LEAK Stereo 130

My hands-on experience with the LEAK Stereo 130

When we set up a demonstration at our headquarters building, we aim to build a great-sounding system, first and foremost. When it came time to test the LEAK Stereo 130, we had the benefit of visual appeal, too. The attractive silver faceplate on the amp matched the LEAK CDT CD transport, and we chose the  elegant walnut outer chassis for both components. We completed the vintage-look system with a pair of JBL L82 Classic speakers. For analog sources, we offered a brace of turntables — the belt-driven Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB in walnut, and a striking silver direct-drive Technics SL-1500C.

As someone who grew up in the 70s, I must confess I got an extra layer of tactile satisfaction from using the chunky rotary source selection and volume knobs. There's something so cool about being able to use modern sources, including Bluetooth, but still enjoy clean, classic styling. As for the sound, the Stereo 130's 45 watts were plenty to drive the JBL speakers. The L82 Classics feature an 8" woofer, and those of us who listened to the demonstration really felt the amp brought out the full dynamic range the speakers can reproduce. A few of us sat and listened to Herbie Hancock's classic Headhunters album on vinyl, and we thrilled to the dizzying array of futuristic sounds Hancock was wringing out of his electric piano, clavinet, and synthesizers — all rendered in a broad, enveloping soundstage by the LEAK amp and our speakers.

If you like modern convenience with a rock-solid old-school feel, I can't recommend the LEAK Stereo 130 highly enough.