Creek Audio Sequel MK4

The Sequel mk4 phono pre-amplifier is not suitable for use with 4330 mk2, 4330R mk2, 4330 SE mk2, A50i and A50iR. Only discrete transistor, single-rail power supply phono pre-amps should be used. Check with Creek Audio for availability.

Please note: The Sequel mk4 phono pre-amplifier cannot be fitted to the balanced input Destiny 1 integrated amp. This is because its connections to the pre-amp were unique. However, an interface adapter can be made to order which enables a Sequel mk4 to be plugged into a Destiny 1!

PHONO OVERVIEW

Vinyl discs are a great source of high-quality music and are extremely popular again, but few amplifiers are equipped to handle it as standard. The usual requirement is for a separate (stand-alone) pre-amp box to boost signal level and change the frequency response.

In 1990, when vinyl use was in decline, Creek took the decision to leave out phono pre-amp circuitry from its integrated and pre-amplifier designs. However, it left an option to fit a plug-in module in series with the first input. This freed up the first input for Line 1.

For health and safety reasons, the Sequel mk4 phono pre-amplifier must be installed in the Voyage i20 amplifier by the supplying dealer or Creek Audio. The Sequel mk4 can be installed in all other models safely by the user if required.

Exact matching of cartridge gain is not too important, as the amplifier’s pre-amp volume control can always be used to increase or decrease the sensitivity. The recommended cartridge range is just a rough guide.

EXPLANATION

• Multi-layer printed circuit boards are used to separate and optimise the various circuit requirements onto separate layers. In this case, the top layer carries most of the circuit interconnections and the bottom layer carries the power supplies. This forms a magnetic shield to prevent hum and noise pick-up, as well as reducing ground impedance to the lowest possible level.
• Mini-MELF resistors have similar or better noise and stability performance to top-quality through-hole resistors.
• WIMA is a highly respected brand of close tolerance (accurate) polypropylene capacitors, highly suited to filtering and tuning audio circuitry.
• The active gain stage in the Sequel mk4 uses the low-noise LM4562 dual-channel Operational-Amplifier, which has ideal noise and input impedance performance to match Moving Magnet amplification requirements.
• The Link PCB is a small printed circuit board, with 5 pin connector that bridges in the signal from line input 1 to the main pre-amp. It must be manually removed to allow the Sequel circuit board to be plugged in.
• RIAA stands for The Recording Industry Association of America®. This is the body that determines the frequency pre-emphasis and de-emphasis characteristics of most vinyl disc recordings.