LEAK STEREO 130 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW & COMPARISON WITH THE AUDIOLAB 6000A!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 22 апр 2021
- Adopting a compact, boxy design, this retro integrated amplifier design takes more than its name from past glories. Paul Rigby looks back at the history of the company, takes a close look at the Stereo 130 and compares it to the Audiolab 6000A
WHERE'S THE BLUETOOTH AERIAL?
I only received this requested information after I uploaded the video, so I placing it here and in the Comments section. According to the company, "...the Walnut wood version of the Stereo 130 doesn’t have/need a Bluetooth aerial; only the aluminium version. This is because the aluminium chassis blocks the Bluetooth signal to a level that the wooden case doesn’t - the wood version receives Bluetooth perfectly well without the need of an aerial."
Which mean the lines of the Walnut version are a lot neater all 'round.
Check out my website at: theaudiophileman.com
PATREON
The page arrives with a growing range of BUYER'S GUIDES and now VIDEOS!
I want to thank you for any support you might be able to offer. My Patreon page is here: / audiophileman
SOCIAL MEDIA
You can also find me via this lot:
Facebook Group: / theaudiophileman
Facebook Page: / audiophileman
Twitter: / paulrigby50
LinkedIn: / audiophileman
Instagram: / audiophile_man
Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/theaudiophileman
OTHER CREDITS
Old Bossa by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: www.twinmusicom.org/
REFERENCE
Pro-Ject RPM3 turntable
Funk Firm Little Super Deck
Goldring 1042 Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Black cartridge
Trichord Dino phono amplifier
Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport
iFi iOne & Benchmark DACs
Audiolab 6000A amplifier
Spendor S3/5R and A1 speakers
Tellurium Q cabling
Blue Horizon Professional Rack System
Harmonic Resolution Systems Noise Reduction Components
CAD GC1 Ground Controls
Air Audio AC-2K Balanced Transformer
Russ Andrews RF Router Mk.II
All vinyl was cleaned via a Degritter ultrasonic cleaner 
Наука
WHERE'S THE BLUETOOTH AERIAL?
I only received this requested information after I uploaded the video, so I placing it here and in the Comments section. According to the company, "...the Walnut wood version of the Stereo 130 doesn’t have/need a Bluetooth aerial; only the aluminium version. This is because the aluminium chassis blocks the Bluetooth signal to a level that the wooden case doesn’t - the wood version receives Bluetooth perfectly well without the need of an aerial."
Which mean the lines of the Walnut version are a lot neater all 'round.
It's good to see quality amps returning to having tone controls, which can be very useful to improve bad recordings, or to adjust the tonal balance of your room and/or speakers
That is a beautiful looking amplifier.
Hello Paul, you bring back fond memories of my Leak 3030 speakers circa 1980. I really loved em. Time aligned cabinet with twin 125 ~ 130mm white Bextrene bass drivers in cast frames with a 19mm translucent purple dome tweeter wrapped in a walnut veneer.
Best review of the leak I've seen so far, it gave me a good impression of the amp.
Thanks for the review Paul... great stuff, as always! I have paired my Stereo-130 with Wharfedale EVO 4.2s and love the warmth!!! Now, am looking forward to your review of the Leak CDT (& your take on how it compares to the Audiolab 6000CDT) :)
Shine On!
Great Review Paul as usual!!! :) Many thanks!
Dear Paul, Thank you very much for another great review of an excellent product. This amp is on my list. Probably with the LEAK CDT, maybe the audiolab ... don't know yet ... . Again ... Big THANK YOU.
Hi Paul - very good and interesting video. I had a Leak Delta 70 amplifier in the 70’s.
Having owned a Quad Vena 2 the rear of the Leak 130 is almost exactly the same. The size of the amplifiers is roughly the same too which leads me to think that they could both possibly be built on the same chassis but with added tone controls on the Leak. Obviously the facias are totally different. Just a thought.
This takes me back to my Leak Delta 30 with great fondness. I was my first amp and ran my Wharfedale Linton 3XP', I wish I still had this set up, it got me started on the road to audio engineering.
I gave away those speakers. I still regret it. The condition was immaculate. Could have recapped. I would get another set but doubt ill see ones in as good condition. 😮
Thank you Paul for another perfect presentation and comparative test that was completely understandable.Finally an amplifier with a warm sound that does not tire the listener in long listening sessions.
