GOLD NOTE DS-10

Pre owned. In excellent condition. No noticeable signs of wear. Supplied with manual and original packaging.

Digital-to-analogue converter featuring a network streamer, line preamplifier and headphone amplifier, designed to integrate various digital sources and music streaming services into a single unit. The design combines high-resolution audio conversion and digital music management in a compact steel and aluminium chassis, engineered to minimise resonances.

The D/A conversion section supports PCM files up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD up to DSD512 and MQA content. Digital inputs include asynchronous USB-B, coaxial S/PDIF, optical TOSLINK and AES/EBU, allowing connection to CD players, televisions, computers and other compatible sources. The USB-A port also allows playback of audio files stored on hard drives and USB flash drives, with support for FAT32 and NTFS file systems.

Network functions provide access to major streaming services, including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and Deezer, as well as vTuner and AirPlay. UPnP/DLNA compatibility enables playback of music stored on network servers and devices, while Roon Ready support allows integration into systems based on the Roon platform. Network connectivity is available via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Bluetooth 5.0 is also provided for wireless playback from compatible devices. The GN Control app for iOS and Android allows users to manage the unit's functions and access music stored on the network.

One of the DS-10's features is the ability to adjust certain digital-to-analogue conversion parameters by selecting different operating profiles and adjusting de-emphasis, digital low-pass filters and the DSD filter. These settings can be changed during playback, allowing the DAC section's operation to be tailored to recordings and listening preferences. The 2.8-inch TFT display shows operating information and configuration menus.

The analogue preamplifier stage can be enabled or disabled according to the system configuration. When used as a preamplifier, the DS-10 can be connected directly to a power amplifier or active speakers, controlling the listening volume with both digital sources and streaming services. The headphone section features a 6.3 mm jack output and offers selectable power levels from 1 to 5 watts to accommodate different types of headphones.

The unit can be controlled using the front-panel SKC (Single Knob Control) knob, the supplied remote control or the GN Control app. The internal power supply uses four shielded transformers, isolated from the main circuit board. The modular design also allows the addition of a dedicated external inductive power supply, intended to further improve the unit's performance.

Technical specifications:

• D/A converter: AKM AK4493; PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz; DSD up to DSD512
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.1 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.001% max
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic range: 120 dB
• Network connectivity: Ethernet LAN 10/100 Mbps; Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth: Version 5.0; audio up to 44.1 kHz/16-bit
• Streaming services and compatibility: Roon Ready; AirPlay; MQA; Qobuz; Deezer; Spotify Connect; Tidal; vTuner
• Supported network audio formats: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz; DSD64 (DSF, DFF); AIFF; ALAC; WAV; FLAC; MP3; OGG; Monkey's Audio
• Supported media servers: UPnP/DLNA; Roon
• Coaxial digital inputs: 1 RCA S/PDIF; PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• AES/EBU digital inputs: 1 balanced; PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• Optical digital inputs: 2 TOSLINK; PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• USB-B digital input: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz; DSD up to DSD512
• USB-A port: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz; DSD up to DSD256; FAT32 and NTFS support; maximum stated USB flash drive capacity 32 GB
• Analogue input: 1 × 3.5 mm mini-jack; 10 kΩ impedance
• Fixed-level analogue outputs: 1 RCA; 1 XLR; 2 Vrms output level
• Variable-level analogue outputs: 1 unbalanced RCA; 1 balanced XLR
• Headphone output: 1 × 6.3 mm jack on the front panel; selectable power from 1 to 5 W
• Output impedance: RCA/XLR 50 Ω
• Preamplifier volume control: Can be enabled or disabled
• Controls and operation: SKC knob; remote control; GN Control app for iOS and Android
• Display: 2.8-inch TFT
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 4 kg