GOLD NOTE HP 5.2 Headphone Amplifier

The chassis adopts the new design used across the entire 5.2 range. This new sandblasted black anodized aluminum chassis is designed to minimize magnetic interference, creating a very stable electrical and mechanical environment, significantly reducing background noise and improving detail accuracy for a more natural listening experience.

The front panel is extremely minimalist! Apart from the touchscreen, there are only headphone output connectors and a power LED.

All functions are therefore available via the touchscreen or, of course, with the remote control supplied with the device. Status and source information are clearly displayed on the screen.

The front panel features unbalanced outputs in 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm jack, as well as balanced outputs in 4.4 mm jack and 4-pin XLR.

It is also possible to connect Bluetooth headphones by configuring them via the touchscreen.

At the rear, the unit offers very complete connectivity. Analog outputs are available in unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR), along with analog inputs in unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR), and a USB-C digital input.

Also included are an IEC C13 power input and a multi-pin connector for the optional high-end external power supply, the Gold Note PSU 5.2.

Gold Note HP 5.2: Technology

Designed for systems including a preamplifier, the bypass function allows the HP-5.2 to be integrated without modifying your existing cabling. You can easily switch between the HP-5.2 and your preamplifier for speaker listening.

The bypass mode is automatically activated by selecting one of the four headphone outputs and putting the unit into standby (indicated by the red LED). You can put the unit into standby by pressing the power button on the remote control or by holding the screen for three seconds. Additionally, when selecting the RCA/XLR line outputs, the HP-5.2 operates as a line preamplifier, allowing you to apply all Studio settings to your main system. Stereo and mono playback modes are also supported for maximum flexibility.

The audio circuit is built with high-end components, and all adjustments are applied in real time in the analog domain. Combining high sound quality and versatility, the HP-5.2 delivers outstanding performance at a highly competitive price. With four headphone outputs and generous power (5W), it can effortlessly drive all headphones on the market.

Its touchscreen allows quick and intuitive adjustments. Perfect for high-end systems, the HP-5.2 includes advanced tools such as Crossfeed (for soundstage reconstruction), the Harman option (for optimized headphone listening), adjustable gain and damping factor, as well as mono/stereo selection.

It operates as a traditional amplifier with analog inputs/outputs while also integrating Bluetooth 5.2 HD aptX and USB-C via a SABRE ES9023 digital-to-analog converter.

Gold Note HP 5.2: Settings

The Studio selection is a suite of innovative features designed to enhance the headphone listening experience, entirely in the analog domain:

Crossfeed function: blends left and right channels to recreate a speaker-like soundstage.

Harman function: optimizes equalization specifically for headphone acoustics.

Superflat function: linearizes high-frequency response.

DF (Damping Factor): adjusts damping factor for perfect matching with your headphone impedance.

Balance function: provides precise control of left and right channel levels, allowing adjustment according to listening preferences or transducer characteristics.

Gold Note HP 5.2: Sound Performance

From the very first tracks, we are impressed by the reproduction of this device, which stands out for its remarkable transparency and total absence of coloration. Timbres are exceptionally accurate and refined for a device in this category. The soundstage is superb, and instrument separation is clear and precise, allowing each section to be located within a symphony orchestra or a jazz quintet.

As with most creations from the Italian manufacturer, the high frequencies are precise and detailed without aggression, and the midrange benefits from natural articulation that does full justice to both female and male voices. The bass is firm, fast, and perfectly controlled across all registers.

The Gold Note HP 5.2 does not seek to impress through artificial effects, but rather through its ability to disappear behind the music. Superb!

Our favorite!