Gold Note HP-10 - Premium Headphone Amplifier & DAC

The HP-10 is our brand-new high-end headphone amplifier for demanding audiophiles. It features a symmetrical dual-mono Class-A design that preserves signal purity and delivers exceptional audio quality. Thanks to its 4 headphone outputs, extensive features, and strong output power, it supports every type of headphone.

The audio path is fully analog and built with high-quality discrete components. All settings are made in real time in the analog domain. By combining top-tier audio quality, versatile connectivity options, and unique features, the HP-10 is an excellent amplifier at an unbeatable price.

The HP-10 features a touchscreen display with an intuitive user interface that allows quick adjustments and especially easy operation. The HP-10 is ideal for all high-end systems and offers incredible options like 4 crossfeed modes for a natural 3D soundstage, Harman curve equalization, variable gain and damping factor, as well as a 0/180° phase switch.

The device is available in three different models – with additional digital inputs such as Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 BT) and a premium DAC with USB-C input (HP-10 Deluxe) for a fully standalone device.

Models

HP-10

Classic headphone amplifier with analog inputs. Just connect your sources and headphones, it's that simple.

HP-10 BT

Analog inputs and digital inputs (Bluetooth aptX HD 5.1) with integrated DAC (ESS Sabre). Connect your sources or stream directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth.

HP-10 DELUXE

Analog inputs and digital inputs (Bluetooth aptX HD 5.1, USB-C) with premium DAC (AKM AK4493). Connect your sources or stream directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth and USB-C.

REMOTE CONTROL, TOUCHSCREEN, AND ROTARY KNOB

The HP-10 can be controlled via the included remote control, the touchscreen display, and the rotary knob to provide the best possible experience. With the remote control, you can make all adjustments while comfortably sitting in your favorite spot and listening to your headphones.

The HP-10 features a Trigger IN/OUT port that allows you to synchronize the rest of your system to power on with the headphone amplifier.

BYPASS

In a system consisting of multiple components including a preamplifier, the HP-10's bypass function allows the system wiring to remain unchanged and lets you use either the HP-10 or the preamplifier for speaker listening.

The bypass function is automatically activated by selecting one of the 4 headphone outputs (not the REAR output) on the HP-10 and then putting the device into standby mode (red LED) by holding the SKC or Display button for 3 seconds or pressing the power button on the remote control.

Please note: For the bypass to function correctly, the source and preamplifier connected to the HP-10 must use the same wiring type (RCA/XLR).

EXPLORING THE FEATURES

The HP-10 has an incredible wealth of features that allow you to fully customize your listening experience and opens a new era for headphone enthusiasts.

Studio is our innovative feature package that takes your headphone to the next level and is fully analog implemented to deliver the best audio quality.

• Crossfeed mixes the L/R channels to create a soundstage as if listening to speakers.
• Harman Curve optimizes the EQ for headphone listening.
• Superflat linearizes the frequency response in the treble range.
• DF perfectly adjusts the damping factor to your headphone.

With Balance, you can adjust the volume of the L/R channels to ensure a personalized listening experience according to your needs. This is an important feature because headphone drivers are difficult to perfectly match.

All models feature balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs. The HP-10 BT also includes Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX. The HP-10 DELUXE offers, in addition to Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX, a digital USB-C input. The digital inputs of the BT and DELUXE models allow you to stream your music directly from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

A wide range of outputs allows you to use the HP-10 with your favorite headphones – unbalanced (3.5 mm, 6.3 mm) and balanced (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR) connectors are available on the front.
You can also select the line outputs to send audio signals to the RCA/XLR outputs and use the HP-10 as a line preamplifier, with all studio settings retained.

To offer you maximum flexibility, you can play audio in stereo or mono. In stereo playback, you can also swap the L/R channels. In mono, you can choose whether to hear the sum of the channels (L+R) or just one of the channels (L or R).

Specifications

• HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER: Class-A Dual/Mono
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz-20kHz ± 0.3dB
• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) + N: 0.015% @ 1kHz
• SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio): 10dB
• D/A CONVERTER: ESS ES9023 (HP-10 BT)AKM AK4493 (HP-10 DELUXE)
• BLUETOOTH: 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 DELUXE, HP-10 BT)
• CROSSFEED: Adjustable(Full spectrum or bass/mid/treble)
• ANALOG EQ: Harman curve, superflat
• DAMPING FACTOR: Adjustable (High/Low)
• PHASE: Adjustable (0/180)
• IR RECEIVER: For multifunctional remote controls
• HEADPHONE OUTPUT POWER: 10W Maximum