Gold Note IS-10 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Gold

The Gold Note IS-10 is a compact streaming integrated amplifier that combines a Class D power stage, a high-resolution DAC, a network streamer and a headphone amplifier in a half-width housing.

It's built by hand in Tuscany and is only half as wide as a normal hi-fi component – high end for the sideboard, without a stack of components. The gold-anodised, brushed aluminium sets a warm, refined accent.

Why the IS-10?

Because it packs a surprising amount of system into a small footprint. The Class D power stage delivers 90 watts at 8 Ω (140 W at 4 Ω) while staying cool and efficient. The AKM AK4493 DAC handles PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256, the network streamer brings in Roon, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and more directly, and the headphone output on the front is a full-fledged stage with two gain settings. In other words: one device, one power cord – and all you really still need is speakers.

A clever touch is the upgrade path: you can later expand the IS-10 with a Gold Note PA-10 EVO into a mono pair – then each device drives one channel, turning the compact all-in-one into a powerful two-box system with up to 280 W at 8 Ω that still only takes up one shelf.

What you hear

More power than the format suggests. The IS-10 plays dynamically, cleanly and with control, effortlessly drives normal living-room speakers and stays quietly in the background while doing so. Over LAN, dual-band Wi-Fi or Bluetooth you stream in high resolution; it plays local files from NAS or USB stick just as well. Everything is controlled via the remote control or the free GN-Control app.

Who is the IS-10 for?

For anyone who wants a complete, modern system in the smallest space – in the living room, the study, or as a fine headphone station. Straight talk: the IS-10 has no phono input; its two analogue inputs are line-level. For a turntable you therefore need an external phono stage (e.g. the Gold Note PH-10). If you have vinyl firmly planned and would rather have everything in one device, take a look at the larger IS-1000 MKII Deluxe with built-in phono.

How much amplifier is packed into the IS-10?

More than the compact housing suggests: 90 W at 8 Ω, 140 W at 4 Ω. Class D ensures the IS-10 stays cool and draws little power while doing so. If that's not enough for you later, you can turn it into a 280 W mono pair with a PA-10 EVO.

Our verdict

The IS-10 is one of the most elegant solutions for a small, serious system: power stage, DAC, streamer and headphone amp in a half-width housing, hand-built in Italy. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil set the device up for you completely – network, streaming services and speaker matching – and show you how to expand it later.

Technical data

• Type: compact streaming integrated amplifier (Class D) with DAC, streamer and headphone amp (half width)
• Power: 2× 90 W at 8 Ω, 2× 140 W at 4 Ω; in mono operation with PA-10 EVO up to 280 W at 8 Ω
• D/A converter: AKM AK4493
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.001% (1 kHz @ 1 W)
• Supported formats: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD up to DSD256, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC/AAC, WMA, MP3
• Streaming: Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, MQA, vTuner, Deezer
• Network: LAN (Ethernet) and dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0 HD
• Analogue inputs: 2× RCA (line level; no phono)
• Digital inputs: 1× coaxial, 2× optical (TOSLink) up to 24-bit/192 kHz, 1× USB-A
• Outputs: speaker terminals; 1× RCA pre/sub out (variable, also usable as mono output for PA-10 EVO); headphones 6.3 mm (two gain settings)
• Controls: remote control, GN-Control app
• Standby consumption: < 1 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 4 kg

Frequently asked questions

Does the IS-10 have a phono input for turntables?

No. The IS-10's two analogue inputs are line-level. For a turntable you need an external phono preamp (such as the Gold Note PH-10), which you connect to one of the line inputs. If you want phono built in, the larger IS-1000 MKII Deluxe is the right choice.

Is the IS-10's power enough for my speakers?

In the vast majority of living rooms, yes: 90 W at 8 Ω or 140 W at 4 Ω easily drive normal bookshelf and floorstanding speakers. For very large rooms or particularly power-hungry speakers, the IS-10 can be expanded into a more powerful mono pair with a PA-10 EVO.

Can the IS-10 also drive headphones?

Yes. On the front there's a full-fledged headphone output (6.3 mm) with two gain settings that cleanly drives a wide range from sensitive in-ears to more demanding over-ears.

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

Because a streaming amplifier only shines in a properly set up system. We integrate the IS-10 into your network, set up streaming services and match it to your speakers, and give you honest advice on whether the IS-10 is enough or a larger device makes more sense. As an experienced team in Wädenswil, we're there for you after the purchase too.

Goes well with: compact or full-size bookshelf speakers and floorstanding speakers, plus more sources from our Streaming range. For vinyl, add an external phono stage such as the Gold Note PH-10.