Gold Note CD-10 gold

Gold Note CD-10, CD player and converter

Reading a disc without giving up the quality of a recent converter remains a balancing act. Gold Note addresses it with a Florentine device that combines a tray-loading transport and a latest-generation AKM converter, while also accepting external digital sources. Control is handled via a touchscreen and a single knob, for direct use from the listening position. Manufacturing is done by hand in Florence.

A CD player doubled as a converter

The CD-10 reads Red Book format discs (CD, CD-R, CD-RW) thanks to a Stream Unlimited tray mechanism (reference SUOS-Hifi), whose speed fluctuation drops to 0.0001%. The read signal then passes through an integrated digital-to-analog converter.

The same converter remains accessible to external sources. Two digital inputs, one coaxial S/PDIF and one optical TOS-Link, accept streams up to 24 bits and 192 kHz. The CD-10 then serves as a converter for a television, a streamer, or a digital transport, with the active input selected from the menu.

The AKM converter and its measurements

At the heart of the CD-10 is an AKM AK4493. The measurements announced by Gold Note place the frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz at ± 0.3 dB, total harmonic distortion at 0.001% maximum, signal-to-noise ratio at 128 dB, and dynamic range at 127 dB. The output impedance is 100 Ω. These figures describe a transport quiet and linear enough not to limit a resolving system.

Control via touchscreen and knob

The front of the CD-10 combines a touchscreen and a single-knob control, the SKC (Single Knob Control). The screen displays the track number, elapsed time, and current playback mode. Brightness can be set to three levels, high, low, or off, with the display reactivating for three seconds at the slightest press.

On the playback side, the CD-10 offers normal play, shuffle, repeat all or a single track, and a programmed list that can contain up to twenty-five titles. The supplied remote control mirrors these commands from the listening chair.

Digital volume for a direct connection

The CD-10 integrates a digital volume control, which can be enabled or disabled, and is left inactive at the factory output. Once activated, it allows a direct connection to a power amplifier, without an intermediate preamplifier. The analog outputs cover both standards, one unbalanced RCA and one balanced XLR, both calibrated at 2 Vrms.

Connectivity and firmware updates

The rear panel clearly separates the three families of connectors. The digital inputs include one coaxial S/PDIF and one optical TOS-Link at 24 bits and 192 kHz. The analog outputs offer the RCA and XLR mentioned above. The digital outputs combine one 75 Ω coaxial S/PDIF and one optical TOS-Link. A USB-C port, dedicated to firmware updates, completes the set.

Florentine manufacturing and dedicated power supply

The CD-10 remains compact, 200 mm wide, 80 mm high, 260 mm deep, for 4 kg. Its power consumption tops out at 30 W on a voltage of 100 to 240 V. A front-panel diode indicates its status: red in standby, blue when on, green when operating with the external PSU-10 EVO power supply offered as an option. This separate power supply is intended for those who want to push further the quality of the current supplied to the player.

Technical specifications

CD transport

• CD transport with integrated digital-to-analog converter
• Mechanism: Stream Unlimited drawer loader (SUOS-Hifi)
• Wow and flutter: 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, switchable on or off (off by default)

Connectivity

Digital inputs

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

Analog outputs

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

Digital outputs

• 1 × coaxial S/PDIF (75 Ω)
• 1 × optical TOS-Link (24 bits / 192 kHz)

Other

• 1 × USB-C (firmware updates)

Physical characteristics

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

Power supply

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

Accessories and options

• Multifunction remote control included
• External power supply option: PSU-10 EVO