Creek Audio EVOLUTION 50A User manual

Page 1
User Instructions for the EVOLUTION 50A/100A integrated amplifier when
using the RUBY and RUBY 2 digital input module.
Thank you for purchasing the RUBY digital input Module from Creek Audio. You are no in
possession of a State of the Art digital to analogue converter, ith additional functions.
The Ruby module is an upgrade option, suitable only for Evolution 50A and Evolution 100A Creek
Integrated Amplifiers. It should be fitted by your supplying dealer, but if that is not possible, or you
bought your amplifier remotely these instructions are designed to help you install the module
ithout danger.
The function and operation of the Ruby is deceptively simple, considering ho many features it
offers, all of hich can be controlled remotely.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Read all the follo ing instructions carefully before installing or operating the RUBY. Keep this User
Manual so you can refer to these safety instructions later if required.
FITTING THE RUBY MODULE
Safety!
Please disconnect the amplifier from the mains power supply by removing the mains plug from
the rear IEC socket.
Remove the top cover from the EVOLUTION 50A/100A integrated amplifier, by un-scre ing the 4
side scre s and the 3 rear scre s. Be careful to retain these scre s and the cutting asher for re-
fitting. Pull the cover up on one side only and peel it up and over to the other side, to avoid bending
the cover in the middle.
EVOLUTION 50A amplifiers ith serial/batch numbers, ‘EVO50A S/B 1315 0500’ or earlier, are not
capable of accepting the RUBY module.
EVOLUTION 50A amplifiers ith serial/batch numbers later than quoted above, together ith all
EVOLUTION 100A amplifiers have RCA sockets marked LINE INPUT 5 mounted on the rear panel in an
expansion slot. Input 5 sockets are mounted on 90 x 36mm (3.5 x 1.4”) plate. Input 5 mounting
plate is held in place ith t o Torx T7 scre s. Remove the outer t o scre s that hold the plate to
the back panel. Move the plate a ay from the back panel and pull-out the flat foil cable from the
Pre-amp PCB socket, underneath it, marked MODULE.
Insert the 110mm (4.3 inches) Flat Foil Cable (FFC), exiting from the RUBY module, into the
appropriate socket on the Pre-amp PCB belo it, marked MODULE. The Ruby module should no
be held upside-do n (components facing do n, bare PCB facing up ards) ith the input sockets
facing back ards to ards the rear panel. The foil cable must not be t isted. Fold the loose FFC
under the RUBY’s PCB.

Page
2
Line the plate up ith the
expansion slot
the RUBY
module firmly onto the rear panel, using the Torx
Replace the cover as before, making sure to put the cutting asher
position on the rear.
Digital inputs.
The RUBY module contains a very high
digital signals
up to a ord length of
digital signals from various
sources into an analogue format that the amplifier can handle. i.e.
INPUTS: #8 and #10, are co-
axial RCA sockets for connecting from a suitable SPDIF digital source,
ith a maximum resolution of 24 bit 192 kHz, i.e. CD player, Satellite receiver, etc.
2 TORX sockets, #7 and #9,
also provide
resolution of 24 bit 192 kHz.
Optical connections are effective in isolating ground paths bet een the
source and amplifier that could possibly create interference
USB type B socket #5,
(printer type) enables the amplifier to be connected to a computer and used
as an external sound card. The USB input ill be po ered by the computer, so care should be taken
to avoid using non-
standard cables
computer hich must at first be connected to the internet. The USB circuit ill search for a suitable
driver, to enable your computer to communicate ith the RUBY. After a short time, your computer
should report that it has paired ith the EVOLUTION device.
iOS devices have the potential to play high
drivers. Creek Audio cannot accept responsibility for stability or optimisation of external
such as computers or operating systems.
PC
computers or laptops running WIN 10 should also allo high
natively. Please consult
your dealer or supplying vendor for more information
expansion slot
in the rear panel. Using the scre
s previously removed
module firmly onto the rear panel, using the Torx
T
7 scre driver, supplied in the pack.
Replace the cover as before, making sure to put the cutting asher
s
back on the same scre
The RUBY module contains a very high
-quality
digital to analogue converter capable of
up to a ord length of
24 bit and a maximum sample rate of 192
kHz. This ill convert
sources into an analogue format that the amplifier can handle. i.e.
axial RCA sockets for connecting from a suitable SPDIF digital source,
ith a maximum resolution of 24 bit 192 kHz, i.e. CD player, Satellite receiver, etc.
also provide
optical inputs
for SPDIF digital signals ith a maximum
Optical connections are effective in isolating ground paths bet een the
source and amplifier that could possibly create interference
or reduce performance.
(printer type) enables the amplifier to be connected to a computer and used
as an external sound card. The USB input ill be po ered by the computer, so care should be taken
standard cables
or cables longer than
3m (10 feet). Once connected to a
computer hich must at first be connected to the internet. The USB circuit ill search for a suitable
driver, to enable your computer to communicate ith the RUBY. After a short time, your computer
should report that it has paired ith the EVOLUTION device.
iOS devices have the potential to play high
-resolution (24/192)
signals natively, ithout specialist
drivers. Creek Audio cannot accept responsibility for stability or optimisation of external
such as computers or operating systems.
computers or laptops running WIN 10 should also allo high
-
resolution (24/192) signal replay
your dealer or supplying vendor for more information
, if required.
s previously removed
, fix
7 scre driver, supplied in the pack.
back on the same scre
digital to analogue converter capable of
accepting
kHz. This ill convert
sources into an analogue format that the amplifier can handle. i.e.
axial RCA sockets for connecting from a suitable SPDIF digital source,
for SPDIF digital signals ith a maximum
Optical connections are effective in isolating ground paths bet een the
(printer type) enables the amplifier to be connected to a computer and used
as an external sound card. The USB input ill be po ered by the computer, so care should be taken
3m (10 feet). Once connected to a
computer hich must at first be connected to the internet. The USB circuit ill search for a suitable
driver, to enable your computer to communicate ith the RUBY. After a short time, your computer
signals natively, ithout specialist
drivers. Creek Audio cannot accept responsibility for stability or optimisation of external
devices,
resolution (24/192) signal replay
, if required.

