Gold Note CD-5.2

With the 5.2 series, the Florentine manufacturer abandons the idea of subtle adjustments in favor of tangible modifications. The CD-5.2 takes over the technical foundation of the CD-5 while revising its casing and power supply. This integrated CD player (transport + converter) retains the compact format characteristic of the 5 series, designed to fit into installations where space matters as much as sound quality.

A redesigned chassis to reduce background noise

The most visible change on the CD-5.2 is its sandblasted black anodized aluminum chassis. This choice is not purely aesthetic: the enclosure improves the mechanical and electrical environment around the circuits by reducing interactions with unwanted interference. The treated aluminum limits electromagnetic disturbances that can affect the digital and analog stages when they coexist in a compact enclosure.

The dimensions remain identical to the CD-5 (20 × 8 × 26 cm for 3 kg), placing the device in the half-width source category. It can slide into a cabinet or sit alongside other components in the 5.2 series, such as the phono preamplifier PH-5.2 or the HP-5.2 headphone amplifier.

Stream Unlimited mechanism and AKM conversion

The reading mechanism comes from Stream Unlimited, a reference in the field of CD transports. This motorized tray posts a speed fluctuation of 0.0001%, a value that reduces mechanical jitter and ensures stable data extraction. The CD-5.2 reads commercial CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs to the Red Book standard. It also handles gapless playback between tracks, a point often overlooked on entry-level and mid-range players.

Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by an AKM AK4493 chip. This 32-bit converter posts a signal-to-noise ratio of 124 dB and harmonic distortion below 0.001%. Dynamic range reaches 123 dB, a value that reflects the converter’s ability to reproduce the differences between the quietest and loudest passages in a recording.

The discrete-component output stage adopts a balanced topology, resulting in doubled line outputs in XLR and RCA. Both pairs deliver 2 Vrms with an output impedance of 100 Ω, low enough to drive most amplifiers without level loss or signal degradation.

Digital outputs for pairing with an external converter

Although the CD-5.2 includes its own DAC, Gold Note has provided coaxial S/PDIF (75 Ω) and optical Toslink digital outputs, both capable of transmitting a 24-bit / 192 kHz stream. This option allows it to be used as a simple transport, entrusting conversion to a more ambitious external DAC. The manufacturer did not intend it to operate as a DAC: there are no digital inputs.

Volume control and touch operation

One distinctive feature of the CD-5.2: it includes volume control. Since the CD-5.2 has volume adjustment, a direct connection to a power amplifier is possible. This configuration removes a preamplifier from the chain and simplifies installation in a minimalist system.

The front color touchscreen lets you navigate playback functions, program playlists, and adjust volume without using the supplied infrared remote control. The interface remains simple: play, pause, stop, track skip, eject. No complex menus or buried settings.

The external PSX-5.2 power supply as an upgrade option

The PSX-5.2 is an external power supply designed specifically for devices in the 5.2 series. It replaces the internal power supply with four audio-grade rails and two ultra-low-noise regulators, with output voltage variation limited to 0.05% and interference rejection greater than 80 dB.

Its unique advantage is the ability to power both a phono preamplifier (PH-5 or PH-5.2) and a line source (such as the CD-5.2, HP-5.2, or DS-5.2) simultaneously. For those who own several devices in the series, the investment can be shared.

Adding the PSX-5.2 is not essential to use the player, but Gold Note presents it as a logical upgrade for those who want to extract more dynamics and detail from their CD source.

Technical Specifications

Converter and Playback

• Digital-to-analog converter: AKM AK4493
• CD mechanism: Stream Unlimited SUOS-Hifi
• Supported formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW (Red Book)

Connectivity

• Analog outputs
  • 1 x RCA: 2 Vrms
  • 1 x XLR: 2 Vrms
• Digital outputs
  • 1 x coaxial S/PDIF 75 Ω: 24 bit / 192 kHz
  • 1 x optical TOS: 24 bit / 192 kHz

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.3 dB
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.001% max
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 124 dB
• Dynamic response: 123 dB
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Wow and flutter: 0.0001%

Interface and Control

• Color touchscreen
• Volume control
• Programmable playlists

Power Supply

• Input voltage: 100 – 240 V / 50 – 60 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 30 W
• Fuse: 2 A T
• PSX-5.2 option: external inductive power supply for improved sound

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 20 x 8 x 26 cm
• Net weight: 3 kg
• Packed weight: 4 kg

Finish and Construction

• Premium black anodized aluminum
• Balanced design and premium construction