BEST SPEAKER 2024 Nominee! LEAK Sandwich 250 Speaker Review

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

📌Considering the LEAK SPEAKERS? Get yours here bit.ly/3x8kJLT 🔌Remember to leave your questions below to be featured on the next Unplugged! Watch all the UNPLUGGED episodes here bit.ly/43NnDkT 😀Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍Like button! 🙏 Please stay on topic and be respectful. 🚫No links, self-promotion, or personal info.

[@alastairferris6184]

Alastair Leak here. Always nice to see some praise about the Leak name. If you ever want to speak to my dad about the Leak factory and production from the 60´s and so on he has some fun stories. Just send me a PM.

[@KristiWright]

How fun!

[@tomowskifz6]

I have some Leaks from the early 70s that belonged to my dad. I was stoked to see new Leaks available.

[@AnotherAnonymousMan]

I don't think this is said enough: The production quality on this channel is genuinely superb. I don't think *anyone* in audio has higher production quality. Kudos.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@txerapng]

3:58 The production quality of these videos keeps improving, these visuals??? Wow!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks so much. Glad you found the graphic helpful.

[@KristiWright]

I was just leaving a comment about this when I moved my hand on the magic pad just enough to move the entire page. I may be the only person who hates the placement of the pad on the mac. But yes, he's fancy!

[@txerapng]

​@@KristiWright Fancy is a great word to describe the editing and cinematography on these videos, for sure.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

@jamesmichael900 Very kind of you to say; I really appreciate it!

[@DaveJablonski]

Oh wow ! My dad had a pair of those vintage Leak speakers. I never thought I'd ever see those again. Very cool.

[@samuelwaters697]

Love the 24 reference! That crushing clock ticking was the reminder 20 years ago to get back to your TV on cable, and with a good surround system alerted the neighbors! Lol. Great review of a new, unique speaker

[@KristiWright]

This is my first time watching the show and I'm all in. We just finished season 4 last night!

[@samuelwaters697]

That’s awesome, glad to hear! I have seen them too many times to admit lol. I remember have 24 “weekends” when the dvd were released. With a group of friends we would watch in my theatre(with old school seats). Season 8 is quite epic! Have fun!

[@djoleradosavljevic2580]

The designer is Peter Comeau. He designs both Wharfedale and Mission. So that is why it is similar. They are all part of IAG.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Yep!

[@sanjaystuart]

Purchased a pair of Mission 770's 2 months ago after so much positive reviews... So awesome, broke the budget, however so enjoyable!

[@guillermobrito4987]

good looking speaker... nice way to spend the morning...thank you Andrew

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@improvedgarage]

Loving the new unplugged segments! For Friday: It seems to me there is a growing expectation from manufacturers that "bookshelves" are not going to be used on actual bookshelves, and they are going to be on stands several feet into the room. Did manufacturers change over time, or are we just better informed aboutt his requirement now? How do you feel about this expectation and how it affects the appearance of a room?

[@Wuppie62]

These larger so called 'bookshelves' speakers would be better labeled as standmount speakers IMHO.

[@improvedgarage]

@@Wuppie62 yea that’s kind of what I was thinking too. It’s a misnomer to call them bookshelves at this point.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We got you covered! See you Friday! @improvedgarage

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you for you kind donation. Your question was included in today's Unplugged here kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfVm5hsqZuoobMfeature=shared.

[@txerapng]

Great Sunday everyone!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Hey! Hope you're having a good day!

[@outbackwack368]

I'm still surprised that my little 2-way Amphion Argon 2's hit down to 40hz while many larger speakers only seem to hit to mid 40's. But I'm really liking the retro look that brings back fond memories from 4 decades ago! Thanks!

[@chrisburn7178]

IAG are totally killing it with their retro designs at the moment. I recently bought a Stereo 230 and man, that thing is built beautifully, especially considering its price. Sounds great too.

[@johngutmanis3580]

Thanks for the review, I never heard of Leak speakers! I have been a McIntosh owner and fan for years. I have also become immune to the prejudice a lot of people in our hobby have towards McIntosh and people who own it. I would be curious to find out just how many comments and opinions you are going to get after people watch this review. I wonder, do the Heresy IV lose anything when you put them on stands? We rearranged our living room and my IV’s are blocked by furniture. The soundstage is ruined right now. I don’t want to but stands if it’s not going to improve the sound. Thanks keep up the good work!

