

Gold Note - CD-10 - CD Player Review: High-End CD Playback Reimagined
Gold Note - CD-10 - CD Player Review: High-End CD Playback Reimagined
Our Gold Note - CD-10 - CD Player Review kicks off with excitement — this compact high-end transport brings your entire CD library to life like never before. The moment you load a disc, press play and close your eyes, you’ll rediscover nuances you thought were lost to time. Ready to be captivated? Explore the CD-10 on our site or speak with our team for a personalised walkthrough on 1300 308 711.
Design & Build Quality
The CD-10’s chassis is crafted from thick, anodised aluminium available in Black, Silver and Gold finishes, each boasting a traditional brushed texture that feels both luxurious and robust. At just 200 mm wide and 80 mm tall, it slots effortlessly into a compact high-end system. The ultra-clear touchscreen display and precision rotary knob offer intuitive control, while the multifunctional remote adds seamless convenience.
Precision Mechanism & D/A Conversion
At the heart of the CD-10 is a high-precision loader by Stream Unlimited, engineered for minimal speed fluctuation (just 0.0001%) and optimal digital extraction. The pure digital bitstream is handed off to AKM’s flagship AK4493 D/A converter — a design choice we champion for its organic musicality, ultra-low distortion (THD of 0.001% max) and dynamic response of 127 dB. The result? A soundstage that’s both expansive and intimately detailed, with a noise floor so low (128 dB SNR) that even the subtlest decay is revealed.
Connectivity & Features
- Digital Inputs: 1× Coax S/PDIF & 1× TOS-Link (24-bit/192 kHz)
- Digital Outputs: 1× Coax S/PDIF & 1× TOS-Link (24-bit/192 kHz)
- Analogue Outputs: Unbalanced RCA & Balanced XLR (2 Vrms)
- Digital Volume Control: Switchable on/off
- Red Book CD, CD-R, CD-RW compatibility
This level of versatility makes the CD-10 a seamless hub in any digital system. Want to integrate an external DAC or plug into a friend’s rig? The CD-10 is happy to oblige.
Who Should Consider the Gold Note CD-10?
If you’re an audiophile with a treasured CD collection and you demand a source that unearths every micro-detail, the CD-10 is designed for you. It’s ideal for systems where space is at a premium but performance is non-negotiable. Whether you’re streaming from vinyl or digital files, the CD-10 elevates CDs back to the top of your playlist.
Upgrade Path: PSU-10 EVO Power Supply
For those chasing the ultimate in refinement, Gold Note offers the PSU-10 EVO external power supply. Fitting inductive dual-mono technology, the PSU-10 EVO further lowers the noise floor, improves transient response and imparts an even more lifelike tonal balance. Fancy hearing what that extra step can do? Give us a call on 1300 308 711 to arrange an audition.
Pros & Cons
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Pros:
- AKM AK4493 D/A converter delivers organic, highly detailed sound
- Ultra-low noise floor (128 dB SNR) reveals micro-details
- Precise CD mechanism with negligible speed fluctuation
- Compact, elegant aluminium chassis in three finishes
- Versatile digital inputs/outputs plus balanced XLR analogue out
- Optional PSU-10 EVO upgrade for even higher resolution
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Cons:
- No USB or network streaming inputs (focuses solely on CD and S/PDIF/TOS-Link)
- Remote control is functional but utilitarian in style
Why the CD-10 Stands Out
The Gold Note CD-10 is more than a CD transport; it’s a statement of intent. Every component—from the brushed anodised chassis to the AKM conversion stage—has been meticulously chosen to deliver the purest musical reproduction. If you’ve been on the hunt for a machine that rekindles your love for physical media, the CD-10 will have you revisiting old favourites with fresh ears.
Ready to elevate your CD listening experience? Discover the Gold Note CD-10 and chat with our experts at The Audio Tailor. We’re on 1300 308 711 or sales@theaudiotailor.com.au — let us tailor the perfect digital front end for your hi-fi passion.
