Creek Audio

Creek products are designed by Mike Creek and a team of electronic engineers, who employ the latest CAD technology and sophisticated test equipment to achieve the innovative and astute designs with which Creek is associated.

The first Creek amplifier, the £99 CAS4040, was launched on the UK market in 1982 and created somewhat mixed response. Praise for its sound quality was tempered with disbelief that a fledgling British Hi-Fi company could be successful taking on the established brands and undercutting their prices. However, what was not realised by the reviewer of the first Creek amplifier was that Michael Creek already had a long experience in the audio industry.

It was in 1970 that Mike started working in his father’s audio company, Wyndsor Recording Co. Ltd, initially as a stock controller, then buyer, factory manager and finally as a production engineer. Wyndsor made low cost ‘reel to reel’ tape recorders, record players, cassette recorders and FM/AM radios. Working for Wyndsor provided Mike with a broad understanding of how to run an electronics company from the shop floor upwards.

In 1976 he left Wyndsor to form his own company – M R Creek Ltd – trading as a design consultant to the audio industry. He concentrated mostly on product development, but also bought and sold parts to audio manufacturing companies.

By 1981 Mike started manufacturing products to his own design. He based his first product on the Wyndsor philosophy of high quality at a low price. Designing the product proved less difficult, however, than choosing a name for the company. In the end the choice of Creek Audio Systems proved to be successful.

The 30 Watt CAS4040 integrated amplifier was the company’s first product, built in a metal case with a wooden cover which was fashionable at the time. One year later, Creek launched a matching tuner – the CAS3040, also at £99, which was soon used as a benchmark in radio design. The initial success was achieved working from an unused room in his home and space in his garage.

When demand exceeded 100 pieces per week in 1983, it became necessary to move to larger and more professional premises. The new factory space and the use of a sub-contractor enabled the company to expand rapidly.

By 1985 Creek Audio was selling up to 1200 CAS4040 amplifiers and 350 CAS3040 tuners per month. During that year Creek introduced the more expensive 4140 integrated amplifier that excluded tone controls but was slightly more powerful. The market became far more competitive, with up to six UK companies in fierce competition with Creek. However, Creek remained the market leader. As a result of exceedingly good UK press, export demand accelerated and before long the 4040, 4140 and 3040 (later to become the 3130 and T40) were selling in 20 countries.