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Prelude - Headphone amplifier - HifiMan
The Prelude high-end headphone amplifier from HIFIMAN for uncompromising sound
The HIFIMAN Prelude is a fully balanced, analog headphone and preamplifier specially developed for discerning audiophiles. In close cooperation with the renowned Chinese amplifier specialist Goldenwave - now part of the HIFIMAN family - this masterpiece in pure Class A design was created. The Prelude impresses with its sonic brilliance, enormous power capacity and the ability to effortlessly drive the best headphones in the world, such as the legendary HIFIMAN SUSVARA.
Power and versatility
The HIFIMAN Prelude is a true powerhouse designed to work with powerful over-ear headphones. With an output power of 6 watts at 60 ohms, it is the ideal choice for demanding magnetostats and other headphones that benefit from a powerful drive. Not suitable for in-ear monitors, the Prelude focuses entirely on high-end over-ear models.
On the front, the Prelude offers three balanced output options:
The Prelude thus supports maximum flexibility and enables the simultaneous use of up to two headphones.
Precision and fidelity
The Prelude's discrete input stage features a precise symmetry conversion circuit that converts RCA signals into fully balanced signals. Both the preamplifier and headphone amplifier stages are based on an advanced Class A MOSFET design that guarantees uncompromising fidelity and low distortion.
Perfect workmanship and design
The solid aluminum housing of the Prelude combines functionality with aesthetics. Side ventilation slots provide the necessary cooling for the powerful high-performance toroidal transformer, which has been tailored to the requirements of the system. The housing becomes noticeably warm - a necessary feature of the Class A design. To ensure a long service life, the Prelude should not be left switched on permanently and should be adequately ventilated.
Intuitive operation and modern display
With four easy-to-use controls, the Prelude is designed to be user-friendly:
The OLED display provides clear information about active inputs, outputs and the current gain level. The user can choose between the headphone amplifier and preamplifier function.
The HIFIMAN Prelude is the perfect choice for audiophiles who demand the highest standards of sound, performance and workmanship. With its Class A design, exceptional output power and versatile connections, it sets new standards in the field of headphone amplifiers. Whether as a headphone amplifier or preamplifier, the Prelude delivers uncompromising sound quality that will delight any audio enthusiast.
Important notes:
Technical details:
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Frequency range: 20 - 50 kHz, ±1 dB @ 1 kHz
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SNR: -113 dB @ 1 kHz
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THD+N: 0.0009 %, low gain, @ 1 kHz
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Headphone amplifier
Power (0.1 % @ 1 kHz): 10 W @ 32 Ω, 1 W @ 300 Ω, 560 mW @ 600 Ω
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Preamplifier: 4 Vrms per channel, balanced
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Maximum power consumption: <50 W
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Dimensions: 330 x 56 x 270 mm³
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Weight: 6.3 kg