[@maxpower78-15]

Right on. I dont have much to add on this one. Cool stuff as always! Happy Sunday all!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Appreciate you watching as always Max!

[@bpalpha]

Y'all been working hard with a lot of content. Thank you. I've enjoyed it. I also think aluminum drivers render vocals nicely and are quite handsome. Love watching the show, talking about beautiful, expensive speakers while I'm enjoying my Frankenstein Infinity speakers with replacement Dayton drivers!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Much appreciated!

[@davidrivera2165]

Andrew, you've been mentioning the KEF R3 meta speakers in the comparisons in recent reviews. Yet you have not done a review on the R3. Yes, they've been out for a year and there are quite a few reviews. Nonetheless, your observations would surely be welcome by all of us. Thank you always for your excellent work.

[@KristiWright]

You'll get an R3 review once we've had time to live with it. This isn't an unboxing or first impressions channel. Evaluation takes time.

[@davidrivera2165]

@@KristiWright Kristi I was not demanding a review or being critical. It was an inquiry. Sorry if I triggered you. I'm sure that having to read and respond to comments that are critical are quite irritating. Thank you for letting me know that a review of the R3 meta will be coming. Be well.

[@danordaz1362]

Had my eye on the KLH Model 5, but then saw a review that said Leak Sandwich 250 even better. Choices...

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

If it were me, I would opt for these over the KLH Model 5s, though the 5s save you a bit of money. Both are good, but I really like the LEAK 250.

[@mattyj3051]

You told me this review would be helpful in regards to my thinking about purchasing the Heresy IV… and you’re right. I feel I need to experience a horn speaker … however The reference level quality of the Leak tells me I may need to audition both. The neutrality of the Leaks scares me a bit as I was left a little cold after hearing the R11 Metas. As always… great review!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianlewis5042]

Hi Andrew and Kristi. My Sunday is complete. Well two weeks in a row, I now can shout “The British are coming “. I was surprised at Leak releasing a speaker because I was only familiar with their electronics. With this release of these speaker , I would be very curious as to how they sound using Leak’s own amplifier. With the Sandwich 250 sound signature, what type of amplification would best pair with these speakers. PS. The stands look cool and are adjustable which I think is very important

[@KristiWright]

Hi Brian! It's good to see you. I believe I requested the Leak amp when it came out. Perhaps they'll send it one day.

[@thembaallendlamini4777]

Always enjoy listening to you Andrew and your reviews. I just marvel at the progress of stereo sound over the many decades. Now back in Africa, I will never in a million years afford any of the speakers or audio you review but it sure does rekindle my good memories of good sound.🇸🇿🇸🇿

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I'm glad to know you enjoy these videos. Thank you so much for watching!

[@dexterts1]

Absolutely agree with you regarding the L100. I did go to check them out and with that build and stands,I would not take them even for 3k🤷‍♂️

[@JustinRoby9311]

Checked these out over on Crutchfield and they're including the stands now. So that's nice.

[@Harry-Giles]

Just back from a trip. Sit down for lunch. Immediately watch the latest from Andrew Robinson (and Kristi). Thoroughly enjoyed this. I like the looks of the speaker. Definitely intrigued.

[@tateupson9882]

could you do a video on full home-theatre systems from each brand? such as a full system of klipsch refernce, kef metas, jamo, bowers and wilken etc? just to compare them all maybe even all on the same amp. I love you vids!!

[@j.taylor89]

Great review! They physically remind me a lot to the Lintons. I loved the visual aid to the explanation of the soundstage and so! Great job!

[@themastroiannis]

great review as always. wondering how it would compare to the KLH Model 5 you liked so much...a few years ago.....

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Answered here kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfVm5hsqZuoobMfeature=shared

[@themarklar8759]

Gorgeous speaker, love the fit and finish. Great review Andrew! Am I wrong that the Leak sounds like maybe a similar or slightly refined sound signature to the KLH Model 5s? Looking forward to those McIntosh reviews!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The Model 5 will be similar, though maybe a touch brighter, given that the designers at KLH allow for some tuning of the speaker around the back. The 5s also require a stout amp to get the most from their woofer. Not that the 250 is THAT different, but in my experience, the 250 is a little (emphasis on little) more amplifier-friendly.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Comparing with the wharfedale aura 2 would make more sense than the Lintons imo. More in the same price ballpark.

