HIFIMAN has unveiled the new fully balanced , discrete, pure Class A Goldenwave Prelude headphone amplifier, the result of HIFIMAN’s acquisition of the Goldenwave brand in early 2023 . The manufacturer positions the Goldenwave Prelude as a reference headphone amplifier.
The Goldenwave Prelude Headphone Amplifier is designed for personal audio enthusiasts looking for headphone sound that rivals the quality of full-size audiophile systems. Pure Class A amplifier output stages use MOSFETs capable of delivering high output current.
The amplifier circuit is built entirely on discrete elements, that is, it uses separate components, not integrated circuits. The amplifier incorporates precision single-ended to balanced signal conversion circuitry, allowing the use of both unbalanced RCA inputs and balanced XLR inputs to fully realize the potential of the Goldenwave Prelude’s balanced circuitry.
Specially designed for the Prelude, a powerful and low-noise toroidal transformer provides clean and stable power to all headphone amplifier subsystems, helping to improve sound quality. The body of the amplifier is made from a single piece of billet aluminum, which helps to compensate for vibrations and resonances that can degrade sound quality.
The HIFIMAN Goldenwave Prelude Headphone Amplifier is now available for a suggested retail price of $2,499 .
Main Specifications of HIFIMAN Goldenwave Prelude Headphone Amplifier:
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 50kHz (+-1dB)
- Output power: 10W (32Ω), 6W (64Ω), 2.5W (150Ω), 1W (300Ω), 560mW (600Ω)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 330 x 56 mm x 260 mm
