BETTER than it's price!! HiFiMan Prelude headphone amp and pre-amp
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- čas přidán 11. 07. 2024
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A review of the HiFiMan Goldenwave Prelude headphone amp and preamp including comparisons with the HiFiMan Goldenwave Serenade, Burson Soloist 3X GT. Also includes pairing impressions with the HiFiMan HE1000SE, Meze Elites, ZMF Caldera, Focal Utopia and ZMF Atrium.
My top recommended HEADPHONES (prices in USD)
HarmonicDyne Athena - $179 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Moondrop Para - $299 - amzn.to/4c1C4F9
Sivga SV023 - $449 - amzn.to/3UKXsZ5
Meze 109 Pro - $799 - amzn.to/3y6l6qi
ZMF Atrium - $2,499 - www.zmfheadphones.com/
Meze Elite - $4,000 - bit.ly/3UMIDWb
Focal Utopia (2022) - $4,999 - amzn.to/44xEHvx
My top recommended IEMS (prices in USD)
KZ ESX - $30 - amzn.to/4bpMyxC
Tangzu FUDU - $89 - amzn.to/3UvOrlk
Simgot EM6L - $129 - amzn.to/4a3SLy1
Meze Audio Alba - $159 - bit.ly/AlbaIEM
Thieaudio Elixir - $209 - amzn.to/3ULd9zr
7Hz Timeless - $220 - amzn.to/3QslVA8
Yanyin Canon II - $379 - bit.ly/YanCanII
Xenns Mangird Top - $530 - bit.ly/XENNSTopLin
Sennheiser IE600 - $700 - amzn.to/44AxcUQ
Sennheiser IE900 - $849 - amzn.to/4b66wxy
Westone Mach 70 - $1,400 - amzn.to/3ULUK5P
My top recommended TRANSPORTS (prices in USD)
WiiM Pro - $168 - amzn.to/4bpTDOw
SMSL PL200 CD - $669 - amzn.to/3Wsd0lJ
Eversolo DMP-A6 (Master Edition) - $1,299 - amzn.to/44sBMUR
Eversolo DMP-A8 - $1,980 - amzn.to/3QxRU1B
My top recommended DACS (prices in USD)
Topping E30 II - $149 - amzn.to/3JQyGkd
Topping E50 - $199 - amzn.to/3WucWSO
SMSL DO200 Mk2 - $469 - amzn.to/4a5Di0C
Topping D70 Pro OCTO - $599 - amzn.to/4a8bubZ
Geshelli J2S AK4499EX - $680 - bit.ly/J2SAKM
Schiit Bifrost 2/64 - $799 - www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
Gustard R26 - $1,650 - amzn.to/3QyZ0mB
Schiit Yggdrasil - $2,299 - www.schiit.com/products/yggdr...
Chord TT2 - $5,295 - chordelectronics.co.uk/produc...
My top recommended HEADPHONE AMPS (prices in USD)
Schiit Magni - $119 - www.schiit.com/products/magni...
xDuoo MT-604 - $169 - amzn.to/4bpNYrW
xDuoo TA-26S - $319 - amzn.to/3UJbfzx
Geshelli A3 Pro - $499 - bit.ly/GLA3Pro
Aune S17 Pro - $699 - amzn.to/4a75v7b
Schiit Mjolnir - $1199 - www.schiit.com/products/mjoln...
