Creek Audio Classic A53 Instruction

Classic A53

Power

Amplifier

Designed and manufactured

in the United Kingdom

Thank you for purchasing the Classic A53 Power Amplifier. You are now in possession of a State of the
Art power amplifier suitable to bi-amp the Classic 5350SE or to use with a separate pre-amplifier. The
function and operation of the Classic A53 Power Amplifier is very simple. However, the following notes
are provided to explain all aspects of its design and use.

12 Avebury Court, Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7TA, England

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail] Internet: www.creekaudio.com

Creek Audio Ltd

When unpacking the amplifier please keep the packing material in a safe place for possible future use.
In the pack there is a separate mains cable suitable for connecting to the mains supply in the coun­try of use. The IEC socket end of the cable should be firmly inserted into the connector on the rear
panel marked "Mains Input". Remember, do not overload the mains wall socket with too many plugs or
adaptors. The high quality performance of the amplifier will be impaired if the electrical supply to
it is in poor condition. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician or your dealer.

The "Mains Input" connection is also fitted with a fuse, specifically suited to the supply voltage of the
country of use. The correct value is clearly marked on the rear panel next to the Mains Input. Should
it be necessary to replace the fuse, ensure that you use the same type as specified on the rear panel,
i.e. 5 x 20mm cartridge type:

T 3.15 A surge resisting for 220-240V 50Hz AC,
T 6.3 A surge resisting for 110-120V 60Hz AC
T 8A surge resisting for 100V (Japan)

MAINS CONNECTION

The Classic A53 Power Amplifier requires an analogue audio signal to be connected to it via the two
RCA (Phono) sockets on the rear panel marked Left and Right. This should be done using a suitable
audio interconnect cable terminated with a matching RCA (Phono) plug.

Switch the amplifier off before making any changes in order to avoid any pops, clicks or other noises.

INPUT CONNECTION AND SWITCHING

If within two years of purchase date your Classic A53 proves to be defective for any reason other than
accident, misuse, neglect, unauthorised modification, or fair wear and tear, Creek Audio Ltd. will, at its
discretion, replace the faulty parts without charge for labour or return carriage within the U.K. This
warranty is valid only in the U.K. and given in addition to statutory rights. Service enquiries outside the
U.K. should be addressed first to the supplying dealer and/or the Creek distributor/importer. Warranties
granted in these countries are entirely at the discretion of the distributor.

OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS

CLASSIC A53 POWER AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS

Measured at 230 V or 115 V
Not recommended for use into more than 2 pairs of 8Ω loudspeakers

Power Output (both channels into 8Ω) 90 Watts

Power Output (one channel into 8Ω) 110 Watts

Power Output (one channel into 4Ω) 180 Watts

Peak Output current 1W > 25 Amps RMS

Total Harmonic distortion (20 Hz to 20 kHz) < 0.05%

Frequency Response 3 Hz to 25 kHz - 1 dB

Slew Rate > 50 V per micro second

Gain x 48 or 33.6 dB

Input Sensitivity - One channel driven/8Ω 620 mV

Signal to Noise Ratio ('A' weighted) > 105 dB

Separation > 60 dB at 1 kHz

Power Consumption (at idle) 40 W

Power consumption (full power 10% THD) 340 W

Weight (net) 7 kgs 15.5 lbs

Size (W x H x D) 430 x 70 x 280 mm 17" x 2.4" x 11"

Mains Voltage @ 60Hz 100V Japan

115V North America

@ 50Hz 230/240V Europe, Asia and UK

Mains voltage is set internally for the country of use

Creek Audio Ltd. reserves the right to change or modify the specification of its products

without prior warning.

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTIONS

The loudspeakers should be connected using a suitable pair of cables designed specifically for audio
use. Two pairs of 4mm screw terminals marked 'A' allow for either bare wire or spade lug connectors to
be passed through the hole or around the bush. There are terminals for Left and Right channels. Tighten
the terminal fully after fitting the speaker wire. Please consult your dealer for advice if you are unsure.

REAR PANEL

FRONT PANEL

Power
On/Off

Mains Inlet and Speakers A and B Speakers A and B
Power Switch Right Channel Left Channel Input

Make sure that the unit is on a suitable table, shelf or Hi-Fi equipment cabinet. It is important to allow
adequate ventilation to the heatsink in the centre of the unit. Avoid obstruction of the ventilation slots
on the top and bottom of the amplifier. It may be necessary to place the amplifier on the top of other
equipment to allow for this.

Always have the volume control of your pre-amp or integrated amplifier set at minimum (counter­clockwise) when switching on and off, to avoid any sudden loud noises.

Switch-on the amplifier with the push button marked Power on the right hand side of the front panel.
Adjust the volume gently with a pre-amp or integrated amplifier pre-amp output and settle down to
listen.

Your Classic A53 Power Amplifier is designed to give you years of reliable use. If you need more
assistance, it is always advisable to go back to the supplying dealer for his expert help. If you are
unfortunate enough to need service work to be carried out on your amplifier, it should be returned to
your dealer in the original packing material if possible.

When the Classic A53 Power Amplifier is first switched on, the power LED will glow yellow until the
protection circuit confirms everything is OK. The LED will then turn green and the loudspeaker relays
will click on.

If the amplifier stops working and the Power LED turns red, it indicates a fault. Return the amplifier to
the supplying dealer for inspection.

OPERATING THE CLASSIC A53 POWER AMPLIFIER

It is very important to connect the loudspeakers to the loudspeaker terminals in the correct phase.
Cables are normally polarised with a line or a raised bump on the positive side. If one channel is not
connected in the same fashion as the other, a severe loss of bass performance and a spreading of the
stereo image will result.

A second set of terminals marked 'B' allows the user to the option of having two pairs of speakers
running together. It is not recommended to use loudspeakers of less than 4 Ohms resistance or more
than two pairs of 8 Ohms speakers running from the amplifier at one time. However, bi-wiring of one
pair of speakers, using the four terminal posts, can improve the sound of your system. (Consult your
dealer for more details).

It is very important not to short the loudspeaker cables together when the other ends are still
connected to the amplifier, as permanent damage can result. If it is necessary to move or change the
location of the loudspeakers, make sure that you first switch off the amplifier from the mains.

POWER CONSUMPTION

It is appreciated by Hi-Fi enthusiasts that leaving equipment powered-up continuously can improve the
performance. However, this small improvement in sound quality comes at the expense of higher power
consumption from the mains which will cost more for your electricity. It will also reduce the working life
of the product and is not environmentally friendly.

We recommend that if the equipment is not being used for a period of time, it would be better to switch
it off from the mains switch on the front panel. Normal performance can be achieved in a short period
of time.

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTIONS CONT’D