Good Job sir! I've always liked Musical over accuracy.
Another brilliant review. £100.00 difference between the wood surround and non wood surround. Same for the new Leak CDT Player. I see a well known UK Nationwide Hi Fi outlet are offering a good deal if both the wood surround amplifer and the wood surround CD Player are purchased together.
Great review yet again. Your channel is going to grow, no doubt about it.
Thanks for the faith Robert!
As i said on Facebook: love the oldschool wood and the design of the amp
Hi Paul, great that you got to review this, I haven’t seen many video reviews. Tell me if I am right or wrong but I got the impression from your review that this album excels with the music (or genres) that were popular when the Leak amps were around in the 60s and 70s... and maybe wouldn’t suit electronic, dance, synth pop of the 80s+? I don’t listen to the latter categories v often but just wondered if the sound of this 130 was tailored more to pre-80s music.
Thanks audiophile man
Love review, you know you and Guttenberg have a style like movements and presentation , you two are cloned one forr each side of the pond
They're both wonderful men Harry.
Great review thanks. Very helpful 👍
I've been stuck in the maze of PC building since 2018, as I am in my fifty's and was technologically deficient. It is, to quote The Black Crowes, "This week's fashion is last year's flavour", as CPUs and GPUs out perform on a yearly basis. Music and HiFi has been my main interest since a teenager and as I have now returned to the hobby it is refreshing to hear well researched history regarding a British engineering company, even if it is only the name that lives on. Thank you, your review style is easy to listen to.
Many thanks, that's very kind of you - I used to be a computer journalist back in the late 80s and through the 90s (before I focused on Watts and stylus tips) so that world is always of interest to me. I'm, looking to set up a little computer room so I've been saving a few pennies to sort something out. I've got old dusty 486s/Pentiums, Commodore Amigas, STs, 8-bit computers stuck away, somewhere which I thankfully refused to throw away. Oh it'll be fun when I flick the power switches :) (poof!)
These are all reskinned versions of the same tech. I appreciate the different form factor options and your efforts to discern sonic differences.
A very helpful and in-depth review, the best I've seen. Any plans for a review of the Leak CD transport that compliments the amplifier?
Really hope Paul does one!
Thank you so much for this review Sir, I grew up in the late 60's So I feel this one would suit me better than the 6000 A ,Would it be possible to check out the Sprout 100 and the Rotel A14 in this comparison as well 👍 regards
Great review!
I'm still enjoiying my Leak Delta 70 amplifier. Circa 1972. Not valve but still very warm.
I loved this review it was really useful for a noob like me. Reviewers often talk about clearity, rolled off tones, smoothness, warmness etc and while I have an idea about what that means I can't say it really helps me as a consumer who just wants to know what amp or speaker plays well with their music collection.
So that moment you say "70s progrock and the way they mastered music and put it to vinyl back then is an excellent match for this amp" I am stoked, because everyone can understand that and as such the finer details of the review.
And since most of my music collection is that type of music that doesn't play too well with my Monitor Audio setup (great for jazz and such, not so much for classic rock) this amp now has my interest.
Question, do you have any idea how this amp compares to the Vincent sv-500? Which seems a great amp for this kind of music as well with that tube pre-amp and warmer presentation. Haven't had a chance to audit yet, so thought I'd ask.
It walks a similar path - in terms of its tone - to the Vincent, I'd say.
Quad ,Leak and Audiolab are all owned by the same company !
Brilliant!
Interesting how different reviewers opinions differ so greatly. One reviewer mentions lean, forward and clinical presentation. However you mention warmth, glow etc which is the opposite end of the spectrum... very interesting indeed.
