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Gold Note
Gold Note CD-5 AKM DAC
Gold Note CD-5 AKM DAC
Regular price
$2,320.00 AUD
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$2,320.00 AUD
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The Gold Note CD-5 is a high-fidelity CD player and integrated DAC that delivers accurate Red Book CD playback with tight timing and low noise. It pairs a precision CD transport with an AKM AK4493 D/A converter to reproduce PCM audio with measurable accuracy for your two-channel system.
If you struggle with noisy backgrounds, audible track gaps, limited outputs, or lack of balanced connectivity this helps: the CD-5 supports gapless Red Book playback, balanced XLR outputs plus RCA, and Coax S/PDIF and TOS-Link digital outputs so your system preserves timing dynamics and detail across tracks and formats.
- AKM AK4493 D/A converter for detailed PCM decoding
- Signal to Noise Ratio 124 dB and Dynamic Range 123 dB for low noise and wide dynamics
- THD 0.001% max and Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz ±0.3 dB for accurate tonal balance
- Balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs plus Coax S/PDIF and TOS-Link digital outputs for flexible integration
- Gapless playback compatible with CD CD-R CD-RW in Red Book format
- Touchscreen display, included remote, and optional PSU-10 EVO external power supply upgrade
Use the unit as your primary HiFi source or as a transport plus DAC feeding a preamplifier. Unlike transport-only players the CD-5 includes a high-performance DAC and balanced outputs so you can connect directly to a range of amplifiers without a separate converter. Specifications are factory-tested and conform to Red Book playback standards. If you need test reports or system compatibility guidance contact VinylHug for measured data and setup advice. Recommended for listeners who require verifiable performance and broad connectivity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gold Note CD-5 AKM DAC Player good for someone with a large CD collection?
Yes. The CD-5 is designed specifically for sustained, accurate playback of CD libraries because it combines a precision CD transport with an AKM AK4493 D/A converter that decodes PCM audio, supports Red Book standard CDs and CD-R/CD-RW media, and offers gapless playback to preserve album continuity. Measurable specifications such as 124 dB signal-to-noise ratio, 0.001% maximum THD, and a frequency response of 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.3 dB mean low noise and faithful tonal balance across tracks. Collectors and listeners who prioritize provenance and fidelity for existing discs benefit most. As a limitation, the CD-5 is focused on Red Book CD playback and does not replace a dedicated network streamer for online music services.
Will the CD-5 work as both a transport and a DAC in my two-channel system?
Yes. The CD-5 functions as an integrated transport plus DAC by pairing its precision CD transport with an AKM AK4493 converter, so it can output fully decoded analogue audio via XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced outputs. It also provides Coax S/PDIF and TOS-Link digital outputs if you prefer to use an external DAC or feed an AV processor. Measurable performance figures like 124 dB SNR and 0.001% THD support reliable analogue output quality. This makes the CD-5 ideal for two-channel systems where you want a single box to handle both transport and conversion. If your system already includes a very high-end external DAC, you can use the CD-5 as a transport-only source via its digital outputs.
How does the CD-5 handle noisy backgrounds and maintain dynamics?
The CD-5 is engineered to minimize background noise and preserve dynamics. It achieves a 124 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a dynamic response of 123 dB, which together reduce audible noise floor and allow strong contrast between quiet and loud passages. THD is specified at a maximum of 0.001%, and balanced XLR outputs further reduce interference and ground-related noise in systems with balanced wiring. Those who notice hiss, background hum, or compressed dynamics in lesser components will benefit most from these specifications. Keep in mind that room acoustics, cabling quality, and downstream amplification also influence perceived noise and dynamic performance.
Is the Gold Note CD-5 compatible with modern home audio systems and external DACs or receivers?
Yes. The CD-5 offers flexible connectivity for contemporary systems: XLR balanced and RCA analogue outputs for direct connection to preamplifiers or power amplifiers, plus Coax S/PDIF and TOS-Link digital outputs to feed external DACs, AV receivers, or processors. Its digital outputs let you integrate the transport into a larger ecosystem while its analogue outputs allow a standalone source role. The player conforms to Red Book standards for CD playback, ensuring reliable disc compatibility. This makes the CD-5 suitable for hybrid setups that combine physical media with modern electronics. Note that the unit does not include network streaming or wireless streaming features, so it is not a replacement for a network streamer in systems that require that functionality.
