Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

[Hollywood]

FWIW here's a couple of reviews:

 

[BjorgenFjorgen]

FWIW here's a couple of reviews:

Yeah, watched those earlier, thanks. More wondering if anyone here had any first-hand experience.

 

[Joe Mac]

There have been a few posts here linking to external reviews or videos about it, but has anyone actually heard the Leak Stereo 130? I am incredibly attracted to the look of it. I may be replacing my vintage Nikko receiver with a new integrated and would miss the wood if it were gone—most modern audio equipment is very boring aesthetically to me—but don't want to buy based on looks alone, obviously. (Also because it's quite a bit more expensive than the others I've been looking into: the Audiolab 6000A and, on the lower end, the NAD 316 to power a future set of Wharfedale Lintons.) I know a few of you have one of those amps with those speakers, so I'm mainly inquiring about the Leak, but any feedback is helpful. Any experience?

The reviews have seemed positive, but not glowing and it is a looker. It had more than enough oomph to power the Linton’s too. From what I gather it’s a very similar amp to the Quad Vena (not surprising as IAG are the group behind Quad, Leak, Audiolab annnnd Wharfedale). I remember them getting a bit of talk a while back because of their looks but I equally don’t think anyone actually took the plunge.

Ed reviewed it and it’s sister CD player a little while back

Leak Stereo 130 Integrated Amplifier and CDT CD Transport Review

Review of the Leak Stereo 130 Integrated amplifier and CDT CD Transport

www.avforums.com

 

[Hollywood]

Yeah, watched those earlier, thanks. More wondering if anyone here had any first-hand experience.

Nope sorry can't help you there but what I do know is that the Stereo 130 apparently has synergy with Wharfedale, specifically the Denton 85 speakers, so maybe it pairs perfectly with the Linton too

 

[Joe Mac]

Nope sorry can't help you there but what I do know is that the Stereo 130 apparently has synergy with Wharfedale, specifically the Denton 85 speakers, so many it pairs perfectly with the Linton too

Not hugely surprised at that as it’s the same company, although I suppose that isn’t always a given!

 

[Hollywood]

Not hugely surprised at that as it’s the same company, although I suppose that isn’t always a given!

I didn't realize LEAK fell under the same umbrella as Wharfedale so that would indeed make sense.

 

[Joe Mac]

I didn't realize LEAK fell under the same umbrella as Wharfedale so that would indeed make sense.

Yeah IAG own a lot of the old British hifi brands. While there are different designers and philosophies with each brand there will be a degree of commonality there too with things like software and certain parts.

IAG Brands – IAG

iaggroup.com

 

[BjorgenFjorgen]

The reviews have seemed positive, but not glowing and it is a looker. It had more than enough oomph to power the Linton’s too. From what I gather it’s a very similar amp to the Quad Vena (not surprising as IAG are the group behind Quad, Leak, Audiolab annnnd Wharfedale). I remember them getting a bit of talk a while back because of their looks but I equally don’t think anyone actually took the plunge.

Ed reviewed it and it’s sister CD player a little while back

Leak Stereo 130 Integrated Amplifier and CDT CD Transport Review

Review of the Leak Stereo 130 Integrated amplifier and CDT CD Transport

www.avforums.com

Yeah, that was the main takeaway I was seeing, as well. Compared with the seemingly universally glowing reviews of the Audiolab, not sure it would be worth the price difference for some extra walnut.

 

[Hollywood]

Yeah, that was the main takeaway I was seeing, as well. Compared with the seemingly universally glowing reviews of the Audiolab, not sure it would be worth the price difference for some extra walnut.

Having auditioned the Audiolab 6000A,
I personally would not fork out the price difference on wood aesthetics alone. The 6000A is a freaking powerful piece of equipment which gives you ample detail and a great sense of clarity. It's clean and articulate, and punches well above it's price point.

 

[Tys1]

HUGE thank you to @HiFi Guy for the recommendation on the NAD Electronics V2 Stereo Integrated Amplifier!

I just got it set up successfully and without a hitch with my new speakers and wow wow wow wow what a difference!

 

[HiFi Guy]

HUGE thanks you to @HiFi Guy for the NAD Electronics V2 Stereo Integrated Amplifier!

I just got it set up successfully and without a hitch with my new speakers and wow wow wow wow what a difference!

Enjoy! Your post makes it sound like I gave it to you.

 

[Tys1]

Enjoy! Your post makes it sound like I gave it to you.

Haha! Imma go ahead and edit that!

 

[Tys1]

So… silly question about this thing, if later on down the line I wanted to add my own preamp in, would it be as simple as removing the cables from the amp’s phono stage and into one of the aux ports?

 

[kvetcha]

So… silly question about this thing, if later on down the line I wanted to add my own preamp in, would it be as simple as removing the cables from the amp’s phono stage and into one of the aux ports?

Yep, an external phono would just wire into one of the other standard inputs.

 

[HiFi Guy]

So… silly question about this thing, if later on down the line I wanted to add my own preamp in, would it be as simple as removing the cables from the amp’s phono stage and into one of the aux ports?

You didn’t think we’d recommend something where you couldn’t add more gear later, did you?

 

[BjorgenFjorgen]

Also because it's quite a bit more expensive than the others I've been looking into: the Audiolab 6000A

Alright, now, any reasons not to buy an amp used if it's apparently in excellent/like-new condition? May be able to save about $400 plus tax this way.

 

[CrazyDiamond84]

I added both these to my preamp today, and can already tell they're some nice upgrades to my system for cheap.


Pangea Audio AC-14 Audiophile Power Cable AC Cord Upgrade for Audio, Video and Electronic Gear 3 Prong 0.6 Meter Amazon product ASIN B0030ELBGK
Mullard 12AU7 Preamp Vacuum Tube, Single Amazon product ASIN B01HQYWB7M

 

[HiFi Guy]

Alright, now, any reasons not to buy an amp used if it's apparently in excellent/like-new condition? May be able to save about $400 plus tax this way.

Not at all. Check physical condition and listen to it. Preowned or demo gear is a great way to save money.

 

[AnthonyI]

Alright, now, any reasons not to buy an amp used if it's apparently in excellent/like-new condition? May be able to save about $400 plus tax this way.

Have at it, great gear/deals are out there

 

[wmeugene]

The reviews have seemed positive, but not glowing and it is a looker. It had more than enough oomph to power the Linton’s too. From what I gather it’s a very similar amp to the Quad Vena (not surprising as IAG are the group behind Quad, Leak, Audiolab annnnd Wharfedale). I remember them getting a bit of talk a while back because of their looks but I equally don’t think anyone actually took the plunge.

Ed reviewed it and it’s sister CD player a little while back

Leak Stereo 130 Integrated Amplifier and CDT CD Transport Review

Review of the Leak Stereo 130 Integrated amplifier and CDT CD Transport

www.avforums.com

Those Leaks are quite the stunner from a look perspective. May have made my consideration list.