”Warm yet detailed sound from vinyl and digital sources with vintage style and modern features. Superb.” ’Hi-Fi World’ – 5 Globe review ‘Outstanding’.
The legend that is Leak
During the mid-twentieth century, Leak audio were a leading UK hi-fi company. From their legendary valve amps, tuners and Sandwich speakers, to the mould-breaking Stereo 30 transistor amp, Leak were a first division player.
Return to form
Sadly closed in 1979, Leak is now back with a range of hi-fi products that celebrates the best of the brand but with a modern twist. The Stereo 130 features the compact dimensions and classic art-deco style of the original Stereo 30 but with modern electronics that boost both sound quality and features.
Twenty-first century benefits
Just like the original, the Stereo 130 has analogue inputs, including a phono input for your turntable. When it comes to digital music, however, half a century of continuous development puts the Stereo 130 in a different league. The built-in DAC facilitates not just digital connectivity but also wireless Bluetooth playback.
Fit for Hi-Res music files
Unlike the original, the Stereo 130 has a Hi-Res DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) at its heart. Featuring an ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC and USB digital input, the Stereo 130 decodes right up to studio quality 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256. With the optical and coaxial inputs, the hi-res music capacity is a still impressive 24-bit/192kHz – the standard for most hi-res music files.
Full digital connectivity
Helping you make the most of your hi-res and digital components, the Stereo 130 features a class-leading array of digital socketry. Choose between USB, coaxial and two opticals for your inputs – ideal for your computer, TV, Blu-ray/DVD/CD player, network streamer and many other devices with a digital output. There are also optical and coaxial digital outputs, making this amp perfect for digital recorders or multi-room feeds.
Wireless sound via Bluetooth aptX
For wireless streaming, the Stereo 130 comes with built-in Bluetooth. Compatible with aptX and AAC, this Leak amp offers the potential for high quality Bluetooth streaming. Simply pair with your smartphone, tablet or other device and stream your stored music and favourite music services, such as Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music.
Analogue inputs
The Stereo 130 hasn’t forgotten about your analogue sources. Twin RCA inputs are perfect for plugging in sources such as a tuner, cassette player or any other source with an analogue output. With its pre-amp outputs, you can also connect a more powerful, larger power amp, should you choose.
Spin your vinyl
Just like the original Leak amps, the Stereo 130 comes fitted with a phono input; letting you connect Moving Magnet cartridge-equipped turntables. This isn’t just any old phono input, either. The low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation gets the very best from your turntable’s sound. Low distortion and a wide frequency response mean you get to hear the most subtle details with crystalline clarity.
Premium headphone output
Like the phono pre-amp, the headphone output is carefully and skilfully developed in its own right, rather than being an afterthought. The Stereo 130 features a dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry and wide bandwidth. This gives you a sound that’s much more powerful and three-dimensional than you’d usually get with most standard headphone outputs. It also drives a wide range of headphones with ease – even if they’re current-hungry designs.
Timeless design
With its compact case, walnut wood sleeve and art-deco design details, the Stereo 130 has a strong, heritage appeal. Modern manufacturing techniques make the finish better than ever, giving you the best of both worlds.
Hear just how much hi-fi has come on, with the rejuvenated Leak Stereo 130.
”With retro good looks and a natural, relaxed sound to match, these Wharfedales are different, but undeniably superb.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ – 5 Star review.
Classic heritage
Tracing its family tree right back to 1965, the Wharfedale Linton has a rich heritage. Hugely popular in the late ‘60s, ‘70s and 80s, Linton speakers were highly regarded for their sound, style and value. Fast forward to the 2020s and little has changed. The latest Linton speakers have already wowed the reviewers and still deliver in all the ways their ancestors did.
Sound quality brought bang up-to-date
The classic style remains put the sound quality has come on by leaps and bounds since the first Linton speakers. At the time of the first Lintons, woven Kevlar would be an exotic material for the likes of NASA only. With the current Linton, though, the material is put to good use in the bass and mid-range drive units. Combined with the soft dome tweeter, it gives the Linton speakers an expansive sound with powerful bass and detailed treble.
Easy to match
The Wharfedale Linton speakers are highly efficient, making them easy to drive. The 90dB sensitivity means that even amps with around 20 watts or more can power the Linton speakers to decent levels.
Classic style
Taller and wider than contemporary standmount speakers, the Lintons have a unique presence. That ‘big box’ style is successfully offset by the real wood finishes and dark grille (leave this on for the recommended sound balance), making them less intrusive in your room than you might expect. That bigger, boxier design also means deep, effortless bass.
Complete with matching stands that double as record storage
For the best sound and enhanced style, the Lintons also come with matching stands. These give the speakers solid and stable support, helping to focus the sound. They also feature a shelf that’s ideally sized for record storage.
New choice of luxury finishes
Available in a choice of walnut or mahogany real wood veneers from release, the Linton now has the further option of Black Oak, too. With three finishes to choose from, the speakers blend beautifully with an even wider range of decors. The supplied speaker stands are also finished to match, giving a harmonious style.
Sit back and enjoy the sound, with the Wharfedale Linton speakers.