Gold Note DS-10 User manual

OWNERʼS MANUAL
DS-10
HIGH-END DAC - STREAMER - LINE PREAMP - HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
DS-10
GOLD NOTE

INDEX
PACKAGE CONTENT...... ............................................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES
................................................................................................................
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
.....................................................................................................................
FRONT PANEL
...........................................................................................................................................
REAR PANEL................
............................................................................................................................
SELECT FUNCTIONS
..................................................................................................................................
REMOTE CONTROL..........
.........................................................................................................................
OVERVIEW DS-10 FEATURES
.....................................................................................................................
SELECTABLE PARAMETERS..................................................................................................................
CONTROL APP.................
.........................................................................................................................
NETWORK SETUP.............
........................................................................................................................
CONNECTING OTHER SOURCES.............
...................................................................................................
WARRANTY AND SERVICE...........................................................................................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING........
.........................................................................................................................
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.............
............................................................................................
P. 3
P. 4
P. 6
P. 7
P. 8
P. 9
P. 10
P. 11
P. 12
P. 14
P. 20
P. 22
P. 23
P. 24
P. 25
2

PACKAGE CONTENT
DS-10
1 AC cable
1 Ethernet cable
1 Wi-Fi antenna
1 Bluetooth antenna
Remote control + battery
User manual
3

4
INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES
USB
4
AUDIO STREAMING JUST BECAME BETTER
The DS-10 is our new 4-in-1 unit designed to cover
the needs of the contemporary audiophile. It
perfectly completes any audio system offering
internet and digital connectivity with the purity of the
premium Gold Note High-End audio sound
performance. All this high-technology is brilliantly
enclosed in a convenient compact sized and eye-
catching chassis.
The DS-10 is a new generation D/A Converter and
UPnP-DLNA Streamer, created to revolutionize any
audio system with its ability to browse web streaming
players and digital sources. Inspired by Gold Note’s
acclaimed top models, it merges the extended
connectivity features of the IS-1000 All-In-One unit
adding an impressive headphones double power
GAIN output to drive the most demanding models. It
also features, for the first time on a High-End audio
product, the exceptional high-resolution Bluetooth
5.0.
DIGITAL AUDIO DAC AND FULL FUNCTION
STREAMER
The DS-10 is a Roon Ready device, fully multi-room
system compatible with a quick plug&play
installation. You simply need to connect it to your
network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and then to the power
amplifier or active speakers to be ready to start
exploring the limitless possibilities of online music.
You can stream through Roon, Airplay, Tidal,
MQA, Qobuz, Spotify and Deezer, controlling
everything with our easy to use App on your phone
or tablet (available for iOS and Android for free). You
can also access all your collections of digital music
stored locally on a NAS or USB flash drive (DSD64 on
USB and LAN, PCM up to 24/192).
PREAMPLIFIER AND HEADPHONES AMP
DS-10 also features an On/Off switchable High-End
audio analogue preamp stage. All the different re-
mote controls including a computer App make it easy
to control DS-10 synchronizing the unit to all func-
tions and letting even the web players play analogue
volume when the preamp stage is activated, guaran-
teeing the best performance ever.
DS-10 also features a professional 6.3mm head-
phones output with a proprietary technology which
allows selecting two sensitivity levels to drive almost
any kind of headphones.

INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES
extremely user-friendly source you can always easily
control from any listening position. DS-10 features
an easy set up Apple iOS and Android proprietary
software for full control via iPhones and iPads as
well as smart phones and tablets. The App makes it
easy to control even the digital inputs displaying all
meta data, cover and information registered on the
track as well as real resolution format.
DURABLE DESIGN 100% MADE IN ITALY
DS-10 features a great mechanical structure made
of solid machined steel and thick aluminium panels
to guarantee low frequency resonance, feedback vi-
brational control and low magnetic inertial field.
GOLD NOTE MODULAR DESIGN
Thanks to the unique and innovative Gold Note
modular design DS-10 will be able to optionally
drive a special external inductive power supply
(PSU-10 EVO) to effectively enhance the native per-
formance of the unit.
DIGITAL CHAMELEON DAC
DS-10 has a very unique feature that distinguishes it
from every other DAC: the selection of three different
profiles lets the listener change the sound character
of the DAC similar to a chameleon, making the DS-10
the most versatile unit on the market.
For the first time ever, the sound behavior can be
changed to adapt the music played to the taste of the
listener without modifying the audio signal but only
adjusting the electrical profiles, acting on the
deemphasis, the low-pass digital filters and the power
applied to the digital chip. Such profiles can be
managed and stored in real time during music
playback for maximum convenience and a unique
listening experience. The user can adjust those
parameters via the clear menu on the display,
browsing with the rotary switch knob or with the
remote control. Enjoy an unprecedented High-End
audiophile pleasure, giving you access to all the music
in the world without any concession on sound quality.
QUICK TO INSTALL AND EASY TO USE
DS-10 is a true High-End Audio DAC capable of au-
diophile sound from digital files featuring Streamer
and Network Player functions to help enjoying fa-
vorite music always with the greatest audio quality,
fully controlled via App, remote and front knob to
make it work super easily.
NEW TOTAL CONTROL OVER YOUR SYSTEM
A nice looking 2,8” TFT monitor displays the main
functions of the DS-10 in a clear menu that's easy to
browse. Thanks to the exclusive SKC (Single Knob
Control) on the front panel, the handset remote con-
trol and the Gold Note App the unit becomes an
5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MAIN FEATURES
D/A Converter AKM AK4493 PCM up to 32bit/
768kHz and DSD512 native
Streamer Network Player PCM and DSD
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz +/-0.1dB
THD – Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.001% max
Signal to Noise ratio: -125dB
Dynamic range: 120dB
Output impedance RCA/XRL: 50Ω
Preamp Stage Volume Control: enabled/disabled
DIGITAL INPUTS
•1x RCA coaxial PCM asynchronous up to 24bit/
192kHz
•2x TOS-optical PCM asynchronous up to 24bit/
192kHz
•1x AES/EBU balanced PCM asynchronous up to
24bit/192kHz
•1x USB-A port to feed USB flash memories,
FAT32/NTFS formatted playing DSD64 and PCM up
to 24bit/192kHz
•1 x USB-B asynchronous up to DSD512 and PCM
up to 32bit/384kHz
AUDIO OUTPUTS
DAC: Stereo RCA @ 1Volt and balanced XLR @
2Volt
PREAMP: stereo RCA, balanced XLR; 1 headphone
6,3mm Jack on the front panel double gain
POWER
100-240V, 50/60Hz
Multiple Transformer proprietary power supply
Power consumption: 30W
EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY
PSU-10 EVO: external inductive multi transformer
power supply (optional)
NETWORK CONNECTIVITY
LAN/WLAN (WiFi): 802.11b/g via RJ45
10/100Mbps socket
Bluetooth: High Definition 5.0
HIGH QUALITY STREAMING
Roon Ready, MQA, Airplay, vTuner, Tidal, Qobuz,
Deezer, Spotify
SUPPORTED AUDIO FORMATS (NETWORK)
up to PCM 24bit/192kHz:
AIFF (.aif, .aiff, .aifc)
ALAC
WAV (.wav) packed/unpacked
FLAC
MP3
DSD64: DSF, DFF
Apple Lossless
OGG
Monkey’s
DSD64: DSF, DFF
IMPORTANT: UpnP server must support DSD
streaming in order to stream DSD files.
SUPPORTED MEDIA SERVERS
All UPnP / DLNA / Roon
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
200mm W 80mm H 260mm D
Weight: Kg. 4 net - Kg. 5 boxed
FINISHES
Brushed Aluminium available in Black, Silver or Gold
REMOTE CONTROL
Multifunctional remote control
APP
GN Control
6

FRONT PANEL
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
DS-10 is an innovative D/A Converter, Streamer with a High-End headphone amplifier and Bluetooth 5.0.
Everything has been designed to provide the best experience and thanks to the exclusive SKC (Single Knob Control)
the unit becomes a friendly plug-and-play source that can be fully controlled even without the remote.
All the information and features are easy to read and access on the display at any time, so you will also have
complete control over the system.
DS-10
GOLD NOTE
SKC (Single Knob Control)
DISPLAY
LED STANDBY/ON-OFF
7

8
REAR PANEL
REAR PANEL OVERVIEW
DS-10 features a wide selection of connections to offer the best versatility and become the core of a real High-
End system that will deliver audio in true audiophile quality.
8
1
2
ANALOG LINE OUTPUT
RCA unbalanced
XLR balanced
DIGITAL INPUT
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
USB HOST (A type)
USB-B type
Ethernet
AES/EBU balanced
RCA COAX
TOS 1
TOS 2
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
WI-FI led
AC plug IEC standard
Bluetooth Antenna*
PSU IN
GN Link connector
WPS WI-FI reset
POWER AND OTHERS
WI-FI Antenna*
R L
R L
AES/EBU COAXUSB HOST USB DAC
GN LINK
AC IN 100 - 240 V
PSU IN
TOS 1 TOS 2
WI-FI
ANTENNA
BLUETOOTH
ANTENNA
WPS
WI-FI
RESET
WI-FI
LED
ETHERNET
UNBALANCED
BALANCED
SERIAL NUMBER
678910
11
12
13
14
15
12
5
16
443

