LEAK TruStream Network Player

What You Need to Know

What Is a Network Music Player?

A network music player (sometimes called a music streamer) is a dedicated hi-fi component that connects to your home network and plays music from streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music — as well as from your own digital music library stored on a computer, NAS drive, or USB drive. Think of it as a high-quality bridge between the internet and your stereo system.

Why use a dedicated streamer instead of just plugging your phone into your amplifier? Because a purpose-built player like the LEAK TruStream handles the delicate job of converting digital music files into an analog audio signal with far greater precision and care than a phone or laptop ever could. The result is noticeably cleaner, more detailed, and more engaging sound.

What Makes the TruStream Special

The LEAK TruStream is the brand’s very first network music player, and LEAK didn’t cut any corners. At the heart of the TruStream is an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC chip — one of the most respected digital-to-analog converters in modern audio. A DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is the component that translates the ones and zeros of a digital music file into the analog signal your amplifier and speakers actually play. The quality of the DAC makes a real difference in how your music sounds.

LEAK paired this DAC with its own low-noise power supply design, including an ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer from Noratel, and a Class A post-DAC filter stage. In plain terms, that means LEAK engineered the surrounding circuitry specifically to let the DAC chip perform at its best — with minimal electrical noise and maximum musical detail. The streaming engine itself was developed in partnership with Silent Angel, specialists in low-noise digital audio transmission, using powerful ARM Cortex-A72 and Cortex-A53 processors for smooth, responsive operation.

On the format side, the TruStream supports virtually every high-resolution audio format you’d ever need: PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (the highest DSD resolution available). It plays FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, and DSD files natively — plus everyday formats like MP3 and AAC. Whether you’re streaming a Tidal Masters playlist or playing studio-master files from a NAS drive, the TruStream handles it all.

Streaming Services and App Control

The TruStream works with all the major streaming platforms: Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and TuneIn Internet Radio. It’s also certified Roon Ready, which means it works seamlessly as an endpoint in a Roon-based music system — a big plus for audiophiles who manage large digital music libraries. You can also stream music from a NAS drive or network-shared folders via UPnP/DLNA, or plug in a USB drive and play files directly.

Setup and daily control happen through the dedicated LEAK TruStream app for iOS and Android, built on Silent Angel’s proven VitOS software platform. Connect via Wi-Fi (dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz) or wired Gigabit Ethernet — wired is always preferred for the most stable, highest-quality playback, but the Wi-Fi works great too. There’s even WPS one-button pairing if your router supports it.

Connects to Any System — Plus a Built-In Headphone Amp

Unlike many streamers that only pass a digital signal to an external DAC, the TruStream is a complete source component. Its analog outputs — both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA — connect directly to any integrated amplifier, preamplifier, power amplifier, or pair of active speakers. No separate DAC needed.

If you already own a DAC you love, the TruStream also has digital outputs: optical, coaxial S/PDIF, and USB audio out. So you can use the TruStream purely as a streamer/transport feeding your own external DAC.

There’s also a built-in headphone amplifier with a 6.3mm (1/4”) jack on the front panel. LEAK designed this as a current-feedback headphone amp capable of driving headphones from 20 to 600 ohms — so whether you’re using easy-to-drive portable headphones or demanding high-impedance studio models, you can enjoy late-night listening sessions with quality sound.

Stunning Vintage Design, Modern Soul

If you’re familiar with LEAK’s other products — the Stereo 130, Stereo 230, or CDT CD Transport — you already know the look. The TruStream shares the same mid-century design language: a real walnut wood-veneered cabinet with a brushed-aluminum faceplate that traces its heritage back to the original LEAK Stereo 30 amplifier of 1963. It’s compact at just 330 × 118 × 278mm (about 13” × 4.6” × 10.9”) and weighs 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs), making it easy to place on any shelf or rack. When paired with a LEAK Stereo 130 or Stereo 230, it forms a visually matched hi-fi system that looks as good as it sounds.

Ideal For

You want a single, dedicated source component that streams from Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, AirPlay 2, and your own music library — all in hi-res quality.

You have a LEAK Stereo 130 or Stereo 230 and want the perfect visual and sonic match for streaming.

You use Roon to manage your music collection and want a certified Roon Ready endpoint.

