Goldnote CD-10 CD Player – First Look

All Image Credit: Gold Note

Joining their 10 Series, Gold Note have just released the compact CD-10, a high-end CD transport with integrated D/A converter. Measuring just 80 x 200 x 260mm (HxWxD) it is designed to sit amongst the Italian brand’s 10-series products.

This new model features a precision CD mechanism with a loader by Stream Unlimited. Gold Note claims that “the precision CD mechanism is engineered for high-performance audio and extracts every bit of information from the disc to accurately create a pure digital signal stream” before being fed into the premium AKM AK4493 768kHz / 32-bit stereo DAC. Speed variations are negligible at 0.0001%, and having digital inputs allows the CD-10 to act as a high performance DAC.

Gold Note points out that every component, from the mechanical chassis to the electronic circuits, has been carefully chosen and tested to achieve the best sound quality and lowest possible noise floor with a quoted signal-to-noise ratio of 128dB, and THD of 0.001% max.

A clear front panel touch screen display shows basic track information and in conjunction with the rotary control allows for setup, input selection and volume control. The player also comes with an IR remote for seated control.

Connectivity includes; Coax S/PDIF and TOS-Link digital inputs and outputs, both rated at 24bit/192kHz with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs.

Finally, the CD-10 can be upgraded with the addition of the PSU-10 EVO external power supply that is claimed to further enhance the players performance.

• CD transport with integrated D/A converter
• D/A Converter: AKM AK4493
• Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz @ ± 0.3dB
• THD – Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.001% max
• Signal to noise ratio: 128dB
• Dynamic response: 127dB
• Output impedance: 100Ω
• Mechanism: Tray loader by Stream Unlimited (SUOS-Hifi)
• Speed fluctuation: 0.0001%
• Volume control: Digital, switchable ON/OFF (OFF by default)
• Digital inputs:
  • Coax S/PDIF 24bit/192kHz
  • TOS-Link 24bit/192kHz
• Analog outputs:
  • RCA unbalanced 2Vrms
  • XLR balanced 2Vrms
• Digital outputs:
  • Coax S/PDIF 75Ω
  • TOS-Link 24bit/192kHz
• CD formats: Red Book
• Disc compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
• Power supply: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
• Power consumption: 30W
• Dimensions: 200mm W | 80mm H | 260mm D
• Weight: 4Kg