Gold Note CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD – CD Player with High-Resolution DAC
Reference CD playback with advanced PCM and DSD conversion. The Gold Note CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD is a flagship CD player and digital-to-analogue converter that combines an audiophile-grade transport, BurrBrown PCM1792A DAC and asynchronous USB input with native DSD support. It is designed as a complete, upgradeable digital front end for ambitious stereo systems.
- Deluxe version with BurrBrown PCM1792A 24-bit/192 kHz DAC
- Asynchronous USB input with native DSD support alongside coaxial and optical inputs
- High-precision StreamUnlimited CD mechanism with ultra-low jitter
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs plus digital S/PDIF out
- Upgradeable with Gold Note external tube output stages and power supplies
Product Overview
The Gold Note CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD takes the proven platform of the CD-1000 MKII Deluxe and adds a high-quality USB interface capable of handling high-resolution PCM and native DSD streams. At its heart sits the refined BurrBrown PCM1792A DAC, chosen for its combination of resolution, low noise and natural tonal character.
A dedicated StreamUnlimited transport reads CDs with exceptional stability and low jitter, while a dual-mono power supply with carefully regulated rails feeds the analogue and digital sections independently. The built-in DAC section accepts digital signals not only from the internal transport, but also from external sources through coaxial, optical and USB inputs, turning the CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD into a versatile digital hub for your system.
Listening Experience
The CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD delivers a smooth, expansive and highly detailed listening experience, whether playing CDs or acting as the DAC for external digital sources. Bass is firm and extended, providing a solid yet controlled foundation that keeps complex music organised at all levels.
The midrange is rich and articulate, with vocals and acoustic instruments presented in a lifelike, three-dimensional way. High frequencies are open and refined, avoiding digital grain while preserving subtle ambience and micro-detail. DSD and high-resolution PCM sources benefit from a particularly fluid, natural presentation, making long listening sessions effortless and engaging.
Recommended System Context
The CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD is ideal for high-end stereo systems built around revealing loudspeakers and quality amplification. It can serve as:
- A reference CD player for Red Book discs
- A high-performance DAC for streaming transports, media players and TVs
- A USB DAC for computer audio and network streamers with digital outputs
For those seeking an upgrade path, the player is designed to work seamlessly with Gold Note’s external tube output stages and super inductive power supplies, allowing the system to evolve to even higher levels of refinement.
Digital Inputs & DSD Capability
The Deluxe DSD version extends connectivity with a dedicated asynchronous USB input that supports:
- High-resolution PCM streams up to 24-bit/192 kHz (depending on source)
- Native DSD playback via USB for a more analogue-like digital experience
Alongside USB, the CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD offers coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs for external digital sources. All incoming signals benefit from the same high-quality PCM1792A conversion and Gold Note analogue output stage, ensuring consistent sonic character across your entire digital front end.
Ideal Applications
- Reference CD and digital playback in audiophile stereo systems
- Central digital hub for TV, streamers, CD transports and computer audio
- Systems where DSD and high-resolution PCM playback are a priority
- Gold Note-based setups seeking a fully integrated, upgradeable digital source
Technical Specifications
- Type: CD player with integrated DAC and USB DSD capability (Deluxe DSD version)
- DAC chipset: BurrBrown PCM1792A, 24-bit/192 kHz
- Transport: StreamUnlimited CD mechanism, high-precision and low-jitter
- Supported disc formats: Red Book CD; CD, CD-R, CD-RW; MP3 (from compatible discs)
- Digital inputs: 1 × USB (asynchronous, PCM and DSD capable), 1 × RCA S/PDIF coaxial, 1 × TOSLINK optical
- Digital output: 1 × S/PDIF coaxial (75 Ω)
- Analogue outputs: 1 × stereo RCA, 1 × balanced XLR
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
- Total harmonic distortion: very low, designed for high linearity across the audio band
- Signal-to-noise ratio: high dynamic range with low background noise (typical of PCM1792A implementation)
- Output level: approx. 2 Vrms (RCA), higher balanced level via XLR
- Output impedance: low, suitable for standard line-level inputs on preamps and integrated amplifiers
- Volume control: Switchable digital attenuation for direct connection to power amplifiers (can be bypassed)
- Power supply: Dual-mono internal supply with separate regulation for analogue and digital sections
- Mains: 100–120 V or 220–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (market dependent)
- Power consumption: approx. 30 W
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 375 mm
- Weight: approx. 12 kg (net)
- Upgrade options: Compatible with Gold Note TUBE external output stages and PSU external power supplies
Why Choose the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD?
The Gold Note CD-1000 MKII Deluxe DSD is an excellent choice for listeners who want a single, elegant component to handle both CD playback and advanced digital sources, including DSD. With its high-grade BurrBrown DAC, dedicated USB input, refined analogue stage and clear upgrade path within the Gold Note ecosystem, it offers a long-term, musically satisfying solution at the heart of a serious hi-fi system.
