Gold Note HP-10

[MightyDha]

Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe arrived today, I haven't come around to trying it yet but will share my impressions later on! I was originally looking into the Wandla HP but after comparing the two I opted for the Gold Note due to its vast feature set and 10W dual mono class A amp. I'm excited to try the variable gain feature to best match headphones. Everything about this unit happens in the analogue domain.

 

[salwani8888]

Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe arrived today, I haven't come around to trying it yet but will share my impressions later on! I was originally looking into the Wandla HP but after comparing the two I opted for the Gold Note due to its vast feature set and 10W dual mono class A amp. I'm excited to try the variable gain feature to best match headphones. Everything about this unit happens in the analogue domain.

Really keen to read your impressions and any comparisons esp on just the headphone amp side of it

 

[MightyDha]

I don't know where to begin but this unit is one hell of a beast, I can't even get the volume passed 50/60 and that is without the gain selected. The feature set is immense! The damping factor is a remarkable gamechanger and really opens up the sound with more extension whilst providing very taut and airy notes. The sound is already enveloping but with the crossfeed or damping factor enabled it really takes things up a huge notch and gives a more immersive and dynamic experience. I find it crazy how different each feature sounds when enabled as they all have their own characteristics. You can mix and match all its feature set to create your own unique sound profile and the fact that it all happens in the analogue domain is just beyond me.

The harman curves are also very satisfying to listen to with all kinds of genres and recordings. I couldn't find much detail online but when directly communicating with the Gold Note team, they explained what each feature does to the sound when enabled which I'll list below.

Best of all, the sound is very detailed, crisp, and precise without ever sounding too harsh or rough around the edges. This is a very well structured Class A dual mono amp that you can make sound cold, neutral or warm and despite its vast operation the unit stays very cool and never gets hot. The HP-10 Deluxe really is a joy to listen to! other manufacturers should learn from this and shift their priorities to incorporating new feature sets rather than chasing peak neutrality beyond the listeners capabilities (unless you're a cat or dog). I believe well built dacs have already peaked and all just comes down to implementation that gives manufactures their different sound signatures, but with this unit you can have it all. I have now stopped the endless hours researching dac/amps after acquiring the HP-10 Deluxe and have called it a day. The dac/amp chasing merrier-go-round has certainly come to an end for me. Even just getting the HP-10 alone and using an external dac will do wonders as the vast feature set is just too good to miss out on. Needless to say its only been a day and have been excited to share my thoughts on this powerhouse. I must also emphasise that the bass presence this unit exerts is very pleasing and visceral, with plenty of low end grunt and noticeable amounts of definition and separation. The so-called endgame sound has been warranted.


Harman Balance (Harman H) → Optimizes tonal balance, making the response more linear without altering the headphone’s sound signature. Perfect for models with inconsistencies in the mid and high frequencies.
Harman Clarity (Harman M) → Enhances transparency and detail in the mid-high frequencies, improving definition without introducing artificial brightness. Ideal for headphones with an unrefined or slightly veiled high range.
Harman Depth (Harman L) → Improves the extension and depth of low frequencies without bloating the sound or compromising definition. Perfect for those who want more articulated and controlled bass without excessive emphasis.
Each mode can be activated individually or combined, allowing the user to fine-tune the sound without introducing invasive effects or tonal compromises.

Adjustable Damping Factor
The Damping Factor represents the ratio between the amplifier’s impedance and the headphone’s impedance, directly affecting driver control and transient response.
High Damping Factor → Delivers a faster, more controlled sound with tight and detailed bass. Ideal for large-driver or low-sensitivity headphones requiring high precision and power to avoid unwanted resonances.
Low Damping Factor → Provides a warmer, more natural sound with fuller bass and a smoother presentation. Perfect for lightweight coil headphones and listeners who prefer a relaxed, enveloping sound.
A high Damping Factor is like having stiff suspension on a sports car, offering greater precision and responsiveness, while a low Damping Factor is akin to a softer suspension, delivering a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Crossfeed in the HP-10: 4 Levels of Adjustment
The HP-10 offers four different Crossfeed levels, allowing adjustments to three key parameters for a more natural sound experience:
Intensity of channel mixing
Controls how much of the left channel is blended into the right and vice versa.
Higher values bring the experience closer to speaker listening.
Time delay
Simulates the natural propagation of sound in a real environment.
Introduces a slight delay between channels to recreate spatial perception similar to a listening room.
Frequency response of the blending
Prevents unwanted coloration of the sound caused by the introduction of Crossfeed.

