Gold Note DS-1000 EVO Line Streaming DAC, Silver

The Gold Note DS-1000 EVO Line is a streaming DAC with an integrated analogue Class A preamp that combines a network player, dual-mono converters and volume control in one chassis. Here in Silver, brushed and anodised aluminium. In short: network in, power amp connected, and you have a high-end chain with surprisingly few boxes in the rack.

Why the DS-1000 EVO Line?

Because every device you don't need also eats no cables, no space and no power. The Line version builds on the DS-1000 EVO and adds a discrete Class A preamp that controls the volume in the analogue domain. On top of that come one analogue RCA and one XLR input, for example for a phono stage or a CD player. If you don't need the preamp, simply switch it off in DAC mode and use the unit like a classic converter with a fixed level. It is as upgradeable as its sibling: with the external power supply PSU-1000/PSU-1250 and the tube output stage TUBE-1006/TUBE-1012 – exactly how Gold Note combines it in its own DS-1000 EVO TRIO.

What you experience

Two AKM AK4493 work in dual mono, one per channel, converting PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD512 via USB. Sonically Gold Note stays true to itself: rich timbres, a calm, flowing delivery, never sharp. Analogue volume control ensures that no resolution is lost even when listening quietly. Music arrives via Roon Ready, AirPlay, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz or Deezer – and just as well without a subscription via internet radio, NAS or USB stick. You control it with the remote, the rotary knob or the GN Control app.

Who is the DS-1000 EVO Line for?

For anyone who wants to drive a power amp or active speakers directly and listens mainly to digital sources. With two analogue inputs there is still room for a phono stage or a CD player. Honestly: if you already own a preamp or integrated amplifier you love, you save real money with the DS-1000 EVO without Line. And if you want to switch between many analogue sources, you are better served by a dedicated preamp like the P-1000 MKII Deluxe with its eight inputs.

Our verdict

The DS-1000 EVO Line is the heart of a lean but uncompromising system: streamer, DAC and preamp from a single mould. Whether it replaces or complements your preamp is something we are happy to discuss in person – call HD Zürisee in Wädenswil or write to us.

Technical data

• Type: streaming DAC with analogue preamp
• Finish: Silver, brushed anodised aluminium
• D/A converter: 2× AKM AK4493, dual mono
• Preamp: Class A, discrete design, volume control in the analogue domain, bypassable in DAC mode
• Resolution: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD up to DSD512 (USB)
• Streaming: Roon Ready, AirPlay, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, vTuner, UPnP/DLNA
• Network: LAN, Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0
• Digital inputs: 1× coaxial (RCA), 1× AES/EBU, 2× Toslink (each up to 24-bit/192 kHz), 1× USB-B (asynchronous), 1× USB-A (front)
• Analogue inputs: 1× RCA, 1× XLR
• Analogue outputs: RCA and XLR
• Output level: variable (preamp mode) or fixed 2 Vrms (DAC mode)
• Headphone output: yes, 6.3 mm jack (front), High/Low sensitivity
• Output impedance: 50 Ω (RCA), 100 Ω (XLR)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.1 dB)
• Distortion: max. 0.001 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic range: 120 dB
• Upgrades (sold separately): external power supply PSU-1000/PSU-1250, tube output stage TUBE-1006/TUBE-1012
• Power consumption: 30 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 375 mm
• Weight: 10 kg
• Scope of delivery: DS-1000 EVO Line, multifunction remote control

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive a power amp directly with the DS-1000 EVO Line?

Yes, that is exactly what it is built for. The integrated Class A preamp controls the volume in the analogue domain, so you connect the DS-1000 EVO Line directly to a power amp or to active speakers. If you already have a preamp, you switch to DAC mode with a fixed output level of 2 Vrms.

What sets the DS-1000 EVO Line apart from the DS-1000 EVO?

The DS-1000 EVO Line adds an analogue Class A preamp with volume control as well as one analogue RCA and one XLR input. Converters, streaming functions, digital inputs, headphone output and chassis are identical. The DS-1000 EVO without Line only has fixed outputs and always needs a preamp.

Which analogue sources can I connect to the DS-1000 EVO Line?

It offers one analogue RCA and one balanced XLR input. These suit, for example, a phono stage for your turntable, a CD player or a tuner. It has no phono input of its own, so the turntable needs a separate phono stage. You then control the volume as usual via the integrated preamp, with no extra device in between.

Do I need a paid subscription for the DS-1000 EVO Line?

No. Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify or Deezer are an option, not an obligation. Without a subscription you listen to internet radio via vTuner, music from your NAS via UPnP/DLNA, files from a USB stick or your analogue sources. A subscription only pays off once you want to use the whole streaming library.

Why buy the Gold Note DS-1000 EVO Line at HD Zürisee?

Because a streaming preamp of this class only shows what it can do in a properly matched system. We advise you honestly on Line or standard and on which power amp or active speakers fit, and on request our own technician sets the unit up at your home.

Goes well with

• Power amplifiers – the natural partner for a chain without a separate preamp.
• Active speakers – even fewer boxes, the same standards.
• Phono preamplifiers – for the turntable on the analogue input.
• Power supplies – the first step on the Gold Note upgrade path.