Goldmund has introduced what it describes as its "most advanced amplifier ever", the Telos 9800.
The new stereo amp delivers 1550 watts of power into 8 ohms and is built around an entirely new amplification platform. For the first time in a Goldmund amplifier, the power supply and amplification stages are physically separated into interconnected units. This, says Goldmund, allows each to operate under optimal conditions while preserving the amp's "mechanical and electrical integrity".
Further, the Telos 9800 also uses a proprietary power management system and the largest capacitor bank ever developed by the company.
Together with its custom-designed capacitors and transformers, as well as a completely redesigned amplification stage built around next-generation power boards, the amp's new platform promises "greater stability" and "exceptional loudspeaker control".
In terms of physical connections, XLR and RCA inputs are joined by S/PDIF inputs and outputs, as well as a quartet of binding posts.
The new amplifier incorporates Goldmund's 'Leonardo' technology, a signal processing algorithm which digitally realigns frequencies to reduce phase distortions for better time alignment and improved sonic realism.
Goldmund's latest luxury offering has been designed in collaboration with Cécile Barani, the same designer who worked with Goldmund on its high-end Gaia speakers. With the Telos, precision-machined aluminium surfaces combine with discreet gold signatures in pursuit of, says Goldmund, a restrained yet premium aesthetic.
The Telos 9800 is priced at £370,000 / €430,000 / $500,000. We called the Goldmund Telos 690 amplifier we reviewed last year "heinously capable" but "hideously expensive", and that only cost a meagre £32,500 / $36,250 / AU$60,000.
Price-wise, the Telos 9800 is in a different league – and Goldmund will be hoping it's in a different league sound-wise, too.
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