The Next Generation Phono Stage from Creek
With modern amplifiers expected to cater for so many new source devices, the once common phono capability 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 amp options.
Tasked with designing a replacement for the long running OBH-15, the team came up with some valuable improvements and additional features. Surprisingly they made them all fit into the original OBH-sized casework in the next generation mkII.
Completely New mk2 Circuit Design
This isn't just a tweak of previous Creek Audio phono stages. The OBH-15 mk2 has a completely new circuit design with a discrete-transistor MC stage and an integrated-circuit MM stage. Unlike its predecessor, the new amp has multiple gain settings and matching capabilities for capacitance and resistance, giving you lots of options.
The signal required by most modern amplifiers is described as being 'line' level, which is, in technical terms, between 200 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.
The OBH-15 mk2 is designed to boost the signal and introduce an R.I.A.A. frequency response characteristic to provide the most accurate reproduction of the recording.
Small and Stylish
Despite its impressive capabilities, the OBH-15 mk2 is small – and very stylish, too. Designed to complement the Creek full sized range, it has an impressive solid aluminum front panel with either a silver or black finish. Its extruded black aluminum case is fitted with turned aluminum disc feet and sound-absorbing Bumpons.