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Afternoon Andrew,Kristi & Kadie👍👍👍

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks! Morning to you KJ!

[@KristiWright]

Hi KJ!

[@kjbunnyboiler]

@@KristiWright Hi Kristi👍👍

[@CButti-x1s]

Good Sunday morning Andrew and Kristi. The Leak's appears to be another homerun from IAG brands lead designer Peter Comeau. It's very interesting that Peter seems to design most of his speakers to sound better with the grilles on compared to almost all others who go the other way. I wonder if that has anything to do with the older retro boxy designs many of Peter's work for Wharfedale, Mission and now Leak are focused on and its effects on the sound such as diffraction . Found the comparison with the Mission 770 particularly interesting as it seems Peter has brought a serious lower priced challenger to his earlier design. Very interested in hearing the review of the McIntosh separates in the future. Looking forward to Friday's discussion. Thanks again for all the great reviews.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Peter is definitely on a roll.

[@kevingest5452]

You said a lot of similar things and made similar comparisons about the KLH Model 5, which is cheaper how does it compare to the Leak?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Answered here kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfVm5hsqZuoobMfeature=shared

[@lfazio9690]

Interesting, especially with the Mac blue meters in the middle; silver, walnut, corncrete, and blue meters, what’s not ta like! Great job as always and very enjoyable review. Wishing all a very happy Sunday - try and avoid heat stroke with these temps!

[@KristiWright]

Definitely staying indoors! Thanks for watching.

[@lfazio9690]

@@KristiWright be careful, we’re just “pre-heating” lol! Can’t imagine what August is gonna bring!

[@stevencalvert9454]

Love the look of these, not long got my wharfedales but dam I want these 🤣

[@middleearthltd]

I don’t get recessed front speaker baffles ergo the grill on but even then still not a flat baffle. If the Leak’s sound great for the $$$ then why not ? Glad you like the sound of the SVS speakers you use as a reference Are there any other $3k speakers, retro or anti-retro, that you would recommend alternately at that price point ?

[@coreyw4230]

Leak's been quietly putting out a really compelling lineup with really attractive and tasteful components, and the 250s seem to continue that trend. Have you had any exposure to their 230 integrated amp yet?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I have not heard the 230 integrated, though it's likely similar to integrated amps like the Audiolab 7000A.

[@KristiWright]

Unfortunately, no.

[@JeffHeon]

Such a nice surprise review. I love the look of these in combination with the McIntosh! That shade of walnut is beautiful. Looks almost washed down. Now, I’m curious about the 150 too 😊

[@aaron_barreiro]

Love the channel!! You both do an awesome job. Have you considered doing a one time video about on wall speaker options? They're so much cheaper and while you've mentioned them here and there, I imagine they provide a lot of upside in the value department

[@Prerich45]

Nice vintage looking speakers, very nice measurements, good review!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks!

[@dan-qe1tb]

The Leak Sandwich 250s had been brought to AXPONA, and had been placed between a pair of smaller Wharfedale Elysians and the new Quad Revelas on the main floor. It's a real shame that I hadn't given the Leaks more attention at the time: I might not have got Wharfedale Aura 2s if I had (mind you, those are no slouch, either). Leak, Quad, and Mission, are old British brands and are little known names in the US (until now!). An 11 inch woofer is uncommon these days and it must help the 250s create a lifelike image and a lot of bass weight. Wide baffle vintage speakers seem to have a lot of weight to the sound, but giving up a bit of imaging. It still sounds like music to me without the most precise imaging. I had heard tower speakers at AXPONA that had created a big sound, but still a diffuse one where vocals had lacked body. Peter Comeau is on fire this year; him and his team have created a number of remarkable speakers that are for the most part competitive at their price points. The Mission 770s might be the ones that aren't (to me).

[@maxpower78-15]

Coffee in hand. Ready to go

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Oh my gosh, you beat KJ to the comments today! That's a first!

[@maxpower78-15]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews haha right place right time

[@KristiWright]

Hey Max!

[@maxpower78-15]

@@KristiWright hey there Kristi!

[@NosEL34]

I'm interested. Love the enthusiastic reviews. Im going to go rock out now.

