Стримеры — Gold Note DS-5.2

The DS-5.2 is a compact network streamer with an integrated DAC and line preamplifier from Gold Note, the Tuscan manufacturer, and it opens the Series 5.2 range. Gold Note says it borrows its network architecture from the DS-10 EVO that sits above it, and the unit is designed, assembled and tested in Italy. In the United Kingdom it launched at GBP 1,250.

Key specs that matter

An AKM AK4493 chip performs the digital to analogue conversion. Network and USB-A playback reach PCM 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256, while the coaxial, optical and HDMI eARC inputs accept PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz and the USB-C port is limited to 16-bit/48 kHz. Gold Note quotes a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.1 dB, THD of 0.001 percent maximum, a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB and a dynamic range of 120 dB. The fixed DAC outputs deliver 2 Vrms on both RCA and XLR with an output impedance of 100 ohm. The black anodised aluminium case measures 200 x 80 x 260 mm and weighs 2 kg net, and power draw is 35 W.

Engineering and use context

The fully balanced design provides two sets of analogue outputs - fixed-level DAC outputs and variable preamplifier outputs, each in RCA and XLR form - plus a 6.3 mm headphone jack on the front. Streaming covers Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect with Spotify Lossless, Apple AirPlay 2 and UPnP/DLNA, and supported file types include FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, OGG, MP3 and Monkey's Audio. The network connection works over wired LAN or wireless LAN. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD at 24 bits runs in both directions, so the DS-5.2 can receive from a phone or transmit to wireless headphones. A coaxial digital output lets it act purely as a transport for an external converter. A colour touchscreen shows album art, and an infrared remote is supplied. The internal supply accepts 100 to 240 V, and owners can later add the external PSX-5.2 power supply.

Pairing

With the variable outputs in use, the DS-5.2 can feed a power amplifier directly, and the balanced XLR connections suit amplifiers with balanced inputs. The HDMI eARC input with CEC support allows a television to be routed through the same system, with CEC handling control commands between the two. In the fixed-output mode it drops into an existing integrated amplifier as a source. Gold Note also lists an HP-5.2 headphone amplifier for owners who want a dedicated headphone stage beside it.

Alternatives

Gold Note has no other model in the streamer category, since the DS-10 EVO that shares its network platform is listed with the DACs.