Gold Note CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD CD Player, Black

The Gold Note CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD is a high-end CD player with an integrated D/A converter that also plays high-resolution PCM and DSD files from a computer via USB-B.

The black version sits in the same brushed aluminium chassis as the Deluxe, with a USB input added. That turns the CD player into the digital hub of your rack – for silver discs, the TV and the music library on your laptop.

Why the CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD?

Because you get two worlds in one chassis without either becoming an afterthought. The aluminium JPL-2800 transport from Stream Unlimited reads CDs with a speed fluctuation of just 0.0001%, and Gold Note's Zero-Clock timing keeps jitter low. Via USB-B the converter accepts PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz and DSD256, via coax and Toslink the sound from your TV or streamer. When needed, the switchable digital volume control even turns it into a lean control centre in front of a power amplifier or active speakers.

What you hear

In Gold Note's hands the Burr-Brown PCM1792A sounds flowing rather than dissecting: tonal colours stay rich, spaces open wide, and nothing turns hard even at high levels. With 128 dB signal-to-noise ratio, all of this plays out against a deep black background. It gets exciting when you hear the same recording once from CD and once as a hi-res file via USB – the direct comparison is instructive and occasionally humbling for your own download archive. The player can be expanded just like the Deluxe: with the PSU-1250 or PSU-1000 and the external TUBE-1012 tube stage.

Who is the CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD for?

For anyone who wants to enjoy their CD collection and files from the computer at the same high level without setting up a separate DAC. Honestly: the DSD doesn't replace a network streamer – for Qobuz, Tidal or internet radio you still need a streamer feeding it via coax or Toslink. And if a computer never comes near your system, the regular Deluxe is the more sensible choice.

Our verdict

The CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD is the most versatile CD player in the Gold Note range: transport, converter and USB input at reference level, plus a clear upgrade path. We're happy to discuss how best to integrate it into your system at our specialist shop in Wädenswil – by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical data

• Device type: CD player with integrated D/A converter and USB input
• D/A converter: Burr-Brown PCM1792A
• Transport: aluminium JPL-2800 (Stream Unlimited), speed fluctuation 0.0001%
• Playable formats: CD (Red Book), CD-R, CD-RW, MP3
• Digital inputs: 1× USB-B (PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD256), 1× coaxial S/PDIF (RCA), 1× Toslink (optical, up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
• Digital output: 1× coaxial S/PDIF, 75 Ω
• Analogue outputs: 1× RCA (unbalanced), 1× XLR (balanced), 1× connection for TUBE-1012 tube output stage
• Output level: RCA 2 Vrms, XLR 2 Vrms; fixed or variable via switchable digital volume control
• Headphone output: none
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.001% max.
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 128 dB
• Dynamic range: 127 dB
• Power supply: dual-mono, 220–240 V / 50–60 Hz
• Power consumption: 30 W
• Operation: O-LED display, multifunction remote control
• Upgradeable: external power supplies PSU-1250 / PSU-1000, TUBE-1012 tube output stage (sold separately)
• Finish: brushed aluminium, Black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 375 mm
• Weight: 12 kg
• Included: CD player, multifunction remote control

Frequently asked questions

Which file formats does the CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD play via USB?

Via the USB-B input, the player handles PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256. You connect it directly to a computer or a music server with a USB output. You control playback with the software on the source device, while the player takes care of the conversion.

Is the CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD also a streamer?

No, it has no network connection. You feed streaming services or internet radio from a separate streamer connected to the player via coax, Toslink or USB. That way you use the high-quality converter for all your sources. Music from CD or from the computer, of course, works without any subscription.

Can I connect headphones to the CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD?

No, the player has no headphone output. For headphones, connect it to an amplifier with a headphone jack or to a separate headphone amplifier. Thanks to its RCA and XLR outputs, it fits almost any electronics with ease, including high-quality headphone amplifiers with a balanced XLR input.

Why buy the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD at HD Zürisee?

Because USB playback, drivers and system matching take experience. We help you set up the player properly with your computer, streamer and amplifier, and deliver and install it at your home on request. After the purchase, our own technician remains available for questions and service.

Goes well with

Suitable streamers as a network source, USB cables and digital cables, an integrated amplifier and an external power supply from our power supplies. Everything from Gold Note at a glance.