Leema Pulse IV Integrated Amplifier with DAC

Leema Pulse IV integrated amplifier and DAC is the latest iteration of the Pulse amplifier. It has been upgraded with more modern features such as Bluetooth aptX and a hi-res DAC, capable of playing 32-bit / 384kHZ DSD files. There is also an improved MM and MC phono stage.

Connectivity is also excellent with six analogue and six digital inputs. There is also a USB socket for connecting to an external drive. The sound is detailed and has bass with depth and tonality. 

80W per channel

The Pulse IV integrated amplifier offers 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms and is designed to reveal details in the music that only mid-range components can. There is a sense of intimacy and the bass has depth and tonality.

This is a linear amplifier. Most amplifiers in this category are class A/B. This is more efficient than Class A but has less crossover distortion than Class B. Class A/B is a cross between Class A and Class B. For example, the amplifier operates as Class A at low volumes but switches to Class B when more power is needed.

High resolution DAC

The built-in DAC, of the pulse IV, is capable of playing DSD files as well as PCM, in up to 32 bit / 384kHz resolution. DAC stands for Digital Analogue Converter. Notably, as most music is digital nowadays, the DAC is an important part of any integrated amplifier. It must handle a wide range of sampling frequencies and bit rates with low jitter and good musicality.

With the Pulse IV, Wireless connectivity is handled by a Bluetooth aptX connection. DSD stands for Direct Stream Digital and is the format used by SACD. It was developed as a way of archiving studio recordings in a more efficient and accurate way. The sample rate is also higher than the PCM used for normal CD’s. It can be up to several MHz.

Versatile connectivity

The Leema Pulse IV has masses of connectivity, with six analogue inputs including the phono stage. There are also six digital inputs, three optical and three digital. A USB socket can be used to connect an external drive. Outputs consist of three sets of RCA sockets. This should allow the connection of a subwoofer or external preamp.

The speaker outputs are grouped together and of a conventional design. Not all integrated amplifiers have a phono input and this needs to be carefully designed, as the gain is high and noise can be a problem. Additionally, the Pulse IV can deal with moving coil cartridges. These have an even lower output, usually less than 1mV.

Solid Design

Built to match other models in the Pulse range, the Pulse IV can be used with other Leema models or alongside other excellent hi-fi separates. The look is minimalist but modern and the front panel is balanced by a large knob on either side of the data screen. This gives the unit a minimalist but modern look. Silver and black finishes are available.

Who are Leema?

Leema is British company and the Leema range is manufactured in Wales. The company was founded by two ex-BBC engineers who began by making a micro monitor speaker. This was known as the XEN and was aimed at the professional market. However, news of its performance leaked out and it was released to the public.

The success of the Xen led to the production of Leema’s first product, the Tucana integrated amplifier. This won the Hi-Fi news amplifier of the year award in 2006. Since then the range has increased to include three ranges of well-respected audiophile components. The Leema Pulse IV is the latest iteration of the Pulse amplifier, from the Stellar range.