DS 1000 EVO

GoldNote DS-1000 Evo — reference network streamer and DAC. Flagship network streaming DAC with dual AKM AK4493 converters supporting PCM 32bit/384kHz and DSD512 natively. Roon Ready certified with SNR 125dB, balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. Compatible with Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and UPnP/DLNA protocols; upgradeable with PSU-1250 and TUBE-1012.

Technical background

GoldNote streaming DACs run an embedded Linux platform supporting Roon Ready, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, AirPlay and UPnP/DLNA simultaneously. The AKM AK4493 DAC chip (or dual AK4493 in mono-mode for 1000-series) supports PCM 32-bit/384kHz and DSD512, achieving SNR 125–130dB. A discrete Class A output stage processes the final signal in the analogue domain, giving GoldNote DACs a musical warmth rarely found in purely digital designs.

Design story

The DS-1000 Evo and DS-10 Evo were designed as complete digital hubs — not just streamers — with a discrete Class A output stage that processes the final signal entirely in the analogue domain. This gives GoldNote DACs a musical warmth and three-dimensionality rarely found in purely digital designs; hi-fi+ described the DS-1000 Evo as 'the antithesis of that strident, aggressive digital sound', and awarded the DS-10 Evo DAC/Streamer of the Year 2022.

Best for

Streaming and network audio enthusiasts building a high-end digital front end; listeners wanting refined, non-fatiguing DAC/streamer performance Streaming and network audio enthusiasts building a high-end digital front end with Italian analogue refinement Reference streaming system: DS 1000 Evo + Tube-1012 + PSU-1250 + P-1000 mkII + PA-1175 mkII + XS-85

Awards & press

⭐ N/A "It's the antithesis of that strident, aggressive digital sound, and yet it doesn't deliver that effortless sound through softening its presentation." — Alan Sircom, Enjoy the Music, October 2023