Gold Note CD-10 silver

The Gold Note CD-10 is a compact CD player handmade in Florence. It features a brushed aluminum chassis available in three finishes (black, gold, and silver). Its dimensions are 200 mm wide, 80 mm high, and 260 mm deep, allowing it to fit into small spaces while ensuring faithful audio signal reproduction.

High-end digital-to-analog conversion

At the heart of the CD-10 is an digital-to-analog converter (DAC) AKM AK4493, renowned for its outstanding sound quality. This high-precision DAC supports 32-bit/192 kHz conversion, ensuring faithful, detailed reproduction of every musical nuance. The frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.3 dB) provides a balanced rendering across the entire audible spectrum, while the extremely low total harmonic distortion (THD) of a maximum 0.001% preserves the purity of the audio signal.

The player also delivers impressive performance in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (128 dB) and dynamic range (127 dB), ensuring clear and detailed sound reproduction, even at low volume. The ultra-precise wow and flutter of 0.0001% attests to the exceptional quality of the reading mechanism, ensuring perfect stability during disc playback.

An intuitive and modern user interface

The CD-10 stands out with its innovative user interface. The front touchscreen provides a clear display of playback information and enables intuitive control of the player’s functions. Complemented by a multifunction rotary knob (Single Knob Control), it offers a smooth and pleasant user experience. The included remote control allows complete operation at a distance, including track selection, volume adjustment, and menu navigation.

Versatility and extensive connectivity

More than just a CD player, the CD-10 is a truly versatile digital hub. Compatible with CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats, it also offers external DAC functionality via its coaxial S/PDIF and optical TOS-Link digital inputs, both capable of handling signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz. This versatility allows the CD-10 to be used as a converter for other digital sources, optimizing its integration into a modern audio system.

Analog outputs are available in unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR formats, offering maximum flexibility for connection to different types of amplifiers or preamplifiers. The coaxial and optical digital outputs allow the CD-10 to be used as a CD transport, providing the option to pair it with an external DAC if desired.

A high-precision transport mechanism

The CD-10 uses a high-quality transport mechanism developed by Stream Unlimited, an Austrian company recognized for its high-end audio solutions. This mechanism, designed specifically for high-performance audio applications, ensures precise and stable disc reading, contributing significantly to the player’s overall sound quality.

Audio signal optimization

Gold Note has paid particular attention to audio signal optimization in the CD-10. The integrated digital volume control, which can be enabled or disabled according to user preference, allows precise adjustment of the output level without compromising signal quality. The 100 Ω output impedance ensures optimal compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers and preamplifiers.

Detailed technical specifications

Frequently asked questions

Can the CD-10 play SACDs? No, the CD-10 is designed to play standard audio CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs. It is not compatible with the SACD format.

Can I use the CD-10 as a DAC for other digital sources? Yes, the CD-10 has coaxial and optical digital inputs that allow it to be used as an external DAC for other compatible digital sources.

Does the digital volume control affect sound quality? The CD-10’s digital volume control is high quality and does not significantly affect sound quality. However, it can be disabled if you prefer to use your amplifier’s volume control.

Is it necessary to use the external power supply PSU-10 EVO? The PSU-10 EVO external power supply is optional. The CD-10 works perfectly with its internal power supply, but adding the PSU-10 EVO can bring subtle improvements in dynamics and sonic precision for the most demanding listeners.

Does the CD-10 require a burn-in period? As with many high-end audio components, the CD-10 can benefit from a burn-in period. It is generally recommended to let the unit run for about 100 hours to reach its optimal performance.

Technical Specifications

CD Transport

• CD transport with integrated digital-to-analog converter
• Mechanism: high-precision loader by Stream Unlimited
• Speed fluctuation: 0.0001%
• CD formats: Red Book
• Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
• Digital-to-analog converter: AKM AK4493

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.001% max.
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 128 dB
• Dynamic range: 127 dB
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Volume control: digital, enable/disable

Connectivity

Digital Inputs

• 1 × coaxial S/PDIF (24-bit / 192 kHz)
• 1 × optical TOS-Link (24-bit / 192 kHz)

Analog Outputs

• 1 × unbalanced RCA (2 Vrms)
• 1 × balanced XLR (2 Vrms)

Digital Outputs

• 1 × coaxial S/PDIF (24-bit / 192 kHz)
• 1 × optical TOS-Link (24-bit / 192 kHz)

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 4 kg (net), 5 kg (packaged)

Power Supply

• Power consumption: 30 W
• Power supply voltage: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Fuse (120/240 V): 2 AT

Accessories and Options

• Multifunction remote control included
• External power supply option: PSU-10 EVO (dual mono inductive power supply)