Swiss audio brand Goldmund has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the Mimesis Statement analog preamplifier, with a jaw-dropping price tag of $240,000. This isn't just high-end audio; it's a statement piece for the ultra-wealthy, pushing the boundaries of luxury and engineering.
Goldmund, a name synonymous with exquisite design and uncompromising performance since 1978, continues its tradition of creating audio equipment that rivals fine art and other high-priced indulgences. The brand's latest offering, the Mimesis Statement, is their flagship analog preamplifier, designed to offer a "credible alternative to jewellery, art, or other pricey indulgences for the superrich."
In a traditional setup, a preamplifier handles volume and input selection before sending signals to a power amplifier. While many opt for integrated amplifiers combining both functions, audiophiles seeking the utmost purity often separate them. Goldmund takes this a step further, housing the Mimesis Statement's pre-amplification electronics in one component and its left and right channel power supplies in two separate external units. This radical separation, coupled with meticulous internal design and symmetry, aims to guarantee signal integrity under all conditions.
The Mimesis Statement boasts an incredibly low total harmonic distortion of just 0.0002 percent, a figure so minuscule it's difficult to measure. Its design features mirrored-glass displays, metal-coated controls, and Goldmund's signature slender gold-line aesthetic, all housed within three chassis. It's a piece that demands attention not just for its sound but for its physical presence.
While the $240,000 preamplifier is a significant investment, it's just one part of a complete Goldmund system. During a demonstration, the Mimesis Statement was paired with the Eidos network streamer ($27,000) and a pair of Thelos 9800 power amplifiers ($500,000 each), driving Theia Passive loudspeakers ($215,000). The total system cost? A cool $1,482,000, which Goldmund suggests is comparable to "a very nice apartment, probably with a balcony."
What does this astronomical price buy? Beyond the state-of-the-art audio components, it includes unparalleled industrial design, meticulous attention to detail, hand-soldered circuit boards, military-grade alloys crafted with Swiss watchmaking precision, and an overall build quality reminiscent of NASA technology. Goldmund isn't just selling a hi-fi system; it's selling a symbol of status, exclusivity, and the pinnacle of artisanal engineering, all wrapped in a package that delivers detailed, insightful, and exceptionally communicative sound.
