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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
bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
93 posts
 

I recently purchased the Gold Note DS-10 for a second system. had similar thoughts about combining the streamer and DAC. I am waiting on new speakers to arrive which I believe should be here in a couple of days. Once I’ve gotten things running, I’ll report back on my observations. 

Btw - I was also impressed by the favorable reviews. I’ve received the unit - along with the optional extra power supply - and it’s really nicely done. The design, visual appeal, and appealing tactile qualities impressed me right out of the box. I hope it sounds as good as it looks! 

69zoso69's avatar
69zoso69 OP
75 posts
 

@bluethinker 

Do you have the Gold Note gear in your system yet? 

I've been listening to the DS-10 EVO and PSU-10 EVO in my system for a couple days and compared to my Pontus there's a noticeable difference. Just wondering what you think of the Gold Note sound?

bluethinker66
42 posts
 

@69zoso69 

I just received speakers for my second system yesterday. I purchased Buchardt S400 MKii speakers driven by a Luxman 590axii integrated amp. As mentioned earlier, I've got the Gold Note DS-10 and Evo power supply too. 

I'm planning on getting things running over the next day or so. I'm looking forward to hearing what things sound like... 

What are your thoughts about Gold Note DS-10 and Evo power supply so far? 

I'd love to hear your perspective. 

69zoso69's avatar
69zoso69 OP
75 posts
 

Nice setup you got there! I bet that sounds fantastic.

To be completely honest the Gold Note (DS-10 EVO and EVO power supply) don't suit my tastes as much as my Bluesound Node2i and Pontus II (dac). I'm not saying one is clearly superior to the other, just a matter of personal preference.  

I tend to favor resolution/detail over "musical" or lush presentations. I get goose bumps listening through the Pontus, not so with the GN. Maybe that's because of the way the Pontus permeates the air with it's "live energy". The GN seems to soften the transients ever so slightly and the dynamics are slight compressed relative to the Pontus. 

Some argue that certain gear presents hyper-real information, which is not "real" vis-a-vie "musical".  I really get off on resolution, texture, and peering deep into the sonic minutia, and if that means the presentation is slightly tilted towards what those in the "musical" camp call hyperreal that's fine by me. 

The soundstage is the similar with perhaps the GN being slightly more expansive (width and depth). The tonal colors are the same, neither one darker or brighter in comparison to the other. The imaging, what I define as space or layering between instruments and/or notes, is a little better with the Pontus. These are not a huge differences but are clearly audible to my ear. By this I mean I think I'd easily pass blind A/B test.

I haven't played with any of the GN dac settings. I've just played through the stock setup. 

Well, that's my two cents.

 

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