Page 3
While dedicated Remote APPs may offer flexible options to navigate and play your computer-based
music library, Creek have programmed the RUBY to have certain HID functions (Human Interface).
Using the EVOLUTION remote handset, it is possible to Play, Stop, Pause or force tracks for ard and
back ards. This limited functionality is not displayed on the EVOLUTION product, so it is no
substitute for having a monitor or display connected to your computer, or a remote APP running on
a handheld device, such as a smart phone or tablet, to navigate more easily.
Bluetooth
The RUBY’s Bluetooth module ill be inside the amplifier’s metal case, so it is effectively shielded
and cannot receive ireless BT signals unless a short antenna scre ed into the golden F socket #6.
Please find the short black antenna supplied in the packaging and scre it into the socket. It can be
then bent into a position to allo other cables to pass ithout obstruction.
The RUBY has a Bluetooth receiver that can receive music signals from various devices. It is first
necessary to look at the settings of your source device, such as a smart phone or tablet, to search for
the appropriate BT device. When you see the EVOLUTION Bluetooth device listed, select it and it ill
be remembered on that device. If required, the smart device can also be made to forget the
EVOLUTION BT if required. Normally, if the amplifier’s input selector is set for BT input, it ill allo
the RUBY to pair ith the chosen device and enabled it to pass music signals, up to a distance of 10 –
15 metres. Buildings ill have different construction techniques, so depending on the materials
used and the amount of obstructions in the ay, reception distance may be either greater or
shorter. Other ireless devices operating on or near the BT frequency may also affect the reliability
of signal reception.
FM radio
GETTING STARTED IN YOUR REGION
As you may be operating the Receiver in a region of the orld here the radio standards are
different from the factory setting, it is necessary to manually select the correct, or most appropriate
region first. Po er-OFF the Receiver; Press and hold the MENU button and then press the POWER
button to turn the Receiver-ON again. When the OLED display lights-up and the CREEK logo
disappears, release the MENU button and the display ill sho a Set-Up menu, including Broadcast
Region. Rotate the left-hand control knob, to select Broadcast Region. Press the knob once, to sho
all the available regions. Select your region ith the control knob and press it once again. To return
to normal operation, press the MENU button once more. After a couple of seconds delay the amp
ill ork ith the correct settings for your region.
EVOLUTION 50A and 100A FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & OPERATION

