Gold Note DS-5.2

Italian manufacturer Gold Note is expanding its 5.2 series with a compact digital source built on the DS-10 EVO concept. A black anodized aluminum chassis 200 mm wide, AKM AK4493 conversion in balanced mode, an extended streaming platform, a color touchscreen, and a front headphone output: this network player combines DAC and preamplifier functions, with an HDMI eARC input for connection to a television.

The digital powerhouse of the 5.2 series

The 5.2 series now includes the PH-5.2 phono preamplifier, the CD-5.2 CD player, the HP-5.2 headphone amplifier, and the PSX-5.2 external power supply. The DS-5.2 fills the streaming segment of this range and shares the half-rack chassis of the other components: 200 × 80 × 260 mm for 4 kg. Gold Note presents the DS-5.2 as a compact reinterpretation of the DS-10 EVO, with the same DAC, network playback, volume control, and headphone listening logic in a format designed to fit just as easily into a TV cabinet as on a traditional hi-fi rack.

AKM AK4493 conversion and balanced design

At the heart of the circuit, a single AKM AK4493 converter handles digital-to-analog conversion. Gold Note has wired it according to a fully balanced design, from the digital inputs to the analog XLR outputs. The figures put forward by the manufacturer remain at the top of the class for a contemporary DAC: total harmonic distortion of 0.001%, signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB, dynamic range of 120 dB, and frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at ± 0.1 dB. The 100 Ω output impedance makes connection to a wide variety of amplifiers easy.

Streaming platform and network protocols

For network playback, the DS-5.2 uses the DS-10 EVO platform. It is Roon Ready certified and supports TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect (including in Lossless mode), Apple AirPlay 2, Deezer, and Internet radio via vTuner. MQA decoding is supported. Connection is available via Ethernet or dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi. Bluetooth 5.2 operates bidirectionally with the 24-bit aptX HD codec, allowing both reception from a smartphone and transmission to wireless headphones. Formats supported over the network include PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD up to DSD256, as well as FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, MP3, OGG, Monkey’s Audio, and DSF/DFF files. UPnP, DLNA, and Roon servers are recognized.

Extensive digital and analog connectivity

The rear panel includes one RCA coaxial input and one Toslink optical input (24-bit/192 kHz), one USB-A input (32-bit/384 kHz, DSD256), one asynchronous USB-C input, an Ethernet port, and the Bluetooth module. The presence of an HDMI eARC input compatible with CEC is rarer at this level: it allows a television to be connected with a single cable and lets you use the DAC for the soundtrack. A stereo analog RCA input (10 kΩ) is also provided for a non-digital source. On the output side, the DS-5.2 features in parallel an RCA coaxial digital output, aptX HD Bluetooth transmission, two pairs of analog outputs (RCA and balanced XLR at fixed level for the DAC, variable RCA and XLR for the preamplifier), and a 6.35 mm headphone jack on the front panel.

Switchable preamplification and headphone output

The preamplifier stage can be enabled or disabled from the menu. When disabled, the DS-5.2 operates as a pure fixed-level source, which corresponds to conventional use upstream of a separate preamplifier or an integrated amplifier. When enabled, it handles volume adjustment and allows a direct connection to a power amplifier or a pair of active speakers, removing one link from the chain. This configuration suits minimalist setups where the digital source becomes the system’s control center. The 6.35 mm front headphone output adds personal listening use, without involving the rest of the system.

Touch control and GN Control app

On the front panel, a color touchscreen displays playback information and album artwork. Remote control is handled via the GN Control app available on iOS and Android, which brings together input selection, volume adjustment, streaming service management, and access to network libraries. A multifunction infrared remote control is included for those who prefer a physical controller. CEC management via the HDMI eARC connection also allows volume control from the television remote.

Optional PSX-5.2 external power supply

Like the other elements in the 5.2 series, the DS-5.2 accepts the PSX-5.2 external power supply sold separately. The principle is simple: the PSX-5.2 replaces the internal power supply via a dedicated cable and provides more stable regulation, lower background noise, and greater dynamic headroom. Its dual output allows two components in the series to be powered simultaneously, for example the DS-5.2 and a PH-5.2 phono preamplifier or an HP-5.2 headphone amplifier. This modularity paves the way for gradual system upgrades without replacing the main component.

Technical specifications

General overview

• Network player, DAC and integrated preamplifier
• High-resolution AKM AK4493 converter
• Fully balanced audio architecture
• Color touchscreen with album artwork display
• Front headphone output
• Expandable thanks to the external Gold Note PSX-5.2 power supply
• Control via the Gold Note GN Control app (iOS and Android)
• Multifunction infrared remote control
• Black anodized aluminum chassis

Digital / analog conversion

• DAC: AKM AK4493
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 0.1 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.001%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic range: 120 dB
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Preamplifier function can be enabled / disabled

Streaming and network

• Compatible services and protocols: Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Spotify Lossless, AirPlay 2, Deezer, vTuner Internet radio
• MQA compatibility
• Ethernet network and dual-band 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac WiFi
• Bidirectional Bluetooth 5.2 with 24-bit aptX HD codec
• Compatible servers: UPnP, DLNA, Roon

Audio formats supported via network

• PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
• DSD up to DSD256
• AIFF, ALAC, WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG
• Monkey’s Audio
• DSF / DFF

Digital connectivity

• Inputs
  • 1 x coaxial RCA (PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
  • 1 x optical Toslink (PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
  • 1 x HDMI eARC CEC-compatible, for TV integration
  • 1 x USB-A (PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz and DSD256)
  • 1 x asynchronous USB-C
  • 1 x Ethernet / WiFi
  • 1 x Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD
• Outputs
  • 1 x coaxial RCA
  • 1 x Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD

Analog connectivity

• Input
  • 1 x stereo RCA input (10 kΩ)
• DAC outputs
  • 1 x stereo RCA
  • 1 x balanced stereo XLR
• Preamplifier outputs
  • 1 x stereo RCA
  • 1 x balanced stereo XLR
  • 1 x 6.35 mm jack headphone output

Power supply

• Supply voltage: 100-240 V / 50-60 Hz
• Power consumption: 35 W
• Fuse: 2 A T

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 200 x 80 x 260 mm
• Net weight: 4 kg
• Packaged weight: 5 kg