Lake People has announced the G108 studio headphone amplifier, featuring balanced push-pull amplifier technology that enables high-end headphones to perform optimally.
The G108 introduces the balanced signal path – known from Violectric high-end hi-fi products – to studio applications. In addition to a quarter-inch jack, the G108 also sports a four-pin XLR output to connect to balanced high-end headphones.
Separating the ground of the left and right channels achieves an outstanding stereo image with a wide stage and perfect localisation of individual instruments. The model also boasts features such as high damping and ample power at minimum noise.
The Lake People G108 feature set has been specifically tailored to accommodate the requirements of mixing and mastering environments. The rear panel offers inputs for balanced and unbalanced signals, which can be selected via a switch, so source devices can stay connected without influencing each other. In addition to outputs for balanced and unbalanced headphones, the front panel presents 25mm knobs milled from solid aluminium for level and balance. A dip switch changes the output signal from stereo to mono. The left channel can also be reversed in its polarity to help identify possible phase errors.
The G108 is also equipped with a large toroidal transformer that will easily deal with bass-heavy, dynamic material at high volumes.
Balanced headphones have the advantage of allowing the amplifier to work as a push-pull design. The Lake People G108 achieves this with four individual power amps, amplifying the positive or negative half wave of the stereo channels respectively. The voice coil is actively pushed or pulled (hence the name of the design). This minimises interference from the cables while also eliminating problems associated with a common ground, and improving stereo separation – both stereo channels operate independently.
The G108 by drives headphones from 8Ω to 600Ω with the amplifiers delivering up to 2.7Wof power. The preamplification can be adjusted in five steps from -18/+18dB inside the device. Impedance and sensitivity of the favourite model of headphones become insignificant, as the pre gain circuit guarantees a perfect, finely adjustable volume control with minimal noise and an impressive dynamic range of greater than 125dB.
The G108 ships in early November with an MSRP is €699.90 (incl. 19% VAT).
