reviews
The Tucana II is still one of the top integrated amplifiers on the market.
It can match your sound system well, control your speakers calmly, and provide strong dynamics and wide adaptability to music types.
Features
- Excellent transient
- Full sound and low distortion
- Sufficient power reserve
- Musical balance, looseness
- High degree of production completion
Leema Tucana II Anniversary Edition
Time flies, In the year 2006, starting from a small speaker manufacturer, Leema launched its first electronic product. Merging Tucana amplifiers with Antila CD players created Leema Acoustics, a manufacturer of high-quality HIFI audio . Since then, the brand has continued to evolve.
In the past ten years, the company's product range has expanded a lot. Whether it is the more cost-effective Element series or the Hi-End level Constellation series, they can perfectly match many well-known speaker brands on the market. But the Tucana has always been one of the key models in the company's product brochure. To celebrate its first tenth anniversary, Leema released an anniversary edition amplifier, so we got our hands on the product and started reviewing it.
Shape
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between the Anniversary Edition and the standard MK II version. Apart from the anniversary nameplate and reworked front panel badging, there appear to be no changes.
Still, there's something impressive about it. The metal components of Leema have a particularly stable feeling and a solid appearance. It looks very much like engineering machinery , but the details of Leema's appearance are still very well polished. In addition, almost no one will complain about the operation mode without a fuse. On the contrary, the stability brought by the 18kg net weight makes you feel at ease. The
rd anniversary edition model is equipped with a new remote control, which has a thick metal texture and covers all system control functions. Although there are many buttons, it is easy to use. Moreover, the remote control has a good logical layout and the buttons feel good. It can be said that the exquisite remote control is also one of the highlights of the amplifier.
Features
Like previous versions of Tucana, this can be integrated into Leema devices under the matching of LIPS (Leema dedicated communication protocol), so that various models of devices can operate seamlessly together.
The Tucana control system allows for different gain adjustments for each input. This is very useful when you want to equalize the volume of a signal source by selecting different signal inputs. From vinyl to CD sources, this device seems to be the same as every Tucana before it so far. Take a closer look at the details and you'll find that the internals of this anniversary edition have been further upgraded, more importantly than a new remote control and a new nameplate.
When the aluminum upper cover is removed, the circuit board is replaced and a 2oz gold-plated printed circuit board is used to enhance power delivery and achieve lower distortion by reducing the lead resistance between components. The capacitors have been upgraded to Nichicon's audio-grade MUSE series, and all transistors have been hand-tested and screened for optimal performance and lowest distortion. The internal circuit of
has also been upgraded, using its own Reference2 reference grade wire and upgrading the power supply. In the design of this dual-mono power amplifier section, each channel uses a transformer, and the third one is used for the control circuit.
has 6 sets of single-ended inputs and one set of XLR inputs. On the front panel, you will find two 3.5 interfaces, which can be connected to the line out of a portable music player and listening headphones
Leema clearly marked the power output parameters, 290W/4 ohms per channel, peak 520W/2 ohms. This is impressive data, and the Tucana can easily drive some low-sensitivity speakers. We tried a range of speakers (ATC SCM50, Sonus Faber VenereS and Dynaudio M20) and never felt strenuous, the sound was full and calm.
Each anniversary edition is provided with an independent number, and each production process is signed by the engineer. This is a serious craftsmanship .
sound
We have always liked the Tucana, and it is clear after just a few minutes of listening that this upgrade has made quite a difference. Without changing the source, the sound quality has been greatly improved.
Tucanna is a high-power integrated amplifier. These impressive power figures easily translate into pleasant sound to your ears. Play some tracks that require big dynamics and high control, such as "Jaws theme tune" by John Williams and . The performance of this amplifier is just as you like, with clear imaging, full and solid low frequency, and an exciting sense of texture and speed.
The further you listen, the more noteworthy details you will find. The musicality is lively as the dynamics of the music increase. Detail was also well handled, with the Tucana bringing out the rich subtleties of the phrases throughout the movements. This amplifier provides a clear stereo image and creates a precise and spacious soundstage. No matter how challenging the music is, the sound imaging remains stable. By the way, what Leema gives this model is a plump balance. The treble is smooth without any noise.
For those regular Tidal or Spotify enthusiasts, this is a functional gift. Because this loose audio and video compatibility means you can get rid of less than ideal sources. This is an amplifier with potential. Only by inputting high-definition sources can you hear a truly wide sound field. We played the Nine Inch Nails album "The Hand That Feeds", and Leema enthusiastically delivered the powerful beat, firmly mastering the rhythm with skill. Regardless of the intensive drum beats and power, the detailed sound field and stage background can be clearly heard.
This recording is full of power and speed. The sound field of the music played by Tucana II Anniversary is transparent and the image is clear. If the volume level is increased until it reaches a level beyond what the human ear can tolerate, the amplifier remains stable. In terms of intensity control, the sound does not appear rigid due to the high treble pressure.
We tried playing PJ Harvey’s Dear Darkness, and Leema effortlessly hit the beat and poured out the notes. Harvey’s haunting vocals and soothing rhythms make this song her most unique. The track's slow tempo is clear and steady, but doesn't overwhelm the main melody. There's an immersive sense of space here, as the amplifier gives each audio enough space to extend, managing to connect everything together to form a coherent whole. Tucana follows the rhythm of the song and focuses on the music, making people feel that the entire HiFi equipment gradually disappears into the music background. The headphone output is also very good, and the earphones can hear the sound details and rhythm effortlessly.
So, to sum up, this amplifier is worth every penny.
We tried Grado’s PS500s and Sony’s Z1Rs for good sound quality. If you have a professional monitor speaker , such as Graham Slee, the effect will be better.
Conclusion
Although the Tucana's price has adjusted over the years, its performance has also continued to improve. In our opinion, this is a very competitive amplifier in the same price range on the market today. If you want a premium integrated amplifier with features for all types of music, the Tucana II Anniversary Edition is your first choice!
