Gold Note DS-10 EVO Line Streaming DAC, Gold

The Gold Note DS-10 EVO Line is a streaming DAC with analog input, preamplifier and headphone amplifier that brings together digital and analog sources and network streaming in one compact aluminum chassis.

It's built by hand in Tuscany – by people who first made their name with turntables and take digital playback just as seriously. The gold anodized, brushed aluminum adds a warm, refined accent to the rack.

Why the DS-10 EVO Line?

The Line is the DS-10 EVO with one decisive extra: an analog input. That lets you loop in an external phono stage, a tuner or another line source and control everything through the unit's single volume control. The rest is High End through and through: the AKM AK4493 converter handles PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (via USB), the headphone output on the front is a full-fledged stage with two gain settings, and the preamplifier drives a power amp or active speakers directly. One box for the whole chain – digital and analog alike.

Then there's the feature other DACs simply don't offer: you can adjust the sound profile in real time. Digital filters, de-emphasis and DSD filters can be adjusted through the menu without degrading the signal – making an analytical chain smoother without sacrificing detail. If you like to tinker, go for it; if not, leave everything at the factory setting and still enjoy first-class sound.

What you hear

Calm and resolution. The DS-10 EVO Line separates instruments cleanly, stages them in depth and stays composed even in dense passages. Over LAN or dual-band Wi-Fi you stream Roon, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and more in full resolution; it plays local files from NAS or USB stick and analog sources on the line input just as well. Everything is controlled via the 2.8-inch display with single-knob control, the remote, or the free GN-Control app.

Who is the DS-10 EVO Line for?

For anyone who listens to both digital and analog and wants to combine streamer, DAC and preamp in one sleek unit – from a desktop setup with headphones to a system with a power amp or active speakers that also has an analog source attached. Bottom line: you pay extra for the analog input compared with the standard EVO. If you only use digital sources and streaming, the regular DS-10 EVO does the job just as well – the Line only pays off once you actually want to loop in an analog source. And the small, brilliant display reads best up close; in everyday use you'll mostly control the unit via the app anyway.

Can I connect the DS-10 EVO Line directly to a power amp or active speakers?

Yes. Thanks to its own volume control, the DS-10 EVO Line works as a full-fledged preamplifier – via the variable RCA or XLR outputs you go straight into a power amp or active speakers. If you only need it as a pure converter, the preamp stage can be bypassed and the level fixed at 2V.

Which analog source suits the DS-10 EVO Line?

The analog input is a 3.5mm jack at line level (input impedance 10kΩ). You connect a source with a line output – for example the output stage of an external phono stage, a tuner or another player. For RCA sources you'll need an RCA-to-jack cable; we're happy to recommend the right one.

Our verdict

The DS-10 EVO Line is the most versatile variant in the DS-10 family: streamer, converter, preamp and headphone amplifier plus analog input – all in a small footprint. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil set the unit up on your network, connect streaming services, analog sources and speakers cleanly, and show you how to get the most out of the sound filters.

Technical data

• Type: streaming DAC with analog input, preamplifier and headphone amplifier
• D/A converter: AKM AK4493
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.1dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): max. 0.001%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125dB
• Dynamic range: 120dB
• Supported formats: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD up to DSD512 (via USB), MQA, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, OGG
• Streaming: Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, vTuner, Deezer
• Network: LAN (Ethernet) and dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0 HD
• Digital inputs: 1× coaxial (RCA), 1× AES/EBU, 2× optical (TOS-Link) – each up to 24-bit/192kHz; 1× USB-B (up to DSD512 / 32-bit/384kHz); 1× USB-A (up to DSD256 / 32-bit/384kHz)
• Analog input: 1× 3.5mm jack, line level (input impedance 10kΩ)
• DAC outputs: 1× RCA and 1× XLR (fixed, 2Vrms)
• Preamp outputs: 1× RCA and 1× XLR (variable), 1× 6.3mm headphone (two gain settings)
• Output impedance: 50Ω
• Power consumption: 35W
• Display: 2.8-inch TFT with single-knob control
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260mm
• Weight: 4kg
• Finish: Gold (anodized aluminum, brushed)
• Included: DS-10 EVO Line, remote control, Wi-Fi antenna, power cable, user manual

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between DS-10 EVO and DS-10 EVO Line?

The Line additionally has an analog line input (3.5mm jack, 10kΩ); technically the two are otherwise identical. If you only listen digitally and via streaming, the standard EVO is enough. If you also want to loop in an analog source such as a phono stage or a tuner, the Line is the right choice.

Do I need a paid subscription for the DS-10 EVO Line?

No. Services like Tidal or Qobuz are an option, not a requirement. You can just as easily use local files from NAS or USB stick, internet radio (vTuner), an analog source or Bluetooth. A subscription is worthwhile if you want the full streaming library – it isn't necessary.

Is the DS-10 EVO Line Roon Ready?

Yes, the DS-10 EVO Line is certified Roon Ready by Roon Labs and integrates into your Roon network without hassle. It also supports Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2, so you can play directly from the respective apps.

Why buy the Gold Note DS-10 EVO Line at HD Zürisee?

Because a streaming preamplifier only shines in a properly set-up system. We integrate the DS-10 EVO Line into your network, connect digital and analog sources cleanly, and give you honest advice on whether EVO or Line, power amp, active speakers or headphones is the best route for your room. As an experienced team in Wädenswil, we're also here for you after the purchase.

Goes well with: active or passive floorstanding speakers, a turntable as an analog source, and other network players from our Streaming selection. If you want to get more out of the power supply, add the external PSU-10 EVO later.