Wyndsor
Phono pre-amplifier
Phono pre-
Creek Audio has a long history of making fine sounding Phono pre-amplifiers.
Dating back to the introduction of the OBH range of stand-alone Phono pre-amps, Creek
has always applied extra attention to this part of an amplifier's circuitry to obtain the best
performance and price. The complexity and accuracy of alternate Creek in-built and external
Phono pre-amplifiers has always been balanced to suit the total cost of the product and to
match the grade of performance versus price.
Creek's first step towards a no-compromise Phono Pre-amplifier was introduced in 2006 when
it produced the Destiny Phono Card. This plug-in circuit was exclusive to the Creek Destiny
integrated amplifier and was limited to running from the amplifier's own power supply. Its
performance proved exemplary, due to the new circuit design, which utilised very high
performance Op-Amps and Balanced SSM2019 integrated amplifiers, with extremely accurate
passive components to achieve accurate RIAA EQ. To make it work within the limited confines
of an integrated amplifier, it squeezed both left and right channels onto a small 4 layer PCB,
using surface mount technology.
The success of the Destiny plug-in Phono board led to the development of the Wyndsor Phono
Pre-amplifier, as a no compromise stand-alone product. It is built into the same stylish case
as the Wyndsor LP1 Speed Controller, which was used to power Creek's Wyndsor turntable.
In order to provide the best performance, left and right channels are built on separate PCB's.
Each channel has dedicated power supply regulation to completely isolate it from the other
channel.
Unbalanced input and outputs are connected via high grade gold plated RCA sockets. Balanced
input is possible via dedicated 3 pin mini DIN sockets. Tone arms and some cartridges can be
wired specially in balanced configuration and soldered to the DIN plugs provided with this product.
Input selection, cartridge loading and gain are all fully adjustable from the front panel. High quality
gold contact relays are used to switch all the functions and are driven from a dedicated, stand-
amp circuitry.
The front panel display indicates which functions have been selected. A micro-controller based
control interface is accessed through a rotary input selector and push buttons. Several types of
cartridge with different parameters can be programmed and the user can name and store them
as pre-set numbers in the unit's memory. It is possible to write up to 16 characters on the display
for each selection.
For each entry the display will show the cartridge name and type, plus a full description of loading,
gain and input type. The display can be adjusted in brightness or turned off completely.
Mute will short the output of the pre-amp, to enable the user to change a record and cut the
volume in a convenient way. Returning to the previous level is achieved by pressing the Mute
button again.
The Phono pre-amplifier uses a newly developed Wyndsor power supply unit, with separate
supplies for analogue and digital circuits. Turning the pre-amp on and off from the mains is
achieved by the switch on the front of the power supply or on the back of the pre-amp.
Dating back to the introduction of the OBH range of stand-
performance and price. The complexity and accuracy of alternate Creek in-
Creek's first step towards a no-
performance proved exemplary, due to the new circuit design, which utilised very high
performance Op-
of an integrated amplifier, it squeezed both left and right channels onto a small 4 layer PCB,
using surface mount technology.
The success of the Destiny plug-
In order to provide the best performance, left and right channels are built on separate PCB's.
Each channel has dedicated power supply regulation to completely isolate it from the other
channel.
Unbalanced input and outputs are connected via high grade gold plated RCA sockets. Balanced
input is possible via dedicated 3 pin mini DIN sockets. Tone arms and some cartridges can be
wired specially in balanced configuration and soldered to the DIN plugs provided with this product.
Input selection, cartridge loading and gain are all fully adjustable from the front panel. High quality
gold contact relays are used to switch all the functions and are driven from a dedicated, stand-
The front panel display indicates which functions have been selected. A micro-
cartridge with different parameters can be programmed and the user can name and store them
as pre-
For each entry the display will show the cartridge name and type, plus a full description of loading,
gain and input type. The display can be adjusted in brightness or turned off completely.
Mute will short the output of the pre-
button again.
The Phono pre-
40, 45, 53, 61, 70
0.001%
RCA and Mini DIN sockets
0.5Hz -
91R, 100R, 1k, 33k, 47k
10V maximum
2 toroidal mains transformers and low noise regulators
Silver or Black
Two years original purchaser only
Warranty valid in country of purchase
Until such time as images
Are available we have
included a line drawing
beneath the specifications -
the drawings are of both
the front and rear of the
phono pre-amp and
the power supply.
Are available we have
included a line drawing
beneath the specifications -
the front and rear of the
phono pre-
Copyright © Epoz 2011