Burson Audio Voyager - $5,300+ - bit.ly/4a8Mwcq
My top recommended DONGLE DACS (prices in USD)
Moondrop Dawn Pro - $50 - amzn.to/3y2dd57
Simgot DEW4X - $80 - amzn.to/4b68rlK
Questyle M15i - $349 - amzn.to/4doMSyp
My top recommended WIRELESS 'PHONES (prices in USD)
Soundpeats Air3 Deluxe - $40 - amzn.to/3UIXQr4
Soundpeats Air4 Pro - $79 - amzn.to/3Wyj4tj
Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 - $130 - amzn.to/3WwMpEf
Sennheiser Momentum 4 - $379.95 - amzn.to/3WrEqZ0
HiFiMan Svanar Wireless - $499 - amzn.to/4amOhmx
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00:00 Introduction
00:18 Price & specs
01:32 Device tour
03:07 Sound quality
04:06 Side details
05:45 HiFiMan Prelude vs Burson Soloist 3X GT
11:46 Headphone pairings with the Prelude
15:48 Wrap-up
#audiophile #audioreview #headphoneamp - Věda a technologie
Two quick corrections here: (1) Goldenwave is actually a Hong Kong based company (2) at 17:14 I say the Prelude is a $4000-4500 device, but I was actually referring to the Cen.Grand Silver Fox. The Prelude is a $2500 device at the time of recording
Wow, over thirty views already - the video was posted only three minutes ago. :0
Incidentally, the HiFiMan HE400SE I bought used a few weeks ago for the equivalent of USD$75 (actually less, since it came with a mini amplifier) is just as enjoyable as my Audeze LCD-2, except for its lack of soundstage (I need a pair of headphones with the widest-possible soundstage, as I am accustomed to listening to a pair of world-class, full-range monitor speakers that were custom built for me in Sydney in 2005, based on the pair formerly used by Sony Music Mastering in that city).
@@TheVeganVicar What is your source gear for HE400SE and LCD 2?
@@ayushbhaumik7980, CD-quality audio going into a Lynx Hilo.
I have the enleum like you and I mainly use the Susvara. How does the prelude compare to the enleum? Do you prefer the enleum over the prelude?
I like both for different headphones and situations. The Enleum has a brightness to its top end that I don't enjoy as much with some headphones. Overall though, it is a bit more transparent than the Prelude, I think. With the Susvara, it'd be tough to choose. I expect the Enleum would get you more of the Susvara's technical performance due to the transparency of the amp. The Prelude has a richer, smoother sound though and I always wanted that with the Susvaras.
Impressive comp to the soloist 3xgt ‘23 version. I didn’t think it would be close so quite a surprise.
I'm surprised you haven't reviewed the Ferrum Oor and Hypsos power supply yet. I wonder how close the Ferrum stack is to the Burson stuff.
I'd love to, but haven't been able to get my hands on one.
Very Nice review!!! Thanks!!
My pleasure
I’m looking forward to you reviewing the new Gustard H26 😂
Happy new year to you and yours.
Sounds like a more powerful version of my Bryston BHA-1.
Very nice unit that seems to be the path of what we can expect in 24’
I love my Bryston…this one is a nice unit .
I've always wanted to try a Bryston, but yet to get my hands on one. Happy New Year to you too!
I appreciate all of your videos, thank you! Very curious to see your thoughts of Burson Soloist GT 3X vs Voyageur Soloist.
I'm looking forward to that one too!
Review for Burson Soloist Voyageur: All I can say is that this unit is the epitome of END GAME! I was immediately blown away the minute I played it for the first time. I really love how easy the interface is to use. Also, I'm so happy that the gain level options include not only high and low but also MEDIUM which is perfect for my Genelec active desk speakers. The HIGH gain is great for my Hifiman planars. I'm using the iFi iDSD NEO 2 as my DAC which pairs wonderfully with this unit. I love how the XBass plays through this Amp. The thing is also built like a freakin TANK! You always get what you pay for, ALWAYS, no exceptions. This unit is very much worth the price tag. And Bloom Audio is second to none in every way. I highly recommend this Amp and Bloom Audio!
So glad you're loving it! I can't wait to give it a proper review. Happy listening!
Lachlan, thank you for this review!
I bought this amp at a much lower price from China. Bought it for my Susvara and it works very well for my other headphones as well. I learned from friends in Hong Kong and China that HFM did not purchase Goldenwave, it’s more of a collaboration for some products in the Goldenwave line.
The original Goldenwave Prelude is an AIO with lower power output, HFM had it redesigned to this version of Prelude with higher output for Susvara. For those interested to purchase this amp, do make sure it’s this headphone amplifier and not the AIO version, which is also called Prelude. Confusing like other HFM new versions of their products.