Would love to hear the reviewers feedback on this… :)
I would advise you to look at this video and take note of choosing the right critic for you section: ruclips.net/video/-NWuE-1yFJ8/видео.html
Nice review Paul . Leek delta 30 was my first amp , quickly followed by the 75 . All of course long gone, many amps were to follow over the years. Till now once again I’m about to order my last hifi amp , yes no more must I go a roving on the road to hifi Nirvana . So next week I will be ordering my replacement amp . So (drum roll please ) what do I get No 1. The rega Brio. No2 . The Audiolab 6000a amp Both are priced at £ 599 mark To help with your decision, my system comprises of the following. Rega p3 deck , rega phono stage, rega speed controller, sennheiser HD599 headphones. A pair of vintage Monitor Audio R352 speakers , and a pair of Q Acoustics concept 20 speakers which I use for near field listening. I’m not interested in the digital add ons but I know you think every highly of 600a so would not consider that a deal breaker. So Paul there you go , no pressure a . In all serous I have the greatest respect for you good self and would appreciate any guidance you could pass on . My dear wife would also be happy for me to get on and make a decision . Apparently she’s feed up about me going on about it . Funny she doesn’t understand my turmoil. 🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍
It depends on you. The Brio offers excellent high-freuqency performance. The 6000A provides better overall tonal balance. By that, I mean it integrates deeper bass neatly into the soundstage. Either would be a great choice, to be honest.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks Paul you’re a star ⭐️
Thanks for the review Paul. You mentioned upgrading with an external phono amplifier, if you are maxing out your budget with Leak Stereo 130 or Audiolab 6000A, is an affordable external phono amp like a Schiit Mani at $130 an improvement? Or do you really have to invest in a Moon 110LP or Trichord Dino?
No, not at all. The Mani is excellent.
Nostalgia all over, but.. no tape loop/rec out 😟
Love this channel BTW. Would the wharfdale evo 4.2s be a good pairing with the leak stereo 130.
I remember very well reading the worlds first review of the 8000A in Hi-Fi Answers written by David J Prakel who gave it the most infamous review. He compared it with the Krell KSA50 and suggested there was little to choose. Rather like saying a Ford Fiesta was just like a Bugatti Veyron. Audiolab I believe on the strength of that review alone (it caused a big fuss) was an instant and massive seller. They never looked back. A single review would not matter today, but then times were very different.
Having been in the industry for many years I can quite confidently say the KSA50 crapped all over the 8000A.
The Leak looks nice - but I just couldn't.
I’m currently using Apple Music lossless and hires lossless and playing it directly into the DAC via the USB A port on the back. Works like a charm, but I’ve read things online stating the majority of DACS cannot decode ALAC. Do you know if it is infact using the amps DAC? Or perhaps bypassing it and using my iPhones DAC?
how they pair with DALI option 2 (RMS 135@ 4 ohm)
There is no high pass filter to relax main speakers right? Thinking to get this with subwoofer
I’ve got one of these, absolutely love it. Might invest in an external phono amp, any recommendations?
Do you have a budget?
@@TheAudiophileMan I would say I wouldn’t want to spend more than the amp cost. I have a chance to buy NAD PP2i for £40 is worth grabbing it just to see if it makes a difference?
Thank you for the review. I’m wondering if this amp would pair up with my Klipsch Forte II speakers. Ever heard them, Paul?
I haven't heard the IIs, Stephen - I know someone how's lived with the IIIs and I think - no guarantees, just my guess - that this Leak should work well with them. So my guesstimate is that the IIs will as well. Again, just my guess. Try and grab a home demo if you can - an increasingly normal thing during these times. Give your dealer a call.
I like the looks of the Leak. I had the 6000A, it's a harsh sounding amp. The knobs from 6000A are terrible to handle ( different actions in one knob). Would like to try the Leak.
Hello everyone, a curiosity how do you see the combination Leak 130 with Kef ls 50 meta ? Thank you !
Do not we need crossover to configure the subwoofer integration?
2 auxiliary with a phono and 3 digital inputs is well and truly enough !
Hi. Would the QAcoustics 3050i be an appropriate pairing for this amplifier? And is the Dino phono amplifier the cheapest recommended external phono amp?
What about 70's Reggae?
Am hoping to maybe get this for my Goldring lenco and 60's 70's Reggae collection.
Would this amp pair well with the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52's? Thanks!
Very nice, well expained and interesting review; I wonder how this one would compare against the Cyrus One, in terms of fullness and overall sound quality. I'm looking for an integrated amplifier with balanced sound but at the same time heft and weight; I tried the "praised-to-death" Audiolab 6000A and was utterly unimpressed, I found it thin sounding, anemic, and I tried it with several Wharfdale spekers (EVO, Linton, Diamond) as well as JBL and nothing made the 6000A sound warm.
I think I answered this one on my website?
@@TheAudiophileMan Sorta, I understood from your review that the Leak has a tad more weight than the 6000 A. However I'd like your opinion between the Cyrus One (which you've reviewed as well) and the Leak. Which one has a more robust yet clear sound?
Besides these 2, any other recommendations in this price category would be enormously appreciated.
