Creek Audio Destiny User manual

Destiny Integrated Amplifier
Thank you for purchasing the Destiny Integrated Amplifier. You are now in possession of a State of the Art integrated amplifier. The functions
and operation of the Destiny are very simple. However, the following notes are provided to explain all aspects of its design and use. Your
Destiny 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, the amp should be returned to
your dealer in the original packing material if possible.
The Destiny amplifier is designed to work properly in normal domestic operating conditions. However, the amplifier's performance may be
affected if sited near to a radio transmitter such as a mobile phone etc. Re-siting the Destiny amplifier or the radio transmitter will normalise
the situation.
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 not only cost more but will also
reduce the working life of the Destiny. We recommend that if the equipment is not being used, for an extended period of time, switch it off
from the mains switch on the rear panel. Normal performance can be achieved in a short period of time.
Operating
Instructions
Set-up
To obtain the best results, make sure that the Destiny amplifier is placed on a stable shelf or Hi-Fi equipment rack. It is important to allow
adequate ventilation to the heatsink in the centre of the amplifier, so avoid obstructing the ventilation slots on the top and bottom of the case.
It will be necessary to place the amplifier on its own shelf or the top of other equipment to allow for this. Always have the volume control set
at minimum (counter-clockwise) when switching on and off, to avoid any sudden loud noises.
Operating the Destiny Amplifier (Quick set-up)
The pre-amp output and the power amp inputs are available through RCA sockets on the rear panel. This is helpful if you wish to bi-amp the
Destiny. The default setting from the factory is with the pre-amp connected to its power amp. However, when using an external device, such
as a sub-woofer or graphic equaliser etc. it may be necessary to separate the pre and power amps. To do this there is a switch placed next
to the two sets of sockets, recessed behind the rear panel to avoid accidental use. To join or separate the sockets, push the recessed button
with a matchstick or similar device. When joined the button is in the out position. N.B. Switch the amplifier off before making any changes in
order to avoid any pops, clicks or other unwanted noises.
After unpacking the Destiny amplifier please keep the packing material in a safe place for possible future use. In the pack there is a s eparate
mains cable suitable for connecting to the mains supply in the country of use, stored in the cardboard inset section. 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. The "Mains Input" connection is also fitted with a fuse, specifically suited to the sup-
ply 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 mains fuse, ensure that you use the same type as specified on the rear panel, i.e. 5 x 20mm size, 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
Input Connection and Switching
The push button switches on the left-hand side of the front panel marked Input are used to select and listen to any of the desired inputs and
adjust the pre-amp from passive to active. To select an input, press the up or down button to sequence through five inputs until you reach
your choice, indicated by LED's. The separate button marked Tape overrides the other inputs, to allow the Destiny to monitor the output of
a tape recorder. This can also be done by remote control.
As all the line input levels are the same, it is not necessary to use the precise input as described. You may, for example, plug a CD player
into the Tuner input and obtain exactly the same result and performance as the dedicated CD input. However, for added flexibility, the first
input on the Destiny amplifier can be configured either for Phono orAuxiliary line. To connect a turntable, it is necessary to first have an option-
al Destiny MM or MC Phono plug-in board fitted. Alternatively Creek Audio produces a separate range of OBH Phono pre-amplifiers. For
additional plug-in options for Destiny, ask your dealer for full details or, view Creek's website http://www.creekaudio.com. You may also write
to [email protected]

Destiny Integrated Amplifier
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Pre/power Connections
The pre-amp output and the power amp inputs are available through RCA sockets on the rear panel. This is helpful if you wish to bi-amp the
Destiny. The default setting from the factory is with the pre-amp connected to its power amp. However, when using an external device, such
as a sub-woofer or graphic equaliser etc. it may be necessary to separate the pre and power amps. To do this there is a switch placed next
to the two sets of sockets, recessed behind the rear panel to avoid accidental use. To join or separate the sockets, push the recessed button
with a matchstick or similar device. When joined the button is in the out position. N.B. Switch the amplifier off before making any changes in
order to avoid any pops, clicks or other unwanted noises.
Tape Inputs Speakers Headphones Volume Standby
Active
Power Creek Speakers Pre Tape Tape Inputs
Switch Link A Out Out In
AC Mains Input Speakers Power Pre/ Ground
& Mains Fuse B In Power Post
Loudspeaker Connections
The loudspeakers should be connected to the terminals marked 'A' using a suitable pair of cables designed specifically for audio use. High
grade, touch proof, terminals on the rear panel allow for 4mm plugs or bare wire to be connected. Tighten the terminal fully after fitting the
speaker wire. Please consult your dealer for advice if you are unsure.
