• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Gold Note DS-10

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
Anyone has any advise/experience on the Gold Note DS-10.. I am new to the streaming world. Looking to buy a streamer to pair with Mcintosh C53 and 462.. Please advice.. Also looking at the Lumin D2..
 

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
hi...sorry for noticing so late. I have one and it's total bliss:) anything i could help with specifically?
 

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
and I also have a Lumin D2 in my main rack (I use the DS10 in my headphone listening spot). I confess that the D2 is truly a magnificient piece of kit!It sounds amazing and to be fair not miles away from the DS-10 which might be somewhat fuler, with more dynamics and more analytical.
This said, I would be happy with either when I will sell one of the two.
One thing to notice:
DS-10
pro -> sound, connections, quality of build. It sounds like a £5000 machine (easily beats NAIM ND5 Xs2)
less -> app a bit quirky. qobuz/deezer connections with Gcontrol can be unstable on wifi.
Lumin
pro- > very well engineered machine. app is superb and superstable. well built. sounds FABOLOUS
con -> can't work as a preamp as not enough input output options.
 
OP
R

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
Hi there, thank you so much for taking the time to write back. I am thrilled there is someone else that owns the DS10. I went with it mostly from the glowing reviews on the web. I have painstakingly gone through the Preset settings adjusting through the parameters DE, EQ and PWR, but I just can't seem to get the wow this sounds great feeling.. It seems too low in volume, and I have to crank it up to 75.. I have tried both XLR and RCA, and it's the same. The Mcintosh C53 preamp that I have hooked it up to, is a wonderous machine and that's connected to a MC462 amp.. Every other source, the CD player the HDR bluray player through the Coax of the C53 sounds incredible. I am not sure what I am doing wrong with the DS10. it seems so lifeless. Although I am only streaming DEEZER and Spotify. I have tried to hook up the CD player through the DS10 and then through the C53, the same thing. I have to crank it and there is no OOOMP.. Any pointers would help. Anyway, I have been tempted by the Lumin D2, as it has a coaxial out. I have the credit points from Safeandsound, being a sustained customer, and I can use some of that to look into the Lumin D2.. What is your setup, streamer is hooked up to a preamp through Coax or Optical output, what preamp? what amp are you driving and what speakers? On other quick question, have you tried streaming spotify through the DS10? do you think if I were to stream Qobuz or Tidal, they might be louder than Spotify and more fuller? Again, thanks a bunch for responding and I am truly thrilled to find a fellow goldnote owner :) and also someone who owns a Lumin D2.. cheers..
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: mdl

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
Hi glad to find another fellow Goldnoter:) You have a special piece of kit there especially with the McIntoshes. I have noticed too that the volume isn't particularly high although the voltage output is very similar to other devices. I also noticed how the G-control app is the other means to fully control the volume. Have you looked into it and see if the settings are in line with your expectations? It has changed for me quite a bit once I fiddled with it.
I have recently made a Lumin D2 vs Gold Note critical listening in the main listening room. I confess the differences are subtle although my preference still goes to the DS-10. Why? Stereo image is more detailed, the voices are more controlled and more so the mid and bass range are mildly more structured meaning they tend to be a little bit less boomy. Last night in a moment of nostalgia I listened to Ebony and Ivory remastered with Qobuz and I cearly saw the difference while with the DS-10 I could clearly "see" where Paul and Steve were sitting while recording...
Honestly, if it wasn't for the headphone amp and the additional connections, I would not be disappointed with either.

I have been told repeatedly though that the DS-10 OOOMP would be a lot more obvious when associated with PSU 10-EVO. So before you give up on it, I would try and use a PSU 10 (even if on loan from a dealer). I have spent too much this year on my equipment and I need to pause but will try and source a PSU10 at some point.
The other though i have...have you checked with the dealer if you can try out another unit to check if yours has a particularly low volume or need some tweaking?
 
