Hifiman
Amplificador valvulado para fone de ouvido Hifiman Goldenwave GA-10
Best tube amplifier for audiophiles seeking warm, high-fidelity headphone sound.
Celebrate HIFIMAN's 10th anniversary with the Goldenwave GA-10 tube headphone amplifier. This desktop unit is crafted for audiophiles seeking the delicate and clear sound signature associated with high-end tube gear. It features a SEPP architecture utilizing world-renowned vacuum tubes like ECC83/12AX7 and EL84, paired with a specially tuned 120W shielded transformer for superior clarity. The design emphasizes low noise with independent regulator circuits for pristine audio performance. It offers versatile connectivity, including balanced XLR 4-pin, 4.4mm, and 6.35mm outputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of high-fidelity headphones.
$1599.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
410
/ 807
#410 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+14%
Above average
Power Output
3000300600321
/ mW @ Ω, mW @ Ω (kHz)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a warm, organic, and musical listening experience
- Owners of demanding planar magnetic or high-impedance headphones
- Design-conscious listeners wanting a premium, classic aesthetic for their setup
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range equipment
- Users preferring low-maintenance gear and cool-running desktop environments
- Purists requiring absolute sonic neutrality and transparency
Performance breakdown
Tube sonic character
Delivers the lush, harmonic richness expected from high-end vacuum tube circuitry.
High-impedance power
Exceptional 3000mW output effortlessly drives demanding high-impedance audiophile headphones.
Noise floor control
Independent regulator circuits maintain a remarkably clean and silent background.
Connectivity versatility
Balanced and single-ended outputs accommodate virtually any premium headphone connection.
Build integrity
Robust chassis design reflects a premium, anniversary-edition desktop aesthetic.
Signal purity
Shielded transformer architecture ensures minimal interference for pristine audio reproduction.
Key Specs
Power Output
3000mW @ 300Ω, 600mW @ 32Ω (1kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)
0.001% at 1 kHz/300 Ω
Frequency Response
20Hz - 24kHz, ±0.5dB @ 1kHz
Dimensions
330 x 110 x 380 mm (excluding protrusions)
Tube Complement
4x ECC83/12AX7 and 4x EL84
Power Consumption
70 W total
Connectivity
4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4mm balanced, 6.35mm single-ended
Amplifier Technology
Vacuum Tube
Features
- Delicate, clear sound signature of tube gear
- Utilizes renowned ECC83/12AX7 and EL84 vacuum tubes
- Features SEPP architecture for robust performance
- Low-noise circuits ensure pristine audio fidelity
- Versatile connectivity with balanced and single-ended outputs
- Includes 120W shielded transformer for superior clarity
- Impedance matching on 6.35mm output
- 10th Anniversary Edition design
What customers say
Owners highly value the Hifiman Goldenwave GA-10 for its exceptional synergy with demanding headphones, especially planar magnetic models. The amplifier is consistently praised for delivering rich, organic warmth and liquidity, injecting musicality into the sound signature. Listeners frequently note the expansive soundstage and excellent detail retrieval. Build quality is regarded as robust and premium, justifying its high standing in the high fidelity community. While some perceive a slight sonic coloration compared to neutral solid state gear, the GA-10 successfully blends classic tube characteristics like lush mids with necessary speed and dynamics. For those seeking an emotionally engaging, sophisticated audio experience with flagship headphones, this component is a top recommendation.
Know before you buy
The GA-10 delivers the classic, warm, and delicate sound signature associated with high-end tube amplification. By utilizing ECC83/12AX7 and EL84 tubes, it provides a clear, liquid midrange and smooth treble that brings a natural, organic quality to your music.
The unit is highly versatile, featuring three distinct outputs: a 4-pin XLR balanced jack, a 4.4mm balanced jack, and a standard 6.35mm single-ended output. This allows you to use almost any high-fidelity headphone cable configuration without needing additional adapters.
Yes, the GA-10 is specifically engineered to handle demanding loads, offering a power output of 3000mW at 300Ω. It is well-suited for driving high-impedance audiophile headphones that require significant voltage swing to perform at their best.
HIFIMAN designed the GA-10 with low-noise circuits and independent regulator circuits specifically to mitigate the hum often associated with tube gear. The inclusion of a 120W shielded transformer further ensures a pristine, quiet background for your listening sessions.
As with any tube-based amplifier, the tubes will eventually require replacement after several thousand hours of use. The GA-10 uses a standard complement of ECC83/12AX7 and EL84 tubes, which are widely available and relatively easy to source for future maintenance.
The GA-10 is designed primarily as a dedicated desktop headphone amplifier. It does not include dedicated pre-amplifier outputs, so it is best utilized as a standalone solution for your headphone listening setup.
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$1599