Gold Note DS-5.2 – High-End Streaming DAC, Network Player, and Preamplifier

The Gold Note DS-5.2 combines the convenience of modern music streaming with premium high-end digital technology in a particularly compact chassis. As a versatile streaming DAC, network player, and digital preamplifier, the DS-5.2 serves as the central interface for a modern hi-fi system. Thanks to its integrated AKM AK4493 D/A converter, high-resolution network streaming, and numerous digital and analog connections, the Gold Note DS-5.2 can be flexibly integrated into a wide variety of audio systems.

For discerning music lovers, the Gold Note DS-5.2 supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256. Network features include TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Roon Ready. This allows for the convenient use of high-resolution music services and your own digital music collection. MQA is also supported.

At the heart of the digital signal processing is the AKM AK4493 DAC, which enables precise and detailed conversion. With a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB, a dynamic range of 120 dB, and a total harmonic distortion of just 0.001%, the DS-5.2 provides excellent technical prerequisites for transparent and high-quality music reproduction.

The connectivity options are particularly versatile. In addition to coaxial and optical digital inputs, it features HDMI eARC, USB-A, USB-C, LAN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD. Via HDMI eARC, for example, a television can also be integrated into the hi-fi system in high quality. An analog stereo RCA input also allows for the connection of an external analog source.

The Gold Note DS-5.2 also features an integrated preamplifier function with volume control. The balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs allow for the direct connection of a power amplifier or active speakers. Additionally, a 6.3 mm headphone output is available. This allows the DS-5.2 to be used as the central control unit of a highly minimalist high-end system.

The compact chassis with a width of just 200 mm makes the DS-5.2 an attractive option even for systems where space is limited. A color touchscreen on the front panel allows for convenient operation and displays information such as playback details. The aluminum chassis emphasizes the high-quality aesthetic of the Italian manufacturer Gold Note.

Gold Note DS-5.2 Technical Specifications

Device type:
Network player, streaming DAC and digital preamplifier

D/A converter:
AKM AK4493

Maximum network resolution:
PCM 32 bit / 384 kHz

DSD:
up to DSD256

Frequency response:
20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.1 dB

THD:
0.001% max.

Signal-to-noise ratio:
125 dB

Dynamic range:
120 dB

Output impedance:
100 Ω

Volume control:
integrated preamplifier function, switchable on/off

Streaming & Network

Roon Ready
TIDAL Connect
Qobuz Connect
Spotify Connect
Spotify Lossless
AirPlay 2
Deezer
vTuner
MQA
UPnP / DLNA
LAN
Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD, 24 bit

Digital inputs
1 × RCA Coaxial: PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
1 × TOSLINK optical: PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
1 × HDMI eARC: up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, HDMI CEC
1 × USB-A: PCM up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, DSD256
1 × USB-C: asynchronous, PCM up to 16 bit / 48 kHz
1 × LAN/Wi-Fi: PCM up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, DSD256

Bluetooth 5.2:
aptX HD, 24 bit

Analog connections
1 × Stereo RCA analog input
1 × Stereo RCA output, unbalanced
1 × Stereo XLR output, balanced
1 × Headphone output, 6.3 mm
RCA DAC output: 2 Vrms
XLR DAC output: 2 Vrms

Additional data

Mains voltage:
100–240 V / 50–60 Hz

Power consumption:
35 W

Dimensions (W × H × D):
200 × 80 × 260 mm

Weight:
approx. 4 kg

Display:
Color touchscreen

Chassis:
Aluminum

Color:
Black

Herstellerangaben:

Gold Note
158 Virginio Street
50025 , Montespertoli
Italy
mktg@goldnote.it

Verantwortliche Person:

AUDIO-TRADE Hi-Fi Distribution Company Ltd.
Wallufer Strasse 2
65343 , Eltville am Rhein
Germany
info@audiotra.de