[@aaronlane05]

Very classy looking speaker for something with retro styling. Really love the timber colour to (I personally can’t stand the orange tones that some veneers tend to have).

[@MsCorbacho]

I like a lot this vintage looking new wave of products , Only in the case of speakers , I wish they stopped the vintage mojo when thinking about driver alignment , Wish the brands aligned tweeter and mid driver in the same line , to get better performance in place of better vintage looks , It almost always improves soundstage and definition of the images within it . At least that’s my experience

[@tmichael80]

I think I'll go with the Wharfedale Linton. Way cheaper for better sound.

[@dawaynecleckley8673]

Sounds like you had a nice surprise with this speaker. And they look great! 😊 Question: in your review, you noted toe-in is important for these speakers. When it comes to speakers, what is the determining factor regarding how much toe-in is needed? Some speakers need more, some less. Is it just speaker size, the listening position, the amount of drivers, and/or the room?

[@LeezahB]

Interesting speaker and review!🥰

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much Leezah, hope you're having a great Sunday afternoon!

[@liamporter1137]

Another great review.

[@BostonMike68]

I like the way they look, I wanted a speaker with a high quality 10" woofer because I like the dynamic impactful bass a 10" + plus woofer can give you. I don't think you can really substitute a high quality 10" woofer. I wanted a speaker with those characteristics so I design one with proper modern measurements and crossover and cabinet simulators , they didn't have that technology back in the day . Most of those old vintage speakers just put a cap on the tweeter so it wouldn't blow up and just let the woofer roll off . But done correctly you don't have to sacrifice imagining and sound stage. Unfortunately a lot of big companies use cheap crossover components and bottle neck themselves. I don't know what is inside the leak or what kinda filter and where they crossed over. That's the information I wish would be shared in these reviews. But I know that's over most peoples heads . Thanks for the review

[@fonkenful]

@jamesmichael900Two quick thoughts: probably harder to do the type of minimalist XO referred to in a 3-way; and y’all could just send a pair to Danny for his patented voodoo - as long as that doesn’t destroy what Peter has spent his own extensive career honing g his talent to achieve.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

Oh Andrew. I have so much respect for you... then I heard you listen to Keane 😆 Oh well, nobody is perfect 😉 Love your channel and I want and need those Leak speakers... they are so beautiful ❤️

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

What's wrong with Keane? 😂

[@anthonystephenson7659]

​@@andrewrobinsonreviews I suppose, to be fair, Keane are a great cure for insomnia 😆 Maybe I've just been listening to too much punk lately... check out a band called G.L.O.S.S. ... but only when you're in the mood to rock out 🤘🤘🤘

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

@@anthonystephenson7659@anthonystephenson7659 Well, if you're a punk or metalhead, I wouldn't expect anyone to gravitate toward Keane. I'll have to check out GLOSS on Apple Music later. Thanks for the heads-up!

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Thanks! Great review for a worthy speaker.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@PhilipFedele]

I had never heard of these speakers, but I love the show and believe I will buy these. My only question and I know you get tired of answering it is, will a totally refurbished 8ohm Pioneer SX-1280 work with these 6 ohm speakers? I believe the answer is yes, but I want to make sure. Thank you!

[@jonathanwills4726]

So in the video Andrew you mentioned the kef R3 metas. I don't think you have done a review on those, but do you have something planned? Interesting possible hint.

[@horrorfan6710]

Yeah I can't wait for your R3 meta reviews

[@Lovelacewatkins139]

I am happy you told us the speaker distances and positions ,

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Always!

[@dawolyan13]

Would NEVER choose any MAC over higher end Yamaha…love the video, as usual. 😅

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Okay, dare I ask why?

[@T100ley]

Great video! Love a good retro styled speaker, can you speak to low volume performance in comparison to the Heresy and the Linton? I’d assume the Heresy is the easy winner due to sensitivity but I’d be curious. Would love a video on the best 2 channel setup for low volume listening in various room sizes.

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Excellent and surprising review. I know Leak since the early 70's. I must say they look kind of cheap. Surprised to find out they are Leak after seeing them. Thanks for another informative review.

[@RennieAsh]

The old ones weren't much of a looker either in fact the full range used to be attached to the grills from memory?

[@themarklar8759]

(watching)...it's...just a great name. LEAK SANDWICH!!!!!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Definitely memorable.