SELECT FUNCTIONS
HOW TO SELECT THE FUNCTIONS
1. press the knob once to activate the SELECTION FRAME
2. turn the knob left or right until the desired function is highlighted by in white then press the knob to select it
3. the frame will turn red: now you can turn the knob to change the function
4. press the knob again when the desired value is set to confirm and exit the selection
DS-10
GOLD NOTE
DS-10
GOLD NOTE
SINGLE PUSH
TURNING ON/OFF DS-10
To turn on/off the unit, press and hold the knob for 3 seconds.
3 SEC. PUSH
9

REMOTE CONTROL
ENTER
activates the SELECTION FRAME
and selects the functions, just like
you would do by pressing the knob
POWER ON/OFF
use POWER ON/OFF to turn ON and OFF
the DS-10
DAC
To control DS-10 press the button
DAC on the remote control
VOLUME
use VOL+ and VOL- to adjust the
volume level by 1 step at a time
MUTE
use MUTE to instantly mute the DS-
10 the input selection is disabled
while DS-10 is in MUTE
INPUT SELECTION
use IN+ and IN- to change the
selected input.
use IN+ and IN- when the SELECTION
FRAME is red (active selection) to
change the function and set the
desired value
DISPLAY
Dimmer in 4 step:
Full, 50%, 25%, OFF
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL
DS-10 is supplied with a Gold Note remote control to help you conveniently operate the DAC without even
touching the knob located on the frontal panel.
With the remote control you can fully access every function just like you would when using the knob.
The GN remote control can be used to control more than one unit. To control each unit the correct mode must
be selected on the remote.
10

OVERVIEW DS-10 FEATURES
- select this input to use the streaming services, for music on local servers storage and airplay
- balanced input to connect additional sources from your system, like a professional CD Player
- input to connect additional sources (USB drive)
- input to connect additional sources (PC/MAC)
- digital inputs to connect additional sources, CD/TV
- digital inputs to connect additional sources, CD/TV
- share music from your phone or computer
NETWORK
AES
USB A type
USB B type
TOS 1, 2
COAX
BLUETOOTH
VOLUME
0 to 100
DISP
Turn the display ON / OFF
/ Dimmer.
When the display is OFF,
simply operate the knob or
the remote to turn it ON
again temporarily (timing
is 3 seconds)
PHONES/LINE OUT
Choose and select one
of the two listening
modes: Headphones
or Line out
AUDIO FORMAT
ENABLE FUNCTION
PRE = volume
DAC = fixed output
MUTE
HIGH - LOW
Browse and select one of the power output
options depending on your Headphones.
The possibility to choose the right
sensitivity allows matching any kind of
Headphones model.
HIGH = 5Watt / LOW = 1Watt
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
DS-10 was developed using proprietary technologies and features designed to offer the best audiophile
sound quality but also to achieve ease of use and versatility in order to always deliver a great performance
with a large variety of loudspeakers.
INPUT SELECTION
PRESET 1/2/3
The message showed
on the display when
you select one of the
presets.
11

12
OFF
DS-10 is in standard mode
(factory setup)
SETUP
Push the rotary knob on the front panel
or the Enter key on the remote control
to access the PRESET menu
THE CHAMELEON DAC
Thanks to its 192 different setup options, DS-10 has the ability to completely blend in with different music genres,
giving the listener the opportunity to adapt the behaviour of the unit to the music playing, to one’s stereo system
and most of all to the listener’s taste.
The combination of Equalisation Curve (low pass filter), De-emphasis curve and Power give each device its
character and specific sonic profile as well as being the means by which a digital-analogue converter affects the
sound.
Other than the DACs on the market, equipped with only one sonic profile, DS-10 allows modifying and storing
these parameters in real time through 3 presets.
ACCESS THE PRESET MENU
To access the PRESET menu one can either use the remote control or the rotary knob on the front panel of the
DS-10.
- By remote control: use the left and right arrow keys to browse the various functions visible on the display. Select
the word SETUP and push the ENTER key (central key with GN logo) to confirm and access the PRESET menu.
- By rotary knob: turn the knob to browse the functions, select the word SETUP and push the knob to confirm and
access the PRESET menu.
SELECTABLE PARAMETERS

