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Creek Audio OBH-8mk2
The OBH-8mk2 phono pre-amp is a small device designed to boost the signal level by 40dB (x100) and change the frequency response to provide the most accurate reproduction of the recording.
With modern amplifiers expected to cater for so many new source devices, the Phono capability, once very common, is one of those built-in features that has disappeared in recent times. The engineering team at Creek Audio has always loved the benefits of vinyl records and continues to work on technical and sonic improvements to its range of Phono pre-amp options, be it the stand-alone OBH or plug-in Sequel types. Tasked with designing a replacement for the original OBH-8 MM Phono Pre-amp, the team came up with some valuable improvements and additional features. For the mk2 version, a new type of low profile metal case has been developed to reduce the cost, without reducing quality.
The OBH-8mk2 Phono Pre-amp will work very well in the following system. Please note the speakers quoted may need to be different depending on the size of the room your system is to be used in.
The OBH-8mk2 Phono Pre-amp has a completely new circuit design, utilising an integrated circuit MM stage. The signal required by most modern amplifiers is described as ‘LINE’ level which ranges from 200 mV and 500 milli-Volts sensitivity, with a flat frequency response. Unless your amplifier has a specific ‘Phono’ or Disc input, the level will be too low to play vinyl and the frequency response will be wrong. Hence the need for a phono pre-amp.
The OBH-8mk2 pre-amp is now produced in a smaller metal case to complement the Creek full-sized range.
To enhance the performance, the power supply is split into a negative and positive voltage by a custom Creek discrete circuit. Two capacitance multipliers further filter the power supply, before they power the pre-amp circuitry, to reduce any unwanted ripple to virtually nothing. To reduce distortion Creek has also fitted constant current sources to the output of the gain stage, pushing it into Class A. This combined with a low output impedance makes it suitable for driving long cables with ease.
The OBH-Uni is a multi-region, 24V, 0.5A power supply adaptor.
Creek originally developed this power adaptor to simplify the requirements for selling OBH products in all countries. However, extensive listening tests and comparisons proved that this high efficiency regulated power adaptor can also extract the best performance from Creek’s OBH-15mk2 and OBH-8mk2 Phono Pre-amps, which have high-gain and are therefore more demanding of power supply purity. It is over-rated and can provide 4 times more power than is required to power a Phono pre-amp.
Strict international regulations make it unacceptable to use conventional linear power adapters because, if they are left permanently switched-on, their standby power will exceed the 0.1W limit. The latest OBH-Uni draws less than 0.1W when idle, or plugged-in but not used. It is also silent in operation, from zero to maximum current consumption.
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Professional Reviews 87/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Cartridge Compatibility
76/100
Build Quality
83/100
Value for Money
92/100
The Creek OBH-8mk2 brings silent, low-noise vinyl playback to moving-magnet systems, pairing potent, textured bass with an engaging sense of snap and three-dimensional space. Hi-Fi Choice found its presentation balanced and faithful to the record’s character, while its useful gain and exceptional value make this compact phono stage a compellingly musical upgrade.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Very low noise floor and useful gain support quiet, clean playback across a wide range of systems.
Bass is plentiful, detailed and textured, integrating naturally with the rest of the frequency range.
Delivers potent dynamics, effortless snap and convincingly three-dimensional imaging for the price.
&
Cons
Fixed loading and moving-magnet-only operation limit cartridge flexibility; a slight forwardness may emerge with some cartridges.
Soundstage scale does not match the most capable, more expensive rivals.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
The OBH-8mk2 is described as notably quiet, clean and faithful to the character of the record and turntable. It combines powerful, textured bass and energetic delivery with a well-integrated overall balance, although ultimate spatial scale trails the best costlier alternatives and cartridge matching can affect tonal balance.
Transparency Noise Floor
91/100
Hi-Fi Choice found the Creek completely silent at idle unless the amplifier volume was raised to very high levels. Its low noise and useful gain are said to suit a wide variety of systems, while the review praises its ability to let the record and turntable character come through.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
The review finds no meaningful emphasis of one frequency region over another, making for an involving presentation that encourages listening to the music as a whole. Bass is plentiful yet detailed, textured and well integrated, though the more immediate Ortofon cartridge exposed a slight forwardness that was not heard with other cartridges.
Dynamics
91/100
The Creek gives Chvrches' Heaven/Hell a hugely potent and entertaining presentation, with the review highlighting its ability to convey the track's sweeping power. On Fink's Keep Myself Alone Now, the groove is delivered with effortless snap and immediacy.
Soundstage Imaging
87/100
Hi-Fi Choice describes an impressively three-dimensional performance that conveys a real sense of the recording space. It does not open recordings out as fully as the best more expensive rivals, but remains capable and convincing at its price.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
76/100
This is a straightforward moving-magnet stage with 40dB gain and fixed 47k-ohm/100pF loading. It offers no user adjustments or MC provision, and the review's Ortofon observation suggests that thoughtful MM cartridge matching is worthwhile.
Build Quality
83/100
The small black enclosure is not presented as visually luxurious, but Hi-Fi Choice calls it well made and sturdy. Its very light weight means stiff interconnects can physically pull it from its preferred position, so flexible cables are the more practical choice.
Value for Money
92/100
At its quoted £120 price, Hi-Fi Choice calls the OBH-8mk2 a very impressive-sounding phono stage. The review considers its quiet operation, useful gain and musically complete presentation especially compelling for the asking price.
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