Phase 0°/180° Setting
The phase switch allows you to invert the phase of the audio signal. Some recordings may have been recorded or mastered with an inverted phase, which can subtly affect the spatial imaging and depth of the soundstage. By toggling between 0° and 180°, you can determine which setting provides the most natural and coherent sound in your system. We recommend testing both positions with a familiar track to find the optimal setting for your setup.

SuperFlat Mode
Provides a fully linear frequency response, ensuring a completely neutral reproduction free from any coloration. The Super Flat mode bypass the control circuit, offering the most neutral and uncolored amplification possible. This allows the HP-10 Deluxe to deliver a signal with the least possible intervention, preserving the natural interaction with your headphones. The result is an ultra-linear sound signature that purists may appreciate.

The HP-10 is one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers on the market, effortlessly driving even the most demanding headphones, including the HiFiMan Susvara and RAAL-requisite SR1a

 

[Pharmaboy]

I don't know where to begin but this unit is one hell of a beast, I can't even get the volume passed 50/60 and that is without the gain selected. The feature set is immense! The damping factor is a remarkable gamechanger and really opens up the sound with more extension whilst providing very taut and airy notes. The sound is already enveloping but with the crossfeed or daming factor enabled it really takes things up a huge notch and gives a more immersive and dynamic experience. I find it crazy how different each feature sounds when enabled as they all have their own characteristics. You can mix and match all its feature set to create your own unique sound profile and the fact that it all happens in the analogue domain is just beyond me.

The harman curves are also very satisfying to listen to with all kinds of genres and recordings. I couldn't find much detail online but when directly communicating with the Gold Note team, they explained what each feature does to the sound when enabled which I'll list below.

Best of all, the sound is very detailed, crisp, and precise without ever sounding too harsh or rough around the edges. You can make this unit sound cold, neutral or warm and despite its vast operation the unit stays very cool and never gets hot. The HP-10 Deluxe really is a joy to listen to! other manufacturers should learn from this and shift their priorities to incorporating new feature sets rather than chasing peak neutrality beyond the listeners capabilities (unless you're a cat or dog). I believe well built dacs have already peaked and all just comes down to implementation that gives manufactures different sound signatures, but with this unit you can have it all. I have now stopped the endless hours researching dac/amps after acquiring the HP-10 Deluxe and have called it a day. The dac/amp chasing merrier-go-round has certainly ended for me. Even just getting the HP-10 alone and using an external dac will do wonders as the vast feature set is just too good to miss out on. Needless to say its only been a day and have been excited to share my thoughts on this powerhouse. I must also emphasise that the bass presence this unit exerts is very pleasing and lively with plenty of low end grunt and noticeable amounts of definition and separation.


Harman Balance (Harman H) → Optimizes tonal balance, making the response more linear without altering the headphone’s sound signature. Perfect for models with inconsistencies in the mid and high frequencies.
Harman Clarity (Harman M) → Enhances transparency and detail in the mid-high frequencies, improving definition without introducing artificial brightness. Ideal for headphones with an unrefined or slightly veiled high range.
Harman Depth (Harman L) → Improves the extension and depth of low frequencies without bloating the sound or compromising definition. Perfect for those who want more articulated and controlled bass without excessive emphasis.
Each mode can be activated individually or combined, allowing the user to fine-tune the sound without introducing invasive effects or tonal compromises.

