Gold Note CD-5 CD Player, Black

The Gold Note CD-5 is a compact CD player with a built-in AKM AK4493 converter that offers RCA and XLR outputs plus two digital outputs in a half-width chassis.

The black version combines lacquered steel with aluminium and looks pleasantly understated. It's the entry into Gold Note's CD world – and one where you never get the feeling that corners were cut where it hurts.

Why the CD-5?

Because the essentials are right: a precise tray-loading transport from Stream Unlimited, a modern AKM converter and a carefully built, fully balanced analogue section. Gold Note designed the signal path to keep noise and intermodulation as low as possible. You control the transport and menu via the small touchscreen on the front, and the remote does the rest. And the digital outputs (coax and Toslink) leave the door open to add an external converter later.

What you hear

A lively, clearly defined sound with a rich midrange – more music than measurement, even though 124 dB signal-to-noise ratio is nothing to be ashamed of. Voices stand stable in the centre, instruments get their own place. With the external PSU-10 EVO power supply the CD-5 can be upgraded further: more dynamics, more fine detail. A nice upgrade path for anyone who likes to expand step by step.

Who is the CD-5 for?

For music lovers who want to listen to their CDs in a compact, high-quality system and have a permanent place for a classic integrated amplifier. Bottom line: the CD-5 has no digital inputs and no volume control – it's a pure player. If you want to hear your TV or streamer through its converter, go for the CD-10. If you want to connect straight to a power amplifier, take a look at its successor, the CD-5.2.

Our verdict

The CD-5 is an honest, well-built CD player with an audiophile core and a compact footprint – a machine that simply plays when you close the tray. We're happy to work out in person how it fits your system: our team in Wädenswil advises you by phone, email or WhatsApp.

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
• 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: fixed, RCA 2 Vrms, XLR 2 Vrms
• 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 PSU-10 EVO power supply (sold separately)
• Finish: lacquered steel and aluminium, Black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 3 kg
• Included: CD player, multifunction remote control

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Gold Note CD-5 as a DAC for other sources?

No, the CD-5 has no digital inputs. It plays CDs only, but offers a coaxial and an optical digital output. Through these you can connect it as a transport to an external converter. If you also want to hear your TV or streamer through the player, choose the CD-10.

Does the CD-5 need an amplifier?

Yes. The CD-5 delivers a fixed line level of 2 Vrms via RCA and XLR and therefore needs an integrated amplifier or a preamp with power amplifier. It has no volume control. For direct operation with a power amplifier or active speakers, its successor, the CD-5.2, is the right choice.

Can I connect headphones to the CD-5?

No, the CD-5 has no headphone output. You run headphones on your amplifier or on a separate headphone amplifier, which you simply connect to the player via RCA or XLR. The balanced XLR output in particular is a great match for high-quality headphone amplifiers with a balanced input.

Why buy the Gold Note CD-5 at HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you honestly whether the CD-5, CD-5.2 or CD-10 suits your system better. Since 1997 we've been putting together systems that bring joy in everyday use, and on request we take care of delivery and connection. After the purchase, too, you're in good hands with our technician.

Goes well with

An integrated amplifier in the matching price range, an external converter from DACs & D/A converters, good RCA cables and more devices from Gold Note.