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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Leak

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The Leak Sandwich 150 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of innovation that began in 1961, seamlessly blending historical advancements with modern technology to meet the highest standards of sound reproduction for audiophiles. It builds upon a tradition started with the original Leak Point One amplifier in 1945 and further advanced with the development of the Leak sandwich cone diaphragm, introducing an unprecedented level of rigidity and low distortion in sound reproduction. The construction technique utilizes an aluminium skin bonded to a PMI-based structural foam, similar to materials used in aerospace, ensuring minimal mechanical breakup and a smooth frequency response across a wide range. The cabinet, combining MDF and composite board in a meticulous 'sandwich' design, benefits from six decades of technological evolution, incorporating intelligent bracing and the hallmark rear countersunk screw. Aesthetically, the Leak Sandwich 150 boasts a classic design with a walnut real-wood veneer, aluminum trim, and a grille cloth chosen for its acoustic transparency, embodying the quintessential Leak styling. This model maintains a 2-way standmount configuration, featuring a 6.5” low-frequency 'Sandwich' driver and a 1.2” coated textile dome high-frequency driver, promising an audiophile-grade soundstage with meticulously arranged drivers for precise stereo imaging. Enhanced by a carefully developed crossover and a damped rear chamber for the high-frequency driver, the Leak Sandwich 150 delivers detail and harmonics that bridge the bass, mid, and high frequencies into a cohesive and detailed auditory experience.

Sandwich 150


At this year's Munich Audio Show, Erzetich is showcasing significant updates to its acclaimed headphone lineup and previewing an upcoming amplifier, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and quality in audio design. The event highlights the latest advancements from Erzetich, a brand known for its dedication to enhancing the audio experience.

**Enhanced Headphone Models**

Erzetich has introduced refreshed versions of their original headphone models, including significant updates to a compact model which is being featured for the first time in Munich. These updates are the result of direct customer feedback and are aimed at improving both comfort and sound quality. Key enhancements include:

-   A shift to a carbon-fiber headband from the previous steel version to reduce weight and increase comfort.
-   The use of resin for the earcups, allowing for a more intricate internal geometry that enhances acoustic performance.
-   Larger and softer earpads to ensure comfort during extended listening sessions.
-   An upgraded 8-core silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable that enhances the overall sound detail and quality.

These improvements maintain the distinctive aesthetic of the headphones, including their octagonal cups, while elevating the user's audio experience.

**Refined Sound Signature**

The updated headphones are noted for their exceptional balance and detailed sound profile, building on the strengths of the original version, which was already praised for its deep bass, precise linearity, and broad soundstage. The new iteration enhances these features to offer a more balanced and intricate auditory experience, making it a favorite choice for the creator and users alike.

**Upcoming Amplifier: Bacillus Tilia Plus**

Looking forward, Erzetich is excited about the release of a new amplifier, the Bacillus Tilia Plus. This model is an evolution of the existing Bacillus Tilia and will feature a dual-mono, fully balanced design. Additionally, it will offer both balanced and unbalanced input/output options. Scheduled for release in the autumn, this amplifier is expected to appeal to a wide range of audiophiles, from enthusiasts to professional users, by providing a versatile and high-quality audio amplification solution.

Erzetich's presence at the Munich Audio Show not only underscores their ongoing innovation in sound technology but also sets new standards for the design and functionality of audio equipment. Attendees and audio enthusiasts are given a glimpse into the future of sound with Erzetich's latest offerings, which promise to enhance how we experience music.

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 Erzetich Debuts Updated Headphones and Teases New Amplifier at Munich Audio Show

Erzetich is a boutique audio brand that specializes in high-end headphones and amplifiers.

Erzetich

Discover the latest from Erzetich at Munich Audio Show: updated Mania, Phobos, and Thalia headphones with enhanced comfort and sound quality


In an era where our music choices are merely a few clicks away, the digital vs physical media debate takes center stage among audiophiles. As traditional physical formats like CDs and vinyl contend with digital music libraries and streaming services, each format vies for its claim to sonic supremacy. This in-depth article evaluates the pros and cons of each approach, from the ritualistic joys of physical media to the unmatched convenience of digital libraries.

### Physical Media: The Resurgence and the Nostalgia

#### Quality and Rituals

For many, physical formats like CDs and vinyl aren't merely a medium for listening to music; they're an experience. A CD or vinyl record is tactile, ritualistic, and provides a form of interaction that digital media cannot replicate. Brands like Harman/Kardon offer high-end CD transports that, when paired with a top-tier DAC, can reveal layers of audio depth that may escape even high-bitrate digital formats.

#### Reliability and Ownership

A significant advantage of physical media is its long-lasting nature. Properly cared for CDs and vinyl can last decades without losing their original quality. Additionally, owning a physical copy provides a sense of ownership and permanence that digital platforms can't always guarantee, given the terms and conditions that may lead to the removal of particular albums or tracks.