OP
R

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
Hi there, I thought of the PSU 10-EVO, but didn't want to sink in more and more money into Gold Note, possibly to have some minor tweaks.. Yeah, I went through more thorough settings and investigation with multiple input sources into the DS10.. Unfortunately it's going back I think. It's just not working out in my system. I've already talked to the dealer and I am shipping it out in the next week or so. Its a shame.. but it's okay.. I am glad it's working out for you.. With the Lumin D2, the BNC output, I just need a BNC to RCA adapter or cable to connect to the Coax right? I am in love with the DAC on the C53. I am waiting on the Magico A3.. It's going to be a good 12 weeks before they show up. Thank you so much for giving me first hand experience on the D2. I'll post a pic of the system.. One other quick question, just saw that Lumin D2 does not connect to WiFi, are you connecting yours to a wifi extender? Any issues with that?
 
Last edited:

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
Hi just a quick reply ...the d2 is connected to the WiFi router on cable. It's the most stable unit I have had ...not a single drop out delay or similar.
My point also...why don't you consider an network transport instead like the aurender or lumin mini transport instead if you're not using the lumin onboard DAC? It could be far more efficient ...
Looking forward seeing the magico....very lucky audiophile you are!!
 

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
with separate transport you have the option to update your dac at any point.



or if you are a roon software fan you might consider the following:

anyway, going back to the point the Lumin D2 will be clearly capable of both working as a transport and potentially attach it to a NAS. But if you're not going to use the DAC section the options above might be more effective?

0_TYPICAL-SYSTEM-CONFIGURATION_ALL-6.jpg
 

facefirst

Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2021
Messages
52
Likes
45
Location
London, United Kingdom
Nothing to add beyond I have a PH-10 so am part of the Gold Note fanboi club.
 
OP
R

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
Hi just a quick reply ...the d2 is connected to the WiFi router on cable. It's the most stable unit I have had ...not a single drop out delay or similar.
My point also...why don't you consider an network transport instead like the aurender or lumin mini transport instead if you're not using the lumin onboard DAC? It could be far more efficient ...
Looking forward seeing the magico....very lucky audiophile you are!!
You hit the nail right on the head :) .. That's exactly what I did, I am ordering the Lumin U1 mini, instead of the D2.. Yeah, I was giddy when I went and auditioned the Magico A3 couple of weeks back.. that and the Sonus Olympica Nova 3. I liked the Magico's more. I am on a slippery slope now.. And I'll stop soon..
 
  • Like
Reactions: mdl

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
You know what...I'm just dreaming of a pair of magicos...I wish I could audition them sometimes!! And Macintosh too of course!
And more funny than not I have pair of Sonus Faber (old love of mine...patriotic feeling I guess). My beloved venere's 2.5 are kicking really smoothly ....
 
OP
R

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
You know what...I'm just dreaming of a pair of magicos...I wish I could audition them sometimes!! And Macintosh too of course!
And more funny than not I have pair of Sonus Faber (old love of mine...patriotic feeling I guess). My beloved venere's 2.5 are kicking really smoothly ....
I read your opening response with a smile. I know what you mean. I was the guy that was just happy with a JVC receiver, JVC cassette deck and Fisher/JBL Speakers and then moving on to the Nakamichi AV10, Rotel RCD player, a pair of B&W 805 bookshelves with an M&K sub.. Was happy for the longest time..
Something flipped in me over the last year and I have been on a constant quest to find that audio nirvana :) Started with the Parasound and Joseph Audio RM22si.. ended up dedicating the A21+ and A51 as the home theater setup with a Marantz 7705 with those JA speakers and some Tannoy monitors and SVS center and subs.. These are an overkill for movies in my mind..
Now on to the gear that frightens my inner child of, am I doing the right things in life: Got the Macintosh C53 and 462 and the room became so alive.. it strings every membrane and nerve of my being even piping them through the old B&W's or the newer cheaper DynAudio Bookshelves. So again, wanted to complete the system with some good speakers that will utilize the full potential of the 462.. Dealer was great in pairing up my exact setup on the Magico's and the Sonus Faber. Sonus Faber's are classy, and I agree with you on your old love :) It was a hard decision, but I was biased towards clean lines. Something about the Magico, with it's extended base down to 26Hz and those beryllium tweeters just grabbed me when I heard a piano piece and I was ready to get even the demo models. There is something to be said about opening electronics fresh out of a box. Patience is a great virtue and I am learning..
Now I have to confess, in early part of April this year, I ordered a pair of Salks Veracity STs and I have been impatiently waiting on those to be built and its October now, they are only 29% done.. I wish I hadn't done this one.. When I get them, I'll hook them up to the A21+..
I am out of breath.. I just hope that I'll have continued good hearing, and don't hit a patch in life, where it all comes to a screeching halt.. Sorry about the long drawn message..
 
