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Pontus II + Node 2i - VS - Gold Note DS-10 Plus

Hello fellow audiophiles,

I want to add a preamp between my Pontus + Node2i and my Atma Sphere Class-D mono blocks. 

Then the thought recently occurred to me that I could consolidate and purchase a Preamp/DAC/Streamer combo. I've heard some favorable reviews of the Gold Note DS-10 Plus but I'd like to hear impressions from those of you that have heard it in your rig. 

My gear is arrayed atop a 1.5" slab of blue granite on the floor (on anti-vibration feet) and I love the clean simple minimalist look of it. So does my wife. I'm usually a separates guy but I'm running out of room. I'm loathe to vertical with a rack. So the idea of consolidating where I can is now a high priority, without taking a backseat to sonics. 

Thanks in advance for your helpful advice (hopefully based on your actual experience with the Gold Note).   

128x12869zoso69
69zoso69's avatar
69zoso69 OP
75 posts
 

@bluethinker66 

I can appreciate your preference my friend, my wife shares the same desire for a more warm relaxing presentation. I've heard good things about the Merason Dac1, which may be to your liking. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSB_YrYYWW4&t=25s

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2020/10/04/merason-dac-1-review/

 

bluethinker66
42 posts
 

@m669326 - So I got the Gold Note DS-10 running last night along with the new Buchardt s400 MKii speakers and Luxman 590axii with Revelation Labs Interconnect and LessLoss speaker cables. 

As with anything, one has to consider system synergy, but I'm blown away by the sound the above system is producing. The Gold Note DS-10 DAC is a stone cold winner - lush and musical. 

I actually have the Merason DAC1 in my living room system, which I've enjoyed for a year! However, I'm finding, at least at first blush, that I might prefer the Gold Note DS-10. It's less detailed than the Merason, but feels equally musical, but with more warmth. Maybe it's these Buchardt speakers that have such a warm presentation? 

69zoso69's avatar
69zoso69 OP
75 posts
 

I had the Billy first addition. The Mark II is getting rave reviews from YouTubers.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/heaven-11-and-buchardt-audio

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
87 posts
 

Do you still have the Buchardt speakers? 

I see why the s400 mkii speakers have gotten such great reviews. They just make anything they play sound good. They are just incredibly warm and expansive on the bass frequencies.  

mpomerantz
95 posts
 

I am considering consolidating my DAC and streamer to create some needed space.  Currently using Bricasti M3 and M5 which are nice, but frankly not as nice as my Lector CD player.  

Does the Gold Note DAC have tonal density?  I read a review which described it as airy and a bit thin or light.  Wonder if that might not be system dependent.

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