Goldmund Mimesis Excellence

Goldmund Mimesis Excellence Digital/Analogue Preamplifier

The Goldmund Mimesis Excellence is a Swiss-made digital/analogue preamplifier designed for audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of sound quality. Combining cutting-edge technology with Goldmund's renowned craftsmanship, it features the revolutionary Themis audio board with dedicated DAC and volume control per channel, delivering over 130dB signal-to-noise ratio and frequency response extending to 530kHz.

Position in the Goldmund Lineup

The Mimesis Excellence sits above the Mimesis Signature in Goldmund's preamplifier hierarchy, offering advanced digital processing capabilities while maintaining audiophile-grade analog performance. It positions below the flagship Mimesis Reference, which is a purely analog design. The Excellence is ideally paired with Goldmund's Telos power amplifiers, where its exceptional signal purity and dynamic capabilities can be fully realized. For listeners who require both digital and analog source connectivity in a single high-performance preamplifier, the Excellence represents Goldmund's state-of-the-art solution.

Themis Audio Board Technology

At the heart of the Mimesis Excellence is the new Themis audio board, a significant advancement in high-fidelity audio engineering. Each audio channel (left and right) has its own dedicated audio card, allowing them to process sound independently. This separation minimizes noise and crosstalk, keeping the audio signal clean and clear throughout the signal path.

Per-Channel DAC and Volume Control

Each channel is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digital-to-Analogue Converter and precision volume control, ensuring the purest sound reproduction. This architecture handles a wide range of volumes, from the lowest to the highest decibels, without introducing distortion, maintaining consistent sonic character across the entire volume range.

Advanced Shielding

The Themis audio board features innovative blocked mechanical shielding to prevent unwanted electromagnetic emissions that could cause sound distortion. This EMI protection ensures that the sensitive analog circuits remain isolated from digital interference, preserving signal integrity throughout the preamplifier.

Modular Design

Designed to be modular, Themis offers easy maintenance due to its independent functionality from other card components. This architecture enhances overall performance and reliability while enabling future serviceability without replacing entire circuit assemblies.

Customized DAC Technology

The Mimesis Excellence incorporates a new customized DAC (absent in its predecessor) with exceptional performance in terms of noise and distortion. Capable of decoding up to DSD512, it represents the current pinnacle of digital audio resolution. The fully customized clock generation system ensures the lowest possible jitter in digital signal transmission, and a new shielding mechanism for the audio boards further enhances sound quality by preventing clock noise from contaminating the audio signal.

Performance Specifications

The Mimesis Excellence achieves remarkable measured performance. With a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 130dB and frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz (±0dB) extending to an astonishing 530kHz (±3dB), this preamplifier captures the full spectrum of audio and ensures the listening experience is free from unwanted noise. Total harmonic distortion measures just 0.0004% through balanced connections and 0.0006% through unbalanced connections, figures that approach measurement limits.

Dual-Domain Power Supply Architecture

The Mimesis Excellence features fully separated left and right digital and analogue power supplies, including customized high-end transformers. The power is regulated in two stages for maximum stability, and a new power management system refines the preamplifier's operation. This comprehensive separation ensures that digital processing noise cannot contaminate the analog signal path, while dedicated supplies for each channel maximize stereo separation and dynamic capability.

Connectivity

The rear panel provides comprehensive connectivity for modern high-end systems. Analog inputs include three pairs of RCA connectors and two pairs of balanced XLR connectors. Digital inputs comprise two S/PDIF coaxial RCA connectors and two optical Toslink inputs, accommodating virtually any digital source. Analog outputs include two pairs each of RCA and XLR balanced connectors, providing flexibility for bi-amping or connecting to multiple power amplifiers.

Two-Box Configuration

The Mimesis Excellence employs a two-box configuration, separating the preamplifier from its external power supply. The preamplifier unit measures 44 × 13.1 × 40 cm and weighs 11.5 kg, while the power supply measures 44 × 13.1 × 38.6 cm at 13 kg. This separation ensures that electromagnetic interference from the power supply transformers cannot affect the sensitive audio circuits, contributing to the exceptional noise floor specifications.

Chassis Design

The Mimesis Excellence showcases Goldmund's signature aesthetic with its micro-blasted aluminum construction. The side panels feature the distinctive wave design that is aesthetically coherent with the rest of the new Goldmund collection, ensuring visual harmony when combined with other Goldmund components. The preamplifier features intuitive front panel controls for volume, balance, and other functions, providing a user-friendly interface.

Finish Options

The Mimesis Excellence is available in Goldmund's signature gray and an elegant matte black finish. For the Chinese market, a gold accent ring adorns the top panel, while units for all other international markets feature a matching gray ring. Customers are encouraged to contact their local dealer, as availability, pricing, and lead times may vary per finish.

Summary

The Goldmund Mimesis Excellence Digital/Analogue Preamplifier represents a masterpiece crafted for those who demand nothing but the best in sound quality. With its revolutionary Themis audio board, customized DAC capable of DSD512 decoding, fully separated power supply architecture, and exceptional measured performance, it seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with exquisite Swiss craftsmanship. The Mimesis Excellence redefines the standards of digital/analog preamplification for the most discerning audiophiles.