What Hi-Fi? Verdict
The Elements has strengths but falls short elsewhere, making the price seem steep
Pros
- +
Expressive, open midrange
- +
loads of detail in the highs
Cons
- -
Lows don’t have weight or poise of the best
- -
menu system
- -
struggles with timing
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The Elements DAC is Leema’s first standalone DAC and on paper, it looks more than capable. There’s a trio of optical and coaxial digital inputs for external sources such as a CD transport, set-top box or television.
There’s also an asynchronous USB Type B socket for a computer. Leema claims this provides low-jitter data transfer for optimum sound quality.
Leema Acoustics Elements DAC: Build quality
In action, the DAC is hit and miss. The machined front fascia feels solid and nicely finished, although the rest of the chassis seems a little flimsy.
And, although buttons on the supplied remote control are well laid out and it’s easy to use, the wand doesn’t look like the sidekick for a £1000 machine.
Leema Acoustics Elements DAC: Sound quality
Fire up the DAC and initial impressions are positive. The Leema does a great job of projecting music, vocals especially. A quick blast of Ella Fitzgerald’s Bewitched leaves you marveling at her emotive vocals. There’s a good level of detail, especially in the sweet highs. Piano strikes display great finesse.
But there’s a lack of cohesion to the music. Spin more complex tracks such as Timbaland’s Carry Out and music seems disjointed. Low frequencies lack solidity and rival DACs, such as the Audiolab M-DAC, offer greater cohesiveness and superior timing for significantly less money.
