HiFiMAN PRELUDE Pure Class A Headphone Amplifier

Description

HiFiMAN PRELUDE Pure Class A Headphone Amplifier

The HiFiMAN PRELUDE is a high-current pure Class A analogue headphone amplifier developed for reference headphones that demand both substantial power and precise control.

With up to 10W into 32Ω, balanced and single-ended analogue inputs, multiple headphone outputs and a dedicated preamplifier function, the PRELUDE is designed as the analogue centrepiece of a serious headphone system.

Unlike integrated DAC/headphone amplifiers, the PRELUDE concentrates entirely on amplification, allowing the listener to choose a separate DAC or analogue source while benefiting from HIFIMAN’s powerful Class A architecture.

Up to 10 Watts into 32 Ohms

The PRELUDE provides substantial output power across a wide range of headphone impedances.

• 10W @ 32Ω
• 6W @ 64Ω
• 2.5W @ 150Ω
• 1W @ 300Ω
• 560mW @ 600Ω

This power profile makes the PRELUDE suitable for both demanding low-sensitivity planar magnetic headphones and high-impedance dynamic designs.

Balanced and Single-Ended Inputs

The PRELUDE accepts both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended analogue sources.

Input selection is handled directly from the front panel, making it possible to connect two separate analogue sources and switch between them without changing cables.

Because the PRELUDE contains no internal DAC, the owner remains free to select the digital source and conversion stage that best suits the rest of the system.

Multiple Headphone Outputs

The front panel provides an unusually broad selection of headphone connections.

• 4-pin XLR balanced headphone output
• 4.4mm balanced headphone output
• XLR 3-pin balanced outputs
• Dual 6.35mm single-ended headphone outputs

The XLR 3-pin and 6.35mm connections use dual-purpose sockets, giving the PRELUDE excellent compatibility with premium headphone cables.

Low and High Gain

A dedicated gain selector provides LOW and HIGH gain modes.

This is particularly useful when moving between headphones with significantly different sensitivity and impedance requirements.

Lower gain provides greater usable volume-control range with efficient headphones, while high gain provides additional voltage gain for more demanding designs.

Extremely Low Distortion

The PRELUDE is specified with an official THD+N figure of approximately 0.0009% at 1kHz in low gain.

For a high-power pure Class A headphone amplifier, this is an exceptionally low figure.

Signal-to-noise ratio is specified at approximately 113dB, helping maintain a quiet background even with highly resolving headphones.

6.5kg High-End Chassis

The PRELUDE measures approximately 330 × 56 × 260mm and weighs around 6.5kg.

The relatively compact height hides a substantial high-current amplifier and power supply.

Large ventilation areas are important because a pure Class A amplifier dissipates significant heat even when it is not delivering maximum output power.

Designed for Proper Ventilation

HIFIMAN recommends leaving at least approximately 5cm of free space above and around the amplifier.

The PRELUDE should not be enclosed inside a tightly sealed cabinet or covered during operation.

Its operating temperature is a natural consequence of its high-current Class A architecture.

Sound Philosophy

The HiFiMAN PRELUDE is designed to combine substantial power with refinement rather than simply producing high output numbers.

A strong Class A output stage can deliver excellent control over planar diaphragms while maintaining low-level detail and smooth dynamic transitions.

The PRELUDE is therefore aimed at systems where tonal density, dynamic authority, spatial separation and control are all equally important.

HiFiMAN PRELUDE Specifications

• Type: Pure Class A headphone amplifier / preamplifier
• Amplifier architecture: High-current Class A
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 50kHz, ±1dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: approximately 113dB
• THD+N: approximately 0.0009% at 1kHz, low gain
• Balanced output power: 10W @ 32Ω
• Balanced output power: 6W @ 64Ω
• Balanced output power: 2.5W @ 150Ω
• Balanced output power: 1W @ 300Ω
• Balanced output power: 560mW @ 600Ω
• Analogue inputs: XLR balanced, RCA single-ended
• Headphone outputs: 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm, dual-purpose XLR / 6.35mm sockets
• Preamp outputs: XLR balanced and RCA single-ended
• Gain: Low / High
• Operating modes: Headphone amplifier / PRE-OUT
• Power consumption: less than 50W
• Dimensions: 330 × 56 × 260mm
• Weight: approximately 6.5kg

PRELUDE vs GA-10

The PRELUDE and GA-10 represent two very different approaches to high-end analogue headphone amplification.

The GA-10 uses a full vacuum-tube architecture and emphasises the sonic characteristics of valve amplification.

The PRELUDE uses a powerful pure Class A solid-state design with substantially higher output into low-impedance loads.

For demanding planar magnetic headphones, the PRELUDE offers greater raw power and current capability, while the GA-10 provides the distinctive tonal and spatial character of tubes.

PRELUDE vs EF600

The

HiFiMAN EF600

combines a HYMALAYA PRO R2R DAC with balanced headphone amplification.

The PRELUDE eliminates the digital stage entirely and concentrates on higher-performance analogue amplification.

The EF600 is ideal for an integrated digital system, while the PRELUDE makes more sense for listeners who already own a high-quality DAC and want to upgrade the amplifier independently.

Ideal Partner for Demanding Planar Headphones

With up to 10W into 32Ω, the PRELUDE has the electrical capability required by many difficult planar magnetic headphones.

It is a natural partner for reference models such as the

HiFiMAN SUSVARA
,

HiFiMAN SUSVARA UNVEILED

and

HiFiMAN HE6 Remastered
.

Actual amplifier matching should always consider headphone sensitivity, listening level and available voltage and current rather than wattage alone.

Who Is the HiFiMAN PRELUDE For?

The HiFiMAN PRELUDE is intended for listeners who already have a high-quality digital or analogue source and want a dedicated reference headphone amplifier.

It is especially relevant for owners of demanding planar magnetic headphones who need high current capability without moving to a large speaker amplifier.

Its preamplifier outputs also make it attractive for systems where the same source and volume control are shared between headphones and active loudspeakers or a separate power amplifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the HiFiMAN PRELUDE a Class A amplifier?

Yes. The PRELUDE uses a high-current pure Class A amplification architecture.

Does the PRELUDE include a DAC?

No. It is a dedicated analogue headphone amplifier and preamplifier.

How much power does it provide?

The balanced output is rated at up to 10W into 32Ω, 6W into 64Ω, 2.5W into 150Ω, 1W into 300Ω and 560mW into 600Ω.

Does it have balanced inputs?

Yes. Both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended analogue inputs are provided.

Can the PRELUDE be used as a preamplifier?

Yes. Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA PRE-OUT connections are provided on the rear panel.

Does it have selectable gain?

Yes. LOW and HIGH gain modes are available from the front panel.

Can headphone and preamp outputs operate simultaneously?

No. The PRELUDE uses a dedicated output selector, so headphone and PRE-OUT modes are selected separately.

Explore More HiFiMAN

For HIFIMAN’s vacuum-tube alternative, explore the HiFiMAN GA-10.

For an integrated R2R DAC and headphone amplifier, discover the

HiFiMAN EF600
.

For one of the most demanding reference planar headphones, explore the

HiFiMAN SUSVARA
.

Browse the complete

HiFiMAN collection at Chameleon Audio
.

Official Product Information

For official manufacturer information, specifications and support, visit

HIFIMAN Official
.

Price & Availability

For current price, availability and international shipping, explore the complete

HiFiMAN collection at Chameleon Audio
.

With pure Class A operation, up to 10W of balanced headphone power and both headphone and preamplifier functionality, the HiFiMAN PRELUDE is designed as a serious analogue foundation for demanding reference headphone systems.