[@jaredsydneyjames]

Love the look of these and fantastic review as always. So much good information and good to hear how well they performed. Given the vintage design and vibe - how do you think they would pair with a vintage receiver like a Pioneer SX-750 or similar?

[@prothor]

Beautiful illustration of image ECT. Great as it's easy to see what you mean.

[@christianaltmannjohansen7309]

Thank you for a great review. Your review style is very very good.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Glad you liked it!

[@chemicallust77]

They look really nice on the stands...and it could be a convenient spot for a mono amp 🤔

[@drummingdrumtech9642]

Completely Off topic, I like the warmer white point better. The cooler white point was just a little too clinical for me. Side note, still love the videos

[@CTRNCC1701A]

Can't help it, all I get from these speakers is a sorta Super Linton vibe, they look too good to keep those grills on. I wonder how a CX-81 or your new favorite Arcam would sound with these? Underpowered? Great review as always

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

The Arcam worked well as did the Yamaha 2000A (as stated in the video), but the McIntosh knocked it out of the park!

[@jeffreyschissler9407]

Very nice review! I am interested in what IAG is doing to their own speaker lines - Wharfedale, Mission, and now Leak all seem to be offering similar products in smaller and larger sizes - it's getting crowded in there! I wonder if all this choice will get confusing to the consumer.

[@jeromewhitmill733]

Love the look and very excited to check them out. I saw them on another channel being driven by audiolab mono block 9000p are going to get a review of them?

[@tubukonxumalo8041]

As we patiently await that 801 D4 Signature review.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Tune in next week!

[@longplayer8600]

Re the L100 mention does anyone know if there a quality difference between the original JBL L100 classic vs the new mk2? The Black version looks like it's built far better than the original classic.

[@ListenToTheNEST]

Very cool-looking speaker! I do agree they're more interesting grills-off, but they look great either way. Would you say these could pair with an A/V reciever in the sub-$1000 range, or do you feel they need more oomph to really perform?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

If choosing to use these with an AVR, I'd likely start with something like the Onkyo RZ50 (amzn.to/4bgumFZ) or better.

[@wswsn7396]

No AVR under $5k would probably match the performance of McIntosh use in this review. Mass market consumer AVR owners probably should look something else.

[@SloopVicB]

How does it compare to KLH model 5?

[@HanifBarnwell]

Wouldn’t the better comparison be the KLH Model 7????

[@themastroiannis]

@@HanifBarnwell was the model 7 finally released?!

[@Brett1334]

Pretty sure the model 7 has been on hold forever, I’m guessing they want to make sure it’s perfect for release, which makes sense.

[@HanifBarnwell]

@@Brett1334 ah news to me, I thought it came out last year, I swear I watched demo videos.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Answered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfVm5hsqZuoobMfeature=shared

[@roberleiton]

Thanks for the review!! you rocks! My Q: Is leak $1500 better than Mission 770?

[@riannappleapple2958]

Excellent technical analysis. Thanks

[@fletchermunson6225]

Flash back to buying an audio system from the Armed Forces Exchange during the Viet Nam war. I bought a Pioneer system with a Dual TT and a Sony R to R deck but there were Asian oddities like Coral speakers never heard from before or since.

[@MatthewMcGowan]

Good morning from Ottawa 🇨🇦 Hope everyone is having a great day, and that the pool is close to completed ☑️ 🏊

[@KristiWright]

Thanks for tuning in, Matthew!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

They say we're a week away, though we may have a little longer to go. Our (very nice) mailman accidentally walked through our freshly poured concrete, and we're waiting to see what it's going to take (and maybe cost) to repair it. It never ends.

[@Guitaural.]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews oh good grief! Same thing happened to my sister and brother-in-law on their newly poured front sidewalk. How stupid can people be? lol...wait, don't answer that... Glad the pool is nearing completion tho - a tour is needed : )

[@MatthewMcGowan]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Noooooo! Good grief, it’s always two steps forward, one step back in a renovation. Always takes longer, always costs more, but in the end it’s always worth it. I’m sure your postie (Canadian slang for mailmen) was genuinely apologetic. At least it wasn’t another tradesman (we had that happen to us a few times) 😠

[@melvinberrian153]

Did I hear you say that the SVS Titans are now your new reference speaker? I'm going to assume that the Titans finally broke in for you.😊

[@Mikeymikemike]

Thank you for the reviews. Can we just have a default comparison of every speaker you review hereon in with the Polk R700. For example, this a great value speaker considering it has real wood vaneer, metal trims and it’s imported and made in lower quantities. If you see it as a vintage-ified and upgraded finish Polk r700. I’d pay that if these sound similar!