Can the CD-5 play CD-R and CD-RW discs and does it support gapless playback?
Yes. The Gold Note CD-5 is compatible with CD, CD-R, and CD-RW discs formatted to Red Book standards and it supports gapless playback to maintain uninterrupted transitions between tracks. This is useful for live albums, classical works, and concept albums where timing and continuous playback are important. The transport’s adherence to Red Book standards and factory-tested specifications ensures reliable disc reading and accurate timing. Users who archive or burn discs themselves and those who value seamless album reproduction benefit most from these features. As a limitation, discs not correctly authored to Red Book format may not play as intended.
What connectivity options does the CD-5 have and how do they affect sound quality?
The CD-5 provides XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced analogue outputs plus Coax S/PDIF and TOS-Link optical digital outputs. Balanced XLR outputs help reduce noise and interference in longer cable runs or systems with balanced inputs, often improving perceived clarity and stereo imaging. The analogue outputs deliver the player’s internal AKM AK4493 DAC’s decoded signal directly, while the digital outputs let you bypass the CD-5’s DAC and use an external converter if desired. Measured specifications such as 124 dB SNR and 0.001% THD describe the internal conversion quality. Audiophiles who need flexible integration options or who run systems with balanced inputs will gain the most. Systems lacking balanced inputs will use RCA with still-excellent measured performance.
How long will the CD-5 last or perform under regular home use?
The CD-5 is built for long-term use, with a precision transport and components factory-tested to Red Book playback standards to ensure reliable performance over time. Regular care such as keeping discs clean, avoiding extreme humidity or temperature, and occasional professional service of the transport mechanism will extend its working life. The player can also be upgraded with an optional PSU-10 EVO external power supply to reduce electronic stress and potentially improve longevity. Listeners who maintain their systems and use the player regularly for music playback will find durable service. Optical mechanisms do wear over many years and discs, so eventual laser replacement or servicing is a normal part of long-term ownership.
Will adding the optional PSU-10 EVO external power supply noticeably improve the CD-5's performance?
Yes, many users report audible and measurable improvements when using a high-quality external power supply. The PSU-10 EVO reduces power-related noise and offers cleaner, more stable voltage to the transport and DAC circuits, which can lower the noise floor and improve dynamics and detail retrieval. Since the CD-5 already has a 124 dB SNR and 0.001% THD, an external supply can help systems reach that specification more consistently and reveal subtle gains in resolution and musical timing. Audiophiles and systems that are power-sensitive or revealing will benefit most from this upgrade. The degree of improvement is system-dependent and subjective, so auditioning the upgrade in your setup is recommended.
Does the CD-5 support balanced connections to amplifiers and preamplifiers?
Yes. The Gold Note CD-5 includes XLR balanced analogue outputs in addition to RCA unbalanced outputs, allowing direct connection to amplifiers and preamplifiers that accept balanced inputs. Balanced connections reduce susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and ground loop issues, which can result in lower noise and cleaner channel separation, particularly in longer cable runs. The internal AKM AK4493 D/A conversion drives these outputs with measured specifications such as 124 dB SNR and 0.001% THD that describe its low-noise performance. Systems with balanced-capable preamps or integrated amplifiers benefit most. If your amplifier lacks balanced inputs, the RCA outputs provide excellent unbalanced performance.
How does the CD-5 perform compared to using a transport-only player plus a separate external DAC?
The CD-5 provides the convenience and integration of a combined transport and AKM AK4493 DAC, delivering onboard analogue outputs and balanced XLR connectivity in one chassis. This reduces component count, cable runs, and potential digital transmission issues while offering measured performance such as 124 dB SNR and 0.001% THD. Using a dedicated transport plus a separate high-end DAC can offer greater flexibility and the possibility of superior conversion if the external DAC is significantly higher spec. The CD-5 is ideal for listeners who want a high-quality, compact solution with verified specifications and flexible outputs. If you already own or plan to buy a top-tier external DAC, you can still use the CD-5 as a transport via its digital outputs.