Gold Note DS-1000 EVO LINE – Streaming DAC & Class A Preamplifier
Reference-grade streaming DAC with a true Class A analogue preamp stage. The Gold Note DS-1000 EVO LINE combines dual-mono AKM conversion, ultra-high-resolution streaming and a discrete Class A preamplifier (bypassable in DAC mode). It’s built to be the centerpiece of an audiophile system: connect it to a power amplifier for an elegant, high-performance digital front end with precise volume control and exceptional musical flow.
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DS-1000 EVO LINE exclusive: Class A preamp stage with analogue-domain volume control (bypassable)
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Dual-mono DAC: 2 × AKM AK4493 for high channel separation and low crosstalk
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Hi-res playback: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD up to DSD256 (and up to DSD512 via USB-B)
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Streaming excellence: Roon Ready, AirPlay, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, vTuner, MQA
Product Overview
The DS-1000 EVO LINE is Gold Note’s advanced streaming DAC platform enhanced with a discrete Class A line preamplifier. This makes it ideal for a streamlined “digital separates” setup: use it directly into a power amplifier, keep cable runs clean with balanced XLR where needed, and enjoy precise control without adding a separate preamp.
At the heart of the design is a dual-mono DAC architecture using two AKM AK4493 converters, engineered to preserve fidelity and separation. The output stage runs in Class A with audio-grade discrete components, aiming for a presentation that’s both highly resolved and naturally musical.
Listening Experience
The DS-1000 EVO LINE delivers a clean, spacious and richly textured listening experience. You’ll hear a stable, well-layered soundstage with strong image focus, backed by a quiet background that helps micro-detail and ambience emerge naturally. Bass is tight and controlled, with excellent definition and impact; the midrange is open and expressive for lifelike vocals; treble is extended and refined without becoming edgy.
The Class A preamp stage adds a sense of fluidity and drive, while the dual-mono conversion supports precise separation and effortless clarity in complex recordings.
Room Size & Placement
As a source component, the DS-1000 EVO LINE isn’t limited by room size. It scales beautifully from small listening rooms to large living spaces—the key is system matching with your amplification and loudspeakers. For best results, place it on a stable rack with good ventilation and use quality interconnects, especially if you run it directly into a power amplifier.
Use Cases
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All-in-one digital hub: streaming + DAC for a premium two-channel system
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Minimalist separates: connect directly to a power amplifier using the Class A preamp stage
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High-end headphone listening: front-panel 6.3mm output with High/Low sensitivity settings
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TV / cinema integration: use a digital input from a TV and feed a stereo power amp for impactful 2.0/2.1 sound
Amplifier Pairing
The DS-1000 EVO LINE is designed to work superbly with quality power amplifiers. Its balanced and unbalanced outputs make it easy to match with:
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Neutral, high-current stereo power amps for maximum control and scale with floorstanding speakers
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Balanced XLR-equipped amplifiers for long cable runs and a clean, low-noise chain
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Gold Note power amplification if you want a coherent, all-Italian system voice and aesthetics
Connectivity & Streaming
Network connectivity includes LAN and dual-band Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 5.0 for fast wireless playback. It supports modern, audiophile-friendly playback methods and services, including Roon Ready and direct-control features such as Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect.
For local libraries, it supports UPnP/DLNA and Roon as media servers. Note: to play DSD over UPnP, your UPnP server must support DSD streaming.
Technical Specifications
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D/A converter chip: 2 × AKM AK4493 (dual-mono design)
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Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.1dB)
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THD: 0.001% max
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Signal-to-noise ratio: 125dB
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Dynamic range: 120dB
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Preamp stage volume control: Available on DS-1000 EVO LINE (analogue-domain, Class A; bypassable in DAC mode)
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Network connectivity: LAN / WLAN (Wi-Fi) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac dual band (10/433Mbps)
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Bluetooth: High Definition 5.0 (44/16)
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High-quality streaming: Roon Ready, AirPlay, MQA, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Tidal Connect, vTuner
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Supported audio formats: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD up to DSD256 (DSF, DFF); AIFF; ALAC; WAV; FLAC; MP3; Apple Lossless; OGG; Monkey’s
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Supported media servers: UPnP, DLNA, Roon (UPnP server must support DSD streaming to play DSD files)
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Digital inputs:
- 1 × RCA coaxial (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz)
- 1 × AES/EBU balanced (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz)
- 2 × TOS-Link (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz)
- 1 × USB-B asynchronous (up to DSD512 and PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz)
- 1 × USB-A (DSD256 and PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz; FAT32/NTFS, 32GB max for pen drives)
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Analogue inputs (DS-1000 EVO LINE only): 1 × RCA unbalanced; 1 × XLR balanced
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Audio outputs (DAC): 1 × RCA 2Vrms; 1 × XLR 2Vrms
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Audio outputs (Preamp): 1 × RCA unbalanced; 1 × XLR balanced; 1 × headphone 6.3mm jack (front panel)
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Output impedance: RCA 50Ω; XLR 100Ω
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Power supply: 100–240V / 50–60Hz
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Power consumption: 30W
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Fuse: 2A T
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Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 375 mm
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Weight: 10 kg net; 15 kg boxed
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Finishes: Black / Silver / Gold anodised aluminium (brushed)
Why Choose the Gold Note DS-1000 EVO LINE?
The DS-1000 EVO LINE is a standout solution for listeners who want a premium streaming DAC with the added authority of a genuine Class A analogue preamp stage. It brings high-resolution streaming, wide format support, excellent connectivity and a refined, immersive sonic signature—while enabling an elegant system architecture that can run straight into a power amplifier for exceptional transparency and control.