Last edited:

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
Glad I could make a grin come to life in these obscure days...I always feel privileged to have first world problem (what's the next gear i need to get my hands onto) and more so we have music to make our lives more enjoyable (or as someone says, we have the music to test our gears:facepalm:).The food for soul that a good listening session offers is difficult to quantify.
I started off with a very unknown SABA multiplayer something like that... my dad owned (shame we got rid of it, I would have loved to give it to my little one). Can't even remember the speaker only that they were like bookshelves.

stereo_studio_rpc963_2530668.jpg

Then some changes on the way but some of the equipment I still own from 1990 which I had recently got restored to a decent standard
3cbe700c47cf8b36b2e40752747d

Of course I would love to get to a Pass Labs or Boulder or similar although the Lux still shines in its own way.:)
I had a pair of SN Minima (what I really wanted were the Amators) which I loved and then swapped with something else and so until then I got the Venere's I rejoiced the Italian smoothness. As you might have noticed, my ability to get any closer to a Nirvana is far away...but I'll work on that in the future. As long as the pleasure is there, one must be content...I know the audiophile bug is inevitably leaning towards the all-accomplishing upgrade which will never arrive:)
I really like long messages as loving music is also a lot about sharing the experience!
One even more personal note...my recent listening experience has been massively runined by what I hope it's a passing tinnitus! So so annoying..
let us know when the magicos reaches you and the progress on the Salks (which I never heard of until today...always something to learn)
 
OP
R

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
Glad I could make a grin come to life in these obscure days...I always feel privileged to have first world problem (what's the next gear i need to get my hands onto) and more so we have music to make our lives more enjoyable (or as someone says, we have the music to test our gears:facepalm:).The food for soul that a good listening session offers is difficult to quantify.
I started off with a very unknown SABA multiplayer something like that... my dad owned (shame we got rid of it, I would have loved to give it to my little one). Can't even remember the speaker only that they were like bookshelves.

stereo_studio_rpc963_2530668.jpg

Then some changes on the way but some of the equipment I still own from 1990 which I had recently got restored to a decent standard
3cbe700c47cf8b36b2e40752747d

Of course I would love to get to a Pass Labs or Boulder or similar although the Lux still shines in its own way.:)
I had a pair of SN Minima (what I really wanted were the Amators) which I loved and then swapped with something else and so until then I got the Venere's I rejoiced the Italian smoothness. As you might have noticed, my ability to get any closer to a Nirvana is far away...but I'll work on that in the future. As long as the pleasure is there, one must be content...I know the audiophile bug is inevitably leaning towards the all-accomplishing upgrade which will never arrive:)
I really like long messages as loving music is also a lot about sharing the experience!
One even more personal note...my recent listening experience has been massively runined by what I hope it's a passing tinnitus! So so annoying..
let us know when the magicos reaches you and the progress on the Salks (which I never heard of until today...always something to learn)
 
