Price Paid:  $300.00 from Audiogon

Summary:
I purchased the Creek P43 R version with remote on Audiogon along with a McCormack TLC-1 in order to try out passive preamps in my system. I had read about the simplicity and purity of passive preamps and wanted to see if they would sound better than my old Chase Technology RLC-1. I initially hooked up the McCormack and was amazed by its absolute “get out of the way” and let the music come through sonic nature. When I switched to the Creek some of the purity was gone but I did notice an increase in bass and overall dynamics. I tried the Creek plugged in and not. Plugging the unit in to use the remote control there is a slight difference, a slight loss of the clearness of the sound but you get to stay seated and that’s a big plus. The Creek is cleaner sounding than the Chase Tech and has great bass extension. It is more dynamic and I found myself having to lower the volume at times. I bi-amp a pair of PSB Stratus Gold’s with a McCormack DNA 0.5 running the mids and tweeters and a Harman Kardon Citation 19 running the woofers. I use a solid copper wire Esoteric Audio Isopath with the HK running the bass and a 12 gauge stranded wire also from Esoteric with the McCormack. The sound is impressive. If you are looking for a passive preamp and can find it the Creek P43 is a extremely clean and yet dynamic passive unit. The McCormack TLC-1 is a different animal as it is more polite and less dynamic but the reference in purity. I will post a review of the McCormack also.
The Creeks strengths are the top to bottom dynamics especially bottom with an available remote control or you can leave it unplugged and enjoy the cleanest simplest sound it has.
An excellent preamp that will easily retire my Chase Tech.

Strengths:
top to bottom dynamics
remote control

Weaknesses:
none I can think off for this price

Similar Products Used:
McCprmack TLC-1
Chase Tech RLC-1

Price Paid:  $575.00 from Alpha Audio, Singapo

Summary:
I bought the P43 for 2 reasons, namely I'm curious about passive preamps (read a lot about Creek's other passive devices, i.e. the OBH-12) and the price is right. I was considering the OBH-12 after having read all the glowing reviews about it. The P43 replaces my Anthem Pre1L tubed preamp in my system. I have been listening to the Anthem for about 5 years now and never had any complaint about the sound. In fact, the Anthem worked pretty well with my Bryston 3B-ST, vs the Linn Majik which it replaced. However, I was not prepared for the difference in terms of transparency, bass tautness and an overall sense of refinement from the P43 when compared to the Pre1L. It was as if everything seemed clearer and yet there was no trace of harshness at all from the highs. I had expected a change since it was taking over a tubed preamp, but I never thought that it would be so defined and clearly delineated. I also thought that my system's sound would not have that tad of warmth from the missing 6922 tubes but (I must qualify) although the overall sound character was not warmth (like as in tube warmth), it was not bright sounding either. Its just a very pleasant neutrality which did not border onto clinical. Neither bright nor euphoric, just a sense of "rightness" about it. I have never had my system sound like this before, until I introduced the Creek P43 into it. All in all, I am very satisfied with it. In fact, I do not feel a need to use the Anthem at all. There is a certain "rightness" about passive preamps I supposed. The caveat would be that the system's sound would have to be "right" as well for the owner. I noted the below-mentioned review about the need to have the external regulated supply to power the P43 for headphone use, as well as to enable use of the remote (I bought the P43R version, which comes with a remote). It also boost the output by 1 dB (its not a lot, I know). I have yet to hook up the regulated power supply (I got it as well), as I want to fully enjoy the benefit of running the preamp in full passive mode (should also reduce my electricity bill). So, here is a product which can be used on its own, without the need to hook it up to the mains before use. It also gives one an option to use remote (which may be critical to some) and headphone (its passive) but one would have to buy the optional outboard regulated power supply unit. It sounds great (which is wholly dependant on the system it is in) and costs very little for the return in great sound quality. I would highly recommend it to anyone to give it a listen to. It has to be something special if Mike Creek designed it to be his statement piece for his preamps. Like the OBH-12 ? Then the P43 should be music to your ears.

Strengths:
Transparency, clarity, noiseless (its passive after all) and easy to use.

Weaknesses:
None for the price, except perhaps the outboard regulated power supply should be priced with it.

Similar Products Used:
None. All previous preamps were either solid state (Linn Majik) or tubed (Anthem Pre1L).

Price Paid:  $595.00

Summary:
I purchased the a43 p43 and t43 about 1 year ago.I've had YBA equipment previously.I like the creek much better.The system works together perfect,and the sound quality is very relaxed and enjoyable.In a word wonderful.Full,robust,and you feel the timbre of each insturment,especially strings.Very blanced presentation.I ordered the preamp with phono,which sounds great,but the headphone didn't work!
I learned I had to purchase a separate power supply the OBH-2 for an additional $100.After complaining for a bit,I now accept it.I only wish I was aware of this before purchase.Imagine,a headphone socket that is dormant.Stupid designing if you ask me.Overall very positive recommendation.A great value especially paired with the amp,tuner.I'm saving for the just released CD-53 in black.I suggest buying at elusive disc.Good price and service.Tell Bob anthony from NY sent you.Later all.

Strengths:
facilities,ergonomics,sound quality

Weaknesses:
headphone socket dosen't work without an additional power supply.

Similar Products Used:
YBA