### Digital Media: The Age of Convenience

#### Instant Access and Versatility

Digital formats have fundamentally transformed the way we consume music. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have democratized access to extensive music libraries that can be streamed on-demand. Software like PlexAmp takes this a step further with features such as "Sonic Adventure" and AI-driven playlist tools, offering a tailored listening experience.

#### Storage and Organization

Digital media can be stored in various forms of Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems or specialized audio equipment like Eversolo DMP-A6 or Bluesound Node. These devices, equipped with large-capacity drives, can host ripped FLAC libraries or even high-resolution SACD rips, offering a level of quality and convenience that is hard to beat.

### Cost vs Quality: A Balancing Act

#### The Financial Angle

Streaming services can appear cheaper initially, but they require ongoing subscriptions. Meanwhile, establishing a high-quality digital library or accumulating a vast physical collection also comes with costs. Devices like the SMSL SD-9 offer a mid-range digital option at around $450, but keep in mind that storage can get expensive. On the flip side, physical media also have their costs, especially when factoring in high-end playback equipment.

#### Audio Quality Debates

Services like Tidal and Qobuz offer high-fidelity, near-lossless audio streaming, but these usually come at a premium price. The ongoing debate remains whether the human ear can truly discern these nuances in audio quality, particularly when listening through high-end equipment like McIntosh systems.

### Conclusion

The physical vs digital debate among audiophiles is likely to continue as technology evolves and listening habits change. Whether you're an enthusiast who enjoys the tactile experience of handling a vinyl record or someone who values the convenience of accessing thousands of tracks within seconds, each medium offers its unique set of advantages and compromises. The best choice, as it often turns ou

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The Debate Over Physical vs Digital Media for Audiophiles

Explore the nuanced debate between physical and digital audio formats. This article dissects the pros and cons of CDs, vinyl, and digital libraries, providing invaluable insights for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.

In this news, we're going to explore:

-   How the GGNTKT Model M3's four-way system delivers crystal-clear sound.
-   What 'cardioid bass dispersion' means for your listening experience.
-   The unique high-frequency driver that makes highs sound smoother.
-   Why a dedicated midrange driver can make your favorite songs sound more alive.

Interested? Keep reading to find out more about this high-end speaker that's turning heads in the audio world...

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Let's dive into the GGNTKT Model M3, a new player in the high-end speaker market. While it might sound like just another fancy gadget, there's more to this speaker than meets the eye. It's packed with some intriguing features that are worth a closer look, especially if you're into the nitty-gritty of sound quality.

#### Four-Way System – What Does That Even Mean?

So, the Model M3 uses a four-way system. In simpler terms, it divides the job of producing sound across four different drivers, each handling a specific range of frequencies. This means instead of one driver struggling to produce all sounds, you have a team where each member excels in its own department – bass, low-mid, high-mid, and treble. The result? Clearer, more detailed sound where everything from the deep bass to the high-pitched notes gets its moment to shine.

#### That Cardioid Bass Thing

One of the standout features of the Model M3 is its 'cardioid bass dispersion.' In everyday language, this means the speaker is designed to push the bass forward, reducing how much bass sound bounces off your walls. If you've ever noticed how bass can get boomy or muddy, this design aims to fix that. It's especially handy if your room isn't acoustically treated.

#### Highs That Don’t Hurt Your Ears

The high frequencies in the Model M3 are handled by something called a 'ring diaphragm compression driver.' It's a fancy term, but what it boils down to is this: it's designed to make high notes sound clearer and more natural, without that ear-piercing harshness that can sometimes happen with traditional tweeters.

#### Midrange – Where the Magic Happens

Midrange frequencies are crucial because that's where most vocals and instruments sit. The Model M3 dedicates an entire driver just for this range. This means voices and instruments sound more like they're right there in the room with you, not hidden behind a veil of other sounds.

#### About Those Subwoofers

The Model M3 has two subwoofers that are built to move a lot of air, which translates to a powerful bass that you can feel. But it's not just about power; it's about delivering bass that's detailed and not just a vague rumble.

#### Everything Built-in

All the tech stuff – amplifiers, digital processing – is built right into the speaker. This means less clutter and fewer cables, which is always a plus. And it's all fine-tuned to work together seamlessly, so you get the best sound without needing to be an expert in audio equipment.

#### Looks Matter Too

Lastly, the Model M3 doesn’t just sound good; it looks good too. You can choose from different finishes and colors to match your style or your room. It's nice to have a speaker that doesn't look like a big, black box.

#### In Summary

The GGNTKT Model M3 seems to be a serious contender in the world of high-end speakers. It's not just about fancy terms and technical jargon; it's about delivering quality sound across all frequencies, in a package that's both user-friendly and pleasing to the eye. Whether you're an audiophile or just someone who appreciates good music, the Model M3 brings something interesting to the table.

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The Power of Dual Subwoofers in the GGNTKT Model M3

GGNTKT

Feel every beat with the Model M3's dedicated midrange driver, perfect for music lovers

Sandwich 150

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