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Went to the dark side

I'm not really an analog zealot, although my high end, audiophile world was analog only — until now. I finally decided to take the plunge and get into digital with a dac/streamer. I had held off mostly due to being bewildered by all the choices and  different approaches to fine tuning a digital system.

Well, I finally took the plunge before the holidays and thanks to everyone here and specifically @mdalton I decided to go with the Gold Note DS-10 (and a DH Labs Reunion ethernet cable). I am super happy with it. It's a joy to have access to so much more music and to include my family in it. 

No, it doesn't match my analog front-end. But that wasn't to be expected, as I have an order of magnitude more invested in it. 

However, I know it can get better. I know the Gold Note isn't new or anything flashy. But, man, is it satisfying. I look forward to adding Stack Audio Smoothlan Regenerator and the optional external power supply. 

Anyhow, just wanted to say: I went to the dark side — and I like it, like it, yes I do!

jpan
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,664 posts
 

Have you not heard: There is no dark side.....matter of fact, it's all dark!!

It is the mastering that matters. As long as you enjoy the music - that is all that matters. Welcome and have fun! 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,417 posts
 

Congratulation!

You may find like I did, it is a completely different world and get the urge to equal or best the sound quality of your analog rig. You can do this now... and once you do, there is no going back. It is like audio goes from black and white to color as so much music becomes available and it is so easy to access. 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,693 posts
 

Congratulations !!!! Goldnote is a fantastic brand and provides great opportunities within the line to upgrade to a well built and affordable linear power supply - strongly recommend that :-) stack is also high value/ well executed gear and they now have order fulfillment in Michigan USA.

best in Music to you

lance348
4 posts
 

I have a Gold Note DS-10 streamer/DAC with the Gold Note PSU 10 EVO power supply and they are a very musical and engaging digital front end with made in Italy build quality and aesthetics. I recently did extensive A-B comparisons at my local McIntosh dealer between my Gold Note streamer DAC and the new McIntosh DS-200 streaming DAC, through McIntosh amplification with McIntosh and Dynaudio speakers. Neither I nor my sales person could hear any audible difference in sound quality between the two.
 

I went ahead and opted to get a Macintosh DS 200 to match my other McIntosh components, and not because of any difference in SQ (to the contrary, with blind listening I could not hear a difference, and I have good hearing). If anyone is interested in the Gold Note streamer/DAC and PSU, in perfect condition with all boxes and papers, please reach out to me.

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