IAG, owners of Quad and Audiolab amongst others, has decided to reintroduce the LEAK Brand. LEAK have a hallowed history in British hifi, producing a revered range of valve pre and power amplifiers, transistor integrated amps, tuners and speakers in the 1960’s and 70’s.

So, what do we have here? Well LEAK have revived the traditional LEAK look based on the 1963 Stereo 30, one of the first transistorised amplifiers, except that the internals are fully updated to current high standards. This beauty comes with a remote, front panel volume control, and tone controls for bass, treble and balance. For those who eschew tone controls there is a bypass to take the tone and balance controls out of circuit.

The Stereo 130 also has a good quality moving magnet phono input for vinyl-based music and two more for other analogue inputs. Digital inputs include coaxial and optical connectors, USB and Bluetooth aptX. The internal DAC is a sophisticated ESS ES9018 DAC, fully capable of playing most digital formats, handling up to 32/394 PCM and DSD256 via USB.

The speaker driving capabilities are good, with 55 Watts into 8 Ohms, rising to 64 Watts into 4 Ohm loads. More than enough to go loud in all but the largest rooms.

So, internally, this is a highly sophisticated and versatile amplifier with a broad range of capabilities, but with a lovely external retro chic vibe.

How does it sound?

Jon Coltranes “A Love Supreme” was conveyed with its all of its emotional and sonic intensity in hi-definition form.

With Bob Marley and the Wailers “ Positive Vibration” (Vinyl), the Stereo 130 impressed with its great bass performance, timing and rendition of voices.

Rage Against the Machines’ “Killing in the Name” visceral intensity was captured and handled with full intent.

In Summary

The Leak Stereo 130 ’s all-round performance is engaging, full-bodied and refined, with great linearity and low distortion. Detail, timing and dynamics excel, regardless of source or medium. This allows the Stereo 130 to enhance the expression and enjoyment of your music collection.

The Stereo 130 costs £699, or £799 with the gorgeous walnut sleeve featured in this blog.

As an Addendum…….

Jimi Hendrix used to live in London and his flat has become a museum and tourist attraction. The Handel & Hendrix Museum has re-created his stereo system. Bang & Olufsen donated a fully-functioning, original 1960s Beogram 1000 turntable; Lowther supplied a set of their restored Acousta 115’s speakers developed in the 1960s. To complete the setup, LEAK sent one of their new LEAK Stereo 130 integrated stereo amplifiers, modelled on the classic Stereo 30 from 1963 which Hendrix used.

We hope you enjoy the Museum article, together with the video, which delves into the Hendrix Record collection.

Thanks for stopping by -

Rob & Gareth - Audio T Reading

Be sure to stay up to date with everything going on in our store by following us on Facebook

LEAK can be found at the following Audio-T stores