DS 1000 EVO LINE

GoldNote DS-1000 Evo Line — reference streamer/DAC with integral line stage. Flagship network streaming DAC with dual AKM AK4493 converters, PCM 32/384kHz and DSD512, adding a Class A preamplifier stage with XLR/RCA analogue inputs and 6.3mm headphone output. Roon Ready with SNR 125dB and balanced XLR outputs for direct connection to power amplifiers. 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

Audiophiles wanting hi-fi+ DAC of the Year performance with balanced Line outputs; flagship digital streaming front-end buyers Audiophiles wanting hi-fi+ DAC of the Year performance with balanced Line outputs; flagship digital streaming front-end buyers Reference digital system: DS 1000 Evo Line + PSU-1250 + Tube-1012 + PA-1175 mkII (balanced connection) + XS-85

Awards & press

⭐ hi-fi+ DAC of the Year 2023 (Digital – DAC up to £10k) "The sound produced by Gold Note's flagship DAC is elegant and refined with good imagery, detail and dynamic shading." — hi-fi+ Awards 2023