The Article
Leak HiFi Relaunched by IAG
25th May 2020
Venerable UK Hi-Fi brand is back with the Stereo 130 amplifier and CDT CD player
Leak, a revered hi-fi brand that was founded by Harold Joseph Leak in 1934 and had its heyday back in the 60s, has now been resurrected by IAG (owner of other UK brands such as Quad and Wharfedale) with two new headline products, the 130 integrated amplifier and CDT CD player, destined for a July launch.
STEREO 130
This Class AB integrated amplifier, featuring a toroidal transformer, will be available in silver (7kg at £699) and walnut (8.5kg at £799). The chassis includes tone controls but there’s also a pass-through control to avoid them if required.
The new amplifier features a Sabre Reference DAC pushing out 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD256 via USB plus a coax and two optical ports (at 24bit/192kHz). Bluetooth is also included.
A built-in phono amplifier is included for moving magnet cartridges alongside a built-in headphone amplifier.
CDT
Featuring a slot-loading, enclosed and shielded mechanism it, says the company, includes, “…a digital clock [that] is controlled by a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator that makes sure the digital output from both the coaxial and optical sockets has minimum digital distortion, thus the digital signal extraction is exceptionally precise.”
There’s a USB storage device path with full transport controls and folder/file navigation. The Leak CDT is compatible with FAT16 and FAT32 formatted devices.
It offers coax and optical, weighs 5.3kg for the silver model or 6.9kg with a walnut finish and spans 302 x 118 x 270mm (Metal) 326 x 146 x 276mm (Wood). Prices to follow.
To read more, click www.leak-hifi.co.uk
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Not sure if this is the time to launch it, or what the market is. Still they look pretty good ( lovely retro styling )
not tube, uses GLARING Sabre DAC, COVID is still a threat, uses a Toroidal transformation (highly overrated unless sized appropriately )…what could possibly go wrong here?
Yes, this relaunch appears to offer a modern interior and feature set, built to a price, in a vintage-styled wrapper. Also, this model references the Leak 30, which was a solid state design. Finally, “COVID is still a threat”? You lost me there Rorie, I’m afraid. Not sure I’m making the connection.
Hi Paul, you have the dimensions wrong there. It’s the box that is 475mm side not the actual unit. John
Wide I meant…
Nice one, John – thanks for the correction.
first off thankyou for the great job you do keeping us lovers of fine sound
upto date with what is new in the world of audio, your effect is much apprective
i must admit i love this new look set up as i love the retro look
as iag own quad i think the insides will share much from the lower priced quad amp
just a guess but when you get your hands on a leak maybe look under the hood if you could.
the cd player is priced at £449 plus £100 for the wood version which for the looks and features
i think is a great price and cheaper then i was expecting.
https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/leak-cdt-cd-transport
i think you should contact iag and see if you can have a set for a give away and while your at it
ask why it is so hard to get some mission qx-3 for review as i have a pair and think they are great but
apart from the standmount qx2 the whole series is like a online ghost.
why spend money releasing the series yet send none out for review, have they money to burn,lol
take care paul and keep safe, we need you. 🙂
Thanks Jason and I’ll make a note of your requests and suggestions.
LEAK and CD players just doesn’t sound right