Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe Headphone Amplifier, Gold

The Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe is a balanced Class A headphone amplifier with an integrated AKM AK4493 DAC, USB-C input up to DSD512 and Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD – the fully equipped version of the HP-10 series.

On your desk, it replaces two units at once: converter and headphone amplifier. It is made from brushed, gold-anodised aluminium – a unit you enjoy looking at even when nothing is playing. Analogue sources still connect via RCA and XLR, and the USB-C input sits on the rear panel. If you like, you can upgrade later with the external PSU-10 EVO power supply.

Why the HP-10 Deluxe?

Because nothing is missing here. AKM's AK4493 is one of the highly regarded converter chips of the upper class and handles PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512 via USB-C. Bluetooth with aptX HD covers your phone. Behind it sits the same Class A amplifier as in every HP-10: up to 10 W, 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio, four outputs from 3.5 mm to 4-pin XLR.

Sound tools such as crossfeed, Harman curve, Superflat, damping factor and phase inversion also act on the line outputs, by the way – handy when the Deluxe works as a preamp.

What you get

A complete digital and analogue hub in the compact 10-series chassis. Connect your laptop via USB-C, set the volume in 99 steps on the knob or by remote control, done. Via its volume-controlled RCA and XLR outputs, the HP-10 Deluxe drives a power amplifier or active speakers – together with a Gold Note PA-10 EVO, this makes a small but serious speaker system.

Who is the HP-10 Deluxe for?

For anyone who listens digitally from a computer or streamer and wants a headphone amplifier without compromise – and for desktop setups that also run active speakers. Bottom line: network streaming isn't built in. Spotify, Qobuz or Tidal run via your computer, phone or an upstream streamer.

Our verdict

If you only want one unit on your desk, the HP-10 Deluxe is where you end up. Hand on heart: a separate DAC plus cable quickly costs the difference without being any tidier. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is happy to advise you on how to integrate the Deluxe into your system.

Technical data

• Type: headphone amplifier, DAC and preamp, Class A, dual mono, balanced
• Finish: Gold, brushed anodised aluminium
• Headphone output power: max. 10 W
• Headphone output: yes, 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm unbalanced, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced (front)
• Output level: variable – line outputs 1× RCA, 1× XLR via the volume control
• Analogue inputs: 1× RCA (max. 5 Vrms), 1× XLR (max. 8 Vrms)
• Digital inputs: 1× USB-C (PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512), Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD
• D/A converter: AKM AK4493
• 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

Which formats does the HP-10 Deluxe play via USB-C?

Via USB-C, the HP-10 Deluxe handles PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512. Conversion is done by an AKM AK4493. This means you can play practically any high-resolution file from your computer at full resolution. It also receives Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD from your smartphone or tablet.

Can the HP-10 Deluxe stream music?

Not by itself, as it has no network connection. You use streaming services via your computer, smartphone or an upstream streamer, and a subscription is not a requirement. Local files from your computer, Bluetooth and analogue sources such as a phono stage or CD player work just as well, with no internet service or running costs.

Can I run speakers with the HP-10 Deluxe?

Yes, as a preamp. Its RCA and XLR outputs are volume-controlled and drive active speakers or a power amplifier directly. With a Gold Note PA-10 EVO in the same chassis format, you get a compact system for passive speakers. It can't be connected to speakers directly, as it has no power stage.

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

Because a DAC headphone amplifier only shows what it can do once it's set up properly. We help with drivers, settings and fine-tuning to your headphones, plan a matching speaker system on request, and have been there for our customers since 1997. Get in touch by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Goes well with

The HP-10 Deluxe pairs well with high-quality headphones, headphone cables and good USB cables. Used as a preamp, power amplifiers and bookshelf speakers complete the system; you'll find an upgrade among our power supplies.