TEST: Lake People G105 MKII

The manufacturer Lake People, based on Lake Constance, has been producing high-quality microphone, headphone and phono amplifiers as well as A/D and D/A converters for decades, which are handcrafted in Germany. German components are used in the production of the devices and the label "Made in Germany" is thus taken seriously in every respect. In this article, we will introduce the Lake People G105 MKII studio headphone amplifier. As expected, the G105 MKII is the successor of the successful G105. In this review, we will try to uncover important information on whether it is worth upgrading to the G105 MKII. But this article should also contain helpful information for anyone who is generally thinking about buying a new headphone amplifier.

The scope of delivery of the Lake People G105 MKII

The scope of delivery of the Lake People G105 MKII headphone amplifier is clearly arranged, but nevertheless carefully put together. The device is delivered in a sturdy folding box, which is lined with nubby foam to ensure safe transportation. Also included is a matching power cable, so the amplifier is ready to go right out of the box. A detailed user manual in two languages is also included. This contains easy-to-understand instructions on all the functions of the product and beyond, as well as detailed explanations of all the controls and an overview of the technical specifications of the device.

The case of the Lake People G105 MKII

The housing of the Lake People G105 MKII headphone amplifier consists of a matte black anodized aluminum construction, including the front and rear panels. The bottom of the unit is equipped with four very good non-slip rubber feet to ensure stable and secure placement on any surface. Compared to its predecessor, the new version of the G105 MKII has an impressive length of about 19 cm, which is an increase of 4.5 cm. The controls are located on the front of the device. On the left, the volume and balance controls are positioned, both equipped with high-quality aluminum caps of 25 mm in diameter. The enlarged caps compared to the MKI version allow for more precise fine-tuning of the controls. In the center is a toggle switch that selects between three modes of operation, "Mono", "Stereo" and "Phase". The Lake People G105 MKII has two 6.35 mm stereo jack sockets, for which a split function can be activated via a pushbutton switch.

The rear panel of the Lake People G105 MKII offers two RCA jacks for connecting unbalanced stereo channels. However, feeding with balanced signals is also possible using two XLR inputs. By simply switching between the pairs of jacks, switching between input sources is effortless. It should be noted that all inputs are tuned to line level and each provides a ground screw for safe operation. Power is provided by a standard IEC socket, which is removable for quick and easy access to the fuse behind it.

Technology and technical values

Looking at the inner workings of the Lake People G105 MKII, it quickly becomes clear that some technical changes have been made to the MKI version. In contrast to the previous version, which still relied on two smaller transformers, a single large transformer is now used, which provides the internal operating voltage in contrast to the usual +/- 15V with +/- 25V. This voltage boost is said to allow potentially higher amplitudes and generate greater headroom.

Particularly noteworthy about the Lake People G105 MKII is its pregain function, which allows for optimal adjustment of the internal preamplification to the varying impedance of the connected headphones. For this purpose, only some connectors inside the amplifier need to be reconnected, allowing better use of the volume control's travel. In doing so, it is possible to adjust the pregain of the two headphone outputs independently for each of the two stereo outputs.

The new version of the device also offers even greater versatility in the selectable gain levels. While the pregain of the previous model was adjustable in three steps at -4 dB, +8 dB and +14 dB, the MKII now offers five steps between -6 dB, 0 dB, +6 dB, +12 dB and +18 dB. According to the manufacturer, the G105 MKII reaches up to 100 kHz in terms of playback range, well above what is still within the perceptible range.

The Lake People G105 MKII in practice

The precise placement of the really very good rubber feet on the Lake People G105 MKII guarantees a stable grip on smooth surfaces such as a glass plate. This makes it a breeze to connect plugs or press buttons without the device slipping uncontrollably. A clear mechanical click is heard when the amplifiers are switched on, which underlines the excellent quality of the components. The haptic feedback of the push button switch further reinforces this impression. The retention fuses of the XLR sockets on the back of the unit are also a sign of the thoughtful and careful design. These precautions ensure that the connected cables are securely and reliably fixed at all times and cannot be pulled out unintentionally.

Settings inside on the circuit board

If you want to optimally adapt the G105 MKII to the load impedance of the selected headphones, you have to deal with setting the pre-amplification. To do this, the top two case screws must be removed from the front and rear of the amplifier, which may be a bit awkward due to the necessary use of Torx and Allen screw driver profiles. On higher-end headphone amplifiers, small slide switches on the rear panel are common instead of internal jumpers, which is more flexible but also results in a higher cost to the buyer. Once the case is opened, however, rearranging the connectors is very easy, helped by the detailed instruction manual. These adjustments are also required for the internal jumpering of the Ground Lift feature.

When pre-gain and ground lift are set correctly, the control travel and resulting resolution of the volume control can be better utilized, and hum loops are also avoided. The control runs continuously and with smooth resistance, while the balance control is conveniently gridded. The toggle switch for selecting the operating mode also clicks into place with high quality, and the engagement of the jack plugs of the headphone feed lines is particularly rich and strong. Handling is consistently high-quality and pleasant, although the front panel is quite sensitive and therefore scratches and unsightly deposits can easily occur during handling.

When switching from stereo to mono mode, it is positively noticeable that Lake People takes care of the necessary level balancing instead of simply adding both levels. When the G105 MKII's familiar split feature is enabled, the two outputs each output the left and right channels, allowing two channels to be amplified separately in the studio. When the split feature is used in conjunction with mono mode, the balance control can be used to adjust the individual output volumes of the two headphone jacks.

