years ago.
CONTROL
The 4040 A’s intuitive user interface and sophisticated menu system are easily navigated by two rotary control knobs or infra-red remote control
PRE-AMPLIFIER
The “feature-rich” 4040 A contains three analogue signal inputs, including two pairs of unbalanced RCA sockets and one pair of fully balanced XLR sockets, that can still be used single-ended. An electronic volume and balance control enables precise 1dB adjustments over a 70dB range. Tone controls (EQ) enable +/- 10dBs adjustment of treble and bass.
PHONO
Vinyl music lovers may plug-in an optional Sequel mk4 Phono pre-amp in place of Line 2 to match a wide range of Moving Magnet and high output Moving Coil cartridges found on modern turntables.
HEADPHONES
A high current, low distortion headphone amplifier drives a wide range of low-impedance headphones via a front panel-mounted 6.35mm (1/4”) jack socket.
DIGITAL INPUTS
Coaxial SPDIF, optical TOSLINK, USB class 2 and aptX Bluetooth 5.0 enables digital sources, such as music streamers, TVs, CD transports, computers, and wireless Bluetooth devices to be connected.
DAC
PCM and DSD digital audio signals are converted to analogue with a reference quality 32-bit ES9018k2m Sabre32 DAC.
POWER AMPLIFIER
The 4040 A employs cutting-edge MERUS™ Infineon technology enabling it to drive even the most difficult loads to realistic listening levels with high fidelity. The power amp may be driven directly via Line 1.
POWER SUPPLY
The key to the integrated amplifier’s impressive performance is in its high-frequency power supply, optimised for audio electronics, enabling the latent quality of its amplifier to be realised. The performance is unaffected by mains quality or voltage stability. Unlike most conventional amplifiers, the 4040 A’s 350-Watt power supply is voltage stabilised, enabling it to double its power output into half the load impedance, regardless of the mains voltage.
STANDBY
Power consumption is reduced by powering-down non-essential circuitry when not required.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
89/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
95/100
The Creek 4040 A delivers a smooth, warmly musical sound with unexpectedly expansive imaging, punchy rhythm and lucid midrange insight. StereoNET found its stage wider and deeper than expected, while Audiophilia praised its accurate timbres and effortless Bluetooth. With a Sabre DAC, XLR, digital inputs and optional phono stage, this compact Class D integrated is a remarkably complete audiophile hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Smooth, relaxed yet engaging presentation supports long, fatigue-free listening.
Wide, deep soundstage with convincingly placed instruments and strong midrange clarity.
Exceptional connectivity for its size, including XLR, USB, optical, coaxial, aptX HD Bluetooth, headphone output and optional MM phono stage.
Compact, well-finished chassis combines capable power delivery with notably strong value.
&
Cons
Ultimate resolution, treble air and bass weight fall short of substantially more expensive integrated amplifiers.
Its 55W output has less authority with demanding music at very high listening levels.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers find the 4040 A unusually grown-up and musical for such a compact amplifier, combining an easy, slightly warm presentation with strong spatial performance. Its resolution and ultimate loud-level authority are not at the standard of substantially pricier amplifiers, but it remains composed, engaging and enjoyable across varied music.
Transparency Resolution
88/100
StereoNET found it detailed enough to unpick dense mixes and praised a lucid, natural midband, while Audiophilia heard accurate timbres and detailed playback. Both also identify limits to ultimate resolution, including slightly reduced treble definition and air compared with more expensive reference amplifiers.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The prevailing character is smooth, relaxed and highly listenable. StereoNET describes a gently soft, warm balance that remains musical rather than excessive, and Audiophiliac praises its ease and ability to hold attention for long listening sessions.
Dynamics
88/100
The small Class D Creek is repeatedly described as punchy, lively and composed, with StereoNET hearing no strain from its rhythm section and Audiophilia enjoying its direct, forthright delivery. Its 55W output does impose a ceiling when playback becomes very loud or programme material is especially demanding.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
StereoNET was impressed by a soundstage wider and deeper than expected, with instruments precisely located in the mix. Audiophilia likewise heard well-placed percussion and a pleasant stage, while Audiophiliac describes an immersive, spacious presentation.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
89/100
Modern reviews consistently describe the compact 4040 A as very well made, with above-average chassis, fascia, control feel and fit-and-finish. Audiophilepure also notes cool running and cites Creek's long-lived reputation, although long-term ownership evidence for this specific model is naturally limited.
Features Connectivity
95/100
For a compact integrated amplifier, the 4040 A is exceptionally well equipped: RCA and balanced XLR analogue inputs, optical, coaxial and USB digital inputs, aptX HD Bluetooth, a Sabre DAC and a headphone socket are all included. It also offers bass/treble adjustment, power-amp-direct operation and an optional MM phono module, making it adaptable to both digital-first and traditional systems.
Value for Money
95/100
At approximately $1,200-$1,280 USD, reviewers repeatedly regard the 4040 A as a super bargain in audiophile terms. The combination of capable sound, unusually broad connectivity, compact size and a five-year warranty is presented as especially compelling against similarly priced integrated amplifiers.
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Authorized dealers for Creek Audio 4040 A
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- ALAIN CHOUKROUN — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- All That Audio — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- AMPL’HIFI — online and in-store — Nîmes, Occitanie, France (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Affair — online and in-store — Deritend, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audiocompagniet — online and in-store — Odense C, Denmark (website)
- AV Connection — in-store — Roodeschool, Groningen, Netherlands (website)
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