Page 4
All input functions are selected by the left-hand control knob and 3 push buttons.
After pressing SRC, the left hand knob can be used to select the desired input. The additional inputs
include USB, Bluetooth, Co-axial SPDIF and Optical SPDIF.
Tuner operation
CONNECTING ANTENNA
To get you started quickly, Creek Audio has included a 1.5 metre length of ire ith a co-ax plug at
one end, to act as a temporary FM antenna. Adjust the position of this temporary antenna for best
results. Ho ever, to obtain the best FM signal, use a high quality, multi-element, directional
external VHF - FM antenna. If in doubt consult your supplying Hi-Fi dealer, or a specialist antenna
installation company for advice. The RUBY uses a male co-ax antenna socket. If your connection is
an F socket, please use the F to co-ax converter supplied in the packaging.
To s itch to the FM Tuner, press one of the three Tuner buttons – BAND, PRE or TUNE. To return to
the amplifier’s analogue or digital inputs, press the SRC (Source) button.
BAND has no function ith the RUBY module as only FM band is available. Only the AMBIT module
has AM/FM.
TUNE selects bet een manual tuning mode and automatic SEEK mode. Press TUNE and rotate the
left-hand knob to increment the frequency up or do n to the desired FM station. Press the knob
briefly to initiate SEEK/SEARCH in the direction last travelled by the rotary control.
PRE s itches to a station preset mode. Turn the left-hand control knob to step through 99 available
preset locations. Presets can be populated manually or automatically. Both methods are detailed in
the paragraphs bello .
Storing a station in a Preset location can be done several ays ith the Receiver.
1. Seek or manually tune to a station; Press and hold PRE button until a Preset location number
flashes on the screen in place of FM text. The flashing number indicates the preset location
immediately follo ing the last one in use, making it convenient to program a series of
presets in a ro . If you ish, you can change the offered preset location by turning the
control knob. To confirm and store the tuned frequency into the selected preset location,
press PRE again briefly. The received station is no stored in your chosen location. N.B. The
flashing number ill time-out and the preset store operation ill be cancelled in about 9
seconds, ithout any user input.
2. Repeat the steps above for any subsequent station(s).
3. Automatically SEEK and store all stations of a usable quality in Preset locations starting from
the last one in use. Press PRE and TUNE together and hold do n for about 3 seconds, until
the Tuner starts to SEEK automatically starting from the currently tuned frequency up and
rapping around the band edge to complete the seek throughout the entire active band. All

Page 5
stations ith a reasonable signal strength and quality encountered during seek ill be
memorised and given a Preset number in succession. Auto Preset can be helpful during
initial use of the Tuner or upon moving antenna location to be able to quickly bro se
through all the available stations instead of having to seek or tune manually. With all the
available stations residing in Presets, you can simply bro se to the station(s) of interest and
store them again into a ne preset location of your choice in an order of your choice.
4. To clear all stored Pre-sets (along ith all the Receiver preferences), select Factory Defaults
from the SETUP MENU. See details.
RDS (RBDS in the USA) means Radio Data Service or Radio Broadcast Data Service. Most
international FM stations broadcast RDS. If the received signal is strong enough and if the station is
broadcasting RDS data, the OLED display ill s itch from sho ing frequency to RDS information.
See further details in the MENU section.
DISPLAY
The EVOLUTION 50A’s OLED display sho s the follo ing status of the Tuner and Amplifier:
1. Pre-Set station number 01 -99
2. Frequency
3. BAND (FM only ith RUBY)
4. RDS
5. Radio metrics sho at the top of the display, in a graphical form.
6. Signal strength, is sho n as an antenna ith a bar graph.
7. Signal Quality, is sho n as Q ith a bar graph. It is based on a combination of Signal
Strength, Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Multipath distortion.
8. Stereo is displayed in three settings: The Infinity symbol is full idth STEREO, t o
overlapping circles means partial stereo and a single circle means MONO.
9. PS, means Program Service, indicating that station name is available.
10. RT, means Radio Text is available. Up to 64 characters of textual information about the
station, DJ, music or other information may be transmitted by this method.
11. CT means Time data is available.
The remote control IR (Infra-Red) sensor is placed at the right hand end of the display indo . Do
not block this area of the display or the remote control may not ork properly.