That's a different question - the 6000A is the best balanced (robust/clear), the Cyrus then the Leak.
Hi there, I have a quick question. If I was to buy an original leak 30 compared to this would I get a big shift in sound quality? Also are they easy to rig up to a Bluetooth kit and if so can you recommend the best way to do this please.
Much appreciated
Nathan
Hi Nathan - there's no relation at all in sound quality between the original Leak and this model. The only connection is the name. The original model was released back in the 1960s. It's a true vintage piece of kit so please do your research before you buy in terms of how the thing works and if it works at all. Also make sure you are happy with the 'vintage' suite of connectivity options on the rear. It's rather quirky and needs careful thought. The inputs are all different in terms of the sensitivities, for example
You could consider a cheap Bluetooth module for the rear to add Bluetooth but that would waste the Leak's unique sound with cheapo components. An external Bluetooth/DAC might be the better option.
I have no hands on experience with the original Leak (not enough to give the sort of advice you need, at any rate) so can't offer specific advice. Again though, please do *thorough* research before you buy.
Tried it and returned it . Rega brio a massive improvement ... minus the digital inputs . I mostly listen to vinyl so this didn't bother me.
Yes, I can understand that - the 130 is for a particular user. A least you gave it a go.
I'd luv to find a used one som day...
You never know. One day, you'll be walking down a sun-lit street, whistling a merry tune. You'll turn a corner and...
Hi Paul, great review. I originally paired the Leak 130 with Wharf's Evo 4.2. -- I don't think they are a good match so I purchaed an Audiolab600a. Now things started to get cooking. Next I took advantage of the pre/power mode on the 6000a, turning the Leak into a preamp. You know what? I really like it. The Evo 4.2s like it even more. The Who sounded extra speceal now. However, I can't keep both amps. My question is, what would Paul do? Is the audiolab better suited as a power amp or preamp? Or none of the above? Thank you in advance, Paul.
I wouldn't use either as a preamp or power amp, to be honest. They're not specifically designed for that purpose and they come off second best when shoe horned in that way. I'm a big believer of utilising the right tools for the job so if you really want a pre/power combo I would advise investing in dedicated units. Otherwise, I'd grab an integrated based upon the rest of your system and budget.
@@TheAudiophileMan just what I needed to hear. Thank you!
If you haven't made a decision yet and are willing to consider used, see if you can find a used Creek 5350SE, first or second generation. Its in a different league than the ones you're looking at now and is much more versatile for future upgrades.
@@tg6373 Wait..... so you have already established what sounds best to you but you are letting a youtube reviewer with different ears and tastes to yours decide for you instead? I just cant
@@tomwebb7091 dude was asking for advice about how the amps are best set up, not what his preference should be. Nothing wrong with trying to get some insight from a pro even with one's own understanding.
While a part of me is wary of 'badge engineering', so to speak, it does seem that the Leak Stereo 130 has the authentically nostalgic sonic signature to match its name and styling. The only problem I can see is that this puts it in direct competition with actual vintage amps of the 70s, which can be had for a lot less outlay - although, to be fair, once the cost of a DAC is factored in, the price differential is not so great.
You’ve also got to factor in maintenance. Vintage amps are going to need servicing and repairs.
Why no output for subwoofer? 😢
The Leak Stereo 30 was a transistor amplifier not valve.
True. My mistake.
what external phono amp would you recommend?
Do you have a budget?
How is the phono stage compared to the Rega Brio? Thanks.
It’s…fine. There. Hope that helps :). All internal phono amps are ok. The only excellent internal phono I’ve ever heard was produced by Moon. But they went to such efforts as to do it out of spite.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for the reply.
If only people could be engineered to be exactly the same, then just one excellent design of amplifier would be required to satisfy everyone, with mass production of it making the cost very cheap.
That's right...and what a wholly tedious and boring world that would be too. :)
Communist
@@donjohnstone3707 Hey? Communist ment just one amp , nothing else . It wasn't a reference to you as a person
@@nasskhan4543 OK. I get it. Thanks for explaining that.
IAG is the parent for Leak, Audiolab, Quad, Wharfedale and many more.
Any body knows about Leak 2000 receiver AMP.., I'm planning to buy...
I have listened it ( Leak 130 + Leak CD transport) with the Wharfedale Linton 85th anniversary.
