Gold Note DS-5.2 – Network Streamer, DAC & Digital Preamplifier

High-resolution streaming, premium DAC performance and digital preamplification in one compact Italian component. The Gold Note DS-5.2 is a modern network streamer, DAC and preamplifier designed to become the digital heart of a high-quality hi-fi system. With HDMI eARC, Roon Ready support, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD and balanced XLR outputs, it offers exceptional flexibility for music streaming, TV audio and minimalist audiophile systems.

• Network streamer, DAC and digital preamplifier in one chassis
• AKM AK4493 DAC for refined digital-to-analogue conversion
• Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2
• HDMI eARC with CEC for seamless TV integration
• Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD with input and output functionality
• Balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs
• Compatible with the optional Gold Note PSX-5.2 external power supply

Product Overview

The Gold Note DS-5.2 is designed for listeners who want a complete digital source with true high-end audio performance. Compact yet highly versatile, it combines network streaming, DAC conversion and preamplifier functionality, allowing it to integrate into traditional hi-fi systems or drive a power amplifier directly.

Inspired by Gold Note’s digital source expertise, the DS-5.2 delivers a natural, detailed and dynamic sound while offering the convenience required by modern music lovers.

High-End DAC Performance

At the heart of the DS-5.2 is an AKM AK4493 DAC, selected for its musical character, low distortion and high dynamic performance. The fully balanced analogue stage ensures clean signal transmission, excellent channel separation and low noise.

• DAC: AKM AK4493
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.1 dB
• THD: 0.001% max
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic range: 120 dB
• Output impedance: 100 Ω

Streaming & Digital Audio

The DS-5.2 supports today’s most important streaming platforms and network playback standards, making it easy to access high-resolution music from online services, local libraries and network servers.

• Roon Ready
• TIDAL Connect
• Qobuz Connect
• Spotify Connect
• Spotify Lossless HD
• AirPlay 2
• Deezer
• vTuner Internet Radio
• UPnP / DLNA
• PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
• DSD up to DSD256

HDMI eARC, Bluetooth & Modern Connectivity

The Gold Note DS-5.2 is designed not only for music streaming but also for modern living-room systems. HDMI eARC with CEC support enables simple TV integration, while Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD allows both wireless reception and transmission.

• HDMI: eARC with CEC support
• Bluetooth: 5.2 aptX HD input and output
• USB-A: Local music playback
• USB-C: Asynchronous audio input
• Digital inputs: Optical and coaxial
• Network: Ethernet LAN and dual-band Wi-Fi

Digital Preamplifier Functionality

Thanks to its integrated preamplifier section, the DS-5.2 can be used as a digital hub directly connected to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers. Fixed and variable output options make it equally suitable as a pure DAC or as a system control centre.

• RCA analogue outputs
• Balanced XLR analogue outputs
• Variable output for direct power amplifier connection
• Fixed output for use with integrated amplifiers or preamplifiers
• 6.3 mm headphone output

System Integration & Upgrade Path

The DS-5.2 is part of Gold Note’s modular ecosystem and can be upgraded with the dedicated PSX-5.2 external power supply. This allows users to improve noise performance, dynamic expression and overall refinement without replacing the main unit.

It is also a natural match for the Gold Note PA-5.2 power amplifier, creating a compact and elegant high-performance digital system.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Network streamer, DAC and digital preamplifier
• DAC: AKM AK4493
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.1 dB
• THD: 0.001% max
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
• Dynamic range: 120 dB
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Streaming services: Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Deezer, vTuner
• Supported formats: PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD up to DSD256
• Network: Ethernet LAN, dual-band Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth: 5.2 aptX HD input/output
• Digital inputs: HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, USB-A, USB-C, network, Bluetooth
• Analogue input: Stereo RCA
• Analogue outputs: RCA and balanced XLR
• Digital outputs: Coaxial and Bluetooth aptX HD
• Headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
• Display: Colour touchscreen with album artwork
• Remote control: Multifunction IR remote included
• Power consumption: 35 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 4 kg
• Finish: Black anodised aluminium
• Made in: Italy

Gold Note Digital Source Comparison

Why Choose the Gold Note DS-5.2?

The Gold Note DS-5.2 is ideal for listeners who want a compact but serious digital source with true audiophile credentials. It combines high-resolution streaming, premium DAC conversion, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth aptX HD, balanced outputs and preamplifier functionality in one beautifully engineered Italian component.

For modern hi-fi systems, TV audio setups or minimalist digital systems built around a power amplifier, the DS-5.2 offers outstanding flexibility, musicality and upgrade potential.