October 2020

The Relaunch Of Leak
And many reviews within this issue.
Editorial By Noel Keywood

  Great to see the brand name of Leak re-launched. In this issue on p10 you can read about the new Leak Stereo 130 amplifier, an update on the original Stereo 30 transistor amplifier launched in 1963 – 57 years ago no less. Reviewer John Pickford is new to Hi-Fi World, but as a long term Leak owner better placed to understand how the new Stereo 130 compares with its predecessors.

A lot has changed over the years between these amplifiers, but a lot has not. We still have transistors and casework of similar dimensions – with knobs on front that humans can twiddle. It's easier and more direct than using an app – and future proof too. Interesting to see what has changed and what has not.

We've covered the wonders of Leak products in the past, as well as publishing a researched history in our October 1996 edition. In this issue we have updated that history to include Leak products launched by Rank Leak Wharfedale – see p18. This takes Leak history to its true end-point.

I see a connection between the ornate 1960s styling of the Stereo 130 and Chord Electronics' Ultima 6 stereo power amplifier that you can find on p46. Both stylistically fight against the visual boredom of a black box. Chord Electronics actually put more into their styling and construction than Leak ever did – or most other manufacturers. Heavily machined casework, luminescent light displays and custom transistors mark out the Ultima 6 as an amplifier like few others – today or yesterday. OK, the price is higher after taking into account inflation from 1963, but all the same this is an eye-popping product.

How on earth can you get surround-sound from headphones? Back in the wacky 1970s they tried to do it and Martin Pipe explains all on p43. This is another smile inducing article, like Dave Tutt's ribald column about the BBC's female DJs on P73.

I hope you enjoy what we bring you this month in another ‘interesting' issue!  

--- Noel Keywood, editor.

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