You appreciate vintage-inspired design and want your hi-fi to look as good as it sounds.

You want a quality headphone streaming setup for late-night listening without needing a separate headphone amp.

What’s in the Box

• LEAK TruStream Network Player
• Power cord
• Remote control
• User manual

Note: Audio cables (RCA, XLR, digital) are not included — you’ll want to pick the right cables for your system. See our suggestions below.

What the Audio Press Is Saying

The LEAK TruStream launched in March 2026. Because it is a brand-new product, full hands-on listening reviews have not yet been published. Below is a summary of initial press coverage and industry reaction. We’ll update this section as in-depth reviews become available.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the TruStream:

• LEAK Stereo 130 or Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier — The perfect visual and sonic match. Pair the TruStream with either LEAK amplifier for a beautifully integrated streaming hi-fi system. Shop LEAK amplifiers
• Bookshelf or Standmount Speakers — Add a great pair of speakers to complete your system. The LEAK Sandwich 150 and Sandwich 250 are natural partners, or explore our full selection. Browse speakers
• Interconnect Cables — You’ll need RCA or XLR interconnects to connect the TruStream to your amplifier. Shop interconnects
• Headphones — Take advantage of the TruStream’s built-in headphone amplifier with a quality pair of over-ear headphones. Browse headphones

Features & Specifications

Audio Performance

Reference-Grade DAC — The ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M is a 32-bit DAC chip used in many high-end audio components. It converts digital music files into analog audio with extremely low distortion and wide dynamic range, so you hear more of what the recording engineer intended.

Class A Post-DAC Filter — After the DAC converts your music to analog, LEAK’s Class A filter stage refines the signal to maximize clarity and dynamic range. Class A means the circuit is always “on” and ready, which helps preserve fine musical details.

Ultra-Low-Noise Power Supply — A Noratel toroidal transformer provides clean, quiet power to the TruStream’s sensitive circuits. The XMOS chip, MCU, and DAC each have their own dedicated power supply with discrete ultra-low-noise regulators — this careful isolation helps prevent electrical noise from degrading the audio signal.

Hi-Res Format Support — Plays PCM audio up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (22.5MHz). Supported file formats include FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, DSF, DIFF, MP3, WMA, AAC, and OGG. In short, if you have a music file, the TruStream almost certainly plays it.

Streaming & Connectivity

Every Major Streaming Service — Built-in native support for Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and TuneIn Internet Radio — each running at its highest available quality.

Roon Ready Certified — Works as a high-quality Roon endpoint using the RAAT (Roon Advanced Audio Transport) protocol. If you use Roon to manage and play your music, the TruStream integrates right in.

Network Music Playback — Plays files from NAS drives and network-shared folders via UPnP/DLNA and SMB/CIFS. Also supports playback from USB storage devices (FAT32 and exFAT formatted).

Dual-Band Wi-Fi & Gigabit Ethernet — Connect wirelessly on 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, or plug in an Ethernet cable for the most stable connection. WPS one-button pairing is also supported.

USB-C Input — Connect a PC or Mac directly via USB-C for high-quality playback from your computer.

Outputs & Headphone Amplifier

Balanced XLR & RCA Analog Outputs — Connect directly to any amplifier, preamp, or active speakers. Balanced XLR outputs offer the cleanest signal over longer cable runs; RCA outputs work with virtually any amplifier.

Digital Outputs — 1× optical (Toslink), 1× coaxial S/PDIF, and 2× USB-A audio outputs — perfect if you want to use the TruStream as a transport with your own external DAC.

Built-In Headphone Amplifier — A dedicated current-feedback headphone amp with a 6.3mm (1/4”) output drives headphones from 20 to 600 ohms. Great for late-night listening when you don’t want to wake the household.

Design & Build

Mid-Century Walnut Cabinet — Real walnut wood veneer over an aluminum chassis, with a brushed-aluminum faceplate. The TruStream matches the design language of LEAK’s Stereo 130, Stereo 230, and CDT CD Transport.

Dedicated App Control — The LEAK TruStream app (iOS and Android), built on Silent Angel’s VitOS platform, provides intuitive setup and playback control. A remote control is also included.

Quick-Reference Specifications

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