[@siulagrande1984]

Love the review of the Leaks but I’m jealous of the still framed artwork on your tv. Source?

[@jim010109]

Speaking of stands. I've seen quite a few pictures of Heresy iv's on stands, putting them at or close to Linton heights. Good or bad idea, thoughts? Great review!

[@jdekong3945]

rooms looking great

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

THANK YOU! I appreciate that.

[@richardmurphy9006]

Mirrored speakers nice touch class and nice to look at

[@Deyorew]

I actually own the Leak Stereo 130 integrated amp for my home office system and have really enjoyed it. I wonder how it would mate with these speakers being in the same brand family. I thought I remember reading the stereo 130 was actually a rebadged amp. I wonder if these speakers are also rebadged?

[@chadwallace3598]

What about compared to the KLH 5s?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Answered here kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfVm5hsqZuoobMfeature=shared

[@triplelexxx9407]

Great review Andrew, i was not familiar with leak.....I will be looking more into the brand, thanks to this review. BTW that said I would really like to see a review of the Fluance signature series tower speakers...they are a bit long in the tooth (they predate most major av channels), but does not seem to have a successor on the horizon. I I know you did a overview of the fluance reference series towers but these are a big(very very big) step up over those top to bottom, despite only costing 200 bucks more. I would say it is for sure one of the best speakers i have heard under 5000 bucks. Also in closing based on what i have heard, I would say the fluance signature towers, the arendal 1723 thx towers and the monolith 460thx towers are possibly the best speakers under 5000 you have yet to review....so maybe consider adding them to the list if possible, I know your busy man, keep up the good work.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I'll have to revisit those speakers and see what's in the lineup, as Fluance has been somewhat quiet regarding new products and/or review requests. They make great stuff, so maybe I owe them a second look.

[@Dampfaeus]

I have a bit of a silly question: Can you make an audio review of the Apple Studio Display (single, duo with left/right separated by display and left/right copies over both displays) and how much worse they really would be compared to, say, a pair of KEV LSX.

[@charlietuna127]

The Leak 250 is currently sold out per the website.

[@Erelio]

So much for being too expensive

[@ohno-ohno-VW]

Hello from Hong Kong ～～

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Hi Ohno! Hope your day is going well (or went well 😉)

[@richgrao]

So if I am hearing this correctly, to get the true capabilities of this speaker, which is roughly $3k, I need decent amplification, which in your world is the Yamaha 2000a, a $4k integrated amp, or a McIntosh, which I did not even bother looking up. The same is true for the Lintons and the Super Dentons, which are $1800 and $1400 speakers respectively? So if one has a sub $1k integrated amp, such as an Emotiva, Cambridge, IOTAVX, etc. should one even bother thinking about any of these? If not, what?

[@wswsn7396]

If only McIntosh brings life to these speakers, other amp owners need to look something else.

[@classicrock7890]

You don't need to spend $4K on an amp but you need something with good power supplies. They will perform better with more expensive and powerful amps. Try $ 1-2K range incl Leak 230 and Audiolab 9000.

[@richgrao]

@@classicrock7890 It is just the never ending black hole of $s to achieve incremental improvements. X product is fantastic, but only if you have Y. Another example is the new Emotiva towers. Not cheap, but not really costly for supposedly decent towers at $1500 a pair. BUT: they need 100 watts minimum to drive them, and they are 4 ohm speakers. You need really serious power to drive them to be just OK. Other than to drive sales of Emotiva amps, what’s the point?

[@wswsn7396]

@@classicrock7890 Yamaha R-N2000A @ $3999 only scores 8 vs 10 for McIntosh according to the reviewer. Even @ $4k, there is something more to be desired from a amp for these speakers. Leak 230 or Audiolab 9000 may not bring the performance level of the McIntosh in the review.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Tune in Friday for a response to your question, @richgrao!

[@steveh545]

cool. You should have tried the "matching" Leak receiver, or "matching" NAD. To stay with the retro vibe. (and pretty sure they're more in line with the price. Now, how about the baby Leaks?

