Gold Note PSU-10 EVO black

The PSU-10 EVO is an external power supply designed by Gold Note for the DS-10, DS-10 PLUS, DS-10 EVO, and DS-10 EVO LINE models. It incorporates four transformers and Dual Choke Hybrid technology, which isolates the audio electronics from disturbances on the power grid.

A compact chassis that shares the DNA of the Series 10

The PSU-10 EVO adopts the distinctive visual codes of Gold Note’s Series 10. Its anodized aluminum chassis measures 200 × 80 × 260 mm and weighs 4 kg net. The side and top panels feature machined cutouts that serve both for ventilation and to create a recognizable visual signature. These thick aluminum panels also act as shielding against RFI and EMI interference.

The front panel is kept to the essentials: the Gold Note medallion and a status LED. At the rear, you’ll find a mains socket with a switch, as well as an 8-pin DIN output manufactured by Hirschmann (Austria/Germany) that connects to the DS-10. This proprietary connector carries filtered power to the source device. The PSU-10 EVO is available in three finishes: black, silver, and gold, all with a matte brushed treatment.

The manufacturer also recommends placing the PSU-10 EVO at a distance from the DS-10 during installation, taking advantage of the length of the supplied connection cable. This spacing minimizes electromagnetic interactions between the power supply and the signal processing circuits.

Dual Choke Hybrid technology: four transformers and a dual inductor

The technical core of the PSU-10 EVO is based on a design with four audio transformers, a configuration Gold Note refers to as “Multi Cascade.” Three of these transformers are dedicated to power delivery, while the fourth is devoted exclusively to the inductive filter. This division of roles aims to separate conversion and filtering functions to reduce parasitic interactions.

Dual Choke Hybrid technology is the second pillar of this power supply. It employs a dual inductor (choke) that independently drives the positive and negative rails of the high-current circuit. This inductive filtering operates on the analog stage and seeks to eliminate disturbances and noise originating from the AC mains. Two ultra–low-noise voltage regulators complete the setup by stabilizing the four power rails.

The technical specifications reflect the attention to regulation: maximum output voltage variation is 0.05%, while line noise and common-mode noise rejection exceed 80 dB. Full-power response time remains below 2.5 microseconds. The power supply automatically accepts 100–120 V or 220–240 V at 50/60 Hz, with a nominal consumption of 70 W and dynamic power over 100 W.

An evolution designed for the DS-10 range

The PSU-10 EVO differs from the standard PSU-10 in its intended use and capabilities. While the original PSU-10 was developed for the PH-10 phono preamplifier, the PSU-10 EVO is designed exclusively for the DS-10 series DAC streamers. This specialization results in a more powerful supply and the addition of an extra transformer in the filtering chain.

The “EVO” suffix conveys this notion of evolution. Gold Note has retained the PSU-10’s core principles—inductive filtering and the multi-cascade design—while adapting them to the specific needs of the DS-10 units. These devices combine a network streamer, digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier in a single chassis. They therefore require a power supply capable of delivering clean, abundant energy to handle digital processing and analog stages simultaneously.

The connection between the two units is made via the 8-pin DIN connector. Simply connect the PSU-10 EVO to the DS-10, which automatically detects the presence of the external supply and switches its operating mode. Users can directly compare performance with and without the separate supply simply by disconnecting the DIN cable.

Technical Specifications

Audio Power Supply

• Four rails
• Two ultra-low noise voltage regulators
• Compatible with DS-10 and DS-10 EVO

Performance

• Maximum output voltage variation: 0.05%
• Line noise rejection: > 80 dB
• Common mode noise rejection: > 80 dB
• Full power response time: < 2.5 μs

Power Supply

• Input voltage: 100-120 V, 220-240 V with automatic detection, 50 / 60 Hz
• Power consumption: 70 W
• Dynamic power: > 100 W
• Standby consumption: < 1 W
• Fuse: 2 A slow-blow

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight:
  • Net: 4 kg
  • Gross: 5 kg