When it comes to its power amplifiers, Goldmund doesn’t take a back seat to anyone. So far in 2024, we have reported on the Telos 690 Integrated Amplifier and 800 Stereo Power Amplifier that offer a lot of high-end performance with a huge price tag.
Even with a soft economy, high-end brands such as Sonus faber, Gryphon, and Goldmund have focused this year on six-figure products that appeal to a minuscule portion of the market. Goldmund’s new Telos 4800 mono power amplifiers will empty your bank account with very little effort.
Built on the foundation of Goldmund’s flagship 8800 mono power amplifier (released in 2023), the Telos 4800 is designed to drive even very low-impedance loudspeakers without compromising distortion levels, allowing easy integration with any loudspeaker configuration.
Goldmund 4800 Features
Power Output: With a maximum power output of 1050 watts RMS at 8 ohms and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of only 0.005% across 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the 4800 is designed to deliver unmatched sound clarity and power.
Dynamic Range: The dynamic range, measured at 117 dB with a 22 kHz bandwidth, ensures that subtle audio details are rendered accurately.
Damping Factor: The Telos 4800 features a damping factor of 600 at 1 kHz and output floor noise of less than 3 μV, delivering an impeccably clean and detailed sound free from unwanted background noise.
Gain: The amplifier’s gain is adjustable in 3 dB increments, providing precise control and customization to suit individual preferences and audio setups.
Capacitors: Responding to the growing demand for increased capacity and power, the Telos 4800 is equipped with the innovative Goldmund proprietary MKP silver-metalized polypropylene film cap capacitors and a fully massive copper ground plan.
This state-of-the-art component ensures a supremely stable supply for the Mosfet output stage, guaranteeing optimal stability even for demanding loads
Analog Signal Path: With fully analog circuitry from input to output, the Telos 4800 ensures maximum thermal security and short-circuit protection. The amplifier has an automatic shutdown feature, which protects both the amplifier and connected speakers.
Connections: The Telos 4800 is equipped with analog and digital inputs, including RCA and XLR connectors. The rear panel also features a universal power socket, multiple output binding posts, and a ground lift switch. The 4800 also includes a 12-volt trigger jack for external control.
Finishes and Cabinet: The Telos 4800 is available in sleek gray and sophisticated black finishes. Its elegant sidelines are designed to blend authenticity with avant-garde design.
The upgraded, thicker panel structure compared to the previous collection enhances the amplifier’s operation, reinforcing. Mechanical Grounding emphasizing Golmund’s quality craftsmanship.
Comparison
| Telos 4800 | Telos 8800 | |
| Price (USD) | $260,000 | $366,000 |
| Amplifier Type | Mono Power Amplifier | Mono Power Amplifier |
| Maximum Power Output (IEC60065) | 1050 Wrms on 8 Ω / 1 % THD | 1400 Wrms on 8 Ω / 1 % THD |
| Dynamic Range | 22 kHz measurement bandwidth (flat), true RMS unloaded: 117 dB | 22 kHz measurement bandwidth (flat), true RMS unloaded: 117 dB |
| Damping Factor | 600 at 1 kHz / 8 Ω | 600 at 1 kHz / 8 Ω |
| Distortion | IMD (SMPTE), unloaded:: < 0.01% THD+N unloaded: < 0.005 % from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 30 Vrms output | IMD (SMPTE), unloaded: < 0.01% THD+N unloaded: < 0.005 % from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 30 Vrms output |
| Output Moise Floor | Analog input terminated with RCA Shorting Caps, unloaded: < 3 μV from 20 Hz to 20 kHz | Analog input terminated with RCA Shorting Caps, unloaded: < 3 μV from 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Gain | 35 dB, +/- 9 dB (adjustable in steps of 3 dB for each input) | 35 dB, +/- 9 dB (adjustable in steps of 3 dB for each input) |
| Input Levels | Max level before clipping Analog input: 2 Vrms Digital input: 0 dBFS | Max level before clipping Analog input: 2 Vrms Digital input: 0 dBFS |
| Output Levels | Max level before clipping 1% THD, unloaded: 300 Vpp | Max level before clipping 1% THD, unloaded: 300 Vpp |
| Audio Inputs | Analog input RCA unbalanced connector Analog input XLR balanced connector Digital input (RCA connector) | Analog input RCA unbalanced connector Analog input XLR balanced connector Digital input (RCA connector) |
| Audio Outputs | 2 x speaker output binding posts (red & black) 1 x output Goldmund speaker 4B type connector Digital Output (RCA Connector) | 2 x speaker output binding posts (red & black) 1 x output Goldmund speaker 4B type connector Digital Output (RCA Connector) |
| Additional Rear Panel Connections | Power cord: universal socket 3 lugs, 16 A Main fuses (F1: 2.5A ; F2: 1A F3: 8A) AC black GND binding post Green-yellow AC earth binding post Ground lift switch. RS232 command connector Jack connector for 12 Volt Trigger | Power cord: universal socket 3 lugs, 16 A Main fuses AC black GND binding post (with bridge connection) Green-yellow AC earth binding post (with bridge connection) RS232 command connector |
| Power Supply | Nominal line voltage: 115 V or 230 V Input voltage range: +/- 10 % | Nominal line voltage: 115 V or 230 V Input voltage range: +/- 5 % |
| Power Consumption | IEC 60065, 1/8 Output Power at 8 Ω: 680 W | IEC 60065, 1/8 Output Power at 8 Ω: 750 W |
| Dynamic Range | 22 kHz measurement bandwidth (flat), true RMS unloaded: 117 dB | 22 kHz measurement bandwidth (flat), true RMS unloaded: 117 dB |
| Finish Options | Silver Grey (standard) Black (on request) | Silver Grey Black |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 42 x 82.6 x 50 cm 16.6 x 32.6 x 20 inches | 42 x 113 x 47 cm 16.6 x 44.5 x 18.5 inches |
| Weight | 195 kg 430 lbs | 265 kg 584 lbs |
Initial Impression
The Telos 4800 may not be the flagship entry in Goldmund’s power amplifier product line – but it might as well be as you need a lot of cash to buy it and a couple of people to pick it up and move it (dolly recommended).
Also, keep in mind that this is a mono (aka monoblock) power amp which means it only powers one channel in an audio system. So stereo (two-channel) systems require two of these amps. Home theater setups need 5 or more. Let that sink in — in terms of product cost and your electric bill!
On top of that, you need to budget for a preamp to supply input switching and any processing that may be needed before sending those signals to the Telos 4800 to power the speakers.
That being said, on paper the specs for the 4800 are impeccable, so there is little doubt that the 4800 can probably meet the needs of any audio system, regardless of the speakers used. On the other hand, it is probably overkill for 99% of us (including die-hard audiophiles).
Pricing & Availability
The Telos 4800 and 8800 are available for purchase through authorized Goldmund dealers worldwide.
Suggested Retail Prices: Telos 4800
US – $260,000
CHF – 220,000
GB – £235,000
AUS – $445,000
Suggested Retail Prices: Telos 8800
US – $366,000
CHF – 320,000
GB – £350,000
AUS – $650,000
Related Reading
