Gold Note HP-10 Headphone Amplifier

All Image Credit: Gold Note

Gold Note, the Italian high-end audio manufacturer, has released its latest addition to the 10 Series, the Gold Note HP-10, their first Headphone Amplifier. This latest product comes in three finishes; gold, silver and black brushed aluminum each with three variants to meet users needs:

• HP-10: A classic analogue-only headphone amplifier.
• HP-10 BT: Adds digital functionality with an integrated DAC (ESS ES9023) and Bluetooth aptX HD 5.1 streaming.
• HP-10 DELUXE: Offers a premium DAC (AKM AK4493), USB-C, and Bluetooth aptX HD 5.1, providing the most advanced digital input options in the series.

The HP-10 features a Dual-Mono Class-A balanced design throughout for the main signal path and is available in three models, the second two of which add additional digital inputs such as the Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 BT) and a premium DAC with USB-C input (HP-10 Deluxe) to become a fully standalone unit.

All Models offer; 4 Crossfeed modes for a natural 3D soundstage, Harman curve equalization, variable gain and damping factor, a 0/180° phase switch and a bypass function. All the features are easy to manage using the remote control and the touchscreen display in the dedicated menu named STUDIO.

Connectivity is extensive and based upon model:

• Headphone outputs: 1x 3.5mm jack (unbalanced), 1x 6.3mm jack (unbalanced), 1x 4.4mm jack (balanced), 1x 4.4mm 4-pin XLR (balanced)
• Line Level outputs: 1x unbalanced RCA, 1x balanced XLR
• Analog inputs: 1x unbalanced RCA (5 Vrms max), 1x balanced XLR (8 Vrms max)
• Digital inputs:
  • HB-1oBT – Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX
  • HP-10 DELUXE – Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX plus USB-C up to DSD512, PCM 768kHz

The HP-10 can controlled with the included IR remote control, the touchscreen display and the rotary knob to offer the best possible experience. With the remote control you can adjust all settings while listening at your favorite spot.

Finally the HP-10 is compatible with the PSU-10 EVO external power supply, which is said to enhance dynamic range and detail, and the model integrates seamlessly with many other Gold Note products.

Key Features At A glance:

• Fully balanced Class-A Dual-Mono design for unparalleled audio performance.
• Versatile headphone outputs: Balanced (XLR, 4.4mm) and unbalanced (6.3mm, 3.5mm).
• Flexible analogue inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections.
• Digital options (in select models): Bluetooth aptX HD 5.1 and USB-C for modern streaming compatibility.
• Adjustable crossfeed for realistic sound imaging and personalized tuning with real-time analogue adjustments.
• Remote control included
• Finishes: brushed aluminum in gold, silver or black

Specifications:

• Amplifier: Class-A, Dual-Mono
• Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz ± 0.3dB
• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) + N: 0,015% @ 1kHz
• SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio): 110dB
• DAC: ESS ES9023 (HP-10 BT), AKM AK4493 (HP-10 DELUXE)
• Bluetooth5.1:  HD aptX (HP-10 DELUXE, HP-10 BT)
• Crossfeed: Adjustable(full spectrum or lows / mids / highs)
• Analog EQ: Harman Curve, Superflat
• Damping factor: Adjustable (High/Low)
• Phase: Adjustable (0/180)
• IR receiver: For multifunctional remote control – included
• Headphone outputs: 3,5mm jack (unbalanced), 6,3mm jack (unbalanced), 4,4mm jack (balanced), 4-pin XLR (balanced)
• Line outputs: 1x unbalanced RCA, 1x balanced XLR
• Analog inputs: 1x unbalanced RCA (5 Vrms max), 1x balanced XLR (8 Vrms max)
• Digital inputs: 1x USB-C up to DSD512, PCM 768kHz (HP-10 DELUXE), 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 DELUXE, HP-10 BT)
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 200 x 80 x 260 mm
• Weight: 3.5 Kg

MSRP:

• US: $ TBA
• UK: £1,800.00 to £3,400.00
• EU: €1,890.00 to €4,280.00

For more information visit the Gold Note web site.

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