Lake People G101

Notably, the Lake People G101 weighs just 382 grams – significantly lighter than the previously tested Lake People G103-S MKII (see review), which features an integrated power supply. Including the slightly offset front panel and four rubber feet, the dimensions are also more compact at 108 mm wide, 45 mm high, and 125 mm deep. This small footprint makes it a premium desktop device well-suited for smaller workspaces or desks.

Like other models from this southern German manufacturer, the housing is made entirely of black anodised aluminium, offering both robustness and a refined appearance.

Features

Centrally positioned on the front panel are two headphone outputs: one 6.3 mm jack and one 3.5 mm mini-jack. Both can be used simultaneously but are not independently adjustable, so headphones with similar impedance are recommended when using both outputs. To the right is the power button, with an LED indicating operational status. On the left, volume is controlled via an 18 mm solid aluminium knob paired with a high-quality Alps potentiometer.

On the rear panel are easily accessible pre-gain switches, the RCA input, and a USB-C port for power. The unit does not include a USB power supply or cable. Smartphone or tablet chargers can often be used, but the manufacturer recommends a USB power supply with 5 volts and at least 2 amps (10 watts). The USB cable must also deliver sufficient current. Those preferring an integrated power supply can opt for the G103-S MKII. Neither model heats up in use, and both are suitable for continuous professional operation.

Switchable gain on the Lake People G101

The standard gain is +6 dB, which is also the default overall gain setting with the DIP switches set to 0 dB. Depending on the source and headphones, gain can be adjusted via four options (-6 / 0 / +6 / +12 dB) to achieve an optimal control range. Ideally, at the 12 o’clock position, a normal listening volume should be achieved, allowing adjustment in both directions.

New to the Lake People G101 is the ability to adjust DIP switches externally. On the G103-S MKII, gain is set via jumpers on the circuit board, requiring the housing to be opened. While removing four screws is no major effort, direct rear-panel access – as seen in many Violectric devices (the company’s high-end HiFi brand) – is a much more user-friendly solution.

Practical use of the Lake People G101: from sensitive to demanding headphones

For low- to medium-impedance headphones and planar magnetics, the compact amplifier offers high power reserves of up to 1,300 mW at 100 ohms. High-impedance models also benefit from impressive output voltage, with up to 15.1 Veff available at 600 ohms. The G101 is therefore a small powerhouse capable of driving even demanding or high-impedance headphones with authority. According to the manufacturer, supported impedances range from 8 to 600 ohms.

In quiet environments, models such as the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro (review) or Sennheiser HD 660 S (review) deliver an ideal control range at -6 dB, with generous reserves available. Planar magnetic headphones like the Hifiman Sundara generally sound excellent at 0 dB gain. Only with older classical recordings is +6 dB required for higher-than-moderate listening levels.

The Lake People G101 also excels with impressively low-noise amplification. Sensitive IEMs reveal no audible background hiss, though the control range is slightly reduced – for example, with the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro (review), volume sits between 7:30 and 10:30 at -6 dB for normal listening. No hiss is detectable across the entire volume range when playback is paused, with faint noise only becoming audible at +6 dB from around 14:30 – well beyond the usable listening range.

Sound of the Lake People G101

Paired with the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, the G101 delivers an appealingly spacious presentation, sounding noticeably more open than a mobile solution such as the Apogee Groove (review). With live recordings such as Songs of a Live World: Troxy London MMXXIV by The Cure, switching to the G101 pushes the virtual stage deeper and broadens the image, creating a convincing, immersive concert atmosphere. Only in comparison with significantly more expensive headphone amplifiers like the Lehmann Audio Linear or Cayin iHA-8 does the G101’s spatial rendering reveal its limitations.

On tracks like “Anti Loudness” from the album Empor by Hamburg’s techno marching band Meute, the Lake People G101 demonstrates highly precise bass reproduction. A powerful studio headphone like the Adam Audio H200 delivers a wonderfully defined performance, with bass that is controlled, quick, and complete – enhancing listening enjoyment.

As with the G103-S MKII, midrange reproduction is outstanding. In combination with the Sennheiser HD 660 S, vocals are reproduced with a direct, immediate presence, creating a microscope-like nearfield effect.

The treble is clean and accurate, with balanced productions sounding expansive and well-defined across all three headphone models tested.

Conclusion

Like the G103-S MKII, the Lake People G101 offers superb value for money and earns an unreserved recommendation. Its exceptionally low-noise amplification, ample power reserves, and high output voltage allow it to drive everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding, high-impedance headphones with finesse. The icing on the cake is the externally adjustable gain, adding convenience to an already excellent package.