Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe Headphone Amplifier Review
If you’re hunting for a headphone amplifier that combines unadulterated Class-A warmth with surgical detail and modern usability, welcome to our in-depth Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe Headphone Amplifier Review. This fully standalone unit integrates a premium AKM AK4493 DAC, Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX, USB-C input and a dual-mono Class-A analogue path—all wrapped in an elegant aluminium chassis. Ready to upgrade your headphone rig? Explore the Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe Headphone Amplifier product page for full specifications.

Design & Build Quality

The HP-10 Deluxe sports a precision-machined aluminium enclosure (200 × 80 × 260 mm; 3.5 kg net) available in Black, Silver or Gold anodised finishes. Its understated lines are accentuated by a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen and a tactile rotary volume knob, offering a seamless blend of form and function.

Finishes & Ergonomics

The Silver variant complements minimalist racks and bright interiors, while the Gold finish brings a refined touch to darker setups.

A close-up of the front panel reveals impeccable machining: the touchscreen UI is both responsive and intuitive, letting you navigate Studio settings in real time without any digital compromises.

Sound Performance

At its heart, the HP-10 Deluxe employs a Dual-Mono Class-A design with discrete analogue components, delivering 0.015% THD @ 1 kHz and a 110 dB SNR. The frequency response of 20 Hz–20 kHz ± 0.3 dB ensures you hear every nuance exactly as the artist intended.

Driving everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding planar-magnetic headsets, the variable gain and adjustable damping factor let you fine-tune output impedance and control. Gold Note’s Studio suite—implemented entirely in the analogue domain—includes:

• Crossfeed (4 modes) for natural 3D soundstaging
• Harman Curve equalisation optimised for headphone listening
• Superflat linear response for reference listening
• Phase switch (0/180°) and independent balance control

Features & Connectivity

The HP-10 Deluxe is built for versatility. Inputs include balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX and USB-C (PCM up to 768 kHz; DSD512 via AKM AK4493). Front-panel outputs cater to every headphone: 3.5 mm & 6.3 mm jacks, 4.4 mm Pentaconn and 4-pin XLR. Line outputs (RCA/XLR) double as a preamp stage, applying all Studio settings even when driving loudspeakers via the Bypass function.

Control is offered through the touchscreen, the aluminium knob or the multifunctional remote—perfect for adjusting levels from your favourite listening seat. Trigger In/Out ports allow the HP-10 Deluxe to synchronise power states with the rest of your system.

Who Should Consider the HP-10 Deluxe?

The Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe is ideal for:

• Discerning audiophiles with diverse headphone collections (dynamic, planar, electrostatic)
• Home studio engineers seeking a pure analogue front-end
• Music lovers who demand both power and finesse in one compact unit
• Anyone wanting to unify digital streaming and analogue sources in a single amplifier

If you’ve been searching for a headphone master that elevates every genre—jazz, classical, electronica—and handles high-impedance cans with ease, the HP-10 Deluxe delivers on every front.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Dual-Mono Class-A design for supreme purity and musicality
  • Extensive Studio suite: Crossfeed, Harman Curve, Superflat, DF, Phase
  • Premium AKM AK4493 DAC with USB-C and Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX
  • Four headphone outputs (3.5 mm, 6.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR)
  • Touchscreen, rotary knob and remote for flexible control
  • Bypass function and trigger I/O for seamless system integration
• Cons:
  • Touchscreen UI has a short learning curve (but offers powerful customisation)
  • At 3.5 kg, it’s solid but not featherweight—choose a sturdy rack

Elevating Your Listening Journey

The Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe Headphone Amplifier is a rare synthesis of analogue artistry and modern convenience. It empowers you to tailor every aspect of your headphone experience—from tonal shaping to soundstage depth—while maintaining rock-solid Class-A performance. Ready to transform your listening sessions? Speak with our expert team at 1300 308 711 or drop us a line at sales@theaudiotailor.com.au. Our specialists are here to help you choose the perfect setup for your ears and your space.