Gold Note HP-10 BT Headphone Amplifier, Silver

The Gold Note HP-10 BT is a balanced Class A headphone amplifier that extends the analogue HP-10 with a Bluetooth 5.1 receiver with aptX HD and an integrated ESS Sabre converter.

In plain terms: your phono stage or CD player stays connected in analogue via RCA or XLR, and your smartphone simply streams in alongside. You switch via touchscreen or remote control, with no cable clutter and no extra box behind the unit. The silver finish in brushed aluminium looks clean and elegant and pairs well with classic hi-fi components.

Why the HP-10 BT?

Because Bluetooth has its place in good systems too – for a friend's playlist, a podcast on the side or a quick discovery on the sofa. With aptX HD, the HP-10 BT transmits considerably more information than standard Bluetooth, and the built-in Sabre converter turns it into a clean analogue signal for the Class A amplifier section.

Nothing is skimped on the amplifier itself: up to 10 W, four headphone outputs (3.5 mm, 6.3 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR), crossfeed, Harman curve, Superflat, switchable damping factor and phase.

What you experience

A unit that comfortably bridges two worlds. In analogue, the HP-10 BT plays as calmly and powerfully as the HP-10; over Bluetooth it sounds more grown-up than you're used to from a phone. Via its volume-controlled RCA and XLR line outputs, it can also drive active speakers or a power amplifier when needed.

Who is the HP-10 BT for?

For anyone who mainly listens in analogue but doesn't want to give up the convenience of their phone. Bottom line: the HP-10 BT has no USB input. If you want to play hi-res files directly from your computer, you're better off with the HP-10 Deluxe with USB-C and AKM converter – or add an external DAC.

Our verdict

The HP-10 BT is the pragmatic middle road of the series: the full HP-10 amplifier plus good-quality Bluetooth for everyday use. And if you want more muscle later, add the external PSU-10 EVO power supply. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we're happy to show you which of the three versions suits your sources and listening habits.

Technical data

• Type: headphone amplifier and preamp, Class A, dual mono, balanced, with Bluetooth receiver
• Finish: Silver, brushed anodised aluminium
• Headphone output power: max. 10 W
• Headphone outputs (front): 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm unbalanced, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced
• Line outputs: 1× RCA, 1× XLR, volume-controlled (preamp mode)
• Analogue inputs: 1× RCA (max. 5 Vrms), 1× XLR (max. 8 Vrms)
• Digital input: Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD (no USB)
• D/A converter: ESS Sabre (for Bluetooth)
• Sound functions: crossfeed (full band or lows/mids/highs), Harman curve, Superflat, damping factor high/low, phase 0/180°
• Gain: low/high
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (± 0.3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N): 0.015 % (1 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
• Operation: touchscreen, rotary knob, IR remote control
• Power supply: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz; power consumption max. 25 W; optional external PSU-10 EVO power supply
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 3.5 kg
• Included: multifunction remote control (IR)

Frequently asked questions

Does the HP-10 BT have a USB input?

No. The HP-10 BT's only digital input is Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD. It also has one analogue RCA and one XLR input. If you want to connect a computer via USB, choose the HP-10 Deluxe with USB-C up to DSD512, or add an external DAC on the analogue input.

How good does Bluetooth sound on the HP-10 BT?

Clearly better than basic Bluetooth, provided your source device supports aptX HD. The codec transmits more resolution than SBC, and the built-in ESS Sabre converter feeds the signal into the Class A amplifier. For serious listening, good analogue sources or a cable remain the first choice.

Is the upgrade from the HP-10 to the HP-10 BT worth it?

If you regularly listen from your smartphone or tablet: yes. The amplifier section is identical, you also get a high-quality Bluetooth receiver with converter and save yourself a separate device and cable. If, on the other hand, you only listen in analogue, from a turntable or CD player, the classic HP-10 is all you need.

Why buy the Gold Note HP-10 BT at HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you honestly which HP-10 version you really need – and which you don't. We know the Gold Note units, help fine-tune them to your headphones and are there for you after the purchase. Give us a call, send us a WhatsApp or tell us about your setup in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

Complete the HP-10 BT with matching headphones and headphone cables. For the analogue inputs you'll find sources among our DACs and streamers; our power supplies make a good upgrade.