HiFiMan Goldenwave Prelude Headphone Amp & Preamp Review - Probably Better Than You Expected

[@DIYHiFi]

The connectors are upside down, because the whole PCB is upside down. When you make a chassis like this, it is more convenient to mount everything to the top of the enclosure (which is also a heatsink) and to cover it with a single bottom panel.

[@wavetheorysound]

Good info. Thanks.

[@BillyKueekSG]

Thanks for this review! Got my Prelude in early October, bought specifically for my Susie . My iFi Pro iCAN Signature is lovely for all my other headphones, it can make the Susie loud but not drive it optimally. So, I was looking for an amp to drive Susie. A friend who’s using the Bliss brought his Susie to a local shop to test the Prelude and told me very excitedly, that its performance is very close to his Bliss. I was about to get the Bliss but the Prelude is cheaper by $1k. Then, another friend in Hong Kong who uses his Susie with the Prelude told me that HFM finally has an amp for Susie. With their feedback, I don’t need to test nor look around anymore. 1 of them also helped me get the Prelude at a very special price. Received it in early October and loving it.

[@MistaLova-Lova]

What's your long-term impressions of this amplifier with the Susvara?

[@brucezhang211]

i was under the impression that the bliss KTE fell short on power for susvara. Even with higher input voltage from DAC it still lack head room and higher gain will lost the amp's sweetness, otherwise it'd just clip, am i mistaken?

[@BillyKueekSG]

@@MistaLova-Lova I love it! It works well with all my headphones too. It has the fluid Class A sound quality.

[@BillyKueekSG]

@@brucezhang211 I haven’t heard my friend complaining about the Bliss KTE and definitely not clip. Love my Prelude, a keeper for now.

[@SpykerSpeed]

Great review! I just got this and I'm using it with my original Focal Utopia. I couldn't be happier with this purchase. For the first time I'm able to hear these headphones really slam in the low end. Also the depth/layering is astonishing.

[@knorrissirronk8665]

@wavetheorysound Okay, I bought the Goldenwave Prelude for my Susvaras based on your and other reviewers' findings. (Just arrived today.) First, let me say that I have loved my Susvaras, HE-6 SE v2, and HEDDPHONEs since I graduated from the SMSL Sp200 and Topping A90 (terrible sound even though loud enough). I was using a Burson Soloist 3x GT on Medium gain, and loving life. Out of the box and now, with Prelude on LOW gain, I am wondering what I've been listening to all this time. SUSVARA was not bass-lite before, but now there is HE-6 like PUNCH and authority in the Susvara's bass. I just saw your Nimbus US 5 amp review, and I suppose it's fair to spend $6k for an amp to power $6k headphones, but I really can't imagine it being THAT much better than what I've already got, and the amp isn't even broken in yet... Regardless - Good looking out, and many thanks for all the behind the scenes effort you put into your listening, data collection, and fact-finding. I'm one VERY happy Susvara owner. (Again) 😊 I'll get around to my Beyerdynamics & Sennheiser cans "eventually". Though I do have to admit that I'm curious to learn if this scales-up my HD-650 any further...

[@wavetheorysound]

Awesome! Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying the new amp and the old gear with it! Now you know why Hifiman acquired the Goldenwave brand.

[@knorrissirronk8665]

@wavetheorysound UPDATE: The Prelude makes the HE-6 "MORE"... It is now more than just "75-85% of the Susvara". They are now extremes of detail (Susvara) and slam (HE-6). The sound field of the Susvara is more dispersed and feels like a focus on each component/instrument showcasing it's placement while the HE-6 is more intimate, but "fun", highlighting the characteristics of each component. Bass slams, voices are either rich and smokey or quick and agile. Rims and cymbals aren't just impacts, but complex & unique events. It's all there with the Susvara as well, but you have to hunt for the characteristics while HE-6 drops them in your lap. For the first time, I can tell the instrument differences CLEARLY between my Pontus II, & LAiV Harmony DACs where before it was more changes in placement and timing subtleties. NICE!

