LEAK, a brand with deep roots in the history of audio innovation, was established by Harold Joseph Leak in 1934 in London, England. Known for its high-quality audio components, LEAK carved out a reputation for affordability combined with high performance, a hallmark that defined the brand for decades.

Harold Leak, identifying himself as a 'Sound Engineer – Technician,' alongside Ted Ashley, who became Chief Engineer, propelled LEAK to the forefront of the home audio equipment market. Together, they led the company through an era of significant technological advancements in amplifiers, loudspeakers, pickups, and turntables.

The mid-20th century was a transformative period for LEAK, as the brand navigated the challenges of wartime disruption to focus on developing purposeful audio technology. Post-war, the emphasis shifted towards high-fidelity systems, marking LEAK's entry into an era of low-noise, high-performance products that gained international acclaim.

A pivotal moment came in 1945 with the introduction of the LEAK Type 15 amplifier, which featured innovative 'negative feedback' and 'push-pull' triode connected KT66 valves, achieving an impressive 15 watts output. This product laid the groundwork for the brand's reputation in high-fidelity sound reproduction.

The late 1940s and 1950s saw LEAK introducing groundbreaking products like the TL/12, which became a standard for high-fidelity sound, and embarking on marketing campaigns that directly compared live versus reproduced music, showcasing the superior quality of LEAK systems. These efforts culminated in LEAK's products being adopted by prestigious institutions like the BBC.

Innovation continued with the introduction of the LEAK Sandwich loudspeaker in 1961, a design that utilized a novel approach to reduce vibrations and resonance, leading to more dynamic audio reproduction. This period also saw the development of the LEAK Stereo 30, a transition to transistor amplifiers that offered a more accessible price point to a broader audience.

Despite its innovations and contributions to the audio industry, LEAK faced challenges from global competition and changing market dynamics, eventually leading to the brand's acquisition by the Rank Organization in 1969 and a gradual fade from the forefront of the audio market.

After years of dormancy, LEAK was revived by the IAG Group, bringing the brand back to the market with a focus on blending classic styling with modern audio technology, ensuring LEAK's legacy continues for new generations of audiophiles.

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The LEAK CDT represents a landmark in the domain of high-fidelity audio, marking a significant first in LEAK's history by facilitating CD and digital media playback for audio enthusiasts. This player is celebrated for its exceptional standard of sound reproduction from CDs, setting a new benchmark within its price range. Moreover, it incorporates functionality for USB storage device playback, broadening its utility and appeal.

A standout feature of the LEAK CDT is its ultra-smooth slot-loading mechanism, which signifies the product's overall quality and reliability. The device houses the CD transport in an electromagnetically shielded enclosure, with a dedicated power supply enhancing its operational integrity. Precision in digital signal extraction is achieved through the use of a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator controlling the digital clock. This ensures that the audio output, whether through coaxial or optical sockets, has minimal digital distortion, resulting in a remarkably precise reproduction.

The CDT's compatibility with FAT16 and FAT32 formatted USB devices and its support for various media formats, including WMA, MP3, WAV, and AAC, attest to its versatility. This functionality is complemented by comprehensive transport controls and intuitive folder/file navigation features. Designed with LEAK's hallmark ethos of performance, reliability, and craftsmanship, the LEAK CDT meets the modern audio enthusiast's needs while embodying the classic LEAK aesthetic. The machine's meticulously controlled master clock, courtesy of a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, minimizes digital distortion or 'jitter', thereby enhancing audio performance. This commitment to shielding the CD mechanism from electrical interference further underscores the LEAK CDT's commitment to delivering a pure, high-quality audio experience.

In the realm of high-end audio equipment, Lyra's latest offering, the Erodion EVO, is a significant development. This Moving Coil Step-Up Interface, tailored primarily for Lyra cartridges, is also adept at working with other low-impedance cartridges within the 2 to 10 ohms range. Its compatibility with Lyra's SL MC cartridges, including the Kleos SL, Etna Lambda SL, and Atlas Lambda SL, is particularly noteworthy.

The Erodion EVO stands out for its ability to reduce noise and minimize electronic artifacts more effectively than many phono stages. This feature ensures an elevated audio experience, often surpassing the performance of well-regarded high-gain, low-noise phono stages. Its wider bandwidth and dynamic range are other remarkable aspects, delivering a sonic impact that bridges the gap between an active head amp and a conventional step-up transformer.

Equipped with a 26dB gain, the Erodion EVO adeptly increases the signal voltage and output impedance of low-output, low-impedance MC cartridges, making it a suitable match for MM-compatible phono inputs of preamplifiers and phono stages with around 47 kohms load. This makes it versatile for a range of audio setups.

An integral part of the Erodion EVO is the Lyra-designed-and-made low-capacitance PhonoPipe output cable, which measures approximately 60 cm (2 ft.). This addition further enhances its performance. Moreover, the device offers two switchable grounding positions, with Position 2 (floating ground) being recommended for optimal performance.

In terms of its physical attributes, the Erodion EVO has a compact and sturdy build. It features three stainless steel spikes for stability and has a net weight of 2430 grams (5.2 lbs). Despite its technical sophistication, the device does not contain or require any electrical power supply, emphasizing its user-friendly nature and ease of integration into existing audio setups.