GREY COLOR
The parameter is selected and ready to
be modified.
BLUE COLOR
The changes made are confirmed. You
can select and modify a different
parameter or save the changes made to
the PRESET
PRESET 1-2-3
The changes made to the PRESETs remain stored even if
the DS-10 is turned OFF.
To use a PRESET previously modified simply select it on the
display and push the knob or the ENTER key on the remote
control to confirm the selection.
CUSTOMISE YOUR LISTENING
It’s really easy to select a PRESET and modify its parameters:
- By remote control: use the left and right arrow keys to browse the menu, push the ENTER key to select a
parameter. When the selected parameter turns grey it can be changed: use the arrow keys to increase or
decrease its value. Press the ENTER key to confirm the selected value. Repeat this operation for all parameters.
Select the word OK and press ENTER to save the changes. Select the word CANCEL to undo the changes and
return to the main screen.
- By rotary knob: turn the knob to browse the menu, push the knob to select a parameter. When the selected
parameter turns grey it can be changed turning the knob to increase or decrease its value. Press the knob to
confirm the selected value. Repeat this operation for all parameters. Select the word OK and press the knob to
save the changes. Select the word CANCEL and press the knob to undo the changes and return to the main
screen.
13
SELECTABLE PARAMETERS

CONTROL APP
repeat the whole track list
play the whole track list once
repeat the current track
TRACK LIST ORDER
random or sequential
PLAY TO
select the music player
SEEK
FAVORITES
folders and tracks
MUSIC
streaming services and local music
PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, SKIP
QUEUE
track list
DEVICE SETUP CONTROL PANEL
VOLUME
DOWNLOAD THE CONTROL APP
Scan the QR Code to download the iOS or Android DS-10 Remote Control App or search “GN Control” on App
Store or “Mconnect” on Google PlayStore.
ANDROID QR
CODE iOS QR CODE
IMPORTANT
To use Gold Note DS-10 Remote app, the
phone/tablet must be connected to the
same network of DS-10.
14
DS-10

CONTROL APP
DS-10
FIRMWARE UPDATE
If there is a new firmware update available, the app notifies it
WIFI STATIC IP ADDRESS SETUP
LAN STATIC IP ADDRESS SETUP
WIFI NETWORK SELECTION
Connect the device to a different Wi-Fi network
DEVICE NAME CHANGE
Rename the device on the network
DEVICE SETUP
15

CONTROL APP
DS-10
CONTROL PANEL
16
LINE OUT/PHONES PRE/DAC
HIGH/LOW
GAPLESS
ON/OFF
NETWORK, BLUETOOTH
COAX, AES/EBU,
TOS 1, TOS 2,
USB DAC, ANALOG*
(*ONLY ON DS-10 PLUS)
SETUP, PRESET 1,
PRESET 2, PRESET 3,
OFF
POWER ON/POWER OFF
VALUE AND VOLUME ADJUSTMENT

CONTROL APP
SORT TRACKS
Music tracks in a folder can be sorted by track
number and track name.
It can be applied even for each folder.
CLOUD SETUP
enable and disable:
- STREAMING SERVICES
- CLOUD SERVICES
CLOUD SETUP
In CLOUD SETUP you will be able to turn ON/OFF all the streaming services available on DS-10 as:
TIDAL ,QOBUZ,DEEZER,VTUNER, SPOTIFY, MQA, ROON. You will also be able to turn ON/OFF the cloud storage services as:
DROPBOX and ONEDRIVE.
17

CONTROL APP
PLAY TO AND MUSIC
MUSIC
In the "Browser" tab choose the source of the music:
STREAMING SERVICES
Deezer | TIDAL | MQA | Qobuz | Roon | Spotify | VTuner
CLOUD STORAGE SERVICES
Dropbox | OneDrive
LOCAL SERVERS
Network NAS and UPnP/DLNA services
USB flash drives are listed as "DS-10 Server"
PLAY TO
Select the "Play To" tab and then select DS-10.
Please be sure that the DS-10 is connected to the
same network the mobile device is using.
If the App doesn't show the DS-10 it is most likely
due to the fact the mobile device is connected to a
different network than the DS-10.
18

CONTROL APP
FAVORITES
Use this button to add folders
and tracks to your Favorites list.
The folder/tracks will be then
listed in the Favorites tab.
You can find the Favorites tab in
the bottom menu.
MY PLAYLISTS
New playlists can be created using
this button when you are in the My
Playlist screen. Use this tab to
manage your playlists, rename or
delete them.
You can create a new playlist also
while browsing music on Streaming
services and local servers.
If you don't want to create a new
Playlist, simply add the tracks to
the playback Queue.
CLOUD SETUP
19