[@hiraksarma3068]

In the V550 vs Prelude comparison you didnt mention the HeKSE, so which one of these 2 you prefer with it.

[@iComment87]

I'm about to buy either a Prelude or a Bliss. Your Bliss review cannot come soon enough!

[@brucezhang211]

in light of recent price changes i think Prelude it's rather dominating at its price point and performance wise is rather neck n neck with 3k give/take usd range power houses. Prelude/bliss, they really trade blows on sound stages which is the selling the point of bliss right? prelude is a tad slower with maybe very slightly lighter on base but with more natural tone , relaxed and magical magical mids , not as analytical on details , just by a little. BLiss is Auedeze cans go to choice with its higher current output but prelude is more versatile with its sheer power. it's more of difference in taste and style rather a clear winner of the two. I have both Prelude and Trafomatic head 2, frankly where i'm at the prelude'd typically go for 1500 usd, that shit is a killer man. With a chord dac it really shines , frankly i can live without the trafomatic head2. It's just me though , i value mids and timbre/tone above all other technical details, may be except for sound stage.

[@iComment87]

@@brucezhang211 I ended up buying a Prelude. It is a bargain and suits all my cans well, particularly my OG HE-6. Pairs real nicely with my Exogal Comet Plus. Great chain, excellent amp, I made the right choice.

[@dmarcus1260]

Great review as always! Thank you for making the comparison with the Ferrum ORR/Hypsos stack. Sometimes I think the ORR lacks sparkle and dynamics, excitement when listening to music. Before I watched the review I thought the Prelude might give me something that was missing from the OOR. Now that I know the Prelude is slightly warmer sounding than the OOR, I'll have to keep on looking. I'm hoping the Wandla DAC might improve upon the OOR sound signature. I just wish the Wandla wasn't so expensive.

[@gordonmiller4889]

I purchased the Goldenwave Serenade DAC/AMP that seems to share many of the characteristics of the reviewed Prelude. Thank you for your review.

[@FreddieDaniells]

Great review as ever. Hope you get the Serenade for review…this one is a bit beyond my current budget but eyeing up a Serenade/Organic or, if feeling flush, Serenade/HEKse as possible next steps.

[@wavetheorysound]

I have a Serenade in. Stay tuned!

[@priedits]

@@wavetheorysound omg, I have waited for Serenade review for quite some time :D amazing!

[@hemispherecompensation]

Did some reading on the Chinese forums. Goldenwave is quite well regarded in China. Hifiman decided to acquire them first. They have a Prelude AIO which is the more popular product. There's also a Prelude Pro version, something to do with chip shortages with the Prelude

[@xeniavader]

amazingly helpful video.

[@maciejgeming8555]

Thanks for that review! As usual - another really informative one.

[@slsmaster]

Hi Wavetheory, love your reviews. Currently owning a Focal Utopia OG with a Ferrum Wandla and V200. Would you rather go for a Hypsos+OOR or the Prelude as an upgrade for the V200?

[@yooanto9465]

Have you heard AUNE S17 Pro? this one is very impressive.

[@marlowe1537]

Haha, you beat me to it. The Prelude is undoubtedly a great amp, as are the ones you compare it with, but $2,500 is, sadly, way beyond my means. The $700 discrete and fully balanced Class A S17 Pro puts out 7.5 W and has gotten some great reviews (not counting the typically useless ravings of Zeos, which I actually count as a negative). It even has an all-aluminum remote including volume if you care (I don't since it'll be sitting barely a foot from me). I'm probably picking one up this week, so a review won't help my decision, but I'd love to hear your take on it.

[@t0nyxgq]

I picked one up on Aliexpress’s 11.11 sale. Return is definitely not as simple but if you don’t mind, you can save over $100. I was able to get the price down to $530ish

[@alexanderignatyev8175]

@@t0nyxgq Hi! So how do you find the sound? Is it worth all this hype about it? Alex.

[@t0nyxgq]

@@alexanderignatyev8175 Since it's being shipped from China, I won't be getting it until the end of the month. I will follow up when I do get it. I also have the Burson Funk and Nitsch Piety to compare it to.