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.
Asecond set of terminals marked 'B' allows the user to select from the Loudspeaker push buttons from the left on the front panel. The options
include speakers off (when using headphones) speakers A, speakers B or speakers A + B together. It is NOT recommended to use loud-
speakers of less than 4 Ohms resistance or more than two pairs of 8 Ohm speakers running in parallel from the amplifier at one time.
However, bi-wiring of one pair of speakers, using the four terminal posts per channel, can improve the sound of your system. (Consult your
dealer for more details).
Important - Do NOT 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, or select Standby.
Volume Level
The large volume control knob, situated on the right hand side of the front panel, is used to alter the relative level of the sound output from
the amplifier. It is important to realise that the volume control only acts to reduce, or attenuate, the incoming signal to the power amplifier
stage. The maximum power of the amplifier is available only if the level of signal available from the line level equipment is sufficient to drive
it to maximum power (clipping). The volume control is necessary to adjust the level from one piece of equipment to another. It does not
increase the power of the amplifier and if it is found necessary to have the volume control set to a position which is considered to be high,
before the desired level of volume is obtained, it does not necessarily mean that the amplifier has to work "flat-out".
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Destiny Integrated Amplifier
Active and Passive Operation
If the source component doesn't have sufficient output level to drive the Destiny to full power, press the button on the front panel marked
Active. This will introduce extra amplification into the pre-amplifier. In addition, the additional amplification is switchable in +3dB, +6dB and
+9dB (x 1.5, x 2, x 3) steps, selected by a slider switch on the bottom plate of the pre-amp section. It will be necessary to turn the amplifier
upside down to make this change, so please make sure the amp is switched off from the mains supply first. The switch is factory set in the
3dB position (centre). When placed upside down with the back of the amplifier closest to you, slide the switch to the left for 6dB gain, or to
the right for 9dB gain.(6dB - 3dB - 9dB). Use a small screwdriver to move the switch. If you are in any doubt please consult your dealer.
Remote Control
LED Indicators
When the Destiny amplifier is first switched on, the power LED will glow orange while in Standby. By waking the amp from standby by
pressing any of the ivory buttons with the exception of the button labelled AMP, the LED will then turn green. The input selected by the front
panel buttons or remote control will have a bi-coloured LED lit next to it. In normal operation it will be green. Remote volume changes
will cause the Standby LED to flash. Pressing the mute button on the remote handset will cause the speaker, input and tape LED’s to turn
orange and flash. Pressing the mute button again or increasing the volume from the remote handset will un-mute the amp and the LED’s will
turn green again. The amplifier will not be un-muted if the volume control is turned down. Please note, muting can only be cleared by the
remote handset or by pressing the Standby switch. If the LED in the IR window turns red it indicates a temporary fault. If the amplifier stops
working and the Power LED turns red, it indicates a fatal fault and your amplifier should be returned to the supplying dealer for inspection.
Protection modes
The Destiny amplifier has a sophisticated, computer controlled, protection mechanism against over-temperature, over current drive and
output DC offset. If the amplifier is driven hard for a long time and has insufficient ventilation, or the ambient temperature is high, the signal
will be muted to enable the amp to cool down to an acceptable working temperature. If the output load is too low and the input signal too high
it will over-drive the amplifier so, for a short period of time, the amp will be muted. Reducing the level will restore correct operation. The
Destiny amp will automatically reduce the volume before un-muting the signal. If direct current (DC) is input to the Destiny amp, it will sense
this and cause the output to be disconnected, to avoid damaging the voice coil of the loudspeakers. In the event of a failure of the
amplifier, the output and/ or the mains supply will be disconnected. This may require it to be returned to the dealer for servicing. Please check
with the dealer first for advice.
Creek Link
Destiny products have a special (CAN bus) serial link to enable them to be joined together and controlled and viewed from a remote
location,such as another room. This will require an optional Can to RS232 adapter and proprietary room controller. Check Creek's website
for 2006 release date details.
The SRC2 is a System Remote Control Handset is designed to operate the Creek Destiny Integrated and
Power amplifier, CD player and Tuner. However, it can operate the older remote controlled Creek products and
the new Classic range also. It allows the user to operate the volume control, input and speaker selection, active
or passive pre-amp selection, mute and display brightness.
