|
Leak
1800 Receiver
From
the Leak stable, which produced the well known Stereofetic and Delta
range, this gives an output of 23W per channel into two switchable
pairs of speakers (connections on
DIN loudspeaker sockets). The housing is very similar to the model
2000 and the main differences are the inclusion of a rumble filter,
but the exclusion of auxiliary, cassette, quasi stereo, pseudo quad
and mono high power functions. The FM mute level is pre set at 1uV,
which is too low, and the receiver does include MW AM, but not LW.
Mains input and output sockets are identical to the 2000. The unit is
clearly only very basic, but fills an obvious need for many potential
purchasers. The DIN tape socket has a source impedance of 110K ohms,
and can thus only be used with DIN inputs on properly compatible DIN recorders.
This
moderatly priced unit gave quite a good account of itself with its
amplifier section, and the sound quality was slightly preferred to
the model 2000. The IM distortion figures were excellent at higher
levels, but degraded slightly at lower ones, and the harmonic
distortion figures measured well. The output s/n ratio was good but
some breakthrough could be heard when monitoring, even if the monitor
input switch was left on tuner. Those tape recorders presenting a
fairly low impedance to the 1800 would reduce this breakthrough. The
controls tracked adequately. The rumble filter (6dB per octave) cut
off -3dB at 110Hz (frequency too high) whilst the treble roIl oft cut
at the same slope from 4.5kHz. No loudness control is incorporated (a
blessing for some!). All the levels were compatible with DIN
standards, and the pick up input impedance was well optimised. The
idle DC output offset measured badly at a permanent lOOmV on one
channel, and this could introduce slight bass distortion on some
speakers. The pick up pre amplifier noise performance measured
slightly below average, but will probably be adequate.
The
decoder section of the FM tuner was clearly exceptionally well
aligned, producing remarkable crosstalk figures and had considerably
less than average distortion. Strong stereo stations reproduced with
just a little hiss, and I would look for a 4dB improvement for it to
be completely acceptable by current hi-fl standards. The capture
ratio was superb, and the RF input sensitivities very good. The image
response was poor (beware of aircraft flight paths). The multiplex
filter was excellent, as was the response, although subjectively the
sound quality was a little too bright, though always very clean. A
signal strength meter is provided for tuning, but we thought the
tuning scale somewhat cramped at its LF end, and the tuning rather stiff.
This
product can clearly be recommended at its price, and although it
lacks many facilities it did perform pretty well, giving a
particularly good sound quality from the tuner, despite the slight
noise that might be audible on some classical music programmes on
Radio 3. The amplifier's sound quality was bettered by a few of its
competitors at around the same price. We all found the centre indent
controls most helpful, and distinctly preferable to ones having a
visual centre line (see forward section). Virtually no interference
was created by local LF and VHF radio transmissions, and this is
particularly commendable. Regarded as good value for money if
obtained at a discount, despite its simplicity which will
nevertheless attract many.
|
|
This article featured in the Hi-Fi Choice 'Consumer
Guide' 1976 and was written be Angus McKenzie. We thank Hi-Fi Choice
for their kind permission to display this review.
http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/ |
|
 |
|
