Goldmund Telos 800: A Revolutionary Stereo Power Amplifier

Experience the unparalleled sound quality of the Goldmund Telos 800 stereo power amplifier, priced at $89,000, setting new standards in audio performance.

Introduction to the Goldmund Telos 800

Goldmund's new Telos 800 occupies a small and rarified niche in the audio market. This stereo power amp, at a staggering $89,000, is priced similarly to many high-end monoblock pairs. With other brands like Soulution, MBL, and Constellation in this elite class, one might wonder: if you had that much to spend on amplification, wouldn’t you just opt for monoblocks?

For me, however, the answer isn’t as clear cut. Like many enthusiasts, I have both spatial constraints and the ‘spouse acceptance factor’ to consider. A single amplifier chassis that saves floor space can be a significant advantage. If that amp can rival—or even exceed—the power and sound of monoblocks, then the question shifts to: "Why wouldn’t you go for the stereo amp?"

The Aesthetic Appeal and Sound Performance

This brings us to the Telos 800. Visually, it’s an utterly striking piece of industrial art that can take pride of place on a media console or equipment rack, instantly commanding attention in any room. Sonically, the Goldmund amp surpasses most amps I’ve encountered, monoblock or otherwise. In fact, the Telos 800 is by far the best amp I’ve had in my system—and I’ve experienced some exceptional options.

So, what sets this amplifier apart? Let's explore the journey of Goldmund that led to the creation of this masterpiece.

The New Goldmund: A Legacy Reborn

Goldmund has been a cornerstone in high-end audio since 1978, starting with the revolutionary Reference turntable. This product brought groundbreaking materials science and isolation techniques to turntable design, rapidly establishing both the brand and the product at the pinnacle of the high-end market.

Over the decades, Goldmund has expanded its offerings to include electronics, digital sources, cables, and speakers, pioneering technologies such as mechanical grounding and megahertz bandwidth—now considered standard in top-tier audio. The brand’s hallmark sound, characterized by speed, resolution, low distortion, and outstanding dynamics, has consistently marked its product range.

Unfortunately, in 1989, Goldmund faced a cash crunch due to poor management decisions following its acquisition of Stellavox, a maker of bespoke open-reel tape decks. Despite continuing to release new products, Goldmund found itself without distribution in North America for much of the early 21st century, leaving many younger audiophiles unaware of its influential past.

But a rejuvenation is underway. After visiting Goldmund's new headquarters and factory, as well as engaging with its leadership, it’s evident that the brand has effectively been reborn. New ownership under Johan Segala, the stepson of Goldmund’s founding father, Michel Reverchon, has brought a fresh vision since 2018. With a cash infusion and new leadership in place, including Carsten Roth, Goldmund is poised to reclaim its place in the audio industry.

Commitment to Sonic Purity

Despite the changes, Goldmund's core vision remains intact. The primary sonic goal is transparency; to achieve this, the company has updated the technologies it pioneered in the '80s while enhancing advanced metallurgy and materials science. Goldmund firmly believes in maintaining signals in the digital domain as long as possible, evident in the digital inputs present on all Telos amplifiers.

Yet, Goldmund continues to showcase its penchant for high-priced gear. The flagship Gaia powered speakers retail for an impressive $710,000, while the Telos 800 holds the title as the entry point in Goldmund’s amplifier line at $89,000. For context, the flagship Telos 8800 monoblocks, which output 1400 watts, cost a staggering $380,000 each.

However, Goldmund has delivered on its promise of quality. The rave reviews for the NextGen 590 II integrated amplifier and the introduction of the revamped Telos amplifier range confirm that Goldmund is ready to set new benchmarks in audio. The Telos 800 is certainly a prime example.

Making a Vivid Impression

To evaluate the Telos 800, I compared it with recent live music experiences and my reference CH Precision I1 integrated amplifier. While the latter's power amp section offers fewer watts per channel (100 vs. 300), I had never encountered a better-sounding amp in my system until the Telos 800 came along.

