On this assessment we take an in depth have a look at the Hifiman Goldenwave GA-10 tube headphone amplifier. It’s promoting for $1,599.99 USD.
Disclaimer: Hifiman despatched me the Goldenwave GA-10, to be featured on Headfonia.com, in trade for our sincere opinion..
Hifiman
Should you’re into private audio, then you definitely for certain are conversant in Hifiman. It was based in 2007 by Dr. Fang in New York to supply high-end private audio merchandise.
Hifiman was the primary model to launch a high-end transportable audio participant, the HM-801, which was like a catalyst for Reference Audio Gamers that we all know at present.
One of many many factors that make Hifiman stand out is that they’re a really progressive firm, and they’re consistently chasing the higher, in each worth vary. They create totally different flavoured headphones, heat, impartial, and balanced, for each form of audiophile on the market.
We’ve reviewed many Hifiman items prior to now, simply kind Hifiman in our search field and uncover all of our Hifiman opinions.
For these of you who’d prefer to know extra about Hifiman and their founder, there’s at all times this interview we did with him
On this new Hifiman assessment, we’re trying on the Hifiman Goldenwave GA-10 tube headphone amplifier.
Goldenwave GA-10
The GA-10 is launched beneath Hifiman’s Goldenwave model. We already checked out their Prelude and Serenade right here on HFN, and we favored each of those.
The Goldenwave GA-10 is taken into account to be an audiophile-grade tube headphone amplifier (solely). In its Single-Ended Push-Pull design, it makes use of 4 ECC83/12AX7 as enter tubes and 4 EL84 energy tubes.
Which means you’ll be able to roll some tubes should you’d wish to, however it’s not as versatile because the ZMF Aegis in that regard.
One other function of the GA-10 is its clear energy provide: a shielded 120W transformer mixed with an impartial, low-noise voltage amplifier, stage voltage regulator circuits for the left and proper channels, and a low-noise detrimental voltage regulator circuit.
In line with Hifiman this produces distinctive readability and all-around superior sonics, however we’ll see about that later.
Energy clever the GA-10 delivers 3 watts per channel at 300Ω, and that’s loads of energy to drive each Dynamic in addition to Planar Magnetic driver headphones. The GA-10 can be effectively geared up to drive each low in addition to excessive impedance headphones. Extra on that later in our half on Synergy.
Yow will discover the Goldenwave GA-10’s devoted web site right here. The MSRP is $1,599.99 USD and you may get it from Hifiman instantly or by way of the Amazon retailer.
Sound – Intro
That is the part wherein we take a look at what the businesses are saying about their new items. We on Hifiman’s website see the next:
The fragile SEPP structure mixed with superior elements and vacuum tubes present a transparent, quiet sound that’s each vibrant and highly effective at an unimaginable worth.
The design objective of the GA-10 is to realize the fragile, clear sound distinctive to high-end tube amplifiers. Whereas its nominal energy output is probably not excessive, its controllability is extraordinary. The GA-10 performs exceptionally effectively whether or not listening to a posh symphony or traditional rock band. It’s actually an audiophile-grade amplifier.
Let’s see if we agree!
Sound – Basic
When Hifiman and Goldenwave got down to construct this tube amp, they clearly determined to go for the true old style tube sound.
The GA-10 is the kind of analogue amplifier that takes you again to the outdated days, the place these kind of amps usually had a heat and easy presentation, with a extra spectacular quantity of physique and weight.
The GA-10 is all about this, and it makes it an amplifier that’s simpler to hearken to. It’s tender and straightforward to the ear and it’s arduous to not like.
From a technical perspective, the GA-10 to me is common. Particularly when in comparison with the upper finish tube amps just like the Headonia and Envy.
This interprets in a medium sound stage in all instructions however particularly within the width. Should you’re not utilizing a headphone that excels at this (assume HD 800), then your expertise might be restricted.
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The depth and layering are fairly good nonetheless, and in case your headphone is up for it, that may present. The mids are properly spacious and ethereal, and the presentation could be very pure.
Vocals listed below are tender they usually mix in completely within the mids, not being pushed ahead on the stage. The treble area is also tender and void of sharpness.
It’s a really safely tuned higher area that received’t be offensive to anybody. In truth it would even be too tender for a few of you, however it does completely match the amp’s tuning.
The bass part reaches down low, with a little bit of sub rumble however it’s largely about physique and weight. Bass isn’t the quickest are most detailed, layered. The Amount right here is extra necessary.
Once I say that, it doesn’t imply the GA-10 could be very bass heavy, however it does have extra presence and impression than a neutrally tuned amp.
The mids properly connect with the bass, which implies you’ll always get good physique. Once more right here the GA-10 by no means exaggerates, however it’s there. The highest area, as stated, is tremendous secure and tender.
So yeah, the Goldenwave GA-10 is an effective amp, however it’s tuned with a selected signature. It may not be the extra technically proficient amp, however it certain is a enjoyable, dynamic and fascinating amp.
The GA-10 could be very musical and straightforward to hearken to. It simply needs you to hearken to extra of your favourite songs and luxuriate in them.
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