Swiss company Goldmund always delivers in the open class of hi-fi costing as much as a car. The latest addition is the Goldmund Signature Mimesis preamplifier, which, according to the manufacturer, will set a new standard for sonic purity. This applies to both analogue and digital inputs.
The digital part is based on the ESS9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC, which handles PCM audio up to 384 kHz / 32-bit, as well as DSD up to 22.6 MHz (DSD512) via the USB input. Which is great, but in fairness, it can also be done with much cheaper DACs. The dynamic range of 129 dB, on the other hand, is a rarity.
On the analogue side, there are three sets of unbalanced RCA inputs and one set of balanced XLR. All at line level. If you want to play records, it costs extra. This is where you would purchase the matching Mimesis PH3.3 Netxtgen phono stage.
The design is also clean, and if you’ve previously invested in a set of Goldmund Gaïa speakers, the Signature Mimesis with its wave-shaped sides will be a visually perfect match. What you need a preamplifier for in a wireless active speaker system is another matter.
On the other hand, it would probably make a good mate for a pair of Telos 8800 power amplifiers.
Of course, this kind of Swiss high-end electronics doesn’t come for free, and the Goldmund Signature Mimesis is priced at 24,250 euros.
More info: Goldmund
