ЦАПы — Gold Note DS-10 EVO

The DS-10 EVO is a compact streaming DAC and preamplifier from the 10 Series of Gold Note, the Tuscan company, priced at USD 3,495. It combines an AKM AK4493 converter, a network streamer with the main services, a headphone output and a variable preamplifier output in a 200 mm wide case, so it can form the centre of a system with only a power amplifier and speakers.

Key specs that matter

An AKM AK4493 converter handles PCM up to 32 bit and 384 kHz, DSD512 over USB and DSD256 when streaming, plus MQA. Network connections are dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth 5.0, and the streamer supports Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay and Roon Ready, together with Deezer and vTuner radio. Digital inputs are coaxial, AES/EBU and two optical at up to 24 bit and 192 kHz, plus USB-B and USB-A, and there is a 3.5 mm analogue input at 10 kohms. Outputs are fixed DAC outputs on RCA and XLR at 2 V RMS, variable preamplifier outputs on RCA and XLR, and a 6.3 mm headphone jack, with 50 ohm output impedance. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.1 dB, THD is 0.001%, signal to noise ratio 125 dB and dynamic range 120 dB. It measures 200 x 80 x 260 mm and weighs 4 kg.

Engineering and use context

The fixed outputs send the signal at a constant level to an amplifier or preamplifier with its own volume control, while the variable outputs let the DS-10 EVO set the volume itself and drive a power amplifier such as Gold Note's PA-10 EVO directly. A 2.8-inch TFT display shows input and track information, and operation is by remote control or through the GN Control app. The USB-B input takes a computer, and the USB-A port plays files from a drive. The analogue minijack input allows a phone or other analogue source to pass through the preamplifier section. Power consumption is 35 W, and the external PSU-10 EVO supply is offered as an upgrade. Finishes are black, silver or gold, matching the rest of the 10 Series. Bluetooth adds a direct connection from phones without the network.

Pairing

A PA-10 EVO power amplifier and a pair of efficient loudspeakers form a complete system with the DS-10 EVO as source and preamplifier. It can also feed any integrated amplifier through its fixed outputs, and headphones connect to the front jack.

Alternatives

The Gold Note DS-1000 EVO is a larger streaming DAC in a 430 mm wide case, using two AK4493 chips in dual mono with the same streaming services.