Gold Note CD-5.2 CD Player, Black

The Gold Note CD-5.2 is a compact CD player with an AKM AK4493 converter that, thanks to its integrated volume control, can also be connected directly to a power amplifier or active speakers.

It is the further development of the CD-5 and comes in black in an anodised, sandblasted aluminium chassis designed to dampen vibrations and electromagnetic interference. Sounds technical, but above all it simply feels good.

Why the CD-5.2?

Because Gold Note tweaked the right things in the generation change: a new chassis, a revised power supply, modern operation via touch display and remote – and, of course, the built-in volume control. At its heart remain the Stream Unlimited tray-loading transport with gapless playback and the AK4493. Via coax and Toslink you can pass the signal on to an external converter when needed, and the CD-5.2 then becomes a pure transport.

What you hear

Precise, low-noise and with drive: fine details emerge from a calm background without the sound tipping into the analytical. Gold Note promises a lower noise floor and more micro-detail thanks to the new chassis – and that's exactly where you hear the progress. For more dynamics, an external power supply can be added. But you don't have to: the CD-5.2 sounds grown-up as it is.

Who is the CD-5.2 for?

For anyone looking for a compact, high-quality CD source – whether in front of an integrated amplifier or in a minimalist system with a power amplifier or active speakers and no preamp. Bottom line: the CD-5.2 has no digital inputs; for the TV or a streamer as a source, the CD-10 is the better choice. And even though the player controls the volume, it can't switch between several analogue sources – that's still a job for an amplifier.

Our verdict

The CD-5.2 is what a successor should be: the same virtues, better execution, more flexibility. A compact player that grows with its owner. Tell us about your room and your system – at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'll find the right combination together.

Technical data

• Device type: CD player with integrated D/A converter
• D/A converter: AKM AK4493
• Transport: tray-loading transport by Stream Unlimited (SUOS-HiFi), speed fluctuation 0.0001%
• Playable formats: CD (Red Book), CD-R, CD-RW; gapless playback
• Digital inputs: none
• Digital outputs: 1× coaxial S/PDIF (75 Ω), 1× Toslink (optical), up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Analogue outputs: 1× RCA (unbalanced), 1× XLR (balanced)
• Output level: RCA 2 Vrms, XLR 2 Vrms; variable via integrated volume control
• Headphone output: none
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.001% max.
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 124 dB
• Dynamic range: 123 dB
• Power supply: 100–240 V / 50–60 Hz
• Power consumption: 30 W
• Operation: touchscreen, multifunction remote control
• Upgradeable: external power supply (sold separately)
• Finish: anodised, sandblasted aluminium, Black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 3 kg
• Included: CD player, multifunction remote control

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Gold Note CD-5 and CD-5.2?

The CD-5.2 is the successor to the CD-5. It gets a new chassis, an improved power supply, more modern operation and, above all, an integrated volume control. Converter, transport manufacturer, outputs and dimensions stay the same. This means the CD-5.2 can also drive a power amplifier directly.

Can I connect the CD-5.2 directly to active speakers?

Yes. Thanks to the integrated volume control, you connect the CD-5.2 via RCA or XLR directly to active speakers or a power amplifier. You set the volume conveniently with the remote. For additional analogue sources such as a turntable, however, you also need an amplifier or a preamp.

Can I connect headphones to the CD-5.2?

No, the CD-5.2 has no headphone output. You connect headphones to an amplifier with a headphone jack or to a separate headphone amplifier. Via the balanced XLR output, the player can also be combined cleanly, quietly and directly with high-quality, balanced headphone amplifiers.

Why buy the Gold Note CD-5.2 at HD Zürisee?

Because we help you use the CD-5.2 sensibly – in front of an integrated amplifier or directly with active speakers. With roots in the industry going back to 1993, we know the pitfalls of levels and cabling. We deliver, install on request and support you after the purchase with our own technician.

Goes well with

Power amplifiers or an integrated amplifier, balanced XLR cables, an external power supply from our power supplies and more from Gold Note.