The release of the Erodion EVO is a testament to Lyra's commitment to advancing audio technology, offering audiophiles a product that enhances their listening experience with minimal electronic interference and maximal audio fidelity. For those interested in exploring this latest innovation in the audiophile world, visiting Lyra's official website or contacting their customer support would provide more detailed information and technical specifics. The Erodion EVO is priced at $6,500, reflecting its position in the high-end audio equipment market.

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Lyra Unveils Erodion EVO: A High-Fidelity Moving Coil Step-Up Interface with Exceptional Noise Reduction Capabilities

Experience unmatched 26dB gain with Lyra's Erodion EVO, a game-changer in audio fidelity.

Zero Bond, situated in the heart of New York City, stands as a premier destination for those who seek an exquisite blend of social interaction, work, and leisure, all underpinned by the unifying element of high-fidelity sound. This exclusive social club has taken a significant step forward in defining luxury city living by introducing the BOND Record Bar in collaboration with McIntosh Labs, a name synonymous with unparalleled audio excellence.

At the BOND Record Bar, members are invited to immerse themselves in a world where every note and nuance of their favorite vinyl is brought to life with stunning clarity and depth. The space is accented by McIntosh’s iconic blue meters and state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring that each auditory experience is both pristine and profoundly engaging. This commitment to high-fidelity sound is not just about listening to music; it's about experiencing it in a way that is as close to the original performance as possible, creating an intimate and emotive connection to the music.

The club itself is designed to be the perfect complement to the bustling rhythm of New York City life. It's a place where members can convene to unwind, collaborate, and indulge in their appreciation for the finer things in life, with a distinct nod to those who have a keen ear for quality sound. Whether it's through networking events, personal relaxation, or simply enjoying a drink, every aspect of Zero Bond is crafted to elevate the member experience.

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BOND Record Bar, New York

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., often referred to simply as McIntosh, is an esteemed American brand renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1949 in Binghamton, New York, McIntosh has established itself as a pioneer in the high-fidelity audio industry. The brand is synonymous with enduring build quality, aesthetic elegance, and unparalleled sound performance, making it a choice of audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Known for its distinctive design, McIntosh products feature signature black glass front panels, aluminum end caps, and the iconic "McIntosh Blue" watt meters, which have become a symbol of audio excellence. Their product range encompasses a wide array of audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, turntables, and other audio accessories, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and acoustic perfection.

McIntosh's dedication to producing high-quality sound reproduction is evident in their use of advanced technologies and precision engineering. Their products are often the result of extensive research and development, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed industry standards.

In addition to sound quality, McIntosh is committed to the longevity and durability of its products. Many McIntosh units from decades past are still in use today, a testament to their build quality and the company's commitment to sustainability through longevity.

Whether for home audio systems, professional studios, or luxury car audio, McIntosh provides an audio experience that is both immersive and emotionally engaging, offering a level of performance that is as close to the original recording as possible. Their legacy and ongoing innovation continue to set the standard in high-end audio, making McIntosh a prestigious and revered name in the world of hi-fi audio systems.

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Explore Zero Bond, NYC's premier social club with McIntosh's BOND Record Bar, offering an unmatched blend of luxury, community, and high-fidelity sound

Sony is rumored to be on the brink of launching a new chapter in its earbud series, the LinkBuds 2, stirring up conversations among tech enthusiasts. The whispers about these earbuds paint a picture of innovation and refinement, especially with the anticipated addition of noise-cancellation technology. This feature catches the eye because the original LinkBuds were known for their "open ring" design, which lets you hear the world around you. Integrating noise cancellation into this design raises questions and curiosity about how Sony has managed to pull off such a feat.

Leaks, particularly from The Walkman Blog, give us a sneak peek at what the LinkBuds 2 might offer. They're expected to provide an "elevated audio experience," potentially matching the sound quality of Sony's high-end WF-1000XM5 earbuds. This comparison sets high expectations for the LinkBuds 2, hinting at a superior listening experience.

From the technical standpoint, these earbuds are said to house the MediaTek MT2833 chipset, the same brain that powers the WF-1000XM5. This detail suggests that Sony is not holding back on the internal components, aiming for top-notch performance.

The design seems to pay homage to its predecessors, maintaining the unique open-ring structure but with slight modifications to the charging pins and driver holes. This indicates Sony's commitment to the original aesthetic appeal while probably enhancing functionality and comfort.

Color options seem to be expanding too, with leaks hinting at a classic black and a new light gray variant, offering a choice to match personal style preferences.

Battery life details are still under wraps, yet if we go by the original LinkBuds' performance, users can expect around five-and-a-half hours of playback time, which is pretty standard for earbuds of this caliber.

As for the release date, there's no official announcement yet. However, the appearance of these earbuds in regulatory filings suggests that Sony might soon unveil them, following the pattern of previous launches.

Summing up, the Sony LinkBuds 2 are shaping up to be a fascinating blend of innovative technology and unique design. They promise to challenge the conventional earbud experience, especially with the integration of noise-cancellation into an open design. While we await more details, the rumored specs and features indicate that these earbuds could be a noteworthy addition to Sony's lineup, appealing to those who appreciate a mix of cutting-edge technology and distinctive style.

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Leaked Details on Sony's Next Big Thing - The LinkBuds 2

Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

The rumor mill buzzes with details of Sony LinkBuds 2 - promising enhancements in sound, design, and functionality.

CDT

by Leak

Features

Audio Support

File System Compatibility

Output Characteristics

Sampling Frequency

Digital Output Interface

Power Consumption

Power Requirements

Physical Dimensions

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BOND Record Bar, New York

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