LEAK
LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier
LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier
LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier
Combining timeless British hi-fi design with modern connectivity and audiophile-grade engineering, the LEAK Stereo 230 delivers powerful Class AB amplification, premium digital conversion, and exceptional musical performance in one beautifully crafted component.
The Flagship LEAK Integrated Amplifier
The Stereo 230 builds upon the success of the acclaimed Stereo 130, offering significantly greater power, upgraded digital performance, HDMI ARC connectivity, and expanded system flexibility.
Designed for music lovers who appreciate both aesthetics and performance, the Stereo 230 blends vintage-inspired industrial design with advanced audio technology capable of serving as the centerpiece of a modern high-performance music system.
Classic LEAK Styling
One glance at the Stereo 230 reveals its unmistakable heritage.
Design highlights include:
- Genuine walnut cabinet
- Brushed aluminum faceplate
- Traditional rotary controls
- Vintage-inspired proportions
- Illuminated input display
- Premium fit and finish
The result is an amplifier that looks equally at home alongside classic hi-fi equipment or contemporary audio systems.
Powerful Class AB Amplification
At its core, the Stereo 230 utilizes a high-current Class AB amplifier design.
Output power includes:
- 75 Watts per channel into 8 ohms
- 115 Watts per channel into 4 ohms
Benefits include:
- Excellent speaker control
- Wide dynamic range
- Strong bass authority
- Low distortion
- Smooth musical presentation
- Long-term reliability
This level of power allows the Stereo 230 to drive a broad range of loudspeakers with confidence.
ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC
Digital playback is handled by the acclaimed ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC.
The DAC incorporates:
- 32-bit HyperStream architecture
- Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology
- Ultra-low noise operation
- Exceptional dynamic range
- High-resolution decoding capability
Benefits include:
- Greater detail retrieval
- Improved imaging
- Enhanced transparency
- Lower distortion
- More natural digital playback
The Stereo 230's digital section performs at a level often associated with dedicated standalone DACs.
Exceptional High-Resolution Audio Support
The Stereo 230 supports advanced digital formats through its USB input.
Capabilities include:
- PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz
- DSD64
- DSD128
- DSD256
- DSD512
This ensures compatibility with virtually every modern high-resolution music format available today.
HDMI ARC for Modern Entertainment Systems
One of the Stereo 230's most valuable features is HDMI ARC connectivity.
Benefits include:
- Simplified TV integration
- Improved television audio quality
- Single-cable connection
- Easy source switching
- Enhanced movie performance
- Superior music streaming from smart TVs
This feature allows the Stereo 230 to function as both a premium music amplifier and a high-performance television audio solution.
Built-In Moving Magnet Phono Stage
Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the integrated moving magnet phono preamplifier.
Features include:
- Low-noise JFET circuitry
- Accurate RIAA equalization
- MM cartridge compatibility
- Dedicated grounding terminal
- High signal integrity
The phono stage delivers excellent performance without requiring an additional external component.
Bluetooth Streaming with aptX
Wireless playback is supported through Bluetooth connectivity.
Supported codecs include:
- aptX
- AAC
- SBC
This allows convenient music streaming from:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Portable music players
While serious listeners may prefer wired or network sources, Bluetooth adds valuable flexibility for everyday use.
Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
The Stereo 230 includes a dedicated headphone amplification stage rather than a simple auxiliary output.
Advantages include:
- Higher current delivery
- Improved dynamics
- Better headphone control
- Lower distortion
- Wider compatibility
- More engaging personal listening
Many listeners find the headphone section capable of replacing a separate entry-level headphone amplifier.
Connectivity for Every Source
The Stereo 230 offers exceptional flexibility.
Inputs include:
- HDMI ARC
- USB-B
- Optical inputs
- Coaxial input
- Bluetooth
- MM Phono
- Two analog RCA inputs
Outputs include:
- Preamp output
- Optical output
- Coaxial output
- Headphone output
This extensive connectivity allows the amplifier to serve as the hub of an entire music and entertainment system.
