The audio world is abuzz with the recent announcement of the LEAK Sandwich 100, a compact standmount loudspeaker that promises to deliver a rich and immersive listening experience in a small package. But what makes this speaker truly stand out is its innovative design, which harkens back to the original LEAK Sandwich that debuted in 1961. In my opinion, this is a fascinating development that showcases the enduring appeal of vintage audio technology, and I can't wait to dive into the details.
A Vintage Revival
The original LEAK Sandwich was a groundbreaking design, with a mid/bass cone constructed from expanded polystyrene foam sandwiched between two sheets of aluminium foil. This unique construction resulted in a diaphragm that was both light and stiff, enabling what LEAK called true pistonic motion. Now, sixty-five years later, the company has revived this iconic design with the Sandwich 100, using modern materials and technology to create a speaker that is both timeless and cutting-edge.
Modern Materials, Vintage Principles
The Sandwich 100's 15cm mid/bass driver uses a cone built around a core of Rohacell aircraft-grade structural foam between aluminium skins, bonded with aerospace-grade adhesives. This combination delivers ultra-fast transient response and low harmonic and intermodulation distortion, according to LEAK. In my view, this is a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage audio technology, which has been refined and updated for the modern era.
The tweeter is a 3cm coated textile dome, larger than is typical for a loudspeaker at this price point. LEAK says the increased diameter allows for a lower crossover point and better power handling than smaller alternatives. Personally, I think this is a smart move, as it allows the speaker to deliver a more balanced and accurate sound, while also providing a more immersive listening experience.
A Compact Design
The Sandwich 100 is a compact standmount loudspeaker, measuring just 34x21x25cm. This makes it an ideal choice for listeners who have limited space, whether on a desktop or in a more bijou listening space. In my opinion, this is a significant advantage, as it allows the speaker to be placed in a variety of locations without taking up too much room.
A Rich and Immersive Sound
The Sandwich 100 is designed to deliver a rich and immersive listening experience, with a sensitivity of 86dB and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. LEAK recommends amplification of between 25 and 100wpc, which is a wide range that should accommodate most home audio systems. In my experience, this level of amplification is essential for delivering the full potential of the speaker, and I'm eager to hear how it performs in my own listening room.
A Timeless Design
The Sandwich 100 features a walnut veneer finish with aluminium driver trims, which gives it a timeless and elegant look. However, its front baffle is finished in soft-touch matt black rather than the walnut veneer used on the 150 and 250. Personally, I think this is a smart move, as it provides a more modern and sleek look that will appeal to a wider range of listeners.
A Fascinating Development
In my opinion, the LEAK Sandwich 100 is a fascinating development that showcases the enduring appeal of vintage audio technology. Its innovative design, combined with modern materials and technology, makes it a speaker that is both timeless and cutting-edge. I'm eager to hear how it performs in my own listening room, and I'm sure that many other audiophiles will be equally excited to get their hands on one.
A Thoughtful Takeaway
The LEAK Sandwich 100 is a speaker that is designed to deliver a rich and immersive listening experience in a small package. Its innovative design, combined with modern materials and technology, makes it a speaker that is both timeless and cutting-edge. Personally, I think it's a must-have for any audiophile looking to add a touch of vintage elegance to their listening space.
