Leema Acoustics is a smaller UK-based brand that has been manufacturing high-end audio for almost 25 years and whilst it does not have a huge following here in North America, things are hopefully about to change. If you are looking for a more affordable path into better sound quality at home, their products most certainly merit a listen.
Tip: Although Leema started with loudspeakers, they are not currently part of their product mix.
The Quantum Collection
Building on its success, Leema Acoustics has announced the first two entries in its new Quantum Collection, the Neutron Preamp/DAC, and Graviton Power Amp.
Note: Leema Acoustics has not posted official product pages for the Quantum Collection as the publication date of the article.
The Quantum collection is the first new Leema Acoustics range in over a decade and has been entirely designed, engineered, and built in the Welshpool factory in Powys, Wales, overseen by Leema Acoustics’ co-founder and ex-BBC sound engineer, Lee Taylor.
The Quantum line borrows from Leema’s flagship Constellation Series and has been repackaged to improve affordability. The casework is simpler, single transformers replace multi-transformers, and the board assembly has been simplified with no loss of component quality.
The circuit boards are manufactured at Leema’s UK factory, which controls quality at a targeted price point. The majority of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) components are shared with the Constellation series allowing economies of scale to benefit the new Quantum range directly.
Neutron Preamp
The Neutron preamp is built on Leema Acoustics’ 25-year UK hi-fi manufacturing experience. The Neutron is designed to be an affordable audio ‘hub’. It provides as much transparency as possible while offering flexibility with 13 inputs. The Neutron introduces Leema Acoustics’ latest circuit designs, featuring reference-standard low crosstalk for enhanced transparency.
The Neutron offers a high-quality switchable MM/MC phono stage. The preamp also features an advanced asynchronous ESS 24-bit/192 kHz USB DAC, a dedicated headphone amplifier, plus a high-end Burr-Brown analog volume control.
The Neutron also includes 13 assignable inputs:
- 4 x RCA
- 1 x XLR
- 1 x MM/MC phono stage
- 3 x Optical
- 3 x Coaxial
- 1 x USB
Outputs include:
- 1 x Fixed-level record
- 2 x Subwoofer
- 1 x Headphone (high-quality dedicated headphone amp)
- 1 x 12 V trigger.
Graviton Power Amp
The core of the Leema Graviton stereo power amplifier is what they claim is the biggest toroidal power supply seen at its price point! This enables the amp to handle any room conditions and speakers you can through at it.
The Graviton incorporates a Class A/B design, providing 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 260 watts into 4 ohms. For added support, the Graviton deploys six output transistors per channel for wide dynamic ability combined with unforced sonic detail.
From Leema’s co-founder Lee Taylor: “Quantum takes much of the Leema Acoustics’ Constellation product design, yet simplified to meet a more affordable price point. However, no compromises have been made where it counts: The Neutron’s onboard phono stage is cloned directly from the award-winning Essentials Phono, USB is handled via an XMOS interface rather than the Leema M1 module, signal switching is via gold-palladium relays, not solid state, plus volume is regulated via an analog resistor ladder; Leema Acoustics has used this method for nearly 25 years…The Graviton has an over-specified single transformer supply and six matched Toshiba output transistors per channel, allowing high instantaneous current delivery for superior transient capability and long-term reliability. Dual speaker binding posts are included to allow easy bi-wiring, plus line level loop through-outputs for bi-amping.“
Finish Options
All Quantum-range devices incorporate UK-made casework in brushed black or silver finishes, with solid aluminum precision-machined front panels and control dials.
Pricing and Availability
Both items can be bought together for £2,800, or individually at the following prices through authorized UK Dealers and Worldwide Distributors.
- Leema Acoustics Neutron Pre-Amplifier – £1,500
- Leema Acoustics Graviton Power Amplifier – £1,500
U.S. price and availability TBD.
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