Preamplifiers — Goldmund Mimesis Statement

The Mimesis Statement is an analog stereo preamplifier from Goldmund of Switzerland, presented in 2026 as the newest member of the Mimesis family, a line the company has developed since 1987. Goldmund calls it its most advanced analog preamplifier to date. The audio circuitry sits in one central chassis, while the left and right channels each draw power from a separate external supply, so the system occupies three enclosures. Launch prices were USD 240,000, GBP 182,000 and CHF 200,000.

Key specs that matter

Seven unbalanced RCA and three balanced XLR input pairs work at 100 mV sensitivity and 51 kOhm impedance. Three XLR and three RCA pairs serve as main outputs, and two further RCA pairs handle tape connections. Nominal output is 1.55 V, the ceiling is 9.6 V balanced and 4.8 V unbalanced, and output impedance is 50 ohm. Bandwidth runs from 0.2 Hz to 1.5 MHz within 3 dB. THD+N reads 0.0002% and IMD+N 0.0006%, both from unbalanced input to unbalanced output. Signal-to-noise exceeds 130 dB on line input and 138 dB A-weighted, slew rate is 21 V/us and propagation delay 200 ns. The audio chassis measures 440 x 161 x 430 mm and weighs 22 kg, each supply unit 440 x 161 x 411 mm and 24 kg, for 70 kg in total.

Engineering and use context

Moving the power electronics out of the signal chassis increases physical and electrical isolation between the two. Each supply uses a new generation of discrete regulation, with several stages working in cascade to stabilise the voltage reaching the audio boards, and draws 75 W, or 150 W for the pair. Inside the main unit Goldmund fitted a newly developed audio board with revised volume control management, and the left and right paths are laid out symmetrically. The aluminium chassis use mechanical grounding to drain vibration and ventilation tuned for thermal stability. Every enclosure has a black ground binding post, a green AC earth post and a link or float switch for the signal ground. A glass-covered display, metal-coated controls and a recessed gold line running across all three boxes set the styling, and an infrared remote in a metal housing comes supplied.

Pairing

Two 12 V trigger jacks let the preamplifier switch compatible power amplifiers on and off, which suits a pair of Goldmund mono amplifiers driven from the balanced outputs. The generous input count leaves room for several digital sources and a phono stage at once, and the third output pair can drive a powered subwoofer or another amplifier. Shelf space for three full-width chassis is needed.

Alternatives

The Goldmund Mimesis Reference is the preceding analog preamplifier in the range, rated at 0.0001% THD in balanced operation and above 126 dB signal-to-noise on line input.