OP
R

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
I am so sorry to hear about the tinnitus :( .. Sends a shiver down my spine when I hear that word. There was a time for about a month or so, I had my encounter with it.. My physician or the ENT specialist couldn't do much. Depression ruled me, And then it just went away, chalking it up to stress in life I guess.. And then about five years back, for about two days, I kept hearing this rumbling noise, like as if it was mild thunder at a distance. Again that went away.. So my friend.. it'll probably disappear on its own.. sending you the best..
Thanks for those pics.. Isn't that the legendary Luxman from the 80s? beautiful machine..
vi013-philips-n2205-cassette-recorder-c90-tape.jpg

this recorder was my first ever introduction to audio, with BASF cassettes..
IMG_1413.JPG


these are the Salks that I am waiting to be finished

DyedMaple.png
 

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
....ah, ribbon tweeters! I had a mixed feeling experience with my old Infinity 1990 with the Emit-K
images


I have found them overly analytical and maybe even "brash"...it was to the point it was becoming far too much. They talk really well of the Salks then...interesting.
Yes, my tinnitus is not as bad...for the moment it's stopping me to get the most from a quieter listening session of smooth jazz...so more rock-ish and classical until things move on (or vocal jazz if it comes to that). it's similar to a fancy group of distant cicadas playing in the background or an old tape deck noise (I need to install a Dolby in my ear drum:p:))
Yes the restored -improved re-capped- are the Luxman M-03 C-03 couple....such a great kit still nowadays. I saw a good set going for more than 2000 bucks recently on ebay...I might consider selling but I'm unsure! the only thing they are also attached to my OLED and it's somewhat annoying not to have an input switch remote. A very minor problem given that they still sound pretty solid 30 years+ since I bought them...Food for thought in 2023 maybe !
More closely I'm considering swapping my Sennehiser HD800 headphones for a pair of Focals...but need to audition them properly before anything happens at allll
have a great listening with your fab kit!
 
Last edited:
OP
R

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
....ah, ribbon tweeters! I had a mixed feeling experience with my old Infinity 1990 with the Emit-K
images


I have found them overly analytical and maybe even "brash"...it was to the point it was becoming far too much. They talk really well of the Salks then...interesting.
Yes, my tinnitus is not as bad...for the moment it's stopping me to get the most from a quieter listening session of smooth jazz...so more rock-ish and classical until things move on (or vocal jazz if it comes to that). it's similar to a fancy group of distant cicadas playing in the background or an old tape deck noise (I need to install a Dolby in my ear drum:p:))
Yes the restored -improved re-capped- are the Luxman M-03 C-03 couple....such a great kit still nowadays. I saw a good set going for more than 2000 bucks recently on ebay...I might consider selling but I'm unsure! the only thing they are also attached to my OLED and it's somewhat annoying not to have an input switch remote. A very minor problem given that they still sound pretty solid 30 years+ since I bought them...Food for thought in 2023 maybe !
More closely I'm considering swapping my Sennehiser HD800 headphones for a pair of Focals...but need to audition them properly before anything happens at allll
have a great listening with your fab kit!
I have the same anxiety on the ribbon tweeters!! also when I discussed with Jim Salk to position them centered and not skewed to either side of the left and right speakers due to visual aesthetics he had warned me, that I could have diffraction issues. Not sure If I'll notice it.. I hope the ribbons are not going to be fatiguing.. I went with Salks all from just youtube and web feedback.. It does seem to get a lot of positive feedback on the audio shows and the web, and it also gives some custom choices with the build and colors.. Anyway, we shall see.. Are you checking into the Stellia? wish I could audition them.. I shipped the DS10 back, and I am expecting the Lumin U1 mini in a couple of weeks.. Looking forward to that.. If you get a chance watch this show on Youtube, its about Ken Fritz, who built the best audio system in the world.. I think it's a great show.. One last thing, do you have a turn table? I am thinking about the EAT B sharp. Cheers..
 
Last edited:

mdl

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2020
Messages
90
Likes
37
Location
Uk
I have the same anxiety on the ribbon tweeters!! also when I discussed with Jim Salk to position them centered and not skewed to either side of the left and right speakers due to visual aesthetics he had warned me, that I could have diffraction issues. Not sure If I'll notice it.. I hope the ribbons are not going to be fatiguing.. I went with Salks all from just youtube and web feedback.. It does seem to get a lot of positive feedback on the audio shows and the web, and it also gives some custom choices with the build and colors.. Anyway, we shall see.. Are you checking into the Stellia? wish I could audition them.. I shipped the DS10 back, and I am expecting the Lumin U1 mini in a couple of weeks.. Looking forward to that.. If you get a chance watch this show on Youtube, its about Ken Fritz, who built the best audio system in the world.. I think it's a great show.. One last thing, do you have a turn table? I am thinking about the EAT B sharp. Cheers..
Hi,
I'm sure the ribbon tweeters will be fine...a lot of water has gone under the bridge since mr. nudell:)
The stellia were my first idea...a bit on the expensive side but maybe second hand one might be more manageable. it also depends how much i would get for my HD800...not in a rush.
This week i finally resumed my old Musical Fidelity X-Cans V1 after refurb (recapped, swapped OPs, resoldering etc) and it's coupled with the DS-10 for a quite amusing pleasure generator combination...loving it so far!
I'm sure you'll love the Lumin! Has been a staple in my main deck as i said...Someone might argue that an Node2i it's equivalent but I'm it sure ...when it comes to network transport it seems like snake oil it's mentioned a few times. Only ears can tell..
I had a turntable ...a British the well tempered but have it off far too soon to see the resurgence of vinil. But no I'm loving the digital experience as it allows me to explore si much more music that I've never thought even existed ...if I still has I would buy some vinil but currently happy as is. So I've lost track of the latest on turntables although as always thorens or linn lp12 might still be an option ( let alone gold note valore or mediterraneo)

20211018_145355.jpg
 
OP
R

rman9

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2021
Messages
130
Likes
98
Hi,
I'm sure the ribbon tweeters will be fine...a lot of water has gone under the bridge since mr. nudell:)
The stellia were my first idea...a bit on the expensive side but maybe second hand one might be more manageable. it also depends how much i would get for my HD800...not in a rush.
This week i finally resumed my old Musical Fidelity X-Cans V1 after refurb (recapped, swapped OPs, resoldering etc) and it's coupled with the DS-10 for a quite amusing pleasure generator combination...loving it so far!
I'm sure you'll love the Lumin! Has been a staple in my main deck as i said...Someone might argue that an Node2i it's equivalent but I'm it sure ...when it comes to network transport it seems like snake oil it's mentioned a few times. Only ears can tell..
I had a turntable ...a British the well tempered but have it off far too soon to see the resurgence of vinil. But no I'm loving the digital experience as it allows me to explore si much more music that I've never thought even existed ...if I still has I would buy some vinil but currently happy as is. So I've lost track of the latest on turntables although as always thorens or linn lp12 might still be an option ( let alone gold note valore or mediterraneo)

View attachment 160364
You must be quite the engineer. I use to tinker with electronics opening them and one time was I soldering something inside a picture tube television when I was really young, I remember the screw driver getting yanked off my hand and sticking to the giant magnet on the speaker and I felt this surge of static from the CRT, that was the last time I would open up those old TVs. And then one time I was tinkering with a 40 watt stereo amp, and fried the output stage.. With years gone by, I have never told my family members I fried it.. So glad you are enjoying the DS10 and the X-Cans tube combo.. The dealer received the DS10 and has already shipped the Lumin, expected to see them this Wednesday. I am seriously thinking about getting into vinyl with either the EAT C-sharp or the Thorens TD 403 DD. The Thorens are expected to be in the store this November.. The valore and mediterraneo looks intriguing.. Thanks again for the picture of your setup.. The silver looks so sharp. The one that I had was a black one and it was real sharp as well..
 
Top Bottom