Geneva-based high-end audio manufacturer Goldmund has unveiled its latest addition to the super-luxurious Telos line, the Goldmund Telos 2800 mono power amplifier. While the company promises to redefine sound quality and precision, the price of this audio marvel is enough to make even the most dedicated audiophile's head spin.
A Price That Turns Heads
With a starting price of £125,000 for a single unit, or a staggering £250,000 for a pair, the Goldmund Telos 2800 makes no apologies for its exclusivity. In comparison to the recently introduced McIntosh MC2.1KW monoblock amp, which already raised eyebrows at £59,995, the Telos 2800 sets a new benchmark for the upper echelons of the audiophile market.
Promise of Sonic Excellence
Goldmund boldly claims that the Telos 2800 "marks a milestone in high-fidelity audio," and the specifications certainly back up that assertion. This mono power amplifier boasts a maximum power output of 450 Wrms into 8 ohms, with a dynamic range of 110dB within a 22kHz bandwidth and an extremely low noise floor for the inputs.
The amplifier's design centers around a toroidal power transformer and a colossal capacitor bank, promising significant gains in dynamics and responsiveness.
Efficient Heat Regulation
Heat management is a critical factor in high-end amplifiers, and Goldmund addresses this by incorporating a new heat sink that spans the entire rear panel of the amp. This design enhancement allows for better heat dissipation, ensuring optimal thermal performance even during extended listening sessions.
Connectivity and Compatibility
On the rear panel of the Telos 2800, you'll find both single RCA and balanced XLR inputs, a digital input, output RCA connectors, two output binding posts, and a single Goldmund speaker 4B-type connector. This array of input and output options ensures seamless compatibility with a wide range of audio sources and setups.
A Family of High-End Amplifiers
The Goldmund Telos 2800 joins Goldmund's lineup of high-end amplifiers, which includes the Telos 8800 power amp, commanding an astonishing price of £350,000 for a single unit or £700,000 for a pair. While the Telos 2800 might seem like a "bargain" in comparison, it's essential to remember that this level of luxury and audio precision is not for the faint of heart or wallet.
Technical Specifications
Delving deeper into the Telos 2800's technical specifications, it delivers a maximum power output of 450 Wrms on 8 ohms with 1% THD, while boasting a distortion level of less than 0.05% IMD (SMPTE) and THD+N from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 30 Vrms output.
The input noise floor is impressively below 3 μV across the same frequency range. With a gain of 35 dB and a dynamic range of 110 dB within a 22 kHz measurement bandwidth, the Telos 2800 excels in its ability to control speaker drivers for precise audio output.
Under the Hood
Inside the 32 x 44 x 46cm (HxWxD), 59 kg chassis of the Telos 2800 lies a robust 3200 VA toroidal power transformer complemented by a colossal custom Goldmund capacitor bank of 109,600 µF. These enhancements are designed to improve the amplifier's dynamics and speed, ensuring that it faithfully reproduces even the most intricate musical details.
Who’s Gonna Buy It?
The Goldmund Telos 2800 is a formidable addition to the world of high-end audio amplifiers, offering an extraordinary level of precision and power. However, its exorbitant price tag places it firmly in the realm of luxury, making it accessible only to a select few audiophiles with the means to acquire such an exceptional piece of audio equipment.
While it may redefine the standards of sound quality and precision, its exclusivity ensures that it remains an aspiration for many in the world of high-fidelity audio.
