Gold Note IS-10 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, Silver

The Gold Note IS-10 is a compact streaming integrated amplifier that brings together a Class D power amp, a high-resolution DAC, a network streamer and a headphone amplifier in one half-width chassis.

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 gear. In Silver, the brushed aluminum looks bright and classic.

Why the IS-10?

Because it packs a surprising amount of system into very little space. The Class D power stage delivers 90 watts into 8Ω (140W into 4Ω) while staying cool and efficient. The AKM AK4493 DAC handles PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256, the network streamer pulls 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 unit, one power cable – and really all you still need are speakers.

The clever part is how it scales up: you can later pair the IS-10 with a Gold Note PA-10 EVO to form a mono pair – each unit then drives one channel, turning the compact all-in-one into a powerful two-box system with up to 280W into 8Ω, while still only taking up one shelf.

What you hear

More power than the format suggests. The IS-10 plays dynamically, cleanly and under control, drives normal living-room speakers with ease and stays quietly in the background while doing it. 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 or the free GN-Control app.

Who is the IS-10 for?

For anyone who wants a complete, modern system in the smallest possible space – in the living room, the study, or as an elegant headphone station. Bottom line: the IS-10 has no phono input; its two analog inputs are line level. For a turntable you'll therefore need an external phono stage (e.g. the Gold Note PH-10). If vinyl is firmly part of your plan and you'd rather have everything in one unit, 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 chassis suggests: 90W into 8Ω, 140W into 4Ω. Class D means the IS-10 stays cool and draws little power while doing it. If that's not enough for you later, pair it with a PA-10 EVO to form a 280W mono pair.

Our verdict

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

Technical data

• Type: compact streaming integrated amplifier (Class D) with DAC, streamer and headphone amplifier (half-width chassis)
• Power: 2× 90W into 8Ω, 2× 140W into 4Ω; in mono mode with PA-10 EVO up to 280W into 8Ω
• D/A converter: AKM AK4493
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 50kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.001% (1kHz @ 1W)
• Supported formats: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, 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
• Analog inputs: 2× RCA (line level; no phono)
• Digital inputs: 1× coaxial, 2× optical (TOS-Link) up to 24-bit/192kHz, 1× USB-A
• Outputs: speaker terminals; 1× RCA pre-/subout (variable, also usable as mono output for PA-10 EVO); 6.3mm headphone (two gain settings)
• Control: remote control, GN-Control app
• Standby consumption: < 1W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260mm
• Weight: 4kg

Frequently asked questions

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

No. The IS-10's two analog 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: 90W into 8Ω or 140W into 4Ω easily drive normal bookshelf and floorstanding speakers. For very large rooms or especially 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 (6.3mm) 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 speakers to match, and give you honest advice on whether the IS-10 is enough or a larger unit makes more sense. As an experienced team in Wädenswil, we're also here for you after the purchase.

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