Page 6
TIME
If you are tuned to an FM station ith RDS, it ill normally transmit the real time. The default RDS
info sho n in the screen does not include TIME. To sho time on the display from the front panel
controls, press INFO once. From the Remote control handset, press TIME or INFO buttons once.
Note: if the FM signal is not strong enough to sho RDS data, TIME cannot be displayed.
INFO operates in Tuner mode to display the different pages of information available from the tuner
and RDS data. To display the different pages, it is necessary to toggle the INFO button several times
to call-up: Pre-Set number, Frequency, Tuner metrics, (PS, RT, CT, see DISPLAY for details)
STEREO/MONO
RUBY automatically adjusts the Left/Right separation to maintain good signal to noise ratio. If the
signal strength is not high enough, Stereo ill blend proportionally into MONO. The infinity symbol
∞ ill be displayed hen full stereo operation is in operation. MONO operation ill display O
instead.
OPERATION FROM THE EVO REMOTE CONTROL
TUNER. Press the green TUNER button to s itch to tuner. Green buttons on the remote are
exclusively for Tuner functions, but many others are also functional ithout having to press the
green TUNER button first. Here is a list of remote operation buttons:
Green buttons
LEVEL is not operational in this model.
BAND has no function as the RUBY is FM only.
MODE s itches bet een PREset mode and TUNE mode.
MONO manually forces the FM tuner into mono in three stages, for hen an FM stereo signal may
be too noisy to listen in Stereo. The RUBY Tuner ill automatically adjust the amount of stereo
separation, from full stereo to mono, to maintain a good signal to noise.
Other colour buttons
DIM changes bet een three levels of display brightness. Display off is not possible.
NUMBERIC buttons 0-9
1. To tuner directly to a frequency.
2. To go directly to a Pre-set address
Numeric frequency entry: To enter a kno n station frequency directly, press the exact
numbers, ithout a decimal point, i.e. to tune to 101.1 MHz FM, enter 1011, or to tune to 909 kHz

Page 7
AM, enter 909. No other entry is required and if this is a valid frequency, the Receiver ill
automatically jump to it. It is necessary to select the desired BAND first.
Numeric Pre-set entry: Select pre-set mode, via the green MODE button. Use the button on
the handset marked -/-- once or t ice to select either a 1 or 2 digit number, sho n ith one or t o
hyphens (- or --). No press a number or numbers directly from the handset. If a valid memory
address is entered, the Receiver ill tune to it.
STORE adds stations to memory. Press STORE for 2 seconds; hen the display flashes, select a
number using SEL up / do n, or use the default number flashing and press STORE again briefly, to
memorize the station into a pre-set address.
SEL Press the top or bottom of the blue button to tune to the next Pre-set.
<< >> TUNE moves the frequency up / do n.
I<< >>I SEEKs up / do n.
INFO operates the same as on the front panel.
TIME displays the actual time derived from RDS information. It cannot display unless an
FM –RDS station is tuned.
Technical specification
FM Frequency range in total 76 - 108 MHz (selectable for region)
Tuning Increments 50, 100 and 200 kHz (selectable for region)
Pre-set stations 99
Station programming Manual or Automatic
Sensitivity (Audio SINAD = 26dB max RF gain) -3.5 dBuV
Image rejection >70dB
Adjacent Channel rejection >65dB
Alternate channel rejection >70dB
Frequency response 30 Hz- 16 kHz -1dB
Total harmonic distortion <0.1%
Stereo separation >40dB
Signal to noise >70dB (Full limiting) Stereo
De-emphasis 50 or 75 µsec selected for region

Page 8
Appendix
If more than one EVOLUTION 50s are being used, it may help to join them together via the remote
connections on the rear panel, using a special interface cable from Creek Audio. This ill
synchronise the operation of both products. Check with your supplying dealer for details.
SOFTWARE INSTALATION
The RUBY module contains additional software to enable the EVO 50A 100A amp to function properly. When the amp is first turned-on,
after adding the RUBY module, there may be an 8 second delay as the new software is downloaded from the module into the amp’s system
microcontroller. Once this is completed, the OLED display will show the extra features and the amp will work as normal.
This is how to confirm the Software revision: Power-off, Press and hold the INFO button, then press the power button-on and release the
INFO button after the Creek logo disappears. The display will show the model name, software version number and heatsink temperature.
To clear the screen and use the product, press or turn any button or control knob.
N.B. No A- eighting. Noise integrated from 30 Hz to 15 kHz for audio SINAD and SNR
measurements.
Aerial connections: 75 Ohm co-ax MALE. Use adapter supplied to convert to F Type socket.
The EVOLUTION 50A/100A radio, fitted ith the RUBY module, can be operated virtually any here
in the orld. First select the correct mains voltage to either 115 or 230V AC – 50 to 60 Hz and then
choose the correct region as described in the section above “GETTING STARTED IN YOUR REGION”.
Please visit the Creek Audio ebsite to vie an instructional video, clearly sho ing this installation.
Creek Audio Ltd
Tel# [phone] [e-mail] www.creekaudio.com