LEAK Stereo 230 – Integrated Amplifier with DAC, Phono & HDMI ARC
Vintage styling, thoroughly modern performance. The LEAK Stereo 230 is a powerful Class AB integrated amplifier that blends classic LEAK aesthetics with up-to-date connectivity: high-quality DAC, HDMI ARC, MM phono stage, Bluetooth and a robust 2 × 75 W (8 Ω) power section. It is a complete control center for music and movie lovers who value both character and performance.
- 2 × 75 W into 8 Ω / 2 × 115 W into 4 Ω Class AB MOSFET power
- ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC with high-resolution PCM and DSD support
- MM phono stage for turntables plus multiple digital and analog inputs
- HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX / aptX LL / AAC) for TV and wireless audio
Product Overview
The LEAK Stereo 230 takes the retro charm of the classic LEAK designs and updates it for today’s sources. Behind the period-inspired faceplate and optional walnut cabinet lies a modern MOSFET-based Class AB amplifier with generous current delivery and low distortion.
An integrated ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC handles digital sources with precision, while the built-in MM phono stage, HDMI ARC, USB, optical, coaxial and line inputs ensure that everything from your turntable and TV to streamers and disc players can plug directly into one compact unit.
Listening Experience
The Stereo 230 delivers a dynamic, detailed and smoothly balanced sound. Bass is firm and controlled, giving music real drive and weight. The midrange is open and expressive, making vocals and instruments sound natural and communicative.
High frequencies are clean and extended without harshness, letting the DAC reveal subtle ambient cues and micro-detail. Whether you are listening to vinyl, hi-res digital files or your TV’s soundtrack over HDMI ARC, the Stereo 230 presents a coherent, engaging and fatigue-free soundstage.
Recommended Room Size
With 2 × 75 W into 8 Ω and 2 × 115 W into 4 Ω, the Stereo 230 is ideal for small to medium-large rooms. It has ample headroom to control quality bookshelf or floorstanding loudspeakers in typical living rooms or dedicated listening spaces.
Speaker Pairing
Thanks to its high-current Class AB power amp and low distortion, the Stereo 230 pairs well with a wide range of hi-fi loudspeakers:
• Bookshelf speakers benefit from its grip, imaging and low-noise background.
• Floorstanding speakers take advantage of the extra current and power into 4 Ω, especially for movie soundtracks and dynamic music.
• Neutral or slightly warm designs complement the Stereo 230’s detailed yet smooth character, creating a balanced, musical presentation.
Its versatile pre-out also allows connection to an external power amplifier or active subwoofer if you later expand the system.
Ideal Applications
- All-in-one hub for vinyl, TV, streaming and digital sources
- Living-room hi-fi and home cinema with HDMI ARC
- Systems where classic styling and modern feature set are both important
- Headphone listening using the dedicated current-feedback headphone stage
Technical Specifications
- Type: Integrated stereo amplifier with DAC, phono stage and HDMI ARC
- Amplifier class: Class AB, ST MOSFET TDA7293 dual-parallel design
- Rated power output: 2 × 75 W (8 Ω, THD < 1%), 2 × 115 W (4 Ω, THD < 1%)
- Frequency response (power amp): 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
- Total harmonic distortion (power amp): < 0.003% (1 kHz @ 30 W / 8 Ω)
- Signal-to-noise ratio (power amp): > 109 dB (A-weighted)
- Inputs (analog): 2 × line RCA, 1 × MM phono (JFET, RIAA), 12 V trigger in
- Inputs (digital): 1 × coaxial, 1 × optical, 1 × USB-B (PC), 1 × HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX / aptX LL / AAC)
- DAC: ES9038Q2M 32-bit HyperStream, MQA full decoder (USB/coax/optical)
- Digital support: PCM up to 768 kHz via USB, up to 192 kHz via optical/coax; DSD up to DSD512 via USB
- Phono input: MM, gain +41 dB, 47 kΩ // 100 pF, S/N > 75 dB (A-weighted)
- Preamplifier THD: < 0.001% (1 kHz @ 2 V, tone on)
- Outputs: Speaker terminals, pre-out (RCA), headphone (6.3 mm), 12 V trigger out
- Headphone amp: Dedicated current-feedback design, THD < 0.01% (1 kHz, 50 mW), 16–600 Ω load
- Dimensions (with walnut sleeve, W × H × D): approx. 328 × 147 × 414 mm
- Net weight: approx. 12.7 kg (walnut version)
- Finish options: Classic silver chassis, optional real-wood walnut cabinet
Why Choose the LEAK Stereo 230?
The LEAK Stereo 230 is ideal for enthusiasts who want the charm of a classic British integrated amplifier with the connectivity and performance of a modern hub. With serious Class AB power, a high-quality ES9038Q2M DAC, HDMI ARC, refined phono stage and Bluetooth in one beautifully styled unit, it offers a complete, space-saving solution for music and movie systems alike.
