OBH-8

About the OBH-8

The Creek Audio OBH-8 is a compact moving-magnet (MM) phono preamplifier designed to boost the low-level signal from a turntable cartridge up to standard line level while applying accurate RIAA equalization. It is intended for use with MM and similarly specced high-output cartridges, with gain around 37–56 dB depending on production version and suitable for outputs in roughly the 2–5 mV range. The OBH-8 uses a simple solid-state circuit with fixed loading (typically 47 kΩ input impedance and standard capacitance) and offers neutral tonal balance with good detail retrieval, making it a popular affordable upgrade for amplifiers lacking a dedicated phono input. A 24V DC outboard power supply is used; some units are supplied with Creek's higher-spec OBH-2 PSU, and owners often upgrade the PSU for improved performance. The later OBH-8mk2 is a revised MM phono stage with a 40 dB gain IC-based input stage, Class A output buffer, fixed 47 kΩ/100 pF loading, improved low-profile metal case, and higher maximum output level (around 6V RMS), but it is a distinct updated model from the original OBH-8. Both versions have been regarded as cost-effective entries into quality vinyl playback; the original OBH-8 is no longer in current production, while the OBH-8mk2 remains available from retailers in many markets.