Audio-gd HE-1 Preamplifier Preview

See the complete review for the Audio-gd HE-1 Preamplifier.

Would you consider buying such a preamp that had no U.S. distributors or authorized service centers? Would you consider buying that preamp if the advertising, owner’s manual and warranty were full of hilarious mistranslations? And would you consider buying that preamp if it were a line-stage only, lacking common features such as a built-in DAC, a phono stage, or an HT-bypass? If you said “no” to any or all of the previous questions, might I reply “don’t be so sure.”

The Audio-gd HE-1 preamplifier is absolutely unique, in my experience. Of the literally hundreds of preamplifiers that I’ve heard and/or reviewed over the years, the HE-1 is in the top three. And there are reasons.

So despite being available only as an “import it yourself” purchase direct from China, despite it costing $1,900 plus shipping, plus import duties, and plus State internet sales tax, and despite it being larger and weighing more than many stereo power amplifiers, the Audio-gd HE-1 just does things that other preamplifiers can’t.

Intrigued? Stand by for the full Audio-gd HE-1 preamplifier review!

See the complete review for the Audio-gd HE-1 Preamplifier.