The coloured buttons allow the user to find the features dedicated to that device more easily. Use any of the
blue buttons to operate the CD player. Use any of the ivory buttons to operate the amplifier and any green
buttons to operate the tuner.
To extend the capability of the handset, the buttons coloured dark grey can be used for multiple functions. This
can be achieved by first pressing the product button just above the circle of buttons in the middle, CD, Amp,
and Tuner. The remote will then be programmed to make the dark grey buttons work for that device only, until
another product button is pressed.
So, if you want to select a specific track on the CD player, press the Blue CD button, then the numeric button
at the top. It isn’t necessary to press CD again if you want to select another CD track.
However, if you want to select a specific amplifier input, press the Ivory Amp button and then the numeric
button at the top which is marked with the required input label above, i.e. Aux1, CD, Tuner,AV, Aux2 and Tape.
It isn’t necessary to press Amp again if you want to select another Amp input.
If you require the Tuner to go to a specific pre-set station, press the Green Tuner button and then the desired
pre-set number button. It isn’t necessary to press Tuner again if you want to select another Tuner pre-set.
Up and Down refer to CD Track, Amplifier input, and Tuner pre-set.
Disp refers to Display brightness for each product
Scan forward and back also refers to CD and Tuner plus any future Creek amplifiers that might have a remote
balance control.
Standby shuts down every device in range that can go into Standby– Some Creek products do not have this
feature. Please check the appropriate manual.Waking-up from standby requires a button to be pressed for
each product, i.e. wake up CD – press any CD button, except the CD product button, because that only
programs the remote internally.
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Destiny Integrated Amplifier
SPECIFICATION
Measured at 230V or 115V
Not recommended for use into more than 2 pairs of 8 Ohm speakers
Power Output into 8Ω(both channels driven) at rated mains voltage > 100 Watts
Dynamic Power Output into 8Ω> 150 Watts
Power Output into 4Ω(both channels driven) > 160 Watts
Dynamic Power Output into 4Ω> 250 Watts
Dynamic Power Output into 2Ω> 380 Watts
Dynamic Power Output into 1Ω(Limited by protection) > 250 Watts
Total Harmonic distortion (20 Hz to 20 kHz) < 0.02%
Frequency Response -1dB 1 Hz to 30 kHz
-3dB 0.1 Hz to 65 kHz
Slew Rate > 50 V per µS
Gain in passive pre-amp mode x48 or 33.6dB
Gain increase with active built in pre-amp 0dB +3dB +6dB +9dB
(Switchable voltage gain with slider switch under pre-amp section)
Input Sensitivity for 100W into 8Ω589mV 392mV 294mV 210mV
Input Impedance of power amp section 11 k Ω
Power Amp Output Impedance 100 Hz @1kHz) > 0.034
Damping Factor > 235
Pre-amp output level Follows input level via volume control
Signal to Noise Ratio ('A' weighted re 0 dB) > 78 dB
Separation (Crosstalk @ 1 kHz) > 60 dB
Maximum mains power consumption 400 Watts
Standby Power Consumption > 1 Watt
Input socket type 3 pin IEC, grounded
Loudspeaker outputs 2 x Switchable A+B (8 x screw terminals)
Switchable mains voltage selector 115/230 V AC external
Inputs (Input 1 can be configured for a phono plug in) 5 x line level plus tape
Input socket type (unbalanced) Gold plated RCA (Phono or cinch)
Headphone output 6.4mm (1/4”) Jack on front panel
Pre-amp putput and power amp input connection Switchable on rear panel
Weight (net) 10 kgs 22 lbs
Size (W x H x D) mm 430 x 70 x 310
inches 16.9 x 2.7 x 12.2
Remote control Fully remote from Creek SRC2 handset
Serial Bus (Required Creek serial interface) CAN Bus serial link via 2 RJ45 sockets
MAINS VOLTAGE AND FREQUENCY IN INTERNALLY SET FOR THE COUNTRY OF USE
Creek Audio Ltd reserves the right to change or modify the specification of its products without prior warning
W arranty
If within two years of purchase date your Destiny product proves to be defective for any reason other than accident, misuse,
neglect, unauthorized modifcation, 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.
Creek Audio Limited
12 Avebury Court, Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7TA England
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected] Internet: www.creekaudio.com