Fully balanced Class A
A discrete MOSFET design converts even RCA input into a fully balanced signal.
HIFIMANHEADPHONE AMPLIFIERCustomer reviews (0)
Hifiman Goldenwave Prelude Balanced Headphone Amplifier
Fully balanced Class A power.
A fully balanced, discrete Class A headphone amp with MOSFET output, an ALPS potentiometer and XLR, RCA, 4.4mm and 6.3mm connections.
Regular price
£2,299.00
Unit price
Including VAT
Free next day UK delivery
Awaiting stock arrival date — order now to reserve one from the next delivery. Nothing to pay until it arrives.
THE AMP3 DIFFERENCE
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Hifiman Goldenwave Prelude Balanced Headphone Amplifier
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MEET THE Hifiman
Fully balanced Class A power.
A fully balanced, discrete Class A headphone amp with MOSFET output, an ALPS potentiometer and XLR, RCA, 4.4mm and 6.3mm connections.
Accurate channel balance
An ALPS potentiometer keeps left and right precisely matched.
Every connection
XLR 3-pin/6.35mm combo, XLR 4-pin and 4.4mm outputs, with XLR and RCA in and preamp out.
Read the full description
The HiFiMAN Goldenwave Prelude is a fully balanced, fully discrete Class A headphone amplifier with a MOSFET high-current output stage, delivering 10W into 32Ω or 1W into 300Ω balanced. It takes XLR and RCA inputs, has XLR and RCA preamp outputs, and offers every common headphone connection: two XLR 3-pin / 6.35mm combo jacks, a 4-pin XLR and a 4.4mm balanced socket.
Fully balanced Class A, MOSFET output
The fully discrete design includes a precise single-ended-to-balanced conversion circuit, so even a single-ended RCA input is amplified fully balanced. The input stage is a fully balanced amplifier, the MOSFET output stage supplies high current, and the preamp circuit is independent, with its own Class A output structure for power and a natural timbre. An ALPS potentiometer keeps both channels in complete, accurate balance.
Clean power and protection
A custom high-power, low-noise toroidal transformer with multi-channel high-speed, low-noise voltage regulators powers the amplifier, and a fully balanced headphone protection circuit looks after your headphones.
One-piece aluminium housing
The housing is made from a single piece of aluminium, which helps isolate harmful resonance that would affect the sound.
Controls and connections
On the front are the two combo jacks (XLR 3-pin balanced or 6.35mm single-ended), the XLR 4-pin and 4.4mm balanced outputs, the volume control, input, gain and output selection buttons, and an OLED display showing the current input, output and gain. On the back are XLR balanced and RCA single-ended inputs, XLR balanced and RCA preamp outputs and the AC power connector, set to 110V or 220V by default.
| Type | Fully balanced, fully discrete Class A · MOSFET output · ALPS potentiometer |
|---|---|
| Power (balanced, 0.1% THD) | 10W @ 32Ω · 6W @ 64Ω · 2.5W @ 150Ω · 1W @ 300Ω · 560mW @ 600Ω |
| Headphone outputs | 2 × XLR 3-pin / 6.35mm combo · XLR 4-pin · 4.4mm |
| Inputs and preamp outputs | XLR balanced and RCA in · XLR balanced and RCA preamp out |
| Performance | 20Hz–50kHz ±1dB · SNR 113dB · THD+N 0.0009% (low gain, 1kHz) |
| Power, size and weight | Under 50W · 330 × 56 × 260mm (L × H × W, without protrusions) · 6.5kg |
Good to know
- An amplifier only, with no DAC. Pair it with a DAC or streamer such as the HiFiMAN Goldenwave Serenade.
- It can also work as a preamp for active speakers or a power amplifier.
- In the box: Prelude and power cable.
In the box
- Hifiman Prelude Balanced Headphone Amplifier
- Power cable
THE FINER DETAILS
Built for
better listening.
Know what you’re choosing.
Find the right fit for your setup.
- Headphone outputs
- Dual XLR 3-pin / 6.35mm combo jacks · XLR 4-pin balanced · 4.4mm balanced
- Output power
- 10W @ 32Ω · 6W @ 64Ω · 2.5W @ 150Ω · 1W @ 300Ω · 560mW @ 600Ω (balanced)
- Frequency response
- 20Hz–50kHz (±1dB)
- Gain modes
- Selectable
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- 113dB
- Distortion (THD+N)
- 0.0009% (low gain, 1kHz)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 56 × 260 × 330mm
- Weight
- 6500g
- Amplification
- Fully balanced Class A
- Line outputs
- RCA · XLR
- Inputs
- RCA · XLR
- Power
- Mains, custom toroidal transformer · under 50W · 110V or 220V setting
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
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How does free delivery work?
Every UK order has a free delivery option, and orders of £50 or more qualify for free next day delivery. Order by 12 noon, Monday to Friday, for next day delivery; orders placed after 12 noon, at the weekend or on a bank holiday are dispatched on the next working day. Stock availability and destination also affect arrival — check the options shown at checkout.
Pre-orders ship when stock arrives; the next day service starts after dispatch. Full delivery information
What if it’s not right for me?
Return within 14 days for any reason, or within 30 days if faulty, with free return postage. See our full Returns Policy for conditions and how to start a return.
Can you help me choose headphones?
Absolutely. Tell us what you listen to and the headphones you have — or the ones you’re considering — and we’ll help you find a suitable pairing. Chat with us
How do I request a Price Beat?
Use the Price Beat option on this page to send us the competing offer. The team will review your request; it isn’t an automatic discount. How Price Beat works
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