When you turn this amp on, the words Goldenwave will appear on the front screen and at the back of the amp, it mentions Goldenwave. The packaging is HFM and there’s a small decal under the amp that has “Hifiman Electronics” printed on it. You may also noticed the XLR inputs and outputs are upside down because the internal boards are mounted upside down. I just have a problem with this amp so I am arranging to send it back to the seller in China so they can send it in to be repaired or replaced. Initially, I contacted that HFM directly, was advised to try this and that but they told me to send to the seller instead.
That's quite interesting. I've read elsewhere that HiFiMan purchased Goldenwave. I wonder what the truth is?
@@PassionforSound I thought so too initially as it was all over the place online.
@@BillyKueekSG, how did you post this two weeks ago, considering that the video was just published? :/
@@TheVeganVicarpatreon I believe
@@TheVeganVicar Patreon has advantages 😂
The EF-400 is an awesome amp for the price, fully balanced and a really smooth R2R DAC. Hifiman's amps have historically been great to me, might have to upgrade to this....
I agree, EF400 is the best solid state DAC/amp value I've encountered for my taste
Which headphones do you use with the EF-400?
@@BillyKueekSG ATH-R70x, K702, Ananda, HE400i, HD599, Aeon Closed X, Grado SR-80x and I occasionally borrow a pair of HD6XX. Also Campfire Audio Holocene IEMs but those run great out of an Apple dongle so I don't use them on that very much.
The EF-400 is definitely a really solid device. This one is so much more polished (as you'd expect for the price). It would make for a brilliant upgrade.
very good video
Glad you liked it! 🙂
Clearly one of the best reviewer !
Thanks Aaron!
Thanks for the review, I'd love to see a comparison against the other notable HeadAmp making waves at the moment - the other Class A, fully-discrete, SS "Mjolnir" 🙂
I have an MJ3 on the way thanks to a channel patron and this will definitely be one of the comparison points!
@@PassionforSound Excellent to hear. Looking forward to it. At half the price, it would be an interesting comparison. I'm also looking forward to the release of the Valhalla 3, early(ish) this year before I make my final decision for an upgrade for my Senheisser HD800S. The Gustard H20 Pro was expected last year, but hopefully early in the new year.
No, scratch that... I just checked Gustard's website and they've released the "Gustard H26 Fully Balanced Class A Headphone Amp". A little different to the prototyped H20 Pro from last year, but exciting it's out 🙂(removal of the twin 3pin XLR for 4.4mm). An accompaniment aesthetically to the R26 DAC. Now I hope to hear some comparison reviews. This new year is very exciting!
I'll have to see if I can get one in for review somehow
would love a vs with mjolnir 3 too. soon I hope
Yep. It's coming!
Helllo, Would like to know if this amp pairs well with the Modhouse Tungsten SS or DS? I'm debating on whether to get this or the revision Violectric V281 for Tungsten and then eventually the HFM Susvara. My TOTL headphone right now is the HE1000SE.
I'm yet to try the Tungsten so I can't really answer that. Sorry!
If you cant afford the Chord gear does the eversolo A8 or A6 master into the Preude still sound good do you know? Great stuff as usual
Absolutely! A great amp is always a great amp. With the A8 in particular, it's an exceptional setup.
Thanks for the answer, happy new year @@PassionforSound
Happy new year to you, too!
I do not have the Eversolo but I use the Prelude with a variety of DACs - R2R, Burr Browns, AKMs, Chords and this amp just plays well with others.
I curious how this compares to the Cayin iHA-6. I just ordered one since my Jotunheim 2 is pretty well maxed out by my HE6se v2. If this is even better, it might be a good upgrade path in the future but it is still a big jump in price.
I owned the iHA-6 for a brief time and it's a solid amp, but the Prelude is a significant step up again IMO. Sorry that I can't provide more detail than that - it's been ages since I owned the Cayin, but I remember it being around the same overall level as the Burson Soloist 3XP while the Prelude is right up there with the Burson Soloist GT and maybe even the Voyager.
Hello and happy new year. I have a question: what amplifier do you recommend for bayerdynamic DT990pro 250ohm headphones? I have an Eversolo Z8 and I want to connect via XLR. Thank you for your help.
Happy new year to you too! What's your budget?
I don’t know. Around 500£. Max 700£ .