Adjustable Damping Factor
The Damping Factor represents the ratio between the amplifier’s impedance and the headphone’s impedance, directly affecting driver control and transient response.
High Damping Factor → Delivers a faster, more controlled sound with tight and detailed bass. Ideal for large-driver or low-sensitivity headphones requiring high precision and power to avoid unwanted resonances.
Low Damping Factor → Provides a warmer, more natural sound with fuller bass and a smoother presentation. Perfect for lightweight coil headphones and listeners who prefer a relaxed, enveloping sound.
A high Damping Factor is like having stiff suspension on a sports car, offering greater precision and responsiveness, while a low Damping Factor is akin to a softer suspension, delivering a smoother and more comfortable ride.

SuperFlat Mode
Provides a fully linear frequency response, ensuring a completely neutral reproduction free from any coloration

Wow, these observations are fascinating.

You're really helping any/all of us who are interested in this new device that has gotten very little publicity other that canned "product launch" announcements.

Dumb question: do you have to select one of the 3 Harman curve options? Of is there a default setting that (presumably) sounds a bit different than the H, M, or L settings?

 

[MightyDha]

Glad I could help!

And no you don't have to select any of the harman curves, you can enable them individually or altogether depending on the type of sound you wish to perceive. Each curve extends and smooths out the frequency ranges whether it be highs, mids, lows. This is especially good for poor or low quality recordings or headphones with less proficiency. I also look forward to snagging the PSU-10 Evo at some point.

All the settings sound different which makes this unit pretty unique. This amp will please anyone's ears. And I agree there isn't much information out there on this device/brand compared to others. When I spoke to Gold Note they mentioned they will be moving to all media channels quickly, so we will get to hear more about them in the near future.

I just noticed this review as well:
https://bestofhighend.com/gold-note-hp-10-deluxe-headphone-amplifier/

I certainly believe I have reached endgame sound with this. I am using it to drive the Focal Radiance and Arya Stealth. What headphones do you use? I will be looking into my next open back purchase in the near future.

 

[SolarCetacean]

Hmm, interesting... I have been considering the Wandla HP as the upgrade to the Erco Gen 2 in my desktop setup, but this Gold Note is compact enough to be practical on the desk (it has to share desk space with the LTA Z10e) while also including a lot of sound adjustment capabilities. And the power output might be useful too, though I'm more into electrostatics so I think the HP-10 will mostly serve as a DAC. If those EQ and crossfeed functions work over the line outputs, I'll be very intrigued. The lower price of $2400 is also quite compelling.

 

[Vozbujdenie]

Hello folks. Is there a balance control in this amp ? I am having a hearing issue with my right ear so I am looking for headphone amp with balance control .

 

[MightyDha]

Hmm, interesting... I have been considering the Wandla HP as the upgrade to the Erco Gen 2 in my desktop setup, but this Gold Note is compact enough to be practical on the desk (it has to share desk space with the LTA Z10e) while also including a lot of sound adjustment capabilities. And the power output might be useful too, though I'm more into electrostatics so I think the HP-10 will mostly serve as a DAC. If those EQ and crossfeed functions work over the line outputs, I'll be very intrigued. The lower price of $2400 is also quite compelling.

I believe you can. There's an option in the the menu "output rear" that can be selected. Or, you might be able to get away with the headphone amp alone to use as a preamp for your dac and electrostatic amp. Just email them first to make sure. But, I considered the deluxe version for its all-in-one space-saving convenience.

And I most definitely agree with you on the price! especially as it is handmade and feature rich. The craftmanship here is nothing like I've seen before! I am sure it uses the same dac implementation (if not better) as the DS-10 Evo which has been called "reference grade" by a few people online. This unit punches way above its asking price.

I was also considering the Wandla HP at first which is £3.3k, so I would've easily spent the same if not more for the Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe. It also has a mighty 10W of Class A power.

Hello folks. Is there a balance control in this amp ? I am having a hearing issue with my right ear so I am looking for headphone amp with balance control .

