Lake People Phone-Amp G108

The Lake People Phone-Amp G108 combines the advantages of the G105 MKII with a four-channel amplifier for true balanced headphone playback. That's what we call “True Balanced”. The 4-pin XLR connector on the front panel is functional and not just a “convenience feature”.

While balanced headphone operation, with all its advantages, has now found a broad base among discerning music lovers, this type of playback is not yet very widespread in studios. The Lake People G108 is here to change that.

Like the G105 MKII, the G108 also has useful additional functions such as a balance control, which becomes a mixer between the two inputs when set to “MONO”, and a “PHASE” function that inverts the right channel to check the stereo image.

This functionality and the true four-channel headphone operation make it unique on the market.

The Lake People G108 contains everything that is still important to us today:

• robust, indestructible amplifiers with high transmission quality
• long-term stable Alps RK14 and RK11 potentiometer 
• 25 mm volume knob and balanced knob milled from aluminum 
• more than sufficiently dimensioned internal power supply

Inputs & Outputs

Inputs analog Stereo:
-> 1x RCA unbalanced
-> 1x Neutrik XLR balanced

Kopfhörer Ausgänge
-> 1x Neutrik XLR 4-pol. balanced
-> 1x TRS, 6,3 mm, unbalanced

Too loud - too quiet - the solution: Lake People PRE-GAIN

7-stage adjustable amplification for optimal adaptation to all sources and headphones (internal, -18, -12, -6, 0, +6, +12, +18 dB)

Unlike comparable models, the overall amplification can be adjusted to the headphones in use via internal jumpers. Thanks to this special technology from Lake People, the headphone amplifier can be operated with almost all known headphone impedances from 8 - 600 ohms and is as low-noise and dynamic as possible.

Lake People TRUE BALANCED - be part of the orchestra

When listening to music over loudspeakers, you experience the sound like a listener in a concert hall, surrounded by the acoustic atmosphere of the room. If you use conventional headphones, on the other hand, you take on the role of the conductor – the sound seems to come from a clear, centered perspective. But the real leap into the sound world comes when listening with balanced headphones: here, the listener literally becomes part of the orchestra, enveloped in impressive detail and precision.

Balanced headphones offer particularly high channel separation, resulting in an even more spatial and differentiated listening experience. They usually come with specialized connectors, such as a 4-pin XLR or a Pentaconn, that allow for optimal signal transfer. However, true balanced operation requires a high level of technical sophistication: four separate power amps boost the signal to deliver the sound accurately and precisely.

But beware – not every amplifier with balanced connections also offers full balanced operation. Some devices may have the appropriate connections, but only operate two power amplifiers, which does not deliver the full sound quality. Only true balanced systems with four power amplifiers can exploit the full potential of this technology and offer an unparalleled listening experience. That's why we call our headphone amplifiers with balanced output “TRUE BALANCED”.

Additional features

The balance control

In the neutral center position of an amplifier's “BALANCE” control, a stereo signal is passed unchanged and without attenuation, so that both channels are reproduced at the same volume. If the control is turned to the left, the volume of the right channel is reduced while the left remains unchanged. Conversely, turning it to the right attenuates the left channel while the right continues unchanged. This function allows for precise adjustment of the stereo image, depending on the spatial situation or the individual preferences of the listener.

The Mode Switch (MONO – STERO – PHASE)

The “MODE” switch of the Lake People G108 offers several options for influencing the incoming stereo signal as needed. In the neutral center position, the signal is passed through unchanged, so that both channels are reproduced in their original form.

In the upper “MONO” position of the switch, indicated by a yellow LED, the incoming stereo signal is summed to a mono signal. In this mode, the balance control acts as a mixing control: turning it to the left reduces the signal of the right channel, while turning it to the right reduces the signal of the left channel. This allows the mono signal to be individually adjusted.

In the lower “PHASE” position of the switch, also indicated by a yellow LED, the right channel is inverted, i.e. the phase is rotated by 180 degrees. This makes the stereo signal sound unusually wide and unnatural. This function is mainly used to check the phase of a signal and to identify possible phase cancellations.

Perfect headphone protection

Lake People headphone amplifiers are equipped with various protection circuits to prevent defects in headphones. These circuits protect against overvoltages, sudden current spikes or short circuits that could damage sensitive headphones. The integration of such protective mechanisms ensures that the amplifier always supplies the headphones with safe and stable power, which significantly extends their lifespan.

Housing and elements of the highest quality

The housing of the G108 is made of black anodized aluminum. This promises high mechanical stability and resistance to harsh environmental influences. The high electrical conductivity of the surfaces results in excellent EMC properties.

The thickness of the front panel is 3 mm.

The solidly milled 25 mm aluminum knob is characterized by its clear design and forms the center of the Lake People G108. Thanks to its balanced weight and the Alps RK14 potentiometer, it delivers a smooth, highly precise turning feel for precise volume control.

Turn it on and get started

The “POWER” switch is located on the front panel. The switched-on state is indicated by a green LED below the “POWER” switch. Two short-circuit proof transformers generate the internal operating voltages of approx. +/- 25 V.