Creek OBH-21SE review

Creek's OBH-21SE is a fine headphone amplifier, we'd just like to see a bit more bite Tested at £280.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It's perfectly pleasant but we'd like more bite

Pros

  • +

    Good tonal qualities, pleasant listen, on/off button, well built

Cons

  • -

    Needs more punch

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First impressions of the Creek OBH-21SE are good: ?it feels well-made and solid with a clear blue LED light ?to let you know it's on.

It' also features a handy, rear-mounted on/off push button as opposed to becoming active the moment it's plugged in.

Mounted on the front are two headphone inputs and a weighty volume control. Creek, like the other manufacturers here, also supplies a 12vDC power supply with the amplifier.

In use it serves up a spacious sound with a good tonal balance. The midrange is pleasantly smooth, with vocals possessing a nice sense of warmth. Bass and treble also sit well together, while detailing is more than capable.

What you get with the Creek is a relaxing, pleasant listen. It's a very likeable amplifier, but it needs more verve to really shine.

Other amps are more insightful when handling music, and have the extra bite the Creek needs to give it that additional edge.

You should audition this – especially if you prefer a safer sound – but we think it could do with a bit more punch

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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