The Gold Note CD-10 CD player is designed to be paired with high-end systems, offering unrivalled performance and musicality in this product category.
Gold Note CD 10: Packaging
The chassis is made entirely of anodised aluminium and is designed to completely minimise magnetic interference; this chassis creates a highly stable electrical and mechanical environment, significantly reducing background noise and improving the precision of detail for an even more natural listening experience.
The front panel is extremely understated! Apart from the disc tray, there is only a display, a selection button and a power LED.
All functions are therefore accessible via the display by navigating through the menus or, of course, using the remote control supplied with the unit. Playback information (track, time, title, etc.) is displayed clearly on the screen.
On the rear of the unit, there is a comprehensive range of connections. Analogue outputs include unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) options. In addition, there are digital outputs via RCA and Toslink optical, as well as digital inputs via Toslink optical and SPDIF RCA.
There is also an IEC C13 mains socket and a multi-pin socket for connecting the ‘high-end’ Gold Note PSU 10 EVO power supply.
Gold Note CD 10: Technology
The Gold Note CD 10 is equipped with a precision CD drive, designed for high-performance audio reproduction. It is manufactured in Austria by Stream Unlimited, based on a design specifically developed for audio applications demanding the highest performance. It extracts every bit of data from the disc to create a pure and precise digital signal stream. This stream is then processed by the high-end AKM AK4493 digital-to-analogue converter. This DAC is renowned for its unrivalled musicality on the market.
The stream is converted into a high-fidelity analogue signal. Every component, from the mechanical chassis to the electronic circuits, has been carefully selected and tested to deliver the best possible musicality without any distortion.
The CD-10 can be optimised by adding the PSU-10 EVO, an external power supply that further enhances the player’s performance, delivering even finer detail, powerful sound and refined audio reproduction.
Gold Note CD 10: Performance
From the very first bars, the Gold Note CD-10 demonstrates remarkable and surprising performance for such a compact device in this price range!
As always with Gold Note, the music is reproduced with great vitality, ‘groove’ and impact.
The overall sound reproduction from this CD player is warm and harmonically rich, reminiscent of the finest analogue recordings. The music is therefore reproduced with great realism and presence, as well as remarkable fluidity. The addition of the external power supply brings enhanced finesse, slightly more precise dynamics, and an overall cleaner sound with greater body.
This Gold Note CD-10 CD player is a remarkable success in every respect and demonstrates that the CD is still an excellent choice and often a fine alternative to streaming…
Our top pick!
FranckD/A Converter: AKM AK4493
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz at ±0.3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.001% max
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 128 dB
Dynamic Range: 127 dB
Volume: Digital, on/off
Mechanism: Stream Unlimited high-precision loader
Wow and Flutter: 0.0001%
CD Format: Red Book
Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
Remote Control: Multifunction included
Digital Inputs: 1 x S/PDIF 1 x TOS-Link (24 bits/192 kHz)
Unbalanced Audio Output: 1 x RCA (2 Vrms)
Balanced Audio Output: XLR (2 Vrms)
Coaxial Output: S/PDIF 24 bits/192 kHz
Optical Output: TOS-Link 24 bits/192 kHz
Dimensions: 200 mm (W) | 80 mm (H) | 260 mm (D)
Weight: 4 kg (net)
