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Gold Note ds-1000-evo
The DS-1000 EVO is the most advanced streaming DAC we have ever designed, combining advanced technology solutions applied to the digital-to-analogue domain with our unique know-how in delivering compelling sound quality, or, as we call it, the Italian Sound.
The core of the DS-1000 EVO is the Dual-Mono D/A converter design, powered by two AKM AK4493 converters to ensure the highest fidelity is always preserved during the conversion stage, with virtually zero crosstalk.
Streaming is as easy as pressing play on Tidal thanks to Tidal Connect, or simply connecting your computer with a USB cable – no audio file will be a problem, supporting MQA, PCM (up to 32bit/384kHz) and DSD (up to DSD512).
Completing the design, the output stage in Class A features audio-grade discrete components selected to deliver our unique Italian sound.
STREAMING IN ULTRA-HIGH RESOLUTION
With the DS-1000 EVO, you can stream through Roon, Airplay, Tidal, MQA, Qobuz, vTuner, and Deezer. With Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, streaming is even easier directly from within their apps. To access your collection of digital music, stored locally on a NAS or computer, you can use any UPnP/DLNA software from your smartphone or tablet. Or simply download our app GN Control (free for iOS and Android) to control all the features and functions of the DS-1000 EVO, as well as managing your music and streaming services.
HEADPHONES AMP AND LINE PREAMPLIFIER
The DS-1000 EVO models feature a professional 6.3mm headphones output with two sensitivity levels (High/Low), a proprietary technology we developed to get the best out of your headphones. The DS-1000 EVO LINE is also equipped with a Class A preamp stage to control the volume directly in the analogue domain, which can be bypassed when the unit is set to DAC mode.
ROON READY
Being Roon Ready means that Gold Note uses Roon streaming technology, for an incredible user interface, simple setup, rock-solid daily reliability, and the highest levels of audio performance, without compromise.
TIDAL CONNECT
With Tidal Connect you can stream music to your DS-1000 EVO directly from the Tidal app (available on iOS and Android).
AUDIRVĀNA
Plays with Audirvāna products are certified to play music from Audirvāna over USB or network with the best level of integration and audio performance.
QOBUZ CONNECT
With Qobuz Connect you can stream music to your IS-1000 MkII directly from the Qobuz app (available on iOS and Android).
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Connectivity
94/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Gold Note DS-1000 EVO brings sumptuous musicality to streaming, pairing smooth refinement with vivid detail, fast controlled bass and an enveloping soundstage. Alan Sircom and Edgar Kramer found it dynamically assured, richly spacious and impressively composed with complex music. Roon Ready streaming, broad connectivity and an excellent headphone stage complete a sophisticated digital hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Smooth, detailed presentation with strong bass control, transient fidelity and clear separation of complex music.
Expansive, enveloping soundstage with stable central imaging and convincing height, width and depth.
Comprehensive high-resolution streaming and input provision, plus reliable app operation and Roon integration.
&
Cons
The app is stable and fast but not as slick as some best-in-class alternatives.
Minimal front-panel controls may disappoint listeners who expect more direct physical operation.
Artwork display operation was intermittently inconsistent during one review.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers describe an elegant, warmly inviting yet direct presentation that remains composed with complex music. Its standout qualities are the amount of musical information it retrieves, strong separation, convincing transient control and an enveloping, stable soundstage.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
94/100
Alan Sircom calls the sound “sumptuous” and “passionate,” with refinement that avoids becoming overly softened or ornate. He also finds the tonal balance excellent, combining Gold Note richness and warmth with a more direct, upbeat character; Kramer similarly hears smoothness, excellent bass control and a highly engaging presentation.
Resolution and Detail
94/100
Both reviewers are emphatic about detail retrieval. Kramer reports that the DS-1000 EVO pulls through low-level minutiae, timbral signatures and playing techniques with “superb insights,” while Sircom hears excellent detail, imagery and separation without etching.
Digital Performance
91/100
The DAC is repeatedly described as smooth, refined and free from an etched quality, while preserving transient fidelity, dynamic shading and fast, controlled bass. Kramer finds complex material expertly separated, and Sircom notes that it can move from delicate material to orchestral tuttis with convincing scale and slam.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
Kramer describes the DS-1000 EVO as beautifully assembled, solid and confidence-inspiring, with its 10kg mass reinforcing that impression. The restrained front-panel layout, clear TFT display and elegant black, silver or gold finishes are also positively noted, though the reviews say little about internal construction or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
94/100
This is a comprehensive digital hub: Ethernet and Wi-Fi streaming, Bluetooth, Roon Ready operation, AirPlay, UPnP/DLNA, USB-host playback, USB computer audio, internet radio and broad service support including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and Qobuz. It also supplies balanced and single-ended outputs, AES/EBU, coaxial and dual optical inputs, PCM and high-rate DSD support, MQA, a display and remote; the LINE version adds analogue inputs, analogue volume control and a dedicated headphone stage.
Value for Money
85/100
At the stated $5,950-$9,350 price range, hi-fi+ regards it as a great-sounding and convenient digital hub, with the LINE version adding meaningful preamp functionality. Neither review directly compares its asking price with competing products, so there is limited evidence on how it stacks up against peers on value alone.
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- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
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- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
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