Goldmund Telos 670 Integrated Amplifier
The Goldmund Telos 670 is a Swiss-made integrated amplifier that combines a preamplifier, power amplifier, and high-resolution DAC in a single chassis. Delivering 215 watts per channel into 8 ohms through Goldmund's proprietary Telos® Class A/B amplification technology, it is engineered to drive passive loudspeakers with authority while maintaining the sonic purity the brand is known for.
Position in the Goldmund Lineup
The Telos 670 sits below the Telos 690 integrated amplifier in Goldmund's current range, offering a more accessible entry point into the brand's integrated amplifier lineup. While the Telos 690 delivers 250 watts per channel, the Telos 670 provides 215 watts, still substantial power for most high-end loudspeakers. Both models share Goldmund's Telos® amplification technology and the same fundamental design philosophy, making the 670 an attractive option for those seeking Goldmund's signature sound in a more compact and cost-effective package.
Telos® Amplification Technology
At the heart of the Telos 670 lies Goldmund's proprietary Telos® amplification technology, a Class A/B circuit architecture refined over more than 40 years of research and development. The design prioritizes ultimate linearity, wide bandwidth extending well beyond the audible spectrum, and vanishingly low distortion. This approach ensures phase and temporal coherence are preserved throughout the signal path, resulting in pure, uncompromised musical reproduction even at demanding power levels.
Speaker Control and Low-Frequency Precision
Telos® amplifiers are designed for absolute control over loudspeakers. The Telos 670's reduced output impedance, reflected in its 600 damping factor, enhances micro-dynamics and prevents woofer overshoot during high-power passages. This results in tighter, more articulate bass reproduction without the looseness or overhang that can plague less capable amplifiers. Whether rendering a whisper or a full orchestral crescendo, the amplifier maintains clean, dynamic sound from the first watt to the last.
Built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter
The Telos 670 includes a high-quality DAC section that accepts USB Audio Class 2.0 connections supporting PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD64/DSD128 via DoP. Additional digital inputs include Toslink optical and coaxial S/PDIF, allowing connection to CD transports, streaming devices, and other digital sources. This integrated approach eliminates the need for a separate DAC component while ensuring the digital-to-analog conversion meets Goldmund's exacting standards.
Dual-Circuit Architecture
The amplifier employs a dual-circuit architecture that separates low and high-current paths to eliminate interference and maintain signal purity. Harmonic and intermodulation distortions are virtually eliminated through optimization of linearity at every amplification stage. The Telos 670 achieves THD+N below 0.08% across the audio band and intermodulation distortion below 0.02%, ensuring the original recording's character remains intact.
Connectivity
Despite its all-in-one design, the Telos 670 offers practical connectivity options. Five analog RCA inputs accommodate turntables (with external phono stage), CD players, and other line-level sources. The three digital inputs (USB Type B, Toslink optical, and coaxial S/PDIF) cover modern streaming sources and digital transports. Speaker connections are provided via substantial binding posts, and RS232 control enables integration into automated systems.
Chassis Design and Construction
The Telos 670's chassis exemplifies Goldmund's belief that mechanical design directly impacts sonic performance. The joint-free, precision-machined enclosure features a 9mm aluminum casing combined with a 30mm-thick radiator chassis that functions as a passive heat sink. This eliminates the need for active cooling fans while maintaining optimal thermal conditions during operation.
Electromagnetic Shielding and Vibration Control
The aluminum enclosure serves as a natural Faraday cage, providing effective electromagnetic shielding to protect the internal circuitry from interference. The mass-optimized structure, combined with Goldmund's signature conic feet, ensures rock-solid stability while systematically channeling vibrations away from the electronics. This approach to mechanical grounding preserves sound clarity across the entire frequency spectrum by preventing micro-vibrations from inducing noise or sonic coloration.
Design Philosophy
Goldmund's sonic philosophy, embodied in the Telos 670, is founded on several key principles: near-zero harmonic distortion, near-zero intermodulation and TIM distortion, minimal vibration and mechanical resonance, exceptionally high dynamic range, absolute thermal stability, and a virtually silent background. Each Telos 670 and its components undergo rigorous technical testing and critical listening evaluations before leaving the factory to ensure these standards are met.
Bespoke Components
Many of the Telos 670's critical components are designed and manufactured exclusively for Goldmund. These bespoke elements, unavailable elsewhere, represent the company's dedication to sonic purity and engineering excellence. Rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf parts, Goldmund develops custom solutions where standard components would compromise performance.
Finish Options
The Telos 670 is available in Goldmund's signature micro-blasted gray aluminum finish as standard, combining structural integrity with timeless elegance. A black finish is available upon request, subject to stock availability and lead times.
Summary
The Goldmund Telos 670 represents a fusion of power, simplicity, and sonic truth for listeners who seek fewer audio components without sacrificing sound fidelity. By uniting preamplifier, power amplifier, and DAC functions in a single beautifully crafted chassis, it offers a complete high-end amplification solution backed by four decades of Swiss engineering expertise. For those seeking Goldmund's renowned transparency, dynamics, and bass control in an integrated format, the Telos 670 marks a compelling entry point into the brand's world of uncompromising audio reproduction.