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Creek Audio 4040 A

Name: Creek Audio 4040 A
Brand: Creek Audio
SKU: 4040-a
Rating: 4.4 (13 reviews)

View at Creek Audio

Phono Stage

Balanced Line Output

XLR Input

Home Theater Bypass

Pre-Out

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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Overall Score 89/100

Nicely Roasted

Creek Audio 4040 A — compact, feature-rich integrated amplifier

The 4040 A punches well above its size, pairing Class D power with an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC and modern connectivity. Reviewers such as David Price and Anthony Kershaw highlight its musical midband, wide stereo image and effortless streaming/Bluetooth setup. Sonically it delivers focused mids, punchy controlled bass for its class and a pleasing, slightly warm treble presentation that keeps long sessions engaging. Performance-wise it offers convincing dynamics and imaging given its 55 W/8Ω rating and strong current capability. The half-width, well-finished chassis is thermally discreet and rack-friendly. Ideal for newcomers and budget-conscious audiophiles who want modern DAC and phono options without sacrificing musicality, the 4040 A is widely praised for its combination of features and exceptional value in this segment.

Audiophilepure

"The 4040 A can be considered a super bargain in the audiophile world."

Alpha Audio

"The Creek turns out to be a small powerhouse in practice, leaving many serious-looking amps in the dust."

Audiophilia

"The 4040 A is a delight to use."

StereoNET United Kingdom

"This is its defining characteristic – it's a budget amp that doesn't sound like one."

HiFi News

"As a demonstration of minimalist electronic design the CAS4040 is an excellent worked example from which much can be learned."

Pros

Comprehensive modern feature set — ESS Sabre DAC, USB/coax/optical, Bluetooth aptX HD, XLR and optional phono board, making it highly versatile out of the box.
Natural, engaging midrange and a wide, well-defined soundstage that belies the amp’s compact footprint.
Punchy, controlled dynamics with strong current delivery and damping that help it drive many speakers beyond what its wattage suggests.
Outstanding value for money — reviewers consistently call it a standout bargain for feature set, sound and build at its price point.

Cons

Limited headroom on very loud or heavily demanding material — modest 55 W into 8 Ω can show strain compared with much higher-powered amplifiers.
Treble lacks the absolute air and finest resolution of pricier rivals, so ultimate top-end detail is not reference-class.
On some recordings the bass can sound slightly one-note or less precise than higher-end designs.

Sound Quality

87/100

Dynamics

86/100

Given its Class D topology and modest 55 W/8Ω rating (measured ~51 W), reviewers report punchy, controlled delivery for most material but some limits with very heavy, loud passages. Audiophilia and StereoNET call it 'punchy' and 'zestful' with good dynamic contrast for its power, while StereoNET and Alpha Audio note it can 'can't quite punch out heavy programme material' at extreme levels. The amp's good current capability and damping factor help it act larger than its spec, supporting solid dynamics within its power envelope.

Soundstage Imaging

88/100

Multiple reviews highlight a surprisingly wide, deep soundstage with accurate placement and solid imaging. StereoNET and Alpha Audio report expansive, well-defined staging and precise instrument placement, and Audiophilia praises the placement of percussion and marimba. The 4040 A produces a holographic, enjoyable soundstage for the class.

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Build Quality

85/100

Reviewers find the unit well made for its size and price: compact, neatly finished and thermally well behaved (doesn't get hot to the touch). Audiophilepure and Audiophilia both comment it 'looks and feels very well made' and will sit nicely in a rack; HiFi News recalls simpler finishes on older models but current construction and component choices are judged competent. Small/light chassis limits premium-feel compared with higher-end integrateds, but overall build is solid and dependable.

Features Connectivity

93/100

Very well featured for the price: ES9018 Sabre DAC (high-quality), USB/optical/coax digital inputs, Bluetooth aptX HD, XLR balanced input, two RCAs, optional MM phono board, headphone 6.3mm, and Power Amp Direct/line bypass. Reviews note ease of streaming via Bluetooth, plug-in phono option, and the Line 1 preamp bypass for use as power amp. The unit lacks network streaming/Wi‑Fi but otherwise offers a comprehensive modern connectivity set for this segment.

Value for Money

98/100

Multiple reviewers explicitly call the 4040 A a 'super bargain' or 'excellent value' for its combination of Class D power, high-quality Sabre DAC and plentiful features at roughly $1,200–$1,500. StereoNET and Alpha Audio note it 'doesn’t sound like a cheap integrated' and Audiophilepure/Audiophilia describe it as a standout buy in its class. Given the strong reviewer consensus that it punches above its price, this merits a superlative value rating.