I have found the sound messy and not well defined. The basses were not that deep . My average feeling about it was :" a beautiful set of gear for the eyes and less for the ears " a good commercial operation ( the vintage look is the new cool) but you can have a much better sound for the same amount of money or just a bit more .
Same here. I have Wharfedale Linton 85s. The Leak 130 sure looks like an obvious match for them, but it's not. And while the Lintons are heavy and sturdy, the Leak 130 is badly engineered. Testing it, everything about it looked and felt flimsy and the same goes for the sound. I bought a refurbished Denon PMA-1060 amplifier instead for less than half the price. That's a good enough beast to let the Lintons shine as best they can.
@@colanitower English is ( obviously) not my mother tongue but I'm glad I could make myself clear on what I have felt about the Linton's. In addition of my comment , I can say that the Linton's are not bad at all and the leak either but they don't match . With the Linton's I'd rather pair a Harman Kardon stereo amplifier. With lot of electrical power and dynamic in the sound. IMO it will give air and clarity to the sound.
You guys are correct the leak 130 is not a good match for the lintons Rega elex R does the job with eze
What device did you use for your Bluetooth test ?
From memory? My phone and an Astell&Kern DAP.
@@TheAudiophileMan I read that iPhones do not support some Bluetooth standard like most android phones do (I think aptx)
So I’m asking myself if there’s a big difference which phone is being used for streaming.
Thank you for the quick answer :)
@@bobgoldman4404 Hi Bob, no if you're into iOS, yes if you use Android or a specialist DAP supporting Bluetooth.
Thinking of chipping my primare i30 in, which is also a warm sounding amp, some would say one of the closest to having valves you can get for one of these Leaks. Do you think i would be making the correct decision?
It says made in PRC where is that if you know? alwyas liked H J Leak Hifi gear
I much prefer a amplifier with discrete output stages (Ie. non integrated IC) a decent amplifier should not add or take anything away it should just amplify.
You can't see where the level of the volume knob is!!!!!! Can you? from a distance, i mean!!!
No dac built in , if only it did on my budget
That's a Lm3886 and all you can get from that chip amp...
I somehow can't get past the the fact that the direct control is not a rotary dial. Arrrghh.
proudly made in the great China
Still no response to my amp dilemma , hope I’ve not asked to bigger favour ☹️
If/when I can get to your question, I certainly will. I do try my best but work takes priority I'm afraid.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thank paul must make message to self patchans
I like the look of the Leak 130 and internally it looks well made but it is from China and from unpleasant personal experience with Chinese electronics - the Chinese produce & ship out finished products not parts. Once service is required - it’s a Crap Shoot.
Looks oddly the same as a quad , a mission , and others made in China and owned by I believe a Chinese corp rather similar internal components , exactly the same layout , same input layout , same sound. ?
according to your review you didn't like the amplifier even i didn't like the look of the amplifier if you compare it with marantz pm 6007 which is same power and 5 star rating and not very expensive
I didn't? Right...thanks for telling me.
Apparently, the Leak isn't that good with modern music.
Good grief, who fed you that line?
@TheAudiophileMan Andrew Robinson - RUclips reviewed it. I watch your videos, excellent, and the cheap audio man, a British audiophile, zero fidelity, and Steve Guttenburg. I'm on the path to buying speakers, an amplifier with tone controls, a subwoofer out, bluetooth, rca in, optical in, and a remote control. It's a headache, to say the least. My taste in music is eclectic.
OK look, it's not my place to comment on other creators, it's actually unprofessional to do so, so I won't but please listen again to the Sound Tests section on this video. Note the direction the sound takes, decide whether it fits your eclectic tastes (I too have eclectic tastes so I understand what you mean) and then move from there. It's up to you to decide what that means in terms of older and newer music and how it might influence your listening experience.
IAG, Shenzhen, China - another Chinese brand snatch. I am sure the new Leak equipment is perfectly fine and worth the prices. It’s just ashamed to see the Chinese snatching up yet another legendary British brand.
External DAC recommended and external PHONO stage, I knew this amp was a gimmick and that just proves it. Buy a REGA BRIO instead, night and day difference. This amplifier is a waste of money.
Good point. What’s the use of buying an integrated amp and then having to buy all external components for it to sound good. 🤷🏽
Overpriced big time not worth it for a transistor amplifier
Your price reference is 20 years out of date.
How the hell are remotes the same how and why haha