Key Features
- Inspired by original LEAK Stereo 30
- HDMI ARC input for AV as well as Hi-Fi application
- Connectivity includes wireless Bluetooth streaming and phono (MM) for turntables
- Improved power output of 75W per channel (2 x 8ohm, THD
LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier with DAC, Walnut Overview
The LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier with DAC is the nostalgic audiophile’s dream; while retaining the retro charm of LEAK’s original and revered Stereo 30 from 1963, it is packed full of contemporary circuitry and connectivity potential. Despite returning to the market in 2020 with the Stereo 130, this new model from LEAK betters it with the addition of HDMI ARC, improved power output, an updated DAC and newer Bluetooth specs.
As well as wireless streaming via Bluetooth, and HDMI ARC for movie enthusiasts, the Stereo 203 features a Phono (MM) input for optimised playback of your vinyl records, as well as USB-B, Optical, and Coaxial inputs. Outputs include one for your headphones—assisted by dedicated amplifier circuitry—and stereo speaker channels.
Product Ref: 253158
Full Description
View Full DescriptionNostalgia is Served…
British audio brand, LEAK, are a venerable name in the audio sphere. Not only have they engineered audio masterpieces since 1934, but they are also famously associated with Jimi Hendrix (who kept an original LEAK Stereo 30 in his London home!) After a 40-year break, LEAK returned in 2020 with the Stereo 130, and again in 2022 with this, the Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier with DAC. The 230 pays homage to the classic LEAK Stereo 30 with the same retro black and white front panel, walnut outer casing, and art-deco-inspired hardware. Having one of these integrated amplifiers in your home will serve nostalgia and masterful audio in equal measure.
New Tech, Old Look
LEAK’s Stereo 230 is ideal for those nostalgic audiophiles who want present-day technologies but a vintage look. Among these present-day technologies is Bluetooth version 5 with support for aptX and AAC codecs, making it possible to stream from compatible devices. As well as Bluetooth, the 230 features HDMI ARC connectivity; something which its predecessor, the Stereo 130, did not. This means the use of your 230 can extend into audio/video applications for amplified audio quality to accompany your favourite film and TV. Support for MQA also brings this retro-looking amplifier into the upper ranks of present-day HiFi.
Pumped-Up Power
The LEAK Stereo 230 steps up from the previous Stereo 130 with an improved output power of 75 Watts per channel; a full 30 Watts more than its predecessor. As well as more power, the 230 features an enhanced top-level DAC with an ES9038Q2M Reference chip built-in. This means music from digital sources such as your phone, PC, or network streamer can be easily translated into the analogue sound you desire. Moreover, with this chip’s 32-bit Hyperstream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Elimination, conversion takes place with ultra-low noise and maintains detail over a broad dynamic range. To accommodate this extended circuitry and higher power capacity, the Stereo 230 has grown in size. However, it is far from obtrusive and still integrates easily into a hi-fi setup or media cabinet.
Terrific With Turntables
What better amplifier to pair with a turntable than one which exudes vintage character? The Stereo 203 not only matches the vintage charm of a turntable but comes equipped with optimal JFET-based circuitry for vinyl playback. It features a built-in moving magnet (MM) phono pre-amplifier to directly input your turntable record players and enjoy the low-noise and exceptional quality of LEAK’s audio engineering efforts.
Headphone Amplification
For those of you looking to get the most out of your headphones, the Stereo 203’s dedicated amplifier circuit with current-feedback technology caters to that very need. It will match the performance of many high-end standalone headphone amplifiers which often cost more than this entire system. A high slew-rate results in fast output signal transition and a high level of detail delivered to various headphone types.
Features
- Enhanced top-level DAC with ES9038Q2M Reference chip for jitter-free and ultra-low noise
- Bass and treble tone control easily accessible via the front panel
- Improved power output of 2 x 75 Watts per channel (8ohm, THD<1)
- Bluetooth now updated to version 5.0 with aptX and AAC codec support for high-quality streaming over an extended distance
- HDMI ARC input boosts the sound accompanying your TV or movies
- Dedicated amplification circuit for headphones matches the performance of high-end standalone headphone amps
- Phono (MM) input for direct connection of a turntable
- Retro chassis inspired by the brand’s 1963 Stereo 30 makes for a truly nostalgic piece of HiFi equipment
- Available with a walnut enclosure or without as an exposed silver chassis
What’s in the Box?
- LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier with DAC
- Power cord
- Remote control
- Antennas
- User manual
Specifications
Dimensions
| Net weight | 12.7kg (Walnut) / 11.1kg (Silver) |
|---|---|
| Gross weight | 15.2kg (Walnut) / 12.7kg (Silver) |
| Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D) | 328 x 147 x 414 (Walnut) / 300 x 115 x 414 (Silver) |
| Packaged size (mm) (W x H x D) | 514 x 428 x 210 (Walnut / Silver) |
Preamplifier Section
| Gain | +41dB (Phono MM) |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 10K (Line)47K // 100pF (Phono MM) |
DAC
| D to A Converter | ES9038Q2M |
|---|---|
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 115dB (A-weighted) |
Power Amplifier Section
| Gain | +32dB |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Output | 2 x 75W (8ohm, THD<1 ); 2 x 115W (4ohm, THD<1 ) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 109dB (A-weighted) |
Headphone Amplifier
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <0.01 (1kHz, 50mW) |
|---|---|
| Output Impedance | 4.7ohm |
| Load Impedance | 16-600ohm |
General
| Design Philosophy and Core Technology | 2 x 75W (8ohm) / 2 x 115W (4ohm) Class ABST MOSFET TDA7293 Dual Parallel AmplifierES9038Q2M 32-bit DACBuilt-in Certified Hardware MQA Full Decoder (PC USB, Coax, Optical)Support Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX / aptX LL) streamingLow Noise Moving Magnet Phono stageDedicated Current-Feedback Headphone AMPSupport USB Upgrade |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 2 x Analogue1 x Phono (MM)1 x SPDIF (Coax)1 x SPDIF (Optical)1 x HDMI ARC1 x PC USB (USB B)1 x Bluetooth 5 (aptX/aptX LL)1 x 12V Trigger |
| Outputs | 1 x PRE Amplifier1 x Stereo Speaker1 x Headphone1 x 12V Trigger |
| Sampling Frequency | Optical/Coaxial: 44.1kHz – 192kHzPC USB: 44.1kHz-768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 |
| Standby Power Consumption | <0.5W |
| Power Requirements (depending on region) | 220-240V 50/ 60Hz100-120V 50/ 60Hz |
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