Welcome to ‘First look’. In today’s episode we’ll be looking at the Gold Note HP-10 headphone amplifier.
What kind of product?
The Gold Note HP-10 is a high-end headphone amplifier designed for audiophiles who seek an exceptional listening experience.
Brand?
Gold Note is an Italian audio brand. Their headquarters are in the Florentine hills. The story of Gold Note is one of dedication and talent. Every day the people at Gold Note put their skills and abilities to work for the same goal: the Italian sound or “il suono italiano”. Officially Gold Note was founded in 2012 with Maurizio Aterini being the founder. The brand offers an almost total range of products like turntables, cartridges, phono stages, digital sources, all-in-one systems, amplifiers, power supplies, cables, racks and … yes … as of now: headphone amplifiers.
Current price?
The Gold Note HP-10 is available in 3 versions. These are the prices: the standard HP-10 is available at 1.899 euro, the HP-10 BT with Bluetooth capabilities and ESS DAC chip is rated at 1.999 euro and the HP-10 Deluxe with USB-C connection and AKM DAC chip comes in at 2.390 euro. Any of these versions can be further upgraded with an external power supply: the Goldnote PSU-10 EVO, costing an extra 1.190 euro.
What’s in the box?
The Gold Note HP-10 comes packed in a very sturdy cardboard box. The unit is firmly held by 2 Styrofoam holders. A fabric cover provides extra cosmetic protection and is neatly marketed with the Gold Note logo. On the side we find a small box with the following accessories: the power cord, remote control with included batteries and a registration card.
Closer look?
On the frontside from left to right there’s the Gold Note logo, a power LED and remote sensor, a 6.3mm jack unbalanced headphone output, a touchscreen display, a 4-pin XLR balanced, a 4,4mm jack balanced and 3,5mm jack unbalanced headphone output. Far right front you can access a rotary knob (in our case with the “Deluxe” notification, to set the volume in the most traditional way or manipulate menu functions.
Both sides have several milled slots that contribute to the distinguished look and cooling of the device.
Back top a large Gold Note logo is machined beautifully into the chassis. Left and right we meet the starting points of the milled slots.
At the bottom four rounded plastic feet uncouple the device from the surface.
At the back we find many connection options: RCA and XLR in- and output, power connection, connection for the PSU-10 external power supply, the USB-C digital input, GN trigger link in and out and a service access point.
Features?
The Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe is a Class-A dual mono high-end headphone amplifier. It offers a frequency response from 20Hz-20kHz with a THD of 0,015% at 1kHz and a SNR (Signal to Noise Radio) of 110dB. The unit features an AKM AK4493 DAC chip and 5.1 HD ampX Bluetooth capabilities. Using the touch screen or remote you can go through many settings: the in- and output, volume, balance, listening mode (stereo, mono, stereo reverse, mono R and mono L). It gets fun when you start playing with the studio features. Choose between three Harman Curves to optimize the EQ. Super flat linearizes the response for the highs. Set your preferred gain, damping factor and phase setting in no time. The real kicker comes with four cross-feed settings. Cross-feed mixes L+R channels to recreate a natural 3D sound stage as if listening to loudspeakers. Everything is done in the analog domain. You can save up to 3 listening profiles. There’s a new firmware update on the way that will let you rename the profiles to remember exactly which headphones or genre they are for.
For whom is this product ? First impression?
This product is not for the faint of heart ! Anyone who takes listening through headphones seriously should audition the Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe. It will make you fall in love again with all your reference tracks, offering even more detail, engagement and emotion. It will truly connect you with the soul of music and let you experience the musical intent truthfully. I don’t know about you, but to me that sounds like every audiophile’s dream.
Conclusion?
Do I need to say more? Ok. We were surprised of how the Gold Note HP-10 made our Beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro MKII rise to the next level. We would recommend using the USB-C digital input to use the full potential of that AKM DAC chip. A Gold Note PSU-10 EVO external power supply is on the way, make sure you read all about the possible added value of this upgrade in our upcoming full review.
Frequently asked questions
How many versions of the HP-10 are available and what sets them apart?
Three: the standard HP-10 (1.899 euro), the HP-10 BT with Bluetooth and an ESS DAC chip (1.999 euro), and the HP-10 Deluxe with USB-C and an AKM DAC chip (2.390 euro). Any version can be further upgraded with the Gold Note PSU-10 EVO external power supply for an extra 1.190 euro.
What is cross-feed and what does it do?
Cross-feed mixes the left and right channels in the analog domain to recreate a natural 3D soundstage, as if you were listening to loudspeakers instead of headphones. The HP-10 offers four cross-feed settings.
Can you save custom listening profiles on the HP-10?
Yes, up to three, and an upcoming firmware update will let you rename them.
What EQ and tone-shaping options does the HP-10 offer?
Three Harman Curves to optimize the EQ, a Super flat setting that linearizes the response for the highs, plus adjustable gain, damping factor and phase — all reachable from the touchscreen or the remote.
