[ad_1]
The vintage audio theme remained very popular with both consumers and manufacturers in 2022; Klipsch, Wharfedale, Mission, and Leak introduced loudspeakers and electronics that offer a blast from the past (minus the shag) but with modern updates and rather expensive price tags. Leak’s original Stereo 30 Integrated Amplifier was a rather coveted piece of equipment that found itself in more than a few London flats.
Leak was resurrected in 2020 during the height of the pandemic and has continued to expand the lineup based on the growing demand for “vintage” components which has become a hot category for IAG Group; the parent company of Leak, Wharfedale, Mission, Audiolab, and Quad.
Mission recently launched an updated version of its 778x Integrated Amplifier, along with the Mission 770 loudspeakers which sold out in a matter of months.
The Leak Stereo 230 offers a slightly different take on the original Stereo 30 and current Stereo 130.
Technology
The new Leak Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier offers an increase in power (2 x 75W per channel vs 2 x 45W), upgraded analog and digital circuits, and a revised DAC section that supports hi-res audio streaming, MQA, and 22.58MHz DSD. The DAC also supports up to 32-bit/768kHz (PCM).
The Stereo 230 offers support for Bluetooth 5.0, aptX and AAC codecs.
Just like the Mission 778x, the Leak Stereo 230 includes a MM phono preamp which is designed to work with any MM cartridge and high output MC carts as well.
Leak have also designed the Stereo 230 to act as a hub for you 2.0 home theater system with a wide range of inputs including HDMI ARC, Toslink Optical, and USB-B. There are also two analog connections for a pair of headphones and 1 pair of RCA inputs for a CD player.
The Leak Stereo 230 amps will be available from January 2023 priced at £1249 / $1699 / $2699 with the walnut enclosure (£1099 / $1499 / $2399 without).
For more information: leak-hifi.co.uk/stereo230/
Related Reading: Editors’ Choice 2022: My Favorite Integrated Amplifiers
[ad_2]
Source link
Stay connected