T+A is a German high-end audio equipment manufacturer known for producing premium quality amplifiers, speakers, and digital audio players.

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The CALA® CDR is a versatile streaming CD receiver known for its robust output and sophisticated design. Encased in a compact, sleek housing, this device boasts a premium-quality CD drive and high-performance power supply, delivering over 100 watts of continuous power per channel. This power capacity enables it to drive large speakers effectively.

A notable feature of the CALA® CDR is its customizable LED light strip located on the rear part of the unit's back panel, which can illuminate the base in white, blue, green, or red colors. Users can adjust the color modes and intensity of this ambient lighting according to their preferences, enhancing the user experience.

To cater to various audio setups and preferences, the CALA® CDR is equipped with an advanced digital signal processor that simplifies customization. It allows users to disable unused inputs and adjust the sensitivity of an analogue input to function as a phono MM and High output MC preamplifier. Additionally, it includes a Surround-Pass-Through Mode for seamless integration into surround sound systems.

The device also comes with a selection of sound fields designed to optimize audio quality in different environments and speaker configurations, making it suitable even for smaller speakers. To further refine the audio experience, a bass management system is implemented to adjust settings when using a subwoofer / satellite system.

CALA CDR


Back in the early days of hi-fi, around 1961, LEAK wasn't just making speakers—they were making history. Their original Sandwich speaker was a game-changer because it solved a big problem of the time: speaker cones that weren't stiff enough. You see, back then, the stiffness of the speaker cone was a make-or-break factor for sound quality. If the cone wasn't rigid enough, the sound got distorted, which was pretty common and a real buzzkill for music lovers.

So what LEAK did was kind of like what tech companies today do when they come up with a new smartphone or gadget—they found a clever workaround. They took expanded polystyrene, which is light and has good damping properties, and they sandwiched it between two aluminum sheets. This wasn't just for kicks—it was to give the cone the stiffness it lacked without adding too much weight. That way, the speaker could move back and forth really fast without bending out of shape. And just like that, the sound got a lot clearer, the bass felt right, and music had more punch to it.

Now, let's fast forward to our time. The new Sandwich 150 and 250 speakers from LEAK take that original stroke of genius and dial it up. They're leveraging all the advances we've made in materials and engineering to make something that's true to the spirit of the original but performs like a modern champ. We're talking about materials that didn't even exist back in the day, like aircraft-grade foam, which makes the new cones even stiffer and keeps the sound super crisp.

Why does this matter, you ask? Because music isn't just about noise; it's about feeling every strum, every beat, and every note exactly as it was intended. And that's what LEAK's new speakers aim to deliver, just like the original did all those years ago. It's about honoring the past not by staying stuck in it, but by building on it, improving it, and making sure the music always gets the respect it deserves.

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New LEAK Sandwich Speakers A Legacy Reborn in Hi-Fi

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.

Leak

The latest LEAK Sandwich speakers deliver crisp, precise audio with a nostalgic twist


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

the digital vs physical media debate in music

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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 an ambitious move that underscores its commitment to innovation and quality in the audio industry, Canada's The Lenbrook Group of Companies has announced the creation of Lenbrook Media Group, a new business unit dedicated to revolutionizing the way high-resolution music is commercialized and delivered. This announcement, made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 4, 2024, marks a significant milestone for Lenbrook and the wider audio technology industry.

Lenbrook, the parent company of globally recognized high-fidelity brands like NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, and Bluesound, as well as the architect behind the renowned BluOS high-resolution multiroom platform, is no stranger to the audiophile community. Its latest venture, the Lenbrook Media Group, aims to harness and further develop the company's existing content management solutions, BluOS, MQA, and SCL6, to offer unparalleled audio experiences to music fans and enthusiasts across the globe.

The strategic formation of the Lenbrook Media Group is a testament to Lenbrook's foresight in recognizing the evolving landscape of the audio industry. As consumers increasingly demand higher quality and more immersive audio experiences, there is a clear need for innovative solutions that can deliver content that is both high in quality and easily accessible. By focusing on the commercialization of these advanced technologies, Lenbrook is positioning itself at the forefront of this burgeoning market.

Leading the charge of this new division is Mike Jbara, the former CEO of MQA and a respected figure with extensive experience in the music industry. Jbara's appointment is a strategic move, leveraging his deep understanding of music technology, licensing-oriented business activities, and his exceptional people skills. Under his leadership, Lenbrook Media Group is expected to drive significant advancements in the performance audio industry, fostering opportunities that empower creators, distributors, fans, broadcasters, and hardware manufacturers alike.

Gordon Simmonds, President and CEO of The Lenbrook Group, has articulated the vision behind this initiative, emphasizing the company's commitment to capturing and delivering the highest quality art directly into the homes of music lovers. The acquisition of MQA’s assets, which complements their existing BluOS platform, is a cornerstone of this strategy, allowing Lenbrook to fully capitalize on its unique position by providing the necessary focus, strategies, structure, and resources.

As the Lenbrook Media Group takes its first steps, it is clear that the company is not just content with maintaining its reputation for quality but is actively seeking to redefine what is possible in the audio industry. The focus on BluOS, MQA, and SCL6 technologies is particularly noteworthy, as these are seen as key to unlocking new levels of audio fidelity and user experience.

As the industry watches on, Lenbrook's move could very well signal a new era of innovation and quality in audio technology. By creating a dedicated unit for content delivery, the company is freeing itself to explore and exploit new opportunities in this space, potentially setting new standards for audio quality and distribution. As Mike Jbara and his team prepare to take the helm of this exciting new venture, the message is clear: Lenbrook is not just playing music; it's setting the tempo for the industry's future.

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Lenbrook Announces New Independent Media Business Unit

NAD is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment and electronics.

Bluesound is a brand that specializes in high-quality wireless audio systems.

Bluesound

Join the journey of hi-fi sound and discover how Lenbrook's audio solutions are changing the game

CALA CDR

by T+A

Features

Formats

Frequency Response

Features

Audio Formats

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Standards

Streaming Services

Interfaces

Bluetooth

USB

Internet Radio

FM Radio

DAB/DAB+

Radio Features

Inputs

Output Power

Total Harmonic Distortion

Sound Management

Bass Management

Outputs

Power Supply

Auto Power Off Function

Accessories

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Interesting articles

New LEAK Sandwich Speakers A Legacy Reborn in Hi-Fi

The Debate Over Physical vs Digital Media for Audiophiles

Lenbrook Announces New Independent Media Business Unit