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FAQ

See below for some frequently asked questions about our products. If you still need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Q. Are there USB Drivers for Windows 10?

A. You will need to install the current drivers in 'Compatability Mode' following the steps in this document. the latest drivers will always be found on this page.
 

Q. What is LIPS?

A. LIPS is an acronym for 'Leema Intelligent Protocol System'. It is a communication bus that enables Leema components to communicate with other units in the Leema range. The communication enables simple control of power on/off from one unit, right up to the control of all functions in a Leema system comprising up to 15 individual components.

Q. When should I use LIPS?

A. Generally, we suggest using LIPS in a system comprising three or more units. Although LIPS may be used in a two box CD player - amplifier system, LIPS is designed to prevent the use of the front panel controls of the amplifier in this setup. The control being achieved only via the CD player. This is done to prevent accidental adjustment of an amplifier which may be located remotely. If only two units are used, the advantages of LIPS are somewhat outweighed by the inconvenience of always having to control the system via the player.

Q. How do I connect the LIPS cables?

A. The units must be connected in a specific order (please refer to the individual product manuals for more information), but generally Source components must be placed before amplifiers in the chain. If a CD player is used, it must always be the first unit in the chain except if the system is controlled by a home automation system by using Leema's RS232 interface. In this case, the RS232 interface feeds the CD player which then feeds any preamps etc. and finally the amplifier(s).

LIPS cables are connected Black to the sending unit and Red to the receiving unit.

Q. What warranty do Leema offer?

A. The standard Leema warranty period is two years, with an option to purchase a further three years. The warranty is RTB (return to base) and the shipping costs are the responsibility of the owner if the unit is older than twelve months.

Q. How do I arrange to have my unit serviced?

A. Contact our service department by email - service@leema-acoustics.com - and include the unit's serial number, your name, address and contact details.

A service technician will contact you.

Q. How do I use a Leema DAC with Windows 8?

The driver works under “windows 7 compatibility mode”. A disc will have been provided with your unit, if you are using this, skip to instruction 9. The driver is also available for download from the relevant product page. If you are downloading the driver, start at instruction 1.

  1. Download the driver from here.
  2. When the download has completed, select “Open”, which will automatically open the downloads folder under file explorer for you, or close the bar and open the downloads folder yourself.
  3. The downloaded files are compressed, Windows 8 knows this so it automatically gives you the option to extract them on the top menu bar. Select “Extract” on the left, then “Extract All” on the far right. A box opens asking where you would like the extracted files to be put. The default is downloads, which is fine.
  4. Tick the box that says “Show extracted files”. Select “Extract”. Another box opens under the navigator with a folder at the top called “ELEMENTS USB DRIVERS v1.46”.
  5. Double click on the folder to open it and a list of files will be displayed.
  6. Double click on the 14th file down, it says “SETUP” with the icon of a little computer and it says “APPLICATION” under file types. A warning box opens saying “Windows protected your PC”.
  7. Select “More Info” (written in purple, it’s not obvious that you can select it). Select “RUN ANYWAY”.
  8. Another box opens, headed “User accounts control”, asking if you want to make changes. Select “YES” at the bottom.
  9. Yet another box opens telling you that the operating system is not supported. Select “OK” at the bottom.
  10. Another box opens up asking if you would like to run in compatibility mode, select “RUN IN COMPATIBILITY MODE”.
  11. A further box opens under user account control which asks “Do you want to allow the program to make changes to your computer”, select “YES”. The Leema install screen will now be shown, make sure you have the DAC connected and switched on. Follow the instructions.
  12. When the install is finished a warning box will open saying “Running this app could cause problems with your computer”, select “Run Anyway”. A red T icon will appear at the bottom right of the desktop page for a few seconds then it will be automatically moved so that you have to select “show hidden icons” (a ^ at the bottom right) in order to see it.
  13. Now open the charms bar on the right of the screen and select “SETTINGS” at the bottom, and “CONTROL PANEL” near the top.
  14. Select “HARDWARE AND SOUND” then navigate to “SOUND”.. “MANAGE AUDIO DEVICES”.
  15. Set the Leema USB1 module to be the default audio device.
  16. Press “OK” or “APPLY” then shut all the boxes.
  17. Select the USB input on the DAC.
  18. Open your music player, Foobar or J river for example, and select a track.
  19. Press “PLAY”, the display on the DAC should report back the sample rate, ASYNC and FB <I> and you should have music playing.

Q. What are the advantages of the Leema Elements Ultra Phono, over the Leema Essentials Phono?

A. The Elements Ultra Phono has very comprehensive cartridge matching capabilities via an array of switches on the bottom which allow for fine tuning the interaction between the cartridge and phonostage, ensuring that the best signal is extracted from your precious vinyl.

Q. I’ve got a Leema Elements DAC and an integrated Amp, how do I add a power amp into my system setup?

A. The Elements stereo power amp can be connected to the pre amp output on the integrated amp. Assuming that your speakers are bi-wire/Bi-amp compliant (there are 2 sets if binding posts with links between) then the links are removed from the binding posts and a second pair of loudspeaker cables are run from the loudspeakers to the new power amplifier. The result is that one amplifier powers the midrange/tweeter, the other the bass drivers. This effectively isolates the upper frequency components from the back emf and high current artefacts of the bass amplifier, improving clarity.

Q. I have some Leema Xanda II speakers and would like to know if I would be better off with a Tucana II or an Elements preamp/power amp set up to drive them?

A. The Xanda II’s can be successfully driven by Elements amps in bridged monoblock mode. However, the Xanda design loves current, which the Constellation products deliver in spades. There is not much advantage in swapping the Elements amps for a Tucana, but a pair of Hydra’s in monoblock mode would deliver serious current and exceptional performance.

Q. I have Leema Xeta speakers and I love them for their ease of play with my Nitec/Nexus and their clarity. However, sometimes I wonder if I can get more bass strength out of them. How do you recommend positioning them with respect to distance to the wall behind to get the best bass power and differentiation?

A. Speaker positioning is difficult to advise on because every room is so different. However, as a general rule, the closer to the wall, the greater the perceived bass. As in all things HiFi, there is of course a trade off. Image clarity and depth can be adversely affected by wall proximity. It would be best to move the speakers closer to the wall (no less than 10cm) then experiment with toe in to get the best image. It helps if you can get a friend involved to move the speakers while you listen. Also, a tape measure will ensure equal distance from the listening position to the tweeters. Move the speakers in small increments and take notes of the distances involved to ensure repeatability when you are satisfied.