[@wswsn7396]

Only McIntosh brings these speaker to life, not Yamaha 200A, there will be no matching NAD to bring these speakers to their potential.

[@ΠαναγιώτηςΠαναγιώτου-μ1ψ]

i 'd like to know how the Leak compares to the new Wharfedale Aura 2

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Not sure, but thanks for watching.

[@Victor43377]

I feel like Forte IV should’ve been part of this comparison

[@kenwolf2431]

What about the new JBL 100 classic 2 upgraded speakers are you going try them out.

[@justinschlicher631]

Andrew, you reference A Perfect Circle to use in your listening. Do you also listen to Tool?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Of course.

[@JasonLonsdale]

Any thoughts on driving the 250s with a Leak 230 amp? (just bought the amp, now shopping for new speakers)

[@gavriushka]

Okay, I have issues with this. It looks gorgeous. Love the design. Except for one tiny issue: why are there so many screws that are visible, especially when they’re not symmetrical?! It drives me nuts when the bolt pattern is all over the place. That being said, it’s definitely neat picking. It’s a damn good looking speaker. I’m really glad to see even more competition and that good looking and sounding. Welcome back Leak. I’ve always loved Leaks, especially roasted in white wine. This is my new favorite though. 😅😇 I do have an overall question: with all these new additions to the market, that are all old school looking speakers and some have old school sound as well, do you think this is a separate category that will become mainstream? Since so many more speakers are design focused as well, not just sound, it’s an interesting development for me. Especially if you get more modern sound which I lean toward (B&W of today, Martin Logan). Great review and video as always. That McIntosh review is going to be fire. Happy Sunday everyone and hope y’all are enjoying your weekend!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I hope speaker companies and/or designers attempting to revive classic designs do so with a modern twist, a la the 250s here. I think it's a missed opportunity when nostalgia-leaning speakers sound "old" or perform poorly. A lot of these designs are iconic, and to be an icon, you have to be timeless in more ways than just one-aka looks.

[@gavriushka]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews love that! Exactly my thoughts. I love a vintage look and a modern sound. Having both would be amazing. Even though I still prefer tower speakers overall.

[@TheMirolab]

Not sure what u r talking about. All the screws are symmetrical. I actually prefer seeing the hardware instead of functionless “beauty rings’ that are glued over the frames.

[@stevengagnon4777]

The pan head bolts do stand out too much in my opinion. Change them all to button head bolts and they will blend on better. Also it will take away a minor sorce of surface diffraction. My hardware esthetic from being a bicycle mechanic was also getting to me.

[@bixite]

How does the LEAK compare to the KLH Model 5?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your question was included in today's Unplugged! Watch it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfVm5hsqZuoobMfeature=shared

[@Barbarapape]

The good old British brands seem to be making a comeback. Proof that even though today they are just designed in the UK we are still capable making great sounding Hi-Fi. Sadly like far too many they are made in China today. But what they would they cost if made in the UK, i dread to think. I still have plenty of UK made gear from the boom era of the 70's the amps i have had to rebuild, but the speakers still sound great.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

There seems to be a renewed vigor from some of these older brands. Here's hoping acts two, three, four, and beyond are as noteworthy!

[@Barbarapape]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Hi-Fi has been through many changes yet some brands seem to survive better than others and some just stay in the background waiting until the time is righ to re-launch updated products. I hope this trend contines now that the Japanese brands seemed to have lost interest.

[@nasdkhan254]

They look nice, hope to hear them one day .

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I would encourage everyone who can to at least give them an audition.

[@johannesnel8060]

Thanks for another great review. When are you reviewing the fabulous B&W 801"s?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Tune in next week.

[@johannesnel8060]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews thanks. Looking forward to that.🙂

[@rodrigoferrerurbina6804]

Thanks by the great review. I have the lintons, but i m thinking in an upgrade. in your apinion whaferdale dovedales or this?. Thank you

[@RahzAlGhul]

These vintage box speaker designs vs tower speaker design what’s the difference and usage for? What do they do better at vs each other?

[@Mr.Martini549]

Did you watch the review?

[@Hiluxtaco]

If I ever stumble upon a pair of these used for a screaming deal, I will be sure to TOE-IN the speakers.. 🤪🤪🤪