Gold Note DS-10 Plus: An Italian Masterpiece

[@johanekelof2971]

Loving mine DS-10 Plus. Just added a PSU-10 Evo for it and it really transformed the DS-10 to something better. Nice review!

[@CommanderGinyu]

The Ds-10 evo has Tidal connect. The normal one and the plus don't. That's why I had to go with the EVO

[@audio_acoustic_engineering]

Very cool and congratulations on a new purchase. 🎉

[@HiFiTurtle]

Make sure you subscribe! One thing I forgot to mention is that the DS-10 is Roon Certified. Those with Roon I would imagine will not have issues with the interface I did when using Roon vs. The native app.

[@charlesdesmond5652]

I have to come over and hear this, since you are buying one. Wonder how it compares to my Terminator 2, from your description it sounds like they are very similar sonically. Great review.

[@HiFiTurtle]

Thanks man! Theres a big surprise coming soon. Stay tuned

[@keastcw]

I hope you get the change to review the external power supply (PSU-10 Evo) and you let us know you're impressions.

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

That's awesome.

[@ryanschipp8513]

What exactly don't you like about it as a DAC/PRE versus just a DAC?

[@CercaTrova13]

Hi, thanks for this review, I am very interested in gold note devices right now. I don’t understand one thing. If i use ds10 as roon ready streamer I dont use it as a DAC? What did u mean in the video by dividing streaming and DAC functions? 15:35

[@HiFiTurtle]

Meaning that buying it with the intention of being more than a DAC or with not the DAC being the primary reason for buying its a little more up in the air about what I would recommend. With roon you wont have any issues I assume vs. The native app.

[@gocc01]

I just ordered DS10+ and then realised it doesn't support Tidal connect. Could the 2.2.9 firmware from EVO be installed on Plus model?

[@HiFiTurtle]

No, it is a completely different model

[@gocc01]

@@HiFiTurtle that's a shame. Is there a possibility for an firmware upgrade to get that connect support? It's crucial.

[@HiFiTurtle]

@@gocc01 you could ask GN directly but the non-Evo DS-10 models were discontinued last year so my guess is it ain't happening

[@xeniavader]

Need to spend time explaining why it beats the Benchmark DAC3 need to compare to Holo Audio and Denafrips

[@CercaTrova13]

I can’t decide what is better to buy DS10 evo or Gold note is1000? In first case I will have opportunity to switch between different amps, in second I get very good sound all in one box, but what is better for Focal Electra 1028be?

[@HiFiTurtle]

Kind of apples and oranges since the IS1000 also has an amplifier. I assume the IS1000 is more of an integrated than a DAC. Another good option in the just add speakers all in one category is the Atoll SDA200

[@CercaTrova13]

@@HiFiTurtle is there any point in using DS10 with IS1000 together? Or is1000 already has a dac as good as ds10?

[@HiFiTurtle]

@@CercaTrova13 no idea, sorry

[@firebladeclements]

A further note on info I I've learned about the 3 different models. The ds10 was the original model, the + was the next, the evo the last model over 5 to 6 period. The original model does not connect to their app anymore, or receive updates. It has to connect to mcconnect for the streamer to function. The newer models do function through their app I'm guessing as of this point, but they could stop function at any time at their choosing. As they did with the original model. Moral, get the latest version if possible! I purchased a used ds-1000 model, which also does not work through their native app unfortunately anymore. On the bright side, it's a lifetime piece for me! Regardless if it's through a third party app. If you can land a ds-1000 used, GET IT! Just this old farts 2 cents.

[@xeniavader]

I want one!!!! how does it compare to the other high end dacs. Need to elaborate?? Is the Bartok still top?

[@HiFiTurtle]

I think the biggest difference for me was the transients are much smoother which to me just seems more natural. Bartok is still king for what I can speak on but at less than 15% of a new Bartok I can wait to hit the lottery :)

[@RedSinter]

They now as I understand it a PH-10 which I believe is right around $1k. They are noted for their pursuit of lower $, Audiophile products by virtue of passing down their High $ products. In fact their president and developer said recently that has always been their goal and more so now than ever.

[@HiFiTurtle]

PH-10 is 2K, PH-5 is 1K. But those are both phono preamps, this is a DAC/Streamer/Preamp/Headphone amp

[@keastcw]

Hi Turtle, I just watched your review of the HiFi Rose RS150b. Having heard both the Rosa and the Gold Note, which would you say has the better sonics (looks, build quality, and functionality aside)?

[@HiFiTurtle]

I liked the Gold Note sonics better. The Rose has so much functionality and tech that is lightyears ahead of the GN but purely based on sound I would choose the GN.

[@andyandy2684]

@@HiFiTurtle … hello. Would be most grateful if you could touch on the sonic differences between the two. Which one has the denser/fuller sound? I’m looking at something that’s not edgy and smooth. Which one is more rounded? Thanks for your help. Btw…for now … using it as a streamer for tidal how did it perform in the area?

[@abdelzidan8189]

How much you getting paid?

[@rockmusicvideoreviewer896]

Sounds Excellent! just the same as any DAC the past 35 years.