Gold Note HP-5.2 Headphone Amplifier, Black

The Gold Note HP-5.2 is a balanced Class A headphone amplifier in dual-mono design that combines four headphone outputs, Bluetooth aptX HD and analogue sound-shaping tools in one compact chassis.

The black version is made from brushed, anodised aluminium and built in Tuscany. On the front you'll find a touchscreen, a rotary knob and no fewer than four sockets – from in-ears with a 3.5 mm plug to balanced over-ears with 4-pin XLR. Fiddling with adapters? They can stay in the drawer from now on.

Why the HP-5.2?

Because it does things you rarely find in this price class. Crossfeed brings the soundstage of old stereo recordings out of the middle of your head and back in front of you, the Harman curve and Superflat mode tailor the voicing to your headphones, and the switchable damping factor tames dynamic drivers that like to ring on. On top of that you get three gain settings, balance and a mono switch.

And because music often comes from the phone these days, the HP-5.2 receives Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD in 24 bit. A USB-C input (PCM up to 48 kHz) takes sound from your laptop.

What you hear

Power with composure: up to 5 W are on tap, and the signal-to-noise ratio is 105 dB. Quiet passages stay black, loud ones stay clean – even with headphones that would normally demand a bigger amplifier. Via its RCA and XLR line outputs, the HP-5.2 also works as a line preamp for active speakers or a power amplifier.

Who is the HP-5.2 for?

For anyone who finally wants to drive their good headphones properly without spending a fortune – at the desk, in the living room or as the hub of a small active system. Bottom line: the USB input is limited to 48 kHz. If you want to play hi-res files from your computer at full resolution, pair the HP-5.2 with an external DAC or take a look at the bigger HP-10 Deluxe.

Our verdict

The HP-5.2 is the entry point into the Gold Note headphone world, but not a stripped-down one: true Class A, four outputs, sound-shaping tools, Bluetooth. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we help you set gain, damping and curve to suit your headphones – it often makes more difference than you'd think.

Technical data

• Type: headphone amplifier and line preamp, Class A, dual mono, balanced
• Finish: Black, brushed anodised aluminium
• Headphone output power: max. 5 W
• Headphone outputs (front): 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm unbalanced, 4.4 mm (Pentaconn) and 4-pin XLR balanced
• Line outputs: 1× RCA, 1× XLR (line preamp mode)
• Analogue inputs: 1× RCA (max. 5 Vrms), 1× XLR (max. 8 Vrms)
• Digital inputs: 1× USB-C (PCM up to 48 kHz), Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD (24 bit)
• D/A converter: ESS Sabre
• Gain: low, mid, high
• Sound functions: crossfeed (full band or highs/mids/lows), Harman curve, Superflat, damping factor high/low, balance, stereo/mono
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N): 0.015 % (1 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB
• Operation: touchscreen, rotary knob, IR remote control
• Power supply: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz; power consumption max. 25 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 3 kg
• Included: multifunction remote control (IR)

Frequently asked questions

Which headphones can I connect to the HP-5.2?

Practically all of them. The HP-5.2 has four outputs on the front: 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm unbalanced plus 4.4 mm Pentaconn and 4-pin XLR balanced. With three gain settings and up to 5 W, it drives sensitive in-ears as well as high-impedance or low-sensitivity over-ear models, without you needing any adapters.

Can I listen to music from my phone with the HP-5.2?

Yes. The HP-5.2 receives Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD in 24 bit, which is clearly better than basic Bluetooth. There is also a USB-C input for computers, although it is limited to PCM up to 48 kHz. You connect analogue sources via RCA or XLR.

Can the HP-5.2 drive speakers too?

Indirectly, yes. Via its RCA and XLR line outputs, the HP-5.2 works as a line preamp. You connect active speakers or a power amplifier with passive speakers to it. Connecting speakers directly isn't possible because there is no power stage – a compact solution would be the Gold Note PA-10 EVO.

Why buy the Gold Note HP-5.2 at HD Zürisee?

Because we help you get the most out of your headphones. We advise you honestly whether the HP-5.2 or an HP-10 suits your headphones better, set gain and sound options with you, and are there for you after the purchase too – by phone, WhatsApp or right here in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

For the HP-5.2 you'll find matching headphones and headphone cables. For hi-res from your computer, add an external DAC, and if you want to connect speakers later, take a look at our power amplifiers.