CD / SACD players and transports — Gold Note CD-10

The CD-10 is a compact CD player from the 10 Series of Gold Note, based in Tuscany, launched in March 2024 at USD 2,495. It uses an AKM AK4493 DAC and a Stream Unlimited loader, and its coaxial and optical inputs let a streamer or television use the built-in converter.

Key specs that matter

The player reads Red Book CD, CD-R and CD-RW with gapless playback, using a loader by Stream Unlimited. Conversion is by an AKM AK4493 chip. Coaxial and optical sockets serve as both inputs and outputs, each handling up to 24 bit and 192 kHz. Analogue outputs are RCA and XLR at 2 V RMS with 100 ohm output impedance. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.3 dB, THD is 0.001%, signal to noise ratio is 128 dB, dynamic range is 127 dB and speed fluctuation is 0.0001%. Power consumption is 30 W. The player measures 200 x 80 x 260 mm and weighs 4 kg, in black, silver or gold anodised aluminium.

Engineering and use context

Stream Unlimited is an Austrian company that makes CD loaders and streaming modules for many audio brands. The AK4493 is a 32-bit converter chip from AKM, and the CD-10 applies it both to disc playback and to the digital inputs, which turns the player into a small digital hub. The narrow case is the compact format of Gold Note's 10 Series, shared with the CD-5, the DS-10 EVO streaming DAC, the HP-10 headphone amplifier and the PA-10 EVO power amplifier, so the components stack, and the black, silver and gold finishes are shared across the series. An external PSU-10 EVO power supply can be added as an upgrade, moving the power supply out of the main case. Balanced XLR outputs allow long cable runs to an amplifier with balanced inputs. Its signal to noise ratio is 4 dB higher than that of the CD-5, and it weighs 1 kg more. Above both models, Gold Note offers the CD-1000 MkII Deluxe DSD as its top CD player with a built-in DAC.

Pairing

The CD-10 connects to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier over RCA or XLR, and a TV or streamer can use its coaxial or optical input for conversion by the AK4493. Within the 10 Series, it pairs with the PA-10 EVO power amplifier or the DS-10 EVO, which can control volume. The digital outputs can also send the disc data to an external converter.

Alternatives

The Gold Note CD-5 is a simpler CD player in the same compact format with an AK4493 DAC and RCA and XLR outputs, but without digital inputs.