Leak Stereo 230 with Wharfedale Super Linton & Matching Stands

Firmly re-established as a mainstay in the Hi-Fi industry, LEAK continues to expand its product portfolio with the introduction of the LEAK STEREO 230. This high-performance, high-fidelity integrated amplifier is expertly designed for the modern-day audio and movie enthusiast, offering a versatile solution for those who seek both quality and functionality in their home entertainment systems.

Greater Substance

Building upon the success of the STEREO 130, the LEAK STEREO 230 introduces enhanced power, increased functionality, and greater substance, all aimed at satisfying the most discerning audiophiles. With its powerful 115W per channel output, it is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of sources, providing superior amplification for an immersive listening experience.

Versatility

One of the key innovations of the LEAK STEREO 230 is the inclusion of HDMI ARC connectivity, enabling high-quality audio for AV applications. This feature ensures that the amplifier meets the demands of both audiophiles and cinephiles, delivering an exceptional experience whether for music or film. The unit also boasts a built-in Moving Magnet (MM) phono pre-amplifier, allowing direct connection to turntable record players, enhancing its versatility.

Easy Streaming

In keeping with modern music streaming preferences, the LEAK STEREO 230 is equipped with aptX and AAC Bluetooth codecs, allowing users to stream CD-quality audio wirelessly from portable music players, smartphones, and tablets. Its design remains true to LEAK’s tradition of performance, reliability, and craftsmanship, blending contemporary technology with the brand’s classic styling for a truly standout product.

The Evolution of the Linton

The original Linton speakers first appeared in 1965 as a two-way model, later evolving into the three-way Linton 3XP in 1975. The 2019 Linton continued this three-way design, merging vintage aesthetics with updated acoustic engineering, offering rich, natural sound that appeals to today’s music enthusiasts. The new Super Linton builds upon the 2019 model’s design with a slightly taller cabinet and structural enhancements. Key upgrades include new drivers, a more robust bass driver motor system, a redesigned crossover with high-quality components, and even an improved speaker grille for refined sonic output.

Linton Speakers Power Up

Wharfedale has introduced an upgraded version of its beloved Linton speakers, now dubbed the ‘Super Linton’. Since their relaunch five years ago, the Linton speakers have seen remarkable sales success, becoming Wharfedale's best-selling speaker and one of the most popular hi-fi speakers worldwide. This success has been driven by the Linton's appealing classic style and exceptional musicality. However, Wharfedale’s engineers, led by Director of Acoustic Design Peter Comeau, saw potential for further improvement, leading to a thorough redesign of the drive units, crossover, and cabinet, resulting in the new Super Linton.

Wharfedale’s Heritage and Innovation

Wharfedale has been crafting renowned loudspeakers since 1932, with many of its models becoming icons in British audio history. Its Heritage Series pays homage to the classic designs of the 1960s and 1970s while reimagining them with modern engineering techniques. This range includes both timeless favourites and new designs, blending vintage appeal with contemporary performance. In 2019, Wharfedale revived the Linton, a model which significantly contributed to the popularity of vintage-style speakers. The Super Linton follows this trend, joining the Heritage Series as an enhanced version of the Linton, showcasing the latest in Wharfedale’s technical capabilities.

Upgraded Cabinet & Bass Driver

The Super Linton’s cabinet, though with the same footprint as the regular Linton, is 4cm taller to increase internal volume, which benefits its acoustic performance. Enhanced construction features include dual fibreboard layers joined by damping glue to reduce resonance. Inside, long-hair fibre and acoustic damping foam aid in managing internal reflections. The increased cabinet volume also allowed improvements in the bass driver. While the 200mm woven Kevlar cone remains, a stronger motor system now extends bass reach to 32Hz, adding depth and precision for a more impactful bass experience.

Super Drivers 

The Super Linton’s treble unit inherits advanced design elements from Wharfedale’s premium Dovedale speakers. Its 25mm fabric dome, driven by a ceramic magnet system, benefits from a damped rear chamber, lowering resonance and enhancing treble detail and harmonics. A revised front plate design also improves high-frequency dispersion. The midrange driver, a 135mm Kevlar cone, is now housed in a dedicated chamber with acoustic damping to minimise back-wave interference. This upgrade ensures seamless integration of all three drivers, delivering lifelike detail and scale across instruments and vocals.

Crossover and Grille Enhancements

The new crossover network has been divided onto two circuit boards to minimise electromagnetic interference, incorporating top-quality inductors, capacitors, and upgraded internal cabling for optimal audio performance. These improvements contribute to a more refined sound, with better clarity and separation across frequencies. The speaker grille has also been redesigned to complement the crossover’s power response, further aiding driver integration. The Super Linton’s cumulative enhancements, from crossover to cabinet, elevate its sonic capability, positioning it as a versatile choice for today’s high-performance audio setups.

Leak 230 Integrated Amplifier Specification

Super Linton Speaker Specifications