The CH Precision shares technology and sonic performance with the Telos, which isn’t surprising given that CH was partially founded by Goldmund alumni. The I1 is celebrated for its dynamics, tonal color, and resolution. With its pre-out ports, switching between the CH and the Telos 800 was effortless.

Upon making that switch, I was stunned. The sound was substantially… larger. The sheer musical and sonic information had expanded dramatically. Ultimately, I found that the sound was much more… vivid.

Understanding Vivid Sound

What does "vivid" sound mean exactly? A helpful analogy is to think about TVs at a store. They often look sharper and more vibrant due to their settings. However, this sharpness can sometimes lead to unrealistic color saturation.

Imagine if, in the audio realm, you could achieve that vivid setting without the drawbacks. That’s precisely what the Telos 800 accomplishes.

Several factors contribute to this effect, including presentation scale, density of musical information, and precise instrument positioning. With the Telos, you can sit farther off-axis and still maintain the stereo image. This amplifier also adds a wealth of timbral colors, allowing instruments to sound distinctly more authentic.

The Importance of Heads and Tails

Reviewers often pay attention to how notes trail off, their “tails.” Long, gradual diminishment is an indicator of excellent low-level resolution. The Telos 800 offers long tails—just listen to the electronic accents in London Grammar’s “Hey Now.” The Goldmund amplifies those tails beautifully.

However, just as crucial are the "heads" of notes—how they begin. Ideally, they should reach full power without any lag. Unlike many amps, the Goldmund achieves instantaneous responses, banishing the artifacts that can compromise realism.

Having recently attended a live blues festival, I was reminded that real drums start without any buildup. The Goldmund replicates this dynamic, contributing to its lifelike sound.

Dynamic Envelope: Stretching the Limits

Another unique attribute of the Telos 800 is its “dynamic envelope.” Unlike static dynamic range, an envelope can be stretched. With the Goldmund, music doesn’t just peak; it expands dramatically.

For instance, during Rammstein’s “Los,” the opening guitar bursts out with intensity through the Goldmund. This effect is even more pronounced in Mahler’s Second Symphony, where dynamic contrasts are crucial. The Telos delivers sharp contrasts that bring the music alive.

Even gradual buildups are handled beautifully; in Fleetwood Mac’s “Over and Over,” the tension builds until it’s finally released with a powerful cymbal crash. The Telos 800 excels in delivering a vivid musical experience.

I know what you’re thinking: This is all because the Telos 800 is more powerful than my reference amp. Well, not so fast. I’ve had powerful amps in my system, and while they did enable greater overall volume and stronger bass, they did not stretch the dynamic envelope like the Goldmund does. And, unlike the Telos 800, not one of them was any more vivid than my I1.

Conclusion: Undiminished Returns

Several years ago, Robert Harley claimed that the law of diminishing returns does not apply to high-end audio. With exceptional products, he argued, high-priced gear can be proportionately better than less costly options.

Initially skeptical, I now find myself as a believer. Yes, the Goldmund Telos 800 costs an eye-watering $89,000, but it’s worth every penny. This amp isn’t merely an incremental improvement over other high-end options; it represents a significant leap in sonic capability, making music more engrossing and realistic. If I could afford it, I would not hesitate to make it mine. The Telos 800 indicates that the new Goldmund is not just back; it's ready to set the audio world ablaze once more.

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FAQs

• What makes the Goldmund Telos 800 different from other amplifiers? The Telos 800 features unique technologies that enhance clarity, dynamics, and realism compared to conventional amplifiers.
• Is the Telos 800 suitable for smaller spaces? Yes, its stereo design saves space while delivering commanding sound, making it ideal for various setups.
• Can the Telos 800 handle a wide range of music genres? Absolutely! The amplifier is designed to reproduce all types of audio with exceptional quality and detail.
• How does the price of the Telos 800 compare to other high-end amplifiers? While its price is significantly higher, the unique performance and build quality justify the investment for serious audiophiles.
• What equipment pairs well with the Telos 800? It works beautifully with high-end speakers and digital sources, as well as other premium audio gear.