Gold Note DS-1000 EVO LINE gold

The Gold Note DS-1000 EVO LINE is the most comprehensive version in the DS-1000 range. This network player incorporates a dual-mono digital-to-analog converter, a Class A preamplification stage, and a headphone amplifier. It also offers analog inputs in addition to its digital connections. Developed in Gold Note’s workshops in Tuscany, the unit combines technical features aimed at high-fidelity reproduction with the brand’s distinctive sonic signature.

Conversion architecture and signal processing

At the heart of the DS-1000 EVO LINE are two AKM AK4493 digital-to-analog converters configured in dual-mono. This approach physically separates the left and right channels from the conversion stage onward, thereby minimizing crosstalk. Each converter has its own power supply and processing circuitry, ensuring rigorous stereo separation. The measured specifications show a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB and total harmonic distortion kept below 0.001%.

The unit accepts PCM files up to 32-bit / 384 kHz and native DSD files up to DSD256 over the network, and up to DSD512 via USB-B. Supported formats include AIFF, ALAC, WAV (compressed or uncompressed), FLAC, MP3, OGG, Monkey’s Audio, and Apple Lossless. Digital connectivity includes a coaxial RCA input, an AES/EBU on XLR, two TOS-Link optical inputs, an asynchronous USB-B, and a front USB-A accepting USB drives up to 32 GB formatted in FAT32 or NTFS.

Class A output stage and preamplification

What sets the DS-1000 EVO LINE apart from the standard version is the integration of a Class A preamplification stage using carefully selected discrete components. This stage allows volume control directly in the analog domain, after digital-to-analog conversion. The user can enable or disable this function depending on whether they want to use the device as a simple fixed-level converter or as a full-fledged preamplifier.

The LINE version also includes two analog inputs: one balanced on XLR and one unbalanced on RCA. These connections allow integration of analog sources such as a phono preamplifier or any other device delivering an analog signal. The unit thus becomes a genuine audio hub capable of managing digital and analog sources simultaneously. Outputs, available on RCA and XLR for both the converter and preamplifier sections, provide a 2 Vrms level with output impedances of 50 Ω and 100 Ω respectively.

Streaming and network compatibility

The DS-1000 EVO LINE connects to the local network via Ethernet or dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi‑Fi (10/433 Mbit/s). It features high-definition Bluetooth 5.0 and supports a long list of services: Roon Ready, Tidal, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, and vTuner for internet radio. The Roon Ready certification guarantees seamless integration with the Roon ecosystem, renowned for its polished interface and methodical music library management.

Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect functions allow direct streaming from the respective apps without going through the device’s interface. To access files stored on a NAS server or computer, the unit supports UPnP and DLNA protocols. Note, however, that to play DSD files via UPnP, the server must specifically support DSD streaming.

Gold Note offers the GN Control app, available free on iOS and Android, to operate all DS-1000 EVO LINE functions. This app displays metadata of the tracks being played, as well as the format and resolution, and lets you manage volume, input selection, and access to various streaming services. According to user feedback, the interface is responsive and reliable. Firmware updates can be carried out directly via the internet (OTA).

User interface and controls

The front panel of the DS-1000 EVO LINE features a sleek design. A 3.5-inch color TFT screen occupies the central position, flanked by a multifunction knob called SKC (Single Knob Control). This push-rotary knob allows users to navigate menus and adjust settings without having to use the supplied infrared remote control. To the left of the screen there is a 6.3 mm headphone jack on the front.

The display permanently shows key information: active source, audio format (PCM or DSD), sampling rate, selected input and output, operating mode, and volume level. Users can quickly access settings via the SKC knob without having to operate several buttons. This interface is particularly convenient for frequent adjustments such as changing source or adjusting volume.

Headphone amplification and listening modes

The DS-1000 EVO LINE includes a headphone amplifier that is not a simple tap from the line outputs, but a circuit specifically developed by Gold Note. Two sensitivity levels (High/Low) allow the output to be adapted to different types of headphones. This function is designed to optimize gain according to the impedance and sensitivity of the headphones used, thereby avoiding excessive or insufficient amplification.

The front 6.3 mm jack benefits from this dedicated circuit and enables quality headphone listening. When the integrated preamplifier is activated, the volume control also acts on the headphone output, ensuring consistent operation. This approach differs from solutions where the headphone output is simply tied to the line outputs with a basic resistive potentiometer.

Upgradability and expansion options

Like the other models in the 1000 series, the DS-1000 EVO LINE can be enhanced with external upgrades. Gold Note offers two external power supplies: the PSU-1250 (300 W) and PSU-1000 (200 W), both designed with an inductive architecture and inductive filters on the positive and negative rails. These separate power blocks connect via two 5-pin XLR sockets on the rear of the unit and are designed to improve mains filtering.

Another expansion option is the TUBE-1006 (6 tubes) and TUBE-1012 (12 tubes) Class A tube output stages. These external modules are placed between the DS-1000 EVO LINE and the power amplifier, adding an extra analog processing stage using tube components. Gold Note offers complete configurations called DS-1000 TRIO, pairing either the DS-1000 EVO LINE with the PSU-1250 and TUBE-1012 (Premium version), or the DS-1000 EVO with the PSU-1000 and TUBE-1006 (Lite version).

Technical specifications

Digital-to-analog conversion

• Chip: 2 × AKM AK4493 in dual mono architecture
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (± 0.1 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.001% maximum
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic range: 120 dB

Supported audio formats

• PCM: up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
• Native DSD: up to DSD256 (DSF, DFF) via USB-A, up to DSD512 via USB-B
• File formats: AIFF, ALAC, WAV (compressed / uncompressed), FLAC, MP3, OGG, Monkey’s Audio, Apple Lossless

Streaming and network

• Network: Ethernet (LAN), dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac (10 / 433 Mbit/s)
• Bluetooth: HD 5.0 (44 / 16)
• Compatible services: Roon Ready, Tidal, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, vTuner
• Media servers: UPnP, DLNA, Roon
  • The UPnP server must support DSD streaming to play DSD files

Connectivity

• Digital inputs
  • 1 × RCA coaxial (PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
  • 1 × AES / EBU (24-bit / 192 kHz)
  • 2 × TOSLink optical (24-bit / 192 kHz)
  • 1 × asynchronous USB-B (DSD512 and PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz)
  • 1 × USB-A (DSD256 and PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz, FAT32 / NTFS, 32 GB maximum)
• Analog inputs (DS-1000 EVO LINE only)
  • 1 × unbalanced RCA
  • 1 × balanced XLR
• Audio outputs
  • Converter outputs: 1 × RCA (2 Vrms), 1 × XLR (2 Vrms)
  • Preamplifier outputs: 1 × RCA, 1 × XLR
  • 1 × 6.3 mm headphone output (front panel)
• Output impedance
  • RCA: 50 Ω
  • XLR: 100 Ω

Preamplification

• Type: Class A preamplifier with discrete components
• Volume control: Available only on the DS-1000 EVO LINE model

Power supply

• Voltage: 100 – 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Power consumption: 30 W
• Fuse: 2 A T

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: (W x H x D) 430 × 135 × 375 mm
• Net weight: 10 kg
• Packaged weight: 15 kg

Included accessories

• Multifunction remote control
• Power cable
• Documentation