And yes, there is onboard channel balance that can be adjusted in the menu.

 

[Pharmaboy]

I believe you can. There's an option in the the menu "output rear" that can be selected. Or, you might be able to get away with the headphone amp alone to use as a preamp for your dac and electrostatic amp. Just email them first to make sure. But, I considered the deluxe version for its all-in-one space-saving convenience.

And I most definitely agree with you on the price! especially as it is handmade and feature rich. The craftmanship here is nothing like I've seen before! I am sure it uses the same dac implementation (if not better) as the DS-10 Evo which has been called "reference grade" by a few people online. This unit punches way above its asking price.

I was also considering the Wandla HP at first which is £3.3k, so I would've easily spent the same if not more for the Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe. It also has a mighty 10W of Class A power.


And yes, there is onboard channel balance that can be adjusted in the menu.

I have the manual and have been reading it. My primary interest in the HP-10 is as a system preamp, but if it's also a great headphone amp, even better.

Question for you (because you have hands on an HP-10 and have been generous enough to comment on it): Is the pot "stepped" (in the manner of pots that use discreet resistors at a given number of steps [ie, 24, 48, whatever])? Or is it non-stepped, thus allowing infinite degrees of adjustment?

I ask because I've found even the 128 resistor steps of my best amp/preamp, the Violectric V281, can seem rather granular and large at the very lowest volumes.

 

[MightyDha]

I have the manual and have been reading it. My primary interest in the HP-10 is as a system preamp, but if it's also a great headphone amp, even better.

Question for you (because you have hands on an HP-10 and have been generous enough to comment on it): Is the pot "stepped" (in the manner of pots that use discreet resistors at a given number of steps [ie, 24, 48, whatever])? Or is it non-stepped, thus allowing infinite degrees of adjustment?

I ask because I've found even the 128 resistor steps of my best amp/preamp, the Violectric V281, can seem rather granular and large at the very lowest volumes.

I'm not too sure about this one but what I can say is the graduation of volume does not affect the output quality. It stays extremely clean and precise from the lowest to highest volumes that I can tolerate, and I cannot get passed 50/60 until I start to wince and that is on low gain.

The team also sent me a pdf with over 120 headphones tested to take advantage of the HP-10's feature set if anyone wants to check out.
https://www.goldnote.it/download/media/products/HP-10/HP-10_Headphones_settings.pdf

 

[Pharmaboy]

I'm not too sure about this one but what I can say is the graduation of volume does not affect the output quality. It stays extremely clean and precise from the lowest to highest volumes that I can tolerate, and I cannot get passed 50/60 until I start to wince and that is on low gain.

The team also sent me a pdf with over 120 headphones tested to take advantage of the HP-10's feature set if anyone wants to check out.
https://www.goldnote.it/download/media/products/HP-10/HP-10_Headphones_settings.pdf

That's kind of amazing.

 

[MightyDha]

That's kind of amazing.

It's the attention to detail that continues to surprise me.

 

[Vozbujdenie]

Does anyone had a chance to compare it to ferrum oor?

 

[MightyDha]

The Ferrum Oor is not a true Class A amplifier so there is no comparison there. I was actually considering the Oor before, but after hearing reviews and impressions that its soundstage/signature is narrower compared to other high-end amps is what ultimately strayed me away from purchasing it.

If you want a powerful clean Class A amp without any features, then you should look into the Flux MENTOR or M-Field. But you can have that with the HP-10 along with the vast feature set.

 

[skraggy1981]

Damn, I would love one of those....

A few years back I demoed the DS 10 for a week or so. I was looking for a DAC and loved (still do, actually) my PH 10, so the DS 10 was high up on my list. I really wanted to love that unit but the DAC part of it and I never really clicked, so I went with the Yggy.

I did enjoy the DS 10's headphone amp a lot though, at least with the LCD2. I have been looking at solid state amps to complement my tube amp but was not considering anything above 1000$. I might make an exception for the Gold Note....