SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND
LEAK Stereo 230 Review
LEAK Stereo 230

Main Features

  • 75 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • HDMI Input (ARC)
  • Bluetooth v4.0
  • Weight: 28.00 lbs / 12.73 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-3/4 x 12-15/16 x 17-3/8 inch
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add an Amp for comparison
LEAK Stereo 230 Review
LEAK Stereo 230 LEAK Stereo 230
See at AMAZON

The Stereo 230 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by LEAK that delivers 75 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 115 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the Stereo 230 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. LEAK Stereo 230 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. LEAK Stereo 230 has an MSRP of 1695$.

There are 2 LEAK amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

LEAK Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Bluetooth
LEAK Stereo 230
75 watts4-ohmsYesYes
LEAK Stereo 130
Compare
45 watts4-ohmsYesYes


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The LEAK Stereo 230 is rated at 75 watts RMS into 8-ohms. LEAK provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.003% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 75 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.003%
  • 115 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 109dB Signal to Noise Ratio

When pairing the LEAK Stereo 230 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the LEAK Stereo 230 Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the LEAK Stereo 230 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the LEAK Stereo 230, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. LEAK Stereo 230 has total of 2 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).

LEAK Stereo 230 Back View
LEAK Stereo 230 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B (Connects to your Windows or Mac PC)
    • USB-A (Update only)
  • HDMI Input (ARC)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

LEAK Stereo 230 features built-in Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Rotel A14 MKII - MSRP 1600$ - Compare w/ Stereo 230
  • LEAK Stereo 230 - MSRP 1695$ - Compare w/ Stereo 230
  • NAD C 399 - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ Stereo 230
  • NAD C 368 BluOS-2i - MSRP 1749$ - Compare w/ Stereo 230
  • JBL SA550 C - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ Stereo 230

LEAK Stereo 230 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX
  • AAC
  • SBC

Phono Input

LEAK Stereo 230 features one Phono Input which is compatible with MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the Cambridge Duo or the iFi ZEN Phono.

Subwoofer Output

LEAK Stereo 230 has Stereo RCA preamp outputs which can be used to connect to a powered subwoofer via an RCA cable ( as long as your sub supports this connection).
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with LEAK Stereo 230 amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The LEAK Stereo 230's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the Stereo 230 is the ES9038Q2M 32-bit , and supports resolutions up to 32-bit, 768KHZ.
LEAK Stereo 230 Physical Controls
LEAK Stereo 230 Physical Controls

 Handheld Remote
LEAK Stereo 230 Handheld Remote

LEAK Stereo 230 External Dimensions and Weight

LEAK Stereo 230 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 5-3/4inch x 12-15/16inch x 17-3/8inch (147.0mm x 329.0mm x 442.0mm ). The unit weighs 12.73kg / 28lbs.

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the LEAK Stereo 230 is approximately 1454.2cm2 / 225.4inch2.

  • Width: 329.0mm (12-15/16")
  • Height: 147.0mm (5-3/4")
  • Depth: 442.0mm (17-3/8")
  • Weight: 12.73 kg (28.00lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1454.2cm2 / 225.4inch2
  • Volume: ~21.4 liter / 5.6 gallon
LEAK Stereo 230  - Top View
LEAK Stereo 230 - Top View

Available colors

LEAK Stereo 230 is available in Walnut / Silver color options.

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier:
Official Brochure for LEAK Stereo 230

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for LEAK Stereo 230

Warranty

3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the LEAK Stereo 230 by the manufacturer.

LEAK Stereo 230  Lifestyle
LEAK Stereo 230 Lifestyle

LEAK Stereo 230 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand LEAK
Full Model Name LEAK Stereo 230
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Amp Class Class AB
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 75 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 115 watts
Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
THD 0.003%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio 109 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC Yes
DAC Specs ES9038Q2M 32-bit
Bluetooth Yes
WiFi N/A
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
BluOS No

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs 2
Phono Input Yes
Optical Digital Inputs 1
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
USB Input Yes
USB Type USB-B (Connects to your Windows or Mac PC),USB-A (Update only)
Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA
Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 1/4
Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 147.0mm (5-3/4")
Width 329.0mm (12-15/16")
Depth 442.0mm (17-3/8")
Weight 12.73 kg (28.00lbs)
Available Colors Walnut / Silver
OTHER
Parts Warranty 3 Years
Labor Warranty 3 Years
LEAK Stereo 230 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
LEAK Stereo 130
Compare
45 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Audiolab 7000A
Compare
70 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Marantz Model 40n
Compare
70 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Audiolab 6000A
Compare
50 watts4-ohmsYesMM
NAD C 3050
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Yamaha A-S801
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Rotel A14 MKII
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesMM
Denon PMA-1700NE
Compare
70 watts4-ohmsYesMM,MC
Latest Amplifiers
Audiolab 8300A
Audiolab 8300A
75 watts into 8-ohms
Audiolab 6000A MKII
Audiolab 6000A MKII
50 watts into 8-ohms
WiiM Amp Pro
WiiM Amp Pro
60 watts into 8-ohms
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II
80 watts into 8-ohms
Cambridge Audio EXA100
Cambridge Audio EXA100
100 watts into 8-ohms
WiiM Vibelink
WiiM Vibelink
100 watts into 8-ohms
Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition
Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition
150 watts into 8-ohms
WiiM Amp
WiiM Amp
60 watts into 8-ohms

Most Popular Amplifiers
Audiolab 7000A
Audiolab 7000A
70 watts into 8-ohms
Yamaha A-S801
Yamaha A-S801
100 watts into 8-ohms
Denon PMA-900HNE
Denon PMA-900HNE
50 watts into 8-ohms
Yamaha A-S301
Yamaha A-S301
60 watts into 8-ohms
Denon PMA-1700NE
Denon PMA-1700NE
70 watts into 8-ohms
Rotel A14 MKII
Rotel A14 MKII
80 watts into 8-ohms
Yamaha A-S501
Yamaha A-S501
85 watts into 8-ohms
Rotel Diamond Series RA-6000
Rotel Diamond Series RA-6000
200 watts into 8-ohms
Rotel A12 MKII
Rotel A12 MKII
60 watts into 8-ohms
Audiolab 6000A
Audiolab 6000A
50 watts into 8-ohms

Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision