The Gold Note DS-5.2 is the kind of compact streaming DAC that quietly handles everything — Roon, Tidal Connect, Spotify, AirPlay 2, HDMI eARC, balanced XLR out, a capable headphone stage — without making a fuss about any of it. The DAC section lends a natural, unhyperdetailed character to digital conversion; precise without being sterile, with enough body in the midrange to keep acoustic music grounded. What sets it apart is Gold Note's Chameleon technology — the ability to fine-tune DAC behavior by genre rather than leaving the conversion character fixed at the factory. Designed and built in Italy, it feels like a considered piece of engineering rather than a spec-sheet exercise, and it's upgradeable via the optional PSU-5.2 external supply when you're ready to push further.
Condition
NEW
Factory Specs
DAC AKM AK4493
Frequency Response 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB
THD 0.001% max
Signal to Noise Ratio 125dB
Dynamic Range 120dB
Output Impedance 100Ω
Preamp Stage Volume Control Enabled/Disabled
Network Connectivity LAN/WLAN (WiFi) 10/433Mbps 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Dual Band; Bluetooth 5.2, aptX HD 24bit
High Resolution Streaming Roon Ready, AirPlay, MQA, Qobuz Connect, Deezer, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Tidal Connect, vTuner, My Live Internet Radio
Supported Audio Formats (Network) PCM up to 32bit/384kHz — AIFF, ALAC, WAV (packed/unpacked), FLAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, OGG, Monkey's; DSD256 (DSF, DFF)
Supported Media Servers UPnP, DLNA, Roon
Digital Inputs (1) RCA Coaxial — PCM up to 24bit/192kHz; (1) TOS-Optical — PCM up to 24bit/192kHz; (1) HDMI eARC — 24bit/192kHz (HDMI CEC support); (1) USB-A — DSD256 and PCM up to 32bit/384kHz, FAT32/NTFS (32GB max for pen drives); (1) USB-C Asynchronous — PCM up to 16bit/48kHz; (1) Network LAN/WLAN — DSD256 and PCM up to 32bit/384kHz; (1) Bluetooth 5.2 — aptX-HD 24bit
Digital Outputs (1) RCA Coaxial — PCM up to 24bit/192kHz; (1) Bluetooth 5.2 — aptX-HD 24bit
Analogue Input (1) Stereo RCA (input impedance 10kΩ)
DAC Outputs (1) Stereo RCA Unbalanced — 2Vrms; (1) Stereo XLR Balanced — 2Vrms
Preamp Outputs (1) Stereo RCA Unbalanced; (1) Stereo XLR Balanced; (1) Headphone 6.3mm jack
Power Supply 100–240V / 50–60Hz
Power Consumption 35W
Fuse 2A T
Dimensions 7.87″ W × 3.15″ H × 10.24″ D (200mm W × 80mm H × 260mm D)
Weight 6.61 lbs net / 8.82 lbs boxed
Warranty 2-year limited (1-year standard; extends to 24 months upon registration); transferable to subsequent owner
Liner Notes
The Gold Note DS-5.2 is a compact yet highly capable streaming DAC designed to bring true high-end performance into a modern, streamlined system. As part of Gold Note's latest 5.2 series, it reflects a clear evolution in both engineering and usability—delivering meaningful sonic improvements in a refined, accessible form factor.
At its core, the DS-5.2 is a high-resolution network streamer and DAC with integrated preamplifier, supporting ultra-high-resolution audio up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. It offers comprehensive streaming compatibility including Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Deezer, and internet radio, alongside DLNA/UPnP servers for flexible network audio integration. With both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, it integrates seamlessly into modern home networks, providing stable high-resolution streaming and convenient access to digital music libraries.
The DS-5.2 features a built-in analogue preamp stage for direct connection to a power amplifier or active speakers, and a front-panel 6.3mm headphone output for dedicated personal listening. Bi-directional Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD enables high-resolution wireless playback. Control is managed through the GN Control app for iOS and Android or via the onboard display. For users seeking even higher performance, the DS-5.2 is compatible with the optional external PSU-5.2 power supply upgrade.
Stock No.
15496406401245