[@marlowe1537]

@@t0nyxgq I also ordered an S17 Pro this week that is being shipped (for free) from China, but I didn't trust the sellers on AliExpress (I'm probably just being paranoid, I admit) and ordered directly from Aune for full price. It's scheduled to arrive via DHL on Tuesday (four days).

[@mwd473]

Wavetheory, your reviews are the best! Any comments on using the EF400 as the DAC for the Prelude?

[@t0nyxgq]

It kinda looks like a 90s VHS player.

[@wavetheorysound]

😆 It does kinda

[@88fonsfons]

classic hifiman build

[@chingsterc2356]

Hello. Is there any chance you can test this amp using a Modhouse Tungsten SS or DS? I'm debating on whether to get the Prelude or the V281 revision. I'm just not sure if the prelude would be able to drive the Tungsten adequately. Planning on purchasing the Tungsten next then save for Susvara. Currently using He1000se as my sole TOTL HP.

[@giorgosapo4508]

Wonderful review 👏 I remember that you had tried a SPL Phonitor X , can you make w quick comparison from what you remember?

[@wavetheorysound]

Phonitor X stages bigger and is brighter in tone. Prelude is warmer and more dynamic and impactful. Phonitor X SHOULD resolve a little better but I can only say should as I didn't have them side by side.

[@giorgosapo4508]

@@wavetheorysound Thanks a lot for the information ☺️ I have the Phonitor XE and a more dynamic and impactful amp would be a really nice addition.

[@radekbaszak7519]

Hi. iFi iCan Pro Signature, Holo Bliss KTE or this one for Susvara? Which one would you pick?

[@wavetheorysound]

Do you mean Holo Bliss? May is a dac. I have not heard the Bliss. But I really do NOT like the iCan. IMO that's one's out. YMMV.

[@radekbaszak7519]

@@wavetheorysound Yes. Bliss of course, I edited my comment already. And thanks for Your opinnion.

[@BillyKueekSG]

I have the iCAN Signature and this Prelude. WT hates the iCAN but like a few other people in that review commented, I too did not have the ‘’impact then nothing” problem and I love the iCAN. That said, the iCAN can make the Susvara loud but the Prelude is the amp for the Susvara. It was a friend who’s using the Bliss now that first told me about the Prelude. A local seller here in Singapore brought in 3 units of Prelude and my friend brought his Susvara to test the Prelude. He told me the performance is very very close to the Bliss and it’s a good buy at $1 less than the Bliss. Then, another friend in Hong Kong bought and use the Prelude with his Susvara and told me that HFM finally has an amp for the Susvara. I know these men and trust them. So, I bought the Prelude with his help and saved a lot more. I love this amp.

[@delta9k]

Nice review detailed as usual, appreciate that. I have OOR, Bliss and V550 - not sure I need another amp but, I can see potential to eliminate 1 or 2 and thinning down is always an option. Prelude is interesting.

[@BillyKueekSG]

Friend who’s using his Susvara with the Bliss tested the Prelude and told me it’s very very close. I got the Prelude at less than half the price of a Bliss.

[@ChaseHub]

How'd you get a discount on the Prelude?@@BillyKueekSG

[@michabuszynski7326]

Hello mate, I just got my self a v550 pro, out of used market. I'm pretty happy, coming from sinxer sa1. How would.you compare v550 to Oor/ferrum stack and v550 to Blis ?

[@Michael_mki233]

What about the Hifiman Audivana? How did that sound on the Prelude? Inquiring minds wish to know. 😆

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

He didn't like the audivana because its terrible.

[@yooanto9465]

haha @@En_Joshi-Godrez

[@lextr3110]

how can something dac friendly be transparent?

