H. J. Leak and Co
Designer and maker of audio equipment, especially amplifiers, of Acton, London.
1927 Harold Joseph Leak constructed a pickup for 78 rpm records, an audio amplifier and a loudspeaker.
Late 1920s: Occupied new business premises in Hammersmith, West London.
1931 Harold Leak conducted a test transmission of stereo sound with D. W. Turpin.
1934 Founded H. J. Leak and Co.
1936 Released 13W amplifier
1940 Moved to Shepherds Bush after bomb destroyed Hammersmith works; built amplifiers under contract
Late 1940s Moved to the Westway Trading Estate in Acton; released the TL/12 amplifier as well as a pickup arm and moving coil pickup with diamond or sapphire stylus.
1949/50 Released a two-way moving coil loudspeaker
1961 Sandwich loudspeaker released
1963 Transistor amplified introduced
1969 Acquired by Rank Organisation; Acton premises demolished; Harold Leak retired.
Early 1990s: Verity Group acquired Quad, Leak and Wharfedale.
1996 Management buyout.
See Also
Sources of Information
- H J Leak timeline[1]