Gold Note CD-1000 MKII DELUXE DSD silver

The CD-1000 MKII DELUXE DSD embodies Gold Note’s Italian vision of the modern CD player, combining traditional compact disc playback with remarkable digital versatility. This Florentine proposition deftly blends transalpine craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering in a 12-kilogram brushed aluminum chassis that exudes solidity.

Italian construction engineered down to the finest detail

The CD-1000 MKII DELUXE DSD’s brushed aluminum chassis doesn’t merely display quintessential Italian elegance. This 440 × 350 × 120 mm structure houses a JPL-2800 SilverStrike transport mechanism manufactured by Stream Unlimited in Austria—the very same used in the over €20,000 dCS Rossini player. This aluminum mechanism, mounted on a dedicated support plate behind the 15 mm-thick front panel, ensures optimal mechanical stability and isolation from external vibrations.

The 9 × 2.5 cm OLED display offers clear reading of essential information: track number, elapsed time, playback status. The front controls remain simple to use, with touch buttons that double as navigational keys for switching between digital inputs when the tray is empty. The supplied multifunction remote, or better yet the optional metal version, provides intuitive control of all functions.

The internal power supply is based on a Dual-Mono configuration with two encapsulated toroidal transformers, custom-made in Italy. This approach guarantees ultra-low dispersion and optimal energy performance, evident in the clarity and precision of the sound.

The digital heart: BurrBrown PCM1792A and Zero-Clock technology

At the core of the digital section is the BurrBrown PCM1792A converter, regarded as one of the best in its class. This high-end DAC, configured in Dual-Mono, processes signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz with total harmonic distortion of only 0.001% maximum. The 128 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 127 dB dynamic range attest to outstanding technical performance.

Gold Note’s proprietary Zero-Clock technology is one of this player’s key strengths. This innovation significantly reduces jitter—the timing variations that degrade digital signal quality. By minimizing these temporal fluctuations, Zero-Clock preserves signal integrity and contributes to a natural, detailed sound.

The DELUXE DSD model stands out with its asynchronous USB-B port, able to handle native DSD streams up to DSD256 and PCM files up to 32-bit/384 kHz. This capability places the CD-1000 MKII DELUXE DSD among the most versatile converters on the market, capable of processing virtually all current high-resolution audio formats.

Connectivity and versatile use

The rear panel connectivity reveals the unit’s versatility. Analog outputs are available in unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR configurations, allowing optimal integration into any high-fidelity system. Coaxial S/PDIF and optical Toslink digital outputs allow the CD-1000 MKII to be used as a transport feeding an external DAC, though it’s hard to imagine an external converter that would outperform the one onboard.

Digital inputs include a coaxial S/PDIF and an optical Toslink, both accepting signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz. The USB-B port, exclusive to the DELUXE DSD version, turns this CD player into a true digital hub, capable of decoding streams from a computer, streamer, or any other compatible digital source.

The digital volume control, which can be enabled or disabled as needed, allows direct driving of a power amplifier or active speakers, thereby eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier in certain setups.

Upgradability and enhancement options

Gold Note designed the 1000 series with a modular philosophy enabling substantial upgrades after the initial purchase. Two super inductive external power supplies are available: the PSU-1000 (200W) and the PSU-1250 (300W). These external units connect via a dedicated port and significantly improve isolation from mains interference.

More originally, two Class A tube output stages can radically transform the player’s sonic signature. The TUBE-1006 uses six 6N1P triode tubes, while the TUBE-1012 employs twelve. These external modules, powered by their own Dual-Mono inductive power supply, add a harmonic dimension and the characteristic warmth of tube sound, while preserving the precision of the digital circuit.

Technical Specifications

CD Player

• Mechanism: aluminum JPL-2800 Stream-Unlimited (made in Austria)
• Supported formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
• Gapless playback: yes
• Compatibility: Red Book
• Wow and flutter: 0.0001%

Digital-to-Analog Converter

• Model: BurrBrown PCM1792A
• Resolution: 24-bit / 192 kHz
• USB-B input: yes, up to DSD256 and PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz
• Other digital inputs: coaxial S/PDIF, Toslink
• Digital volume control: yes, can be enabled/disabled for direct control of an amplifier or active speakers

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

Connectivity

• Analog outputs: RCA and XLR
• Digital outputs: coaxial S/PDIF, Toslink
• Optional tube output: compatible with TUBE-1006 (6 valves) and TUBE-1012 (12 valves)

Power Supply

• Type: internal power supply with expansion capability
• Compatible expansions: PSU-1000 and PSU-1250 (super inductive external power supply)

Control and Features

• Remote control: multifunction included
• Built-in technology: Zero-Clock™ for effective jitter reduction

Physical Specifications

• Chassis: brushed aluminum, premium finish
• Dimensions: 440 × 350 × 120 mm
• Weight: 9 kg

Key Points

• High-end PCM1792A DAC for optimal precision and musicality
• Supports DSD up to DSD256 and PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz via USB-B
• Traditional CD playback and high-resolution digital files
• Optional tube output for a warmer, more immersive sound
• Zero-Clock technology to minimize jitter and maximize clarity