Goldmund, the Swiss company who is “dedicated to the accurate reproduction of sound and image,” is now offering a product three years in development: the Telos 5000, a $189,000 amplifier.

Wow. I never realized sound and image cost that much.

There’s really not much I can add to (what I’m sure is) your initial reaction to the price tag, besides what this amp offers:

• 16 separate high-power transformers developing a power close to 10’000 Watts
• Distortion: THD + N input stage analog: 0.0005% (1 Vrms input, 80kHz bandwidth measurement), Bal or unbalanced in and for any input attenuation settings (flat with freq, 20Hz-40kHz)
• Transformers molded in an epoxy mix providing vibration and noise reduction

Oh yeah, and it weighs 573 lbs (260 kg).

Sometimes it makes sense to spend more money to get more, but I’m guessing even Bernie Madoff in his heyday would have second thoughts about this. 

BornRich says that only 25 of these amps are going to be made, and most have already been sold.

Inputs on the Telos 5000 include RCA analog unbalanced, XLR analog balanced and RCA digital S-PDIF i/o. Outputs include two 5 way-binding post and 4 balanced Goldmund speaker cable Lemo connectors.

Check out the product details page for all the specs. And, if you have the cash for it, how to purchase.