Gold Note HP-10 Headphone Amplifier, Black

The Gold Note HP-10 is a purely analogue Class A headphone amplifier in balanced dual-mono design that keeps even hard-to-drive headphones firmly under control with up to 10 W.

This is the classic version without a digital section: RCA and XLR in, four headphone sockets out, and nothing in between that doesn't belong there. In black, the brushed aluminium keeps a pleasantly low profile – the touchscreen takes centre stage. The HP-10 is built by hand in Italy.

Why the HP-10?

Ten watts for a pair of headphones sounds like overkill at first – until you plug in a planar-magnetic over-ear or a high-impedance dynamic model that makes smaller amplifiers break into a sweat. The HP-10 stays relaxed: 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio, 0.015 % distortion, ruler-flat frequency response.

On top of that comes a toolbox usually reserved for studio gear: crossfeed (full spectrum or just lows, mids or highs), Harman curve, Superflat, switchable damping factor and phase inversion. You set the volume in 99 steps on the rotary knob, via touchscreen or remote control.

What you hear

Calm, control and power reserves. Bass is tight, voices are free, and everything stays tidy even at high levels. Via its RCA and XLR line outputs, the HP-10 also works as a preamp with volume control – for example in front of the Gold Note PA-10 EVO, which is built in the same chassis format.

Who is the HP-10 for?

For headphone enthusiasts with analogue sources – a good DAC, streamer or phono stage – who want an uncompromising amplifier. Honestly: the HP-10 has no digital input. If you want Bluetooth, go for the HP-10 BT; if you also want USB-C and a high-quality DAC, choose the HP-10 Deluxe. With the external PSU-10 EVO power supply, the HP-10 can be upgraded later.

Our verdict

A headphone amplifier for people who have already found their source and are now looking for the amplifier that no longer holds them back. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we're happy to advise you on which combination of source, headphones and HP-10 makes sense for you.

Technical data

• Type: headphone amplifier and preamp, Class A, dual mono, balanced, purely analogue
• Finish: Black, 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 inputs: none
• 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

What is the difference between the HP-10, HP-10 BT and HP-10 Deluxe?

The amplifier section is the same in all three. The HP-10 is purely analogue with RCA and XLR inputs. The HP-10 BT adds Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD with an ESS Sabre converter. The HP-10 Deluxe also offers USB-C up to DSD512 and PCM 768 kHz with an AKM AK4493 DAC.

Does the HP-10 drive planar-magnetic headphones?

Yes. With up to 10 W of output power, two gain settings and balanced 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR outputs, the HP-10 has enough reserves for low-sensitivity planars and high-impedance dynamic headphones. For sensitive in-ears, choose the low gain setting and the 3.5 mm output.

Can I use the HP-10 as a preamplifier?

Yes. The HP-10 has RCA and XLR line outputs whose level runs through the volume control. This lets it drive active speakers or a power amplifier directly. With two analogue inputs, however, it is a lean preamp; for many sources, a classic preamplifier is more practical.

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

Because with a headphone amplifier of this class, the fine-tuning matters. We advise you on which version suits your sources, whether the PSU-10 EVO power supply is worth it, and how to set crossfeed, curve and damping. Our team in Wädenswil brings plenty of experience and stays reachable after the purchase.

Goes well with

The HP-10 pairs well with high-quality headphones, balanced headphone cables and a good source from our DACs. Used as a preamp, a compact amplifier from our power amplifiers completes the system, and you'll find upgrades among our power supplies.