Discover a space where classic design meets modern technology, featuring the Leak 130 Amplifier, a testament to timeless aesthetics merged with contemporary features. Accompanying this central piece are custom DIY Speakers inspired by the revered Ojas Bookshelf designs, symbolizing a personal touch and a dedication to superior sound quality. The setup is completed with the sleek Music Hall MMF 1.5 Turntable, a harmonious blend of style and performance. This arrangement isn't just about listening to music; it's an immersive experience where tradition and innovation resonate in perfect harmony, inviting listeners into a world of auditory and aesthetic delight.

by bkal21

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Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation: The Leak 130 and DIY Ojas

DIY Speakers based on Ojas Bookshelf Speakers

When LEAK launched the iconic STEREO 30 in 1963, it swiftly became Britain’s favourite ‘step-up’ from the standard budget amplifiers of the time. Now, in the year 2020, LEAK harnesses the latest technology to deliver an affordable integrated amplifier of the same philosophy, the STEREO 130 – fully equipped to meet the demands of modern music lovers, from vinyl records to digital streaming.

The LEAK STEREO 130 is a high-performance, high-fidelity integrated amplifier for the modern-day audio enthusiast. It is designed to be the perfect match to a wide variety of both analogue and digital sources, thanks to its diversity of inputs. It features a built-in Moving Magnet (MM) phono pre-amplifier for direct connection to turntables and enables CD-quality audio streaming from any Bluetooth device via its innovative built-in aptX and AAC codec.

To fully accommodate the modern-day music enthusiast, the LEAK STEREO 130’s digital circuitry is crafted to deliver the quality expected from a high-performance stand-alone D/A converter, encompassing all the conveniences within an integrated amplifier solution. The amplifier is meticulously designed to align with the LEAK ethos of performance, reliability, and craftsmanship, marrying contemporary performance with classic LEAK styling.

The LEAK STEREO 130 employs a dedicated amplifier circuit with current-feedback technology for the headphone output, matching the performance of standalone headphone amplifiers beyond its price-class. It utilizes the acclaimed ES9018 Sabre32 Reference chip, featuring ESS Technology’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, providing ultra-low noise and high dynamic range for digital audio files up to 384kHz (PCM) and DSD256.

Stereo 130

The Music Hall MMF-1.5 is a belt-driven turntable designed for audiophiles looking to enjoy vinyl records with high fidelity sound. It features a classic design with a sleek finish that appeals to both contemporary and traditional aesthetics. The turntable operates at two speeds, 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, allowing for versatility in playing different vinyl formats. It is equipped with a pre-mounted cartridge, specifically the Music Hall Melody cartridge, which is designed to deliver accurate sound reproduction and clarity across the frequency spectrum. The device is built with a solid MDF (medium-density fiberboard) plinth that helps to minimize vibrations, ensuring that the audio output is as pure as possible. The MMF-1.5 includes a synchronous AC motor that enhances stability during playback, further reducing pitch variations. Key specifications include a removable dust cover, adjustable feet for leveling, and an overall weight of roughly 5.5 kg (12 lbs). The simplicity of the setup makes it accessible for beginners while still offering quality performance for seasoned vinyl enthusiasts.

MMF-1.5

The setup stands as a testament to the owner's dedication to the art of sound, a carefully composed arrangement that marries form with function within the intimate confines of a new residence. Center stage is taken by a meticulously placed turntable, its position atop a dedicated wooden platform speaking to a knowledge of the intricacies involved in audiophile-grade music reproduction. This turntable is the linchpin of the analog experience, flanked by towering speakers whose silhouettes suggest a heritage of audio excellence. These speakers serve not only as instruments of sound but also as pillars of an aesthetic philosophy that values the auditory journey as much as the destination.

Below this analog centerpiece lies a piece of modernity, an amplifier or receiver with a clear digital display, discreetly nestled within an ornately carved console. The console's distressed blue finish and elaborate carvings contribute a historical texture to the modernity of the audio components it houses, crafting a visual and tactile narrative that echoes the eclectic tastes of its curator. This audio sanctuary is a blend of the time-honored and the contemporary, an audio-visual storybook where each chapter is told through waves of sound and the distinctive ambiance of the space it occupies.

by saltmonkey27

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A Study in Acoustic Alchemy

Avid Ingenium

Decware Zen Triode

Sumiko Blue Point No. 2

Wharfedale Lintons

The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 integrates seamlessly into any home with its compact design, yet it doesn't compromise on power or performance, thanks to its sophisticated digital amplification technology. It features the patented RoomPerfect™ room correction system, ensuring the best sound quality regardless of the room layout. This system adapts the audio output to the acoustics of the room, delivering perfect sound no matter where the speakers are placed.

