The Italian manufacturer Gold Note has launched a new network player and DA converter. The new DS-5.2 is the digital source in the Tuscan company's new Series 5.2 and, according to the designers, is directly based on the DS-10 EVO, which is positioned above it.

Gold Note presents the DS-5.2 as a more compact version of the DS-10 EVO, rather than a stripped-down variant. The DS-5.2 is a fully balanced digital source that is small enough to fit in an IKEA Kallax unit, on a TV stand, or in a traditional hi-fi cabinet. The black anodized aluminum housing has a width of 200 millimeters and weighs four kilograms. A three-inch color touchscreen is mounted on the front panel, displaying settings and album art.

The network functionality uses the same architecture as the DS-10 EVO. The DS-5.2 is therefore Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect (including Lossless), and Apple AirPlay 2. Files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 can be played via a wired or wireless LAN connection. A USB-A port reads the same resolutions from a FAT32 or NTFS drive. Music is selected and played using the Gold Note GN Control app. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD offers a wireless connection with lossy audio quality.

The DS-5.2 is equipped with a digital RCA input and a TOSLINK input, both suitable for music signals with a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz, plus an HDMI eARC connection for direct TV connection with the same maximum resolution. A single analog stereo RCA input completes the package. The DS-5.2 can therefore also be used as a preamplifier.

Outputs

The digital signal is output via a cinch output (24-bit/192kHz) and a Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD transmitter, allowing the DS-5.2 to be used as a pure streamer to drive another DA converter.

Analog music signals are supplied via a fixed 2-volt RMS RCA and XLR output, while a separate preamplifier stage adds variable RCA and XLR outputs and a 6.35 mm headphone jack, which, according to the manufacturer, is backed by a two-watt headphone amplifier. Gold Note indicates that the volume control can be switched on or off, allowing the device to function as either a source with a fixed output or as a preamplifier.

DAC

Gold Note's designers have used a single AKM AK4493 DAC chip connected to what the company describes as a fully balanced circuit. Gold Note lists a total harmonic distortion of 0.001%, a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB, and a dynamic range of 120 dB. As is often the case, Gold Note talks less about (DAC) chips and figures than about a business philosophy based on a database of reference recordings, for which the company claims to know the studios, microphones, and technicians inside and out.

Finally: the DS-5.2 can be powered by the optional external power supply PSX-5.2.