LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier - Walnut

A 1934 Name, Doing Modern Work

LEAK was founded in 1934 and is now firmly back as a hi-fi mainstay. The Stereo 230 wears that history on the outside, in a case that looks like it belongs in 1965, while everything behind the front panel was designed for what people actually listen to now.

It builds on the Stereo 130 that came before it, adding more power and more capability. The retro appearance is genuine rather than a styling exercise, and the walnut sleeve is the reason this amplifier ends up in rooms where a black box would not.

Analog and Digital Together

The Stereo 230 is an integrated amplifier that handles both sides properly. Analog sources get the treatment you would expect from the name, and the digital side was built for the modern audio and film enthusiast rather than added as an afterthought.

More Power Than the 130 Below It

The step up from the Stereo 130 is the point of this model. More power means a wider choice of speakers and more headroom in a bigger room, which is what most people run out of first when they buy the smaller amplifier.

Built to Be Seen

The walnut sleeve and the front panel are the reasons people buy this rather than something anonymous. It is a component you put where visitors will see it, which is unusual and worth saying plainly.

For a system built around one box that has to look right as well as sound right, the Stereo 230 is the answer LEAK has been building toward since the brand came back.

Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?

• The system lives in the room, not a cupboard — the walnut sleeve and retro face were designed to be looked at, which almost nothing else at this level attempts.
• You outgrew the Stereo 130 — more power is the main change, and it is the thing owners of the smaller model ask for first.
• Your sources are mixed — the analog and digital sides were both designed in rather than one being bolted on to satisfy a spec sheet.
• Films matter as well as music — LEAK built this for the modern audio and movie enthusiast, not only for two-channel listening.
• The Stereo 230 is an amplifier, not a streamer — network services reach it through something connected to its inputs. Add one from our music streamers.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Analog sources use the line inputs, and digital sources connect to the built-in conversion. Speakers go to the binding posts, and the whole thing is designed to be the single box in the middle of a system.

Because it is a full integrated amplifier, nothing else is needed between your sources and your speakers. Add a streamer if you want network services, and a turntable feeds it like any other source.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions:

• Speakers: A pair worth looking at too — see our Floorstanding Speakers.
• Streamer: To bring the network to it — browse our Music Streamers.
• Turntable: The obvious partner for a case like this — see our Turntables.
• Cables: Speaker cable to finish the job — see our Speaker Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it differ from the Stereo 130?

More power, and more functionality alongside it. The 230 is the step up in the same design language.

What finish is it?

A walnut sleeve over the chassis, in LEAK's retro style. It is built to be seen rather than hidden.

Does it handle digital sources?

Yes. The digital side was designed in from the start rather than added afterwards.

Is it suitable for films as well as music?

LEAK designed it for the modern audio and movie enthusiast, so both are catered for.

When was LEAK founded?

1934. The brand returned to the market recently and the Stereo 230 is part of that current range.

Do I need anything else?

A pair of speakers and your sources. It is a complete integrated amplifier.

See It in Action

Steve Guttenberg on what LEAK got right:

And HiFi Review Hub listens to one:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about integrated amplifiers, streaming, or building a modern system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.