HIFIMAN Goldenwave Prelude Headphone Amplifier

HIFIMAN GOLDENWAVE PRELUDE REFERENCE HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

The HIFIMAN Goldenwave Prelude is a fully balanced, Class A topology headphone amplifier.

HIFIMAN has debuted a new fully balanced Class A desktop headphone amplifier, the Goldenwave Prelude.

HIFIMAN GOLDENWAVE PRELUDE HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

Originally released by the Goldenwave brand that was acquired by HIFIMAN earlier this year, the Prelude headphone amplifier is Goldenwave’s reference headphone amplifier.

FULLY BALANCED CLASS A

The Prelude is designed for personal audio and music fans who want a personal listening experience that rivals full-size, audiophile-grade in-room systems. The amplifier uses a fully balanced Class A MOSFET design that delivers high current output.

The amplifier’s circuit is fully discrete, meaning it uses individual components rather than integrated circuits. This approach can lead to better control over the audio signal and potentially improve sound quality. It includes a precise single-ended-to-balanced conversion circuit, allowing both single-ended RCA and balanced inputs to convey the benefits of fully balanced drive.

PREAMP SECTION

The Prelude’s preamplifier circuit is entirely independent. In order to achieve balanced tone control, the amplifier uses an ALPS quad balance potentiometer, designed and manufactured by Alps Electric Co. Ltd.

HIFIMAN GOLDENWAVE PRELUDE TOROIDAL TRANSFORMER

Specially customized for Prelude, the high-power and low-noise toroidal transformer provides clean and stable power to all levels of the headphone amplifier, contributing to improved sound quality. The amplifier’s housing is made from a single piece of aluminium, helping it to isolate harmful resonances that may degrade audio performance.

HIFIMAN GOLDENWAVE PRELUDE SPECIFICATIONS

The Prelude’s frequency response is measured at 20-50KHz, +-1dB@1KHz. Headphone amplifier power output is 10W@32Ω, 6W@64Ω,2.5W@150Ω, 1W@300Ω, 560mW@600Ω. It measures 330mm x 56mm x 260mm/12.99” x 2.2” x 10.2”, and weighs 6.5 kg/14.3 lbs.

Dr Fang Bian of HIFIMAN says: “The Prelude headphone amplifier is a precisely-designed, meticulously crafted device that is typical of the GOLDENWAVE design philosophy emphasizing audio quality, signal purity, and overall user experience. Audiophiles looking for a premium headphone amplifier will be satisfied with the quality and possibly surprised by its affordability.”

HIFIMAN GOLDENWAVE PRELUDE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Prelude is currently available at a suggested retail price of $2,499.

HiFi PiG Says: Following on from HIFIMAN acquiring Goldenwave, they are bringing some great sounding products to the Headfi market.