Balanced Class-A MOSFET desktop headphone amplifier with serious power

The HIFIMAN Goldenwave PRELUDE is a reference-class amplifier designed for audiophiles who want clarity, control, and plenty of headroom from their headphones. Its fully discrete, fully balanced Class A MOSFET design delivers up to 10W into 32 Ω with low distortion and exceptional dynamics, effortlessly driving even the most demanding cans. 

Powerful Fully-Balanced Class-A Output

The PRELUDE’s magic lies in its fully-balanced Class-A MOSFET amplifier design, capable of delivering up to 10W into 32Ω and 560 mW into 600Ω. This high-current output ensures even the most power-hungry headphones are driven effortlessly, translating into confident dynamics and stable performance across genres.

Discrete Circuitry with Balanced Conversion

Rather than relying on integrated chips, the PRELUDE uses a fully-discrete analog signal path. It converts single‑ended RCA to balanced internally, maintaining the benefits of balanced architecture (lower noise and greater channel separation). The result is a clean, interference-free signal that stays faithful to the source.

Precision Control via ALPS Potentiometer

The front-panel volume knob houses an ALPS quad-balance potentiometer—an industrial-grade component known for its smooth and consistent adjustment. This precision ensures channel balance remains stable as you adjust volume, keeping stereo imaging intact across listening levels. 

Clean Power from Toroidal Transformer

Inside the PRELUDE sits a custom high-power, low-noise toroidal transformer paired with a multi-channel regulator circuit. This power design supports the amplifier’s Class A operation and provides a clean rail to the headphone protection circuitry for reliable performance. 

Rigid One-Piece Aluminum Chassis

Housed in a solid aluminum shell, the PRELUDE benefits from both durability and acoustic cleanliness. The chassis design reduces mechanical resonance that can color sound, serving as an effective heat sink to maintain consistent performance under load.

Product highlights

• Fully balanced Class A MOSFET amplifier

• Discrete signal path with internal SE-to-balanced conversion

• Precision volume control via ALPS potentiometer

• Custom low-noise toroidal power supply

• Solid aluminum chassis for resonance control and thermal management

• High output: 10 W @ 32 Ω, 560 mW @ 600 Ω

• Includes headphone protection circuitry

Specs

• Frequency response: 20–50 kHz ±1 dB

• Signal-to-noise ratio: –113 dB @ 1 kHz

• Total harmonic distortion + noise: 0.0009% (low gain @ 1 kHz)

• Power output:

  • 10 W @ 32 Ω

  • 6 W @ 64 Ω

  • 2.5 W @ 150 Ω

  • 1 W @ 300 Ω

  • 560 mW @ 600 Ω

• Dimensions: 13″ × 2.2″ × 10.2″ (330 × 56 × 260 mm)

• Weight: 14.3 lb (6.5 kg)

• Power consumption: < 50 W 

What’s included

• HIFIMAN Goldenwave PRELUDE amplifier

• IEC power cable

• User manual