If you can get the Geshelli Labs A3 Pro, that's the one to get IMO. If not, the Singxer SA-1 is excellent and the Aune S17 Pro is meant to be great too.
Thank you, I will let you know about my choice.
Howdy Lachlan, Hoping you get the Mjolnir 3 (“100% Class-A, no-feedback, dual-mono, choke-input, fully-discrete, balanced-differential headphone amp and preamp”) in in time for direct comp. (?) 😝
The Prelude will be here indefinitely so I will definitely compare it with the MJ3 when it makes a visit on its way to the owner 🙂
Will you be reviewing the Holo Audio Bliss?
From impressions my friend and I individually got, they are very closed and the Prelude is slightly warmer. We are arranging for a time when he’ll bring his Bliss to my place and then we’ll A/B the Bliss and Prelude. I got my Prelude direct from a China seller and it’s less than half the price of the Bliss.
I'd love to try the Bliss, but don't have access to review units so will need to see how else I can get my hands on one.
@@BillyKueekSGvery interesting, where will you share your Evaluations?
@@floriangopel3909 I supposed when I’m posting a comment or a reply to comments? Not a reviewer and surly can’t describe sounds like Lachlan. Friend owns the Bliss and went to the shop with his Susvara to listen to the Prelude. I heard the Bliss on a separate occasion and bought the Prelude.
Quick impressions agreed by the friend and myself, is the Prelude is the slightly warmer amp than the Bliss.
My friend has the Holo Bliss and use it almost daily with his Susie. He was the one who poisoned me to get the Susie so I was already on the lookout for a used Bliss locally (don’t want the nightmare of buying used from overseas sellers) since he knows what I like and told me I’ll like the Bliss.
When a local audio store brought in a few units (selling price was S$3,899 / USD$2,900), friend brought his Susvara to test it. He got excited and quickly messaged me about it. First impression from him is the Prelude is almost like, but is just slightly below the Bliss in performance. Bliss sells at S$4,900 / USD$3,650 brand new here. Another friend in Hong Kong also uses the Prelude for his Susie and he recommended it. I told this friend I’m getting it so he went ahead to negotiate with a seller in China. I got it at a much lower price including immediate air freight and receive it in about 4-5 days.
Based on the local selling prices, the Prelude is 80% of the Bliss price. I bought it at 45% of the local price of Bliss but its performance is about 80% of the Bliss so that makes its price/performance ratio exceptionally good. Lachlan’s description of the performance is spot on, I wish I have his audio vocabulary so I can only try to describe what I like about it. I especially like that its slightly warm, lush with excellent tone and timbre, very good staging and layering. I like listening to vocalists so it’s slightly forward presentation works for me. It is also very relaxing to listen to. I find myself just enjoying the music rather than being analytical. I close my eyes and feel that I am seated in the middle at the front rows, just as I prefer when I go to a concert but my preference is not to be all the way to the first few rows It sounds great with every headphone I have - 6XX, X1S, Focal Clear MG & Elegia, Atrium, Arya Stealth, HD800S, Susie… It also works very well with the different DACs I have - Burr Browns, AKMs, R2R, Chords. I no longer need this amp to drive my Susie now but I am keeping it, at least for now. I believe this amp is easy to like for most people. Most importantly for me is that it brings a sound character that I am missing and this amp gives me many possible combinations as it works with everything I have. Hope this helps. What headphones and dacs do you use?
With regard to value and Class A topology and sonics, the Flux Mentor comes to mind…extraordinary reviews so far on it and it would seem to me a fitting and relevant review for you to do Lachlan. Have you looked into it and its “story”, being produced in Ukraine in spite of the conflict?
I'm working on getting some Flux Labs products soon. Stay tuned!
@@PassionforSound Hi Lachlan again…it seems to me the one to get if you can is the new Mentor. It sounds to me from Soundnews (Sandu) that the price to performance is off the charts…Class A dual mono and the rest. Thank you Lachlan.
Great review as always. You really need a pair of Susvara for these higher end reviews. They are the bar.
