Gold Note DS-10 EVO Streaming DAC, Silver

The Gold Note DS-10 EVO is a streaming DAC with preamplifier and headphone amplifier that combines digital sources, network streaming and Bluetooth in one compact aluminium enclosure.

It's hand-built in Tuscany – by people who first made their name with turntables and take digital playback just as seriously. In silver, the brushed aluminium looks bright and classic – a timeless staple in the rack.

Why the DS-10 EVO?

Because it replaces three devices in one, without you hearing it in the sound. The AKM AK4493 converter processes PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (via USB), the preamplifier has its own volume control, and the headphone output on the front isn't a token jack but a full-fledged stage with two gain settings. One box, one power cable, one clean signal path – and yet the complete chain from stream to power amp.

A 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 tuned via the menu without degrading the signal. Harshly recorded albums gain a bit of smoothness this way – if you like tinkering, you can play with it; if not, leave everything on factory settings and still hear first-class sound.

What you hear

Calm and resolution. The DS-10 EVO separates instruments cleanly, layers 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 also plays local files from a NAS or USB stick. 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 suited for?

For anyone who listens digitally and wants to bundle streamer, DAC and preamp in one slim device – from a headphone setup at the desk to a full-blown system with a power amp or active speakers. Plain talk: the DS-10 EVO is a pure digital source. If you need an analogue input – for a tuner or a separate phono stage, say – then the DS-10 EVO Line variant is the right choice. And the small, brilliant display reads best up close; day to day you'll mostly control the unit via the app anyway.

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

Yes. Thanks to its own volume control, the DS-10 EVO 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 2 V.

Our verdict

The DS-10 EVO is a surprisingly versatile piece of high-end gear: streamer, converter, preamp and headphone amplifier that together add up to more than the sum of their parts – on very little footprint. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil set the device up on your network, connect your streaming services and speakers cleanly, and show you how to get the last bit out of the sound filters.

Technical data

• Type: streaming DAC with preamplifier and headphone amplifier
• D/A converter: AKM AK4493
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.1 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): max. 0.001 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic range: 120 dB
• Supported formats: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, 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/192 kHz; 1× USB-B (up to DSD512 / 32-bit/384 kHz); 1× USB-A (up to DSD256 / 32-bit/384 kHz)
• DAC outputs: 1× RCA and 1× XLR (fixed, 2 Vrms)
• Preamp outputs: 1× RCA and 1× XLR (variable), 1× headphone 6.3 mm (two gain settings)
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
• Power consumption: 35 W
• Display: 2.8-inch TFT with single-knob control
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 4 kg
• Finish: silver (anodised aluminium, brushed)
• Scope of delivery: DS-10 EVO, remote control, Wi-Fi antenna, power cable, user manual

Frequently asked questions

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

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

Is the DS-10 EVO Roon Ready?

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

How does the PSU-10 EVO relate to the DS-10 EVO?

The PSU-10 EVO is an optional external power supply from Gold Note. It feeds the DS-10 EVO with cleaner power and coaxes even more calm and fine detail out of it. You don't need it to operate the unit – it's a later upgrade step if you want to get the absolute maximum out of it.

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

Because a streamer only shines in a properly set-up system. We integrate the DS-10 EVO into your network, set up streaming services and speakers to match, and give you honest advice on whether a power amp, active speakers or headphones are the best route for your room. As an experienced specialist team in Wädenswil, we're there for you even after the purchase.

Goes well with: active or passive floorstanding speakers and bookshelf speakers, plus more network players and sources from our Streaming selection. Anyone who wants to get more out of the power supply can add the external PSU-10 EVO later.