Goldmund Mimesis Reference

Goldmund Mimesis Reference Analogue Preamplifier

The Goldmund Mimesis Reference is a Swiss-made flagship analogue preamplifier featuring Class A output stage drivers engineered to achieve the lowest possible Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and Intermodulation Distortion (IMD). With a purely analog signal path and an extensively redesigned power supply architecture, it redefines the boundaries of sonic clarity and purity in high-end preamplification.

Position in the Goldmund Lineup

The Mimesis Reference stands at the pinnacle of Goldmund's preamplifier hierarchy, joining the Reference turntable and Eidos Reference digital player as the brand's ultimate statement components. Introduced in late 2023, it represents the culmination of Goldmund's decades of expertise in analog circuit design. The Mimesis Reference is ideally paired with Goldmund's Telos power amplifiers, particularly the flagship Telos 8800 or Telos 4800 monoblocks, where its vanishingly low distortion characteristics can be fully appreciated.

Class A Output Stage Technology

At the heart of the Mimesis Reference are Class A output stage drivers, employed specifically to guarantee the lowest achievable distortion figures. This topology ensures that the output transistors operate in their most linear region at all times, eliminating crossover distortion entirely. The result is measured THD and IMD of just 0.0002% through unbalanced connections and an extraordinary 0.0001% through balanced connections—figures that approach the theoretical limits of measurement equipment.

Ultra-Low Transient Intermodulation Distortion

The Mimesis Reference defies convention with its mastery over Ultra-Low Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM). This form of distortion, which occurs during rapid signal transitions, can subtly corrupt the harmonic structure of music. By virtually eliminating TIM, every delicate transition and crescendo is imbued with a purity that embraces the essence of true fidelity. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 126dB across an extraordinarily wide bandwidth from 0.01Hz to 10MHz.

Redesigned Power Supply Architecture

A complete redesign of the power supply has been implemented in the Mimesis Reference, representing one of the most significant advances over previous Goldmund preamplifiers. The power supply utilizes separate analog and digital circuits, preventing any digital noise from contaminating the analog signal path. Custom audio-grade toroidal transformers are employed to drive each section of the preamplifier, ensuring optimal performance and isolation.

Dual-Mono Power Supply Design

Each side of the preamplifier—left and right channels—has its own dedicated power supply, enhancing channel separation to exceptional levels. An additional separate power supply is dedicated exclusively to driving the digital control section of the preamplifier, further isolating it from the audio circuits. The power supply units feature customized Goldmund brand components, including oxygen-free gold conductors, guaranteeing an extraordinarily stable sonic power supply for the audio drivers.

Advanced Thermal Management

Heat dissipation has been elevated to an art form in the Mimesis Reference. The heat sink has been crafted in-house using CNC machining techniques to maximize the utilization of available surface area and efficiently dissipate heat from the power supplies. Extensive work has been conducted on the audio board of the preamplifier section, implementing a new shielding design that also serves as a heat sink—achieving dual functionality from a single precision component.

Individual Op-Amp Cooling

Each low-noise op-amp on the audio board is equipped with its own custom heat sink. These heat sinks are precision-machined from a single piece of aluminum, ensuring optimal cooling efficiency by establishing direct mechanical contact between each op-amp and the dissipator. This configuration provides the best available cooling capability for the audio circuitry, maintaining thermal stability for consistent performance.

Connectivity

The Mimesis Reference provides comprehensive connectivity for the most demanding systems. Each channel offers seven unbalanced RCA inputs and three balanced XLR inputs, accommodating virtually any source configuration. Output options include three unbalanced RCA outputs and three balanced XLR outputs per channel, plus two dedicated tape monitor outputs. The minimalist front panel features controls for Power, Volume, Mute, Balance, Record/Menu, Phase/Edit, and selection of the seven inputs, with additional control available via RS232 connector or the supplied handheld remote. Separate signal ground and earth binding posts are provided on both the preamplifier and external power supply.

Purely Analog Signal Path

Unlike many modern preamplifiers that incorporate digital volume control or DAC sections, the Mimesis Reference maintains a purely analog signal path from input to output. This design philosophy ensures that the audio signal remains in the analog domain throughout, preserving every nuance of the source material without any digital conversion artifacts.

Chassis Design and Construction

Commencing from 2023, Goldmund's preamplifier design embraces a visionary new design language. A 'no-screw-design' graces the top panel, creating an uncluttered aesthetic that Goldmund describes as "an ode to aesthetic harmony." The side panels draw inspiration from Goldmund's active speaker range, including the flagship Gaia, exemplifying a seamless blend of elegance and function.

Enhanced Mechanical Structure

The mechanical enclosure has undergone significant enhancement, embracing a heightened panel structure for unrivaled durability. With panels now 12mm thick—up from 6-8mm in previous designs—the precision mechanics bear testimony to the exceptional quality that defines Goldmund's craft. This increased mass also contributes to improved vibration damping and mechanical grounding.

Finish Options

The Mimesis Reference is available in Goldmund's classic silver gray or matte black finish, lending a touch of sophistication to any audio arrangement. Buyers can customize their Mimesis Reference by choosing between two options for the top left front accent ring: gold or a finish that matches the chassis color, ensuring seamless integration into any aesthetic preference. For the Chinese market, a gold accent ring is standard, while international units feature a matching gray ring by default.

Two-Box Configuration

The Mimesis Reference employs a two-box configuration, with the preamplifier and external power supply housed in separate chassis. This separation ensures that electromagnetic interference from the power supply transformers cannot affect the sensitive audio circuits, while also providing flexibility in system placement.

Summary

The Goldmund Mimesis Reference Analogue Preamplifier is an opus of auditory and aesthetic opulence, beckoning listeners to embrace sound in its purest, most captivating form. With its Class A output stages, vanishingly low distortion figures, comprehensive power supply redesign, and meticulous Swiss craftsmanship, it represents Goldmund's ultimate statement in analog preamplification. Welcome to a realm where innovation dances with tradition, and music finds its eternal home.