Compared to the Stereo 130
While both amplifiers share LEAK's iconic design language, the Stereo 230 offers:
- More power
- Upgraded DAC architecture
- HDMI ARC connectivity
- Greater speaker compatibility
- Improved digital performance
- Expanded system flexibility
The Stereo 130 remains an excellent choice for smaller systems, while the Stereo 230 is designed for listeners seeking greater capability and long-term system growth.
Recommended Speaker Pairings
Its combination of power, tonal balance, and refinement allows it to work successfully with a wide range of loudspeaker designs.
Sound Quality
Listeners consistently describe the Stereo 230 as delivering:
- Rich tonal balance
- Excellent detail retrieval
- Powerful bass control
- Expansive soundstage
- Natural midrange presentation
- Long-term listening comfort
The amplifier strikes an appealing balance between musical warmth and modern transparency.
A Modern Integrated Amplifier with Timeless Appeal
The LEAK Stereo 230 successfully combines classic British hi-fi styling with the connectivity and performance expected from a contemporary integrated amplifier.
Its powerful Class AB amplification, premium ESS Sabre DAC, HDMI ARC functionality, moving magnet phono stage, Bluetooth connectivity, and beautiful walnut cabinetry make it one of the most complete integrated amplifiers available in its category.
For listeners seeking a single component capable of anchoring both music and entertainment systems, the Stereo 230 represents exceptional value and long-term satisfaction.
Key Specifications Block
- Product: LEAK Stereo 230
- Category: Integrated Amplifier
- Amplifier Type:
- Class AB
- Power Output:
- 75W x 2 (8 Ohms)
- 115W x 2 (4 Ohms)
- DAC:
- ESS ES9038Q2M Reference DAC
- Maximum PCM Resolution:
- 32-Bit / 768kHz
- Maximum DSD Resolution:
- DSD512
- HDMI ARC:
- Yes
- Bluetooth:
- aptX
- AAC
- SBC
- Phono Stage:
- Moving Magnet (MM)
- Analog Inputs:
- 2 x RCA
- 1 x MM Phono
- Digital Inputs:
- USB-B
- Optical
- Coaxial
- HDMI ARC
- Outputs:
- Pre-Out
- Headphone
- Optical
- Coaxial
- Frequency Response:
- 20Hz – 20kHz ±0.3dB
- THD:
- <0.003%
- Dimensions:
- 12.83" × 5.74" × 16.2"
- Weight:
- 28 lbs
- Finish:
- Walnut
- Remote Control:
- Included
- Warranty:
- Manufacturer Warranty Included
Why Buy From All Elite Audio
All Elite Audio is an authorized LEAK dealer specializing in premium two-channel audio systems.
Our team provides expert guidance on amplifier selection, speaker matching, turntable integration, digital source configuration, room optimization, and complete system design. We help ensure your LEAK Stereo 230 delivers the full performance its designers intended.
Call: 443-402-5055
Text: 443-402-5064
Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093
FAQ
How much power does the LEAK Stereo 230 produce?
The Stereo 230 delivers 75 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers and 115 watts per channel into 4-ohm speakers.
Does the Stereo 230 include a DAC?
Yes. It features the premium ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC capable of supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 playback.
Does it support HDMI ARC?
Yes. HDMI ARC connectivity allows easy integration with modern televisions and streaming devices.
Can I connect a turntable directly?
Yes. The amplifier includes a built-in moving magnet phono stage optimized for MM cartridges.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth supports aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs for wireless music streaming.
Is the Stereo 230 suitable for Wharfedale Linton speakers?
Yes. The Stereo 230 is widely considered an excellent match for Wharfedale Linton and Super Linton loudspeakers due to its power delivery and tonal balance.
What is the difference between the Stereo 130 and Stereo 230?
The Stereo 230 offers higher output power, an upgraded DAC section, HDMI ARC connectivity, and greater system flexibility.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. The pre-out connection allows integration with powered subwoofers or external amplification.
Is the headphone output any good?
Yes. LEAK incorporates a dedicated headphone amplifier circuit that provides performance beyond typical integrated amplifier headphone outputs.
Where can I buy the LEAK Stereo 230?
You can purchase the LEAK Stereo 230 directly from All Elite Audio.
Call: 443-402-5055
Text: 443-402-5064
Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093
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