Mr Kipling
New Member
1997 IAG aquired Leak. I didn't dream it.
audiotools.com/en_links_iag.html
audiotools.com/en_links_iag.html
Quad Vena with a costume change.
Which is no bad thing
I don't buy into most Chinese stuff but the little Vena is quite good VFM, I ran one upstairs for TV duties.
Given the fact that quad still make versions of the II, what chance is there that this is the first step by IAG prior to launching a remanufactured Stereo 20 or 12.1?
Maybe a Delta 30, for Jez. What price a tweaked Arkless version, Marantz KI-style?
Not everyone goes for 'authentic' both Harley and Triumph have stayed afloat by reimagining vintage stuff and the modern versions don't even come close to the originals, though at first glance they're both recognisable as that " brand".
I would imagine this amp and whatever other products they release will be aimed at the type of person who may choose Wharfdale Linton Heritage speakers, those who want a new product with vintage looks, faff free modern connectivity at an affordable price.
I'm just not sure I'm into this "reimagining" of vintage stuff. It seems a bit pretentious and almost fradulent, like those cheap Amazon wood-effect record players and portable radios.
I'm sure it'll sound just fine, but.. It just makes a brand look like it has no confidence or ability to bring out new ideas. Things have moved on. Vintage audio is lovely but I'm under no illusion that it's better than what we have now. Who will buy this? Someone into vintage audio will want an "authentic" Stereo 30, and someone who isn't into the vintage aesthetic won't.
Agreed.
I would have thought the priority for the reborn Leak brand would be to drag the Troughline tuner and Sandwich speakers into the 21st century. I hope IAG don't release Leak speakers that merely reuse the drivers from Wharfedales etc. The Sandwich woofer was quite special in its time and it would be great to see it improved. Maybe Peter Comeau could appear in an advert standing on one It worked for Harold.
Not everyone goes for 'authentic' both Harley and Triumph have stayed afloat by reimagining vintage stuff and the modern versions don't even come close to the originals, though at first glance they're both recognisable as that " brand".
I would imagine this amp and whatever other products they release will be aimed at the type of person who may choose Wharfdale Linton Heritage speakers, those who want a new product with vintage looks, faff free modern connectivity at an affordable price.
I'd like the principle more if 'our' attempts to relaunch, or maintain the production of, older brands was in any way an unmitigated success. Think Norton, Hesketh etc. We do OK as a garden shed type maker, but who from the GB has had a success on a global scale re launching a heritage brand?China...
The only thing in common with the original will be the name. In my opinion, we should all be ignoring this sort of stuff and buying proper British, or EU made equipment. We have got to break the cycle of the ongoing reliance on China.
Ha, I had a Stereo 30 in about 1969 - looks very familiar. I see there is a matching CD transport too.
I was of that opinion at first, likewise the Beetle and the Fiat 500. I have slowly changed my view on all of them. Having experience of two of these 're-imaginings', I have grown to like them for what they are. I have changed my opinion so much that recently I even bought a Mini and its a great car even though its not the Issigonis original, its much, much better but it is the 21st Century so it ought to be. Still don't like that Leak thingy but I do like the look of those new Wharfdale speakers.BMW re-imagined the Mini and called it MINI.
To my eyes ( and the eyes of many others ) it is an appalling thing.
The man to be revered in those days was the man with a Stereo 70 !