Creek 4040A

Creek 4040A – integrated amplifier with built-in DAC and MERUS™ output stage

The 4040A is Creek Audio's 40th anniversary reimagining of the CAS4040 — the amplifier Mike Creek launched in 1982 that helped define affordable British hi-fi. Four decades on, the same design philosophy applies: simple, uncluttered, technically sophisticated, built for people who love music. What has changed is everything under the hood. MERUS™ Infineon technology, a stabilised 350-watt high-frequency power supply and a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC deliver capabilities the original could not have imagined — in a chassis that weighs 2kg and fits on a desktop.

Creek 4040A integrated amplifier — MERUS™ output stage and stabilised power supply

The stabilised high-frequency power supply is the key to the 4040A's performance consistency. Unlike conventional amplifiers whose output varies with mains quality, the 4040A delivers 35 watts into 8 ohms and 70 watts into 4 ohms regardless of what the mains is doing. Because the supply is voltage-stabilised, power doubles reliably as impedance halves — the kind of behaviour that matters with real loudspeakers in real rooms. The damping factor exceeds 400 into 8 ohms, and output impedance stays below 0.02 ohms across the full audio band. Consequently, the 4040A controls loudspeakers with a firmness that flatters most of what you connect to it.

Built-in DAC, Bluetooth and connectivity

The ES9018k2m Sabre32 DAC handles PCM and DSD from coaxial SPDIF, optical TOSLINK and USB Class 2 inputs. Bluetooth aptX 5.0 adds wireless streaming from phones and tablets. For analogue sources there are two RCA inputs and one balanced XLR input. The optional Sequel mk4 phono board drops into the Aux 2 slot and supports MM and high-output MC cartridges — no external phono stage needed. Power Amp Direct via Line 1 bypasses the preamplifier section for use with an external preamp or DAC with volume control.

Volume control, headphone output and usability

Electronic volume control adjusts in 1dB steps over a 70dB range, with left/right balance, tone controls and EQ settings available through the menu. A low-distortion headphone amplifier drives 30 to 300 ohm headphones from the front panel 6.35mm jack. Two rotary knobs and an infrared remote handle all operation — straightforward enough that the manual is largely optional.

Specifications

• Power output: 35W / 8Ω, 70W / 4Ω (both channels driven)
• Output stage: MERUS™ Infineon
• Power supply: stabilised, 350W high-frequency
• DAC: ESS Sabre ES9018k2m 32-bit
• Digital inputs: coaxial SPDIF, optical TOSLINK, USB Class 2
• Bluetooth: aptX 5.0
• Analogue inputs: 2× RCA, 1× XLR
• Phono: optional Sequel mk4 board (MM/MC)
• Headphone: 6.35mm jack (30–300Ω)
• Volume control: electronic, 1dB steps, 70dB range
• Damping factor: >400 / 8Ω
• Output impedance: <0.02Ω (20Hz–20kHz)
• Dimensions: 215 × 60 × 255mm
• Weight: 2kg
• Finish: black or silver
• Origin: United Kingdom

Frequently asked questions about the Creek 4040A

How does the 4040A differ from a conventional Class D amplifier?

Most Class D amplifiers are sensitive to mains quality and their output varies accordingly. The 4040A's stabilised high-frequency power supply eliminates this dependency — output power is consistent regardless of what the mains delivers. Furthermore, the MERUS™ topology keeps output impedance below 0.02 ohms across the full audio band, which is better than most conventional amplifiers at any price.

Can the Creek 4040A be used with a turntable?

Yes — the optional Sequel mk4 phono board installs in the Aux 2 slot and supports MM and high-output MC cartridges. Because it is plug-and-play, no soldering or technical knowledge is required.

Can the 4040A be used as a power amplifier only?

Yes — Power Amp Direct on Line 1 bypasses the preamplifier section entirely, making the 4040A a straightforward power amplifier for use with an external preamp or volume-controlled DAC.