I know! I regret selling my pair and need to find some to pickup secondhand when I get the chance
@@PassionforSound I didn’t know you sold your Susvara???!!! Why Lachlan? 😂
I actually traded it for the Audeze LCD-5s so I could review those. I'm glad I got the chance to try the LCD-5s, but I miss the Susvaras given the gear I have now...
@@PassionforSound yeah, understand about trading Susvara to get LCD-5 for review. I just thought every reviewer would have a pair of Susvara 😂😂😂
It's like that, but I didn't enjoy them enough to keep them around. Now that I have the Enleum, Silver Fox (although that's up for sale) and Prelude, I imagine I'd enjoy the Susvaras that much more.
Just a point. If you use for burson tray a Farad 24v and the depth of scene will be undefined. The experience is unbelievable and unique
I think autocorrect has changed something in your comment. Did you mean a Burson amp? Any specific one you've used?
I’m using a soloist 3xp. Just for preamp for the moment no reason to upgrade. And after tray with farad please compare with gt new version
I don't understand what "tray with Farad" means. Can you explain?
@@PassionforSoundI think he is referring to using Farad to supply DC power to the 3XP?
Ahhh, I wasn't aware of the brand. If that's the case, I also can't really help because I don't have a linear power supply to use with the 3XP for comparison.
That Rode mic sounds a bit sibilant.
I'm sorry to learn that you're hearing it that way. I've found it to be excellent and many other commenters too. I wonder if it's happening to hit a frequency where there's already a bit of a peak from your headphones/speakers?
vs. Aune S17 Pro amp?
This. Watching the video to see if mentions it.
I'm yet to get my hands on an S17 Pro
I didn't like the Burson 3XGT. It was quite bright, harsh, and glary to me. I currently have the Little Silver Fox, Violectric V550 Pro, and Aune S17 Pro. All of which I like better. This looks like an interesting option...
Does Silver Fox completely destroys S17 Pro?
Which headphones do you use your amps with?
The original 3X GT was definitely a bit brighter and less refined. The 2023 update fixed a lot of that.
I guess it depends what you connect to it, it has mainly to do with the source. But in hifi everything is very subjective. The violectrics, even de v590 with upgraded volume, too dark and slow. I was so so glad that after three weeks I could exchange that specific amp at the shop for something else back then. Like I said very subjective. But now I switched to a tt2+mscaler… now that was the upgrade of a lifetime. I would not call the 3x gt really bright or harsh?? Talking about the 2022 version? Connect it to to the tt2+mscaler combi and it sounds amazing!
@@Cestmoi50 the Chord TT2 + M-Scaler is amazing!
Farad super3 24v it is a liniar power supply
Thanks for letting me know!
Great review thanks sounds its a lot better than the Susvara headphones which got roasted by ASR.
ASR? That’s the community for those enjoying their music by looking at measurement graphs, right?
Yes, it's a great amp just as the Susvara is a great headphone. 😉🙂
I know it is,just how did ASR rubbish it? very strange..@@PassionforSound
I learned from my limited experience that I really didn’t like a couple of DACs and amps that measures superbly well.
@user-es3hq5zk4e I haven't looked to find out 🤷
The only drawback to the Serenade is its frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 KHz which doesn't match up to the frequency response for most of its industry-leading gear.
That's just what they've chosen to publish because we can only hear 20-20,000Hz. It's quite possible that it performs beyond that range and there's not really a standard that I'm aware of for reporting frequency response.
@@PassionforSound Hey Lachlan I'm a huge fan of the channel, thanks for the reply! Keep in mind most reputable manufacturers are reticent to publish performance measurements that can't be substantiated legally.
Absolutely. I don't debate that at all. My point was more that some brands will measure and quote beyond 20-20,000Hz while some stick to 20-20 because it's a recognisable frame of reference for many people. In other words, the Serenade might perform really well beyond those numbers, but HiFiMan might have either not measured outside that range of not quoted outside that range. Of course, it's also possible that it does start to roll off beyond 20Hz and 20kHz. My point is more that we don't know and that I wouldn't recommend basing your decisions on that specification. It's also worth considering the recordings are generally produced strictly within those limits anyway to prevent ultrasonic content that can play havoc with some devices and is meant to be filtered out by the DAC anyway.