United Kingdom

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

The Leak Stereo 30 is a vintage integrated amplifier that originally debuted in the early 1960s, with its successor, the Stereo 30 Plus, released in 1969. This amplifier marked a significant advancement in Leak's offerings, transitioning from the earlier valve models to transistor technology. The Stereo 30 initially employed germanium transistors, which were later replaced by silicon transistors in the Stereo 30 Plus for improved performance and stability. The Stereo 30 is known for its powerful sound, delivering around 15 watts per channel at low distortion levels. Its design features a hand-wired aluminum chassis, making it more serviceable than previous models. The amplifier includes a variety of input options: 'Pickup 1' for RIAA-equalized phono inputs, 'Tuner 1' for specialized Leak tuners, and other tunings for tape machines. In 'Tape Monitor' mode, it can function as a passive preamp, minimizing noise and providing a transparent sound. Outputs include standard loudspeaker terminals and a headphone socket. The Stereo 30 Plus displayed a slightly warmer sound with effective bass extension and treble sparkle. It is praised for its engaging listening experience and simplicity of use, making it a desirable choice for vintage audio enthusiasts.

Stereo 30

by Leak

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