Extending its functionality, the TDAI-1120 can easily be connected to a television via the HDMI (ARC) with support for CEC and eARC, allowing the unit to communicate with future televisions efficiently. This setup ensures that users can control the system's power and volume directly through their TV remote, simplifying the user experience significantly. 

For audio enthusiasts who prioritize versatility in media consumption, the TDAI-1120 offers abundant streaming capabilities. It supports a wide array of integrated streaming services like Chromecast, Spotify® Connect, TIDAL Connect with MQA decoding, Roon Ready, AirPlay2, Bluetooth connectivity, and Internet Radio through vTuner and airable. It also provides options for network or local file playbacks via DLNA/UPnP, all manageable through user-friendly controls available on smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers.

The comprehensive approach to connectivity and media integration ensures that the TDAI-1120 not only stands out as an advanced media player but also caters to the needs of the modern audiophile, offering unparalleled convenience and quality in one compact unit.

TDAI-1120

Pure McIntosh setup. Sounds amazing. The only issue is OEM cable which is too long but looks blessing.

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McIntosh headphones tube setup

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.

McIntosh

The McIntosh D150 is a digital audio preamplifier that combines advanced digital processing technologies with the classic McIntosh design ethos. It features multiple digital inputs including USB, coaxial, and optical connections, allowing for flexibility in source selection. The D150 includes an integrated DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that is capable of handling high-resolution audio files, supporting formats up to DSD64 and PCM resolution of 24-bit/192kHz. Its design includes a 6.35mm headphone output with a dedicated headphone amplifier built-in, and it also features balanced and unbalanced outputs for connecting to power amplifiers or active speakers. The preamplifier is housed in a sleek chassis with a distinctive glass front panel and illuminated logo, characteristic of McIntosh’s aesthetic. The D150 is often praised for its user-friendly interface, allowing easy navigation through its various settings and inputs via an intuitive remote control, as well as an app that can facilitate control from mobile devices. With its mix of modern technology and classic McIntosh styling, the D150 aims to appeal to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

D150

The McIntosh MHP1000 is a closed-back headphone designed to deliver high-quality audio reproduction. It features a clear and precise sound signature, which some reviewers have noted as slightly bright, especially in the high frequencies. While it is appreciated for its ability to reproduce details and clarity on well-recorded tracks, opinions vary on its overall value compared to competitors in the same price range. Some users argue that its build quality feels plasticy and not as robust as expected at its price point, which is around $2000. The design incorporates technology similar to that of other high-end brands, and while it has received praise for specific music genres like traditional jazz, it may not cater to those who prefer a more bass-forward sound or a broader soundstage. Reviewers have compared it to other headphones, suggesting alternatives like Beyerdynamic and Audeze for different listening preferences.

MHP1000

The McIntosh MHA200 is a compact vacuum tube headphone amplifier designed to enhance the listening experience for headphone enthusiasts. It features a compact footprint of 6-1/8" (15.6cm) wide by 9-1/8" (23.2cm) deep, making it easy to integrate into various setups. The MHA200 is powered by a pair of 12AT7 and 12BH7A dual triode vacuum tubes, providing low distortion and a rich audio experience. It employs Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers, a technology that has been at the core of McIntosh products since its inception in 1949, ensuring high-quality sound delivery. The amplifier supports a wide range of headphone impedances, with four selectable ranges from 32 to 1,000 Ohms at a power output of 500mW. It includes various connectivity options such as balanced inputs and outputs, and multiple headphone output configurations, catering to different headphone types. Additionally, it features a polished stainless steel chassis that not only serves a functional purpose but also adds aesthetic appeal. The MHA200 is equipped with volume and LOAD controls for optimal listening personalization.

McIntosh headphones tube setup

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Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation: The Leak 130 and DIY Ojas

A Study in Acoustic Alchemy