Not sure what you mean by "older" models as that would be about 20 years old itself. The Creek 4040 was very solid in its sound delivering stable and enough current. It was/is British in sound, conservative with a rolloff in the highs. Bottom end was never boomy but not rich. Competition was the Rogers integrated, Naim Nait(more expensive) and of course NAD (cheaper). Usually paired with British monitors such as Rogers, KEF or B&W.
This concludes your Cliff Notes on the Creek 4040.
