Retro on the outside, high-tech on the inside – that's what the new Leak amp wants to offer. The Leak Stereo 230 carries connections for two analog high-level sources as well as an MM pickup, and also accepts digital signals via S/PDIF optical and coax, USB, Bluetooth with aptX and – now new – also via HDMI with Audio Return Channel for TV sound.
New compared to the predecessor Stereo 130, introduced in 2020, is the higher output power, stated to now be at 2x115 watts (4 ohms). As a DAC chip, Leak now uses the ES9038Q2M from ESS, which processes resolutions of up to 768 kHz for PCM as well as DSD up to 512 via USB. In addition, a full MQA decoder is on board, which not only works on USB signals, but also via S/PDIF.
On the outside, the 230 is identical to its predecessor, only the depth of the housing has increased slightly. The integrated amplifier is available immediately*; in silver for €1300*, and with a walnut housing for €1500*.
*Availability and prices for Germany.