Gold Note IS-10 – Compact Streaming Integrated Amplifier
Italian streaming amplifier with serious power in a compact chassis. The Gold Note IS-10 is a high-performance integrated amplifier with built-in DAC and network streamer, delivering up to 90W per channel into 8Ω, hi-res PCM/DSD playback and Roon Ready functionality. It’s designed as a complete control center for modern two-channel systems: just add speakers.
- 90W @ 8Ω / 140W @ 4Ω stereo integrated amplifier with AKM AK4493 DAC
- Hi-res streaming: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256
- Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, MQA, AirPlay, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, vTuner
- LAN, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-A for flexible digital sources
- Expandable: 280W @ 8Ω in mono when paired with a PA-10 EVO power amp
Product Overview
The Gold Note IS-10 brings together a powerful Class D stereo amplifier, an AKM AK4493-based DAC and a fully featured network streamer in one refined, space-saving enclosure. With 90W per channel into 8Ω (140W into 4Ω) and the ability to operate in mono at 280W @ 8Ω when used with a PA-10 EVO, it has the drive and control to partner a wide range of hi-fi loudspeakers.
Inside, separate regulated power supplies feed the digital and analogue stages, while a short, carefully laid-out signal path preserves dynamics and low noise. The IS-10 integrates seamlessly into home networks via LAN or dual-band Wi-Fi, and supports a broad range of streaming services and formats, from lossless PCM to DSD256, making it a versatile core for modern music systems.
Listening Experience
The IS-10 delivers a energetic, detailed and naturally fluid listening experience. Its 90W-per-channel amplifier provides tight, confident bass with excellent grip, so drums and bass lines sound precise and rhythmically assured rather than bloated.
The midrange is open and expressive, giving vocals and acoustic instruments believable presence and timbre. The AKM AK4493 DAC and low-noise analogue stage contribute to a smooth, refined treble that retains air and micro-detail without harshness. Hi-res PCM and DSD material in particular benefit from a wide, deep soundstage with stable imaging and a convincing sense of space around individual instruments.
Recommended Room Size
With 90W @ 8Ω and 140W @ 4Ω on tap, the IS-10 is ideal for small to medium-large rooms:
- Dedicated listening rooms with quality bookshelf or standmount speakers
- Living rooms and open-plan spaces with compact floorstanders
- Media rooms where one unit must drive both music and TV audio
In stereo mode it offers generous headroom and low distortion at realistic listening levels. In systems that demand even more authority, you can run the IS-10 as a pre/driver for a PA-10 EVO in mono configuration, delivering up to 280W @ 8Ω to a single speaker channel.
System Integration & Connectivity
The IS-10 is built to be the central hub of a contemporary hi-fi system:
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Analogue inputs: 2 × RCA unbalanced pairs for external sources such as phono stages, CD players or outboard DACs
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Digital inputs: 2 × optical TOS-Link and 1 × coaxial RCA (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz)
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USB-A: playback from FAT32/NTFS drives (up to 32GB), DSD64 and PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
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Speaker outputs: high-quality binding posts for stereo loudspeakers
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Mono Right output: 1 × RCA unbalanced for mono operation with a PA-10 EVO power amplifier
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Headphone output: 6.3 mm front jack for private listening
Network connectivity includes LAN and dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 10/433Mbps) plus Bluetooth 5.0 (44/16) for quick wireless playback from mobile devices. Standby consumption is under 1 W, keeping energy use low when the amplifier is not in active use.
Streaming & Format Support
The IS-10 is a genuinely modern streaming solution, supporting:
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High-quality streaming: Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, MQA, AirPlay, vTuner internet radio, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect
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Media servers: all UPnP/DLNA servers and Roon
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Hi-res audio: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256 (DSF, DFF)
It accepts a wide variety of formats, including AIFF, WAV (packed/unpacked FLAC), WMA 9, WAX, ASX, AAC/M4A/Apple Lossless, MP3 and more. Note that UPnP servers must support DSD streaming for DSD files to be played over the network.
Ideal Applications
- High-performance two-channel streaming system built around a single, compact component
- Streaming-focused setups using hi-res services such as Qobuz and Tidal (including MQA)
- Vinyl + digital rigs using an external phono stage into the IS-10’s analogue inputs
- Systems that may later expand with a PA-10 EVO power amplifier for higher-output mono operation
Technical Specifications
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Type: Streaming integrated amplifier with DAC
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Amplifier power (stereo): 90 W @ 8Ω; 140 W @ 4Ω
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Amplifier power (mono with PA-10 EVO): 280 W @ 8Ω
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DAC: AKM AK4493
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Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz (-3 dB)
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THD: 0.001% (1 kHz @ 1 W)
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Signal-to-noise ratio: > 125 dB
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Dynamic range: 120 dB
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Network connectivity: LAN & Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Dual Band (10/433 Mbps)
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Bluetooth: High-Definition 5.0 (44/16)
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Streaming services: Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, MQA, AirPlay, vTuner, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect
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Supported media servers: UPnP, DLNA, Roon
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Supported audio formats: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD up to DSD256 (DSF, DFF); AIFF (aif, aiff, aifc); WAV (packed/unpacked FLAC); WMA 9; WAX; ASX; AAC/M4A/Apple Lossless; MP3
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Digital inputs: 2 × TOS-Link (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz); 1 × RCA coaxial (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz); 1 × USB-A (DSD64 & PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, FAT32/NTFS, 32 GB max)
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Analogue inputs: 2 × RCA unbalanced pairs
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Speaker outputs: Binding posts
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Headphone output: 1 × 6.3 mm jack
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Mono Right output: 1 × RCA unbalanced (single connector)
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Power supply: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
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Power consumption (standby): < 1 W
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Fuse: 5A T
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Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
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Weight: 4 kg net; 5 kg boxed
Why Choose the Gold Note IS-10?
The Gold Note IS-10 is a compelling choice if you want a compact, elegant amplifier that unites powerful stereo amplification, a refined AKM DAC and a genuinely high-end streaming platform. With Roon Ready support, wide format compatibility, robust network connectivity and the ability to scale to 280W mono with a PA-10 EVO, it offers a sophisticated, future-ready core for demanding modern hi-fi systems.