[@hiraksarma3068]

Actually transparent amps (example V550) are more DAC friendly, as they loose less detail when paired with warmer upstream equipments (slightly rolled off highs) than the other way round,

[@nonchalantd]

❤

[@ИгорьТопалов-л2б]

Hi WT! Austrian audio just releaised their first "Full Score One" headphone amplifier. It promises to be goood. Will you check it out? They promise to bring jaw-dropping transients. I am excited.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

it is, but really even the tm11 is already mightly impressive, its the most 'realistic' and even better, friendlier to dacs and amps, sounds balanced and highend, full package i must say

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

i mean realistic to own

[@roybenz187]

My prelude has low buzzing sound from power. Is that normal? Like a transformator noise kind of.

[@wavetheorysound]

Like a 60Hz hum? No. Not normal.

[@roybenz187]

@@wavetheorysoundthanks for your help. It was like a buzzing constantly, from the power inside of the amp. It still comes when switching it on but it now fades to almost quiet. So it’s gotten better. But guess i need to get it replaced. For susvara is it a must to play in hi gain?

[@wavetheorysound]

@@roybenz187 That sounds like a fault to me and I'd ask for another unit. I have not noticed such a thing on my unit, anyway. As to the hi/lo gain question, it's whatever you like best. Hi gain will give you more headroom which can be important for Susvara. However, some amps sound different in different gain settings. Check both and run with the one you like. You won't damage anything either way.

[@roybenz187]

Thanks. Great review btw. Great job on all the videos I have seen from you 🙏 keep up the good work.

[@Kyorakun]

Have you tried holo bliss

[@_Chev_Chelios]

The finish seems waaaay too fragile. Ans, no remote? $2500 and no remote??

[@amb3cog]

What a tease. Say you tested it as a preamp, but never told us 1 word about how it fared. 🤦‍♂️

[@carminedesanto6746]

I’ve found the HiFiman builds ..to be a tad lacking ( being charitable) ..I went with the Bryston BHA-1 Headphone / preamplifier…and I’m good 🙂

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

It's not made by hifiman. You were told that multiple times in the video.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@En_Joshi-GodrezGM …even if was made under license from HiFiman …I get it . That being said it actually looks good ..but the esthetics aren’t my thing..but if something that you’d like..have at it . Btw, take a moment for Remembrance Day.

[@wavetheorysound]

The only issue with the build here, quality wise, is the scratch on the finish that likely happened because I dragged it across a wood surface while it was upside down. Otherwise it's built like a tank.

[@_Chev_Chelios]

It's 14.3 lbs

[@_Chev_Chelios]

The Schiit Mjolnir 3 is 16 lbs

[@ChrisStoneinator]

I don't usually care about this stuff but I am quite literally unwilling to buy something that looks THAT cheap for £2500. If a mate came round and saw it and knew what I paid for it, I think I'd be genuinely embarrassed. Not because they would think I'd been ripped off, but because I'd know in my heart they'd be right. Christ, the output sockets look like spare parts I'd find knocking around the prep room at the school where I teach. I think the way HiFiMan conducts themselves is a real shame. Bian and He were and are extremely talented, knowledgeable and innovative, and they have access to such cheap labour that they could build a great sounding product with good parts at a competitive price. Instead, they choose to build a great sounding product with terrible parts, and then hike up the price anyway. Pleasantly surprised that it does a decent job of converting SE to balanced, I thought for sure that'd be the first place they'd skimp.

[@missingabyme]

my god it looks like junk

[@Hakku1403]

lol, hifiman is trolling their fanbase again. look at the build quality - like a 50 Dollar cheap chifi amp from the 80´s, taken right out the trashcan ..hahah😂 Dude, try an Aune S17 pro, it kicks the crap out of the goldenwave hifiman trash and most of the sub 3K Amps, in every aspect. - Aune S17 pro is a breathtaking unit and maybe endgame for many. - sold gladly my Vio V280FE for it.

[@bluemonstrosity259]

Shill

[@BillyKueekSG]

I am intrigued! Please share more about the Aube S17 Pro?

[@galahippo]

Em no, the s17 is a very good amp but not that good

[@alstonmaccow9386]

Don’t lol that nice I will have to pass this one. It looks like the ugly girl you get at the end of a night club

[@wavetheorysound]

Comments like this and then we ask why there are so few women in this hobby 🙄