Most notably, the Lake People G105 MKII features a Phase mode that causes the polarity of the right channel to be reversed. This feature can be used as an excellent phase check. If instruments in the mix are particularly weak or possibly even inaudible, checking the phase of the instrument in question can remedy the situation. Thus, the Lake People G103 MKII act not only as a headphone amplifier, but also as an excellent mixing tool.

In stereo mode, the product presents itself from its best side. The stereo width of the signal is remarkable, the sonic depth gradation very good. The basses are reproduced cleanly, detailed and differentiated, the signal appears overall structured, factual and without any colorations that could alienate the signal. Even at high gain levels and strong impulses, the signal remains free of distortions. The output signal is always clear and defined depending on the headphones and the selected preamplification. Even when using headphones with comparatively low impedance, there was no inherent noise in the sound. The entire sonic performance of the headphone amplifier continues the high-quality general impression, which already started with the very good manufacturing quality, the manifold features and the general handling.


Conclusion

The Lake People G105 MKII headphone amplifier proves to be an excellent workhorse for audiophile users. The model scores with a to-the-point scope of delivery and a design of matte-black metal housing, which gives the device an aura of value and robustness. The professional feel of the controls underscores the serious appearance of the headphone amp. The low-noise, finely resolved and objective sound image puts the crown on the whole thing.

The high-quality controls and the various modes (stereo, phase and mono) with level adjustment make the model a recommendable headphone amp for professional studio users. In addition, it serves as a useful mixing and editing tool. With the Lake People G105 MKII, demanding users have a headphone amplifier at their disposal, which offers individual adjustment to the respective headphones and at the same time has an excellent sound quality.

Additional informations:

Lake People Audio is a prominent and innovative company in the field of audio technology. Since its establishment, the company has garnered a reputation for delivering high-quality audio equipment and solutions. This report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of Lake People Audio, covering various aspects such as its history, products, technological advancements, market position, and future prospects.

Company Overview: Lake People Audio was founded in Germany in 1986 by Fried Reim, an experienced audio engineer and entrepreneur. The company started as a small-scale operation but quickly gained recognition for its commitment to precision and audio fidelity. Today, Lake People Audio has become a well-established brand, catering to professional audio engineers, musicians, and discerning audiophiles worldwide.

Product Range: The product range offered by Lake People Audio is diverse and caters to different audio needs. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of audio amplifiers, headphone amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and audio interfaces. Lake People Audio's products are known for their exceptional sound quality, reliability, and attention to detail.

3.1 Amplifiers: Lake People Audio's amplifiers are renowned for their transparency and accuracy. The company offers a variety of amplifiers, including headphone amplifiers, power amplifiers, and preamplifiers. These amplifiers are designed to deliver clean and uncolored audio reproduction, making them suitable for both studio use and high-end home audio setups.

3.2 Headphone Amplifiers: Lake People Audio is highly regarded for its headphone amplifiers, which are widely considered among the best in the industry. Their headphone amplifiers are designed to drive a wide range of headphones, from low-impedance models to demanding high-impedance headphones, with exceptional clarity and power.

3.3 Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs): Lake People Audio's DACs are designed to convert digital audio signals into high-fidelity analog signals. The company's DACs incorporate advanced circuitry and components to ensure accurate conversion and minimal signal degradation. These DACs support various input formats, including USB, SPDIF, and AES/EBU, making them versatile solutions for audio enthusiasts and professionals.

3.4 Audio Interfaces: Lake People Audio also manufactures audio interfaces that facilitate the seamless integration of audio equipment with computers and digital audio workstations (DAWs). Their interfaces offer low-latency audio processing, multiple input/output options, and high-resolution audio capabilities, catering to the needs of recording studios, home studios, and live sound applications.

Technological Advancements:
Lake People Audio continuously invests in research and development to stay at the forefront of audio technology. The company incorporates state-of-the-art components, advanced circuitry, and innovative designs into its products. Lake People Audio's commitment to technological advancements ensures that their products consistently deliver exceptional audio quality and performance.

Market Position:
Lake People Audio has established a strong presence in the professional audio industry. Their products are highly regarded by audio professionals, recording studios, and musicians worldwide. The company's reputation for uncompromising audio quality and attention to detail has earned them a loyal customer base. Lake People Audio's products are distributed globally through authorized dealers, online platforms, and direct sales channels.

Customer Support and Satisfaction:
Lake People Audio places great emphasis on customer satisfaction. The company provides excellent customer support, offering technical assistance, product information, and warranty services. Their commitment to customer satisfaction has contributed to a positive brand image and customer loyalty.

Future Prospects:
As the audio industry continues to evolve, Lake People Audio is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and technologies. The company's dedication to innovation and commitment to audio quality will likely drive future product development. With a solid reputation and a loyal customer base, Lake People Audio is poised for sustained growth and continued success.

Conclusion:
Lake People Audio's commitment to delivering exceptional audio solutions, coupled with its technological advancements and market position, makes it a leading player in the audio industry. The company's amplifiers, headphone amplifiers, DACs, and audio interfaces are highly regarded for their sound quality, reliability, and precision. Lake People Audio's dedication to customer satisfaction and its focus on innovation position the company for a promising future in the ever-evolving audio technology landscape.