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OAD Ultrafidelity Padma Pre Amplifier Best sound quality pre-amp I ever owned.Designed and made by Melbourne’s own respected Jon D’Sensi.Unwritten warranty of lifetime warranty.I had Jon modify the firmware for volume control to suit my 96 dB sensitive speakers. Loud settings are now from noon position of volume control knob. (Previously the speakers got very loud from the 10 or 11 o'clock position.)No original box as Jon bought the preamp from his home to my former home in Melbourne.Some scratches on the top cover from various remote controls. Have not tried to buff these out yet. Condition:
# OAD Ultrafidelity PADMA Speakers – Buyer Notes
The PADMA is a respectable mid-tier speaker design, but pricing information for this specific model in the used market is sparse. At AUD 5,000, you're sitting just above the median of comparable listings at AUD 4,970 (25th–75th percentile: AUD 4,969–AUD 4,971), making this a marginal premium ask. Without clearer market data on PADMA resale values, treat this as roughly fair to slightly optimistic. If you can find recent sold listings for the same model, that's your real benchmark; a AUD 30–50 variance either direction isn't material at this price point.
Before committing, verify the driver condition—tweeters and woofers should be clean, undamaged, and responsive across the full range. Check for any signs of cabinet warping, loose internal bracing, or cone deterioration. Confirm all original feet, binding posts, and grilles are intact. Ask the seller for the purchase date and service history; these speakers should come with documentation of any repairs or reconing work. A quick listen test, if possible, will reveal whether the crossover is functioning and whether there are any audible issues like crackling or frequency dropout.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
OAD Ultrafidelity emerged in 2015 from Melbourne, Australia, founded by veteran designer Jon De Sensi. Operating out of his home workshop, De Sensi drew on decades of high-end audio expertise, including his earlier Music Labs venture in 1990, where he pioneered advanced DACs, preamplifiers, and power amplifiers while engineering for Australia's Department of Defence. His collaborative spirit shone through contributions like the digital stages for Redgum's RGCD2 CD player, cementing his reputation before launching this boutique brand.
The lineup centers on meticulously crafted amplification and source components, including fully discrete Class A preamplifiers like the Padma, robust power amplifiers such as the Vajra, MM/MC phono stages like the UP1, and a versatile DAC/streamer. Dipole speakers round out the offerings, all hand-built with unique topologies emphasizing purity and performance. These Australian-made pieces prioritize solid-state innovation over mass production.
Positioned as a niche high-end contender, OAD Ultrafidelity earns acclaim for "staggeringly" flawless sound and cutting-edge design, appealing to discerning buyers seeking Melbourne-crafted excellence. Reviews praise its smooth, authoritative delivery, though as a relatively new player, it thrives in specialist salons rather than mainstream dominance, backed by three-year warranties and premium pricing around $10,000 for flagships.
See all OAD Ultrafidelity listings on RADAR.
