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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
bluethinker66
42 posts
 

@69zoso69 - Thanks for your perspective! 

I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum, desiring a relaxing, warmer and less detailed presentation. I like my music to be like a good bourbon and intimate conversation - warm and relaxing. The Luxman is pretty neutral in it's presentation, so I'm hoping the Buchardt speakers, known for being a bit warm, along with the Gold Note DS-10 DAC can give me the tall glass of music I seek. 

I'll let you know once I get the music up and running this weekend! 

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,135 posts
 

Wrong forum.

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

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