Introducing HIFIMAN GA-10 Tube Amplifier

[carloc]

The actual configuration.

 

[carloc]

At the moment there are 4 Philips ECC83 from '60s and 4 6P14 (EL84) Reflektor

 

[crashtest33]

Just two words...
Excellent sound, very transparent with very good bass and treble frequencies. It's not able to drive the Susvara OG but it's a little better with the Susvara Unveiled.
For sur an excellent match with Hifiman HE1000 Unveiled and Arya Unveiled. Really a bargain for its price.
Now I'm waiting to start tube rolling iin order to understand what the GA-10 can really do.

Interesting. So won’t drive the LCD-4 either then?

 

[carloc]

Interesting. So won’t drive the LCD-4 either then?

I didn't have the opportunity to test the LCD-4 with the Goldenwave.

 

[adydula]

Can it drive Tungsten?

Wouldnt think so...

 

[Gymboy]

Anyone tested this with Arya Organic or Sus OG?

 

[carloc]

Susvara OG is not its cup of tea. All the Arya's are well driven by the GA-10.

 

[Afiroxlty]

Introducing HIFIMAN GA-10 Tube Amplifier
10th Anniversary Model Features Top-Shelf Vacuum Tubes and Specially Designed 120W Transformer​

The new Goldenwave GA-10 is an audiophile-grade headphone amplifier that features the SEPP (single-ended push-pull) circuit with eight vacuum tubes, a linear transformer, and direct tube output. The net result is crisp, detailed sonics with demonstrably improved bass response.

Among the elements that separate the GA-10 from competitive models are renowned ECC83/12AX7 (4) and EL84 (4) vacuum tubes that are found in select high-fidelity, high-priced amplifiers. In particular, EL84 vacuum tubes are featured in leading guitar amplifiers used by some of the most successful professional musicians in the recording and performance markets, adding a delicate element of natural analog warmth to the sonics.

The power supply features a specially designed, shielded 120W transformer that contributes to the GA-10’s robust sound signature, with powerful dynamics and solid bass extension.

The GA-10 boasts 3 watts per channel at 300 Ohms, making it the perfect match for most high
impedance headphones on the market. Conversely, it is also equipped to drive high efficiency, low impedance headphones, including the HIFIMAN HE1000 series models, such as the recently introduced HE1000 Unveiled.

“There is a demonstrable difference when listening to well-recorded music with an exceptional tube amplifier like the Goldenwave GA-10,” says Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO, HIFIMAN
Electronics. “Like only the best high-fidelity vacuum tube amplifiers, the GA-10 produces warm, sweet sonics that are consistently transparent and neutral.”

Specifications:
Frequency Response: 20-24kHz, ±0.5dB@1kHz
THD+N: 0.001%@1kHz/300Ω
Power Output: 3000mW/300Ω; 600mW/32Ω, @1kHz
Total Power Consumption: 70W
Dimension (L*H*W): 330*110*380mm, protrusions not included

Stocks would be available before the end of October. Visit our online store or contact your local dealers to order now!
HIFIMAN Official Online Store: https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/ga-10.html
HIFIMAN Authorized Dealers: https://hifiman.com/dealers

The HIFIMAN GA-10 looks like a serious contender for audiophiles. High-quality tubes, a powerful transformer, and a refined circuit expect rich, dynamic sound with that signature tube warmth. A must-hear for serious headphone enthusiasts!

 

[Gymboy]

I didn't see any reviews which is a shame as this looks as serious piece.

 

[LifeEnthusiast]

At the moment there are 4 Philips ECC83 from '60s and 4 6P14 (EL84) Reflektor

Just curious to know more about your impressions after some burn-in time... It's nearly impossible to find any reviews on this. Not sure why... Thanks in advance!

 

[carloc]

Perhaps there are few reviews because Hifiman produced only a little number of this amplifier.
My impressions are very positive, the amplifiers sounds well with all my Hifiman headphones (not fit with Susvara both OG or Unveilded) like HE1000 unveiled and Arya Unveiled.
IMHO its price is very low if compared with other amplifiers in its category and the GA-10 has the plus that, changing the tubes, you can change how it sounds.

 

[Gymboy]

Perhaps there are few reviews because Hifiman produced only a little number of this amplifier.
My impressions are very positive, the amplifiers sounds well with all my Hifiman headphones (not fit with Susvara both OG or Unveilded) like HE1000 unveiled and Arya Unveiled.
IMHO its price is very low if compared with other amplifiers in its category and the GA-10 has the plus that, changing the tubes, you can change how it sounds.

Cayin is doing one heck of the tube amps in this price range, would be nice to have some comparison, someone who tried both companies products.

 

[LifeEnthusiast]

Perhaps there are few reviews because Hifiman produced only a little number of this amplifier.
My impressions are very positive, the amplifiers sounds well with all my Hifiman headphones (not fit with Susvara both OG or Unveilded) like HE1000 unveiled and Arya Unveiled.
IMHO its price is very low if compared with other amplifiers in its category and the GA-10 has the plus that, changing the tubes, you can change how it sounds.

Thanks alot for your quick response. Last one for now... I gather you changed the tubes that your amp came with right away, correct? Simply no good, or you had much better ones already. I think I might pull the trigger on this amp and would like to see which other tubes I should factor in for the total cost... Any reco?
Thanks again!

 

[carloc]

Thanks alot for your quick response. Last one for now... I gather you changed the tubes that your amp came with right away, correct? Simply no good, or you had much better ones already. I think I might pull the trigger on this amp and would like to see which other tubes I should factor in for the total cost... Any reco?
Thanks again!

No, first I've used the stock tubes for burn in and to understand how the GA-10 sounds. After that I've replaced only the driver tubes (4x ECC83) with a quartet of '60s Philips. It was a really upgrade overall for voices and acoustic instruments. The Philips tubes ECC83 are relatively cheap but they sounds very well.

 

[russellxz]

@TeamHiFiMAN, you really need to consider making an electrostatic version of this amp.