LEAK Stereo 230

Overview

The LEAK Stereo 230 is a full featured integrated amplifier that carries LEAK's mid-century design language into the modern era. Its real walnut wrap and brushed aluminum trim echo the classic components Harold Leak's company built in the 1960s, while the interior is engineered for today's mix of streaming, digital and analog sources. This is a single box hub for a serious two channel system, combining a Class AB power amplifier, a high resolution DAC, an MM phono stage, Bluetooth and an HDMI ARC input for television audio.

At its core the Stereo 230 delivers 2 x 75W into 8 ohms and 2 x 115W into 4 ohms in Class AB, fed by a larger toroidal transformer than the Stereo 130. Digital duties are handled by the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC, a step up from the chip used in the Stereo 130, and the connectivity set includes USB-B, two optical inputs, one coaxial input, two RCA line inputs and the MM phono stage. An RCA pre-out and a dedicated headphone output round out a versatile package. The Stereo 230 shares electronic engineering heritage with sister IAG brands Audiolab and Mission.

It is aimed at the listener who wants one elegant component to anchor a room, driving a pair of quality bookshelf or standmount speakers while handling a turntable, a CD transport, a games console or a television through a single remote. If you value warm vintage styling with contemporary digital capability, the Stereo 230 is built for you.

Key Features

• Class AB power amplifier rated 2 x 75W into 8 ohms and 2 x 115W into 4 ohms
• ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC, a step up from the Stereo 130
• Larger toroidal transformer than the Stereo 130 for greater current delivery
• HDMI ARC input for simple high quality television audio
• Built-in MM phono stage for direct turntable connection
• Bluetooth with aptX for convenient wireless listening
• Comprehensive digital inputs: USB-B, two optical and one coaxial
• RCA pre-out and dedicated headphone output for system flexibility
• Authentic LEAK styling with real walnut wrap and aluminum trim

How the Stereo 230 Compares

LEAK Stereo 230 vs LEAK Stereo 130

The Stereo 130 is the more compact entry in the LEAK Stereo range, sharing the same mid-century styling and feature philosophy. The Stereo 230 steps up with more power, a larger toroidal transformer and the higher ES9038Q2M DAC. Choose the 130 for smaller rooms and easier to drive speakers, or the 230 when you want extra headroom and the more capable converter. See the LEAK Stereo 130.

LEAK Stereo 230 vs Audiolab 7000A

The Audiolab 7000A is a sister IAG design that leans toward a clean, contemporary aesthetic with its display and menu driven interface. The Stereo 230 differentiates itself with vintage LEAK styling, a real walnut wrap and HDMI ARC for television integration. Both are capable integrated amplifiers with onboard ESS DACs, so the decision often comes down to the look and feature emphasis you prefer. See the Audiolab 7000A.

LEAK Stereo 230 vs Cambridge Audio EXA100

The Cambridge Audio EXA100 pursues a modern minimalist character and its own house sound. The Stereo 230 offers a warmer heritage presentation with the convenience of a built-in phono stage and HDMI ARC. Pick the LEAK if vintage design and one box source flexibility appeal, or the Cambridge for its distinct contemporary voicing. See the Cambridge Audio EXA100.

Recommended Speakers and Source

The Stereo 230 pairs naturally with LEAK's own Sandwich loudspeakers, and its onboard DAC lets you add a LEAK digital source without extra boxes. Here are our favorite matches.

• LEAK Sandwich 150 The two-way Sandwich 150 is a same-brand partner that shares the amplifier's styling and voicing, an ideal choice for smaller and medium rooms.
• LEAK Sandwich 250 The three-way Sandwich 250 takes fuller advantage of the 230's extra power and headroom for a bigger, more authoritative presentation.
• Mission 750 A sister IAG standmount with a musical, engaging character that makes an easy and affordable companion for the Stereo 230.
• LEAK CDT CD Transport The CDT has no internal DAC by design, so the Stereo 230's ES9038Q2M converter decodes it directly for a clean matched CD front end.
• LEAK TruStream Network Streamer Add Roon, Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify Connect through a matching LEAK streamer that connects to the amplifier for high resolution network playback.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the LEAK Stereo 230 deliver?
It is rated at 2 x 75W into 8 ohms and 2 x 115W into 4 ohms in Class AB.

What DAC does the Stereo 230 use?
It uses the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC, a step up from the converter in the Stereo 130.

Does the Stereo 230 have a phono stage?
Yes, it includes a built-in MM phono stage so you can connect a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge directly.

Can I connect my television to the Stereo 230?
Yes, it has an HDMI ARC input that lets you route television audio to the amplifier for high quality stereo sound.

Does the Stereo 230 support Bluetooth?
Yes, it offers Bluetooth with aptX for convenient wireless streaming from phones, tablets and computers.

What digital inputs are provided?
The Stereo 230 has USB-B, two optical inputs and one coaxial input, plus HDMI ARC and Bluetooth.

What analog inputs does it have?
It provides two RCA line inputs and an MM phono input.

Does the Stereo 230 have a headphone output?
Yes, there is a dedicated headphone output for private listening.

Is there a preamp output?
Yes, an RCA pre-out lets you connect an external power amplifier or a powered subwoofer.

How does the Stereo 230 differ from the Stereo 130?
The 230 offers more power, a larger toroidal transformer and the higher ES9038Q2M DAC compared with the 130, while sharing the same design language.

What speakers pair well with the Stereo 230?
The LEAK Sandwich 150 and Sandwich 250 are natural same-brand partners, and the Mission 750 is another excellent match from the IAG family.

Does the Stereo 230 include a streamer?
No, it does not have onboard streaming. You can add the LEAK TruStream network streamer for Roon, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2.

Can it play CDs?
The amplifier does not have a disc drive, but its DAC can decode the LEAK CDT CD transport, which has no internal DAC and relies on an external converter.

What finishes are available?
The Stereo 230 is offered in Walnut, Grey and Black.

Is the Stereo 230 related to other IAG brands?
Yes, it shares electronic engineering heritage with sister IAG brands Audiolab and Mission.

What is LEAK's history?
LEAK is a historic British hi-fi brand founded by Harold Leak in 1934, famous for the classic Stereo 20 amplifier and the Sandwich loudspeaker, now revived as part of IAG.

Does the amplifier support high resolution audio?
Yes, the ES9038Q2M is a 32-bit DAC capable of handling high resolution digital audio through its digital inputs.

Can I drive difficult speakers with the Stereo 230?
Its Class AB output and larger toroidal transformer provide meaningful headroom, delivering 2 x 115W into 4 ohms for greater current when speakers demand it.

What warranty comes with the Stereo 230?
It carries a 3 year parts and labor warranty from LEAK for the original owner.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized LEAK dealer, so your Stereo 230 arrives brand new with the full factory warranty and expert support. We help you match the right speakers and sources, and we ship from Maryland with knowledgeable service you can rely on.