Gold Note IS-10 All-In-One Integrated Amplifier

The Gold Note IS-10 is the most complete expression of Gold Note's compact electronics range — a single component of extraordinary breadth that integrates a 90W per channel integrated amplifier, a high-resolution DAC supporting PCM up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256, a cutting-edge network streamer, and an audiophile headphone preamplifier into a chassis of Gold Note's characteristic Italian precision and understated visual authority. It is not a compromise product — it is a deliberate and principled act of engineering integration, conceived for the listener who wants a system of genuinely high-end musical performance without the complexity and signal path length of a multi-component installation. The IS-10 does not merely simplify the analogue and digital replay chain; it elevates every stage of it — and in doing so sets a new standard for what an all-in-one component can achieve.

90W Integrated Amplifier — And a Path to 280W Mono

The IS-10's integrated amplifier section delivers 90W into 8Ω in stereo — a power output of considerable authority that drives the great majority of loudspeaker designs with ease, composure, and the dynamic headroom that musically demanding programme material demands. For those whose system ambitions extend further still, the IS-10 is designed to operate as a monoblock when partnered with a Gold Note PA-10 power amplifier — a pairing in which the IS-10's "Mono R" output and rear panel "M" button, combined with the MONO selection in the display menu, configure the combination as a single monoblock amplifier of 280W into 8Ω. It is an upgrade path of remarkable elegance: one that transforms the IS-10 from a self-contained all-in-one into the control heart of a genuinely high-power monoblock system, without requiring the replacement of a single component already purchased.

High-Resolution DAC — AKM AK4493, PCM and DSD

The IS-10's digital-to-analogue conversion is accomplished by an AKM AK4493 converter — a device of outstanding specification that handles PCM signals to 32bit/384kHz and DSD to DSD256, placing its resolution ceiling far above the requirements of any currently available streaming or local file source. Digital inputs include two TOS-Link optical connections and one RCA coaxial connection — both asynchronous to 24bit/192kHz — alongside a USB-A port capable of handling DSD256 and PCM to 32bit/384kHz from a connected storage device formatted in FAT32 or NTFS. The consequence is a DAC section of reference-class specification within a component whose price and compact dimensions give no indication of the conversion quality it contains — one that retrieves the finest resolution detail from every digital source it is presented with and delivers it to the amplifier stage with complete transparency and authority.

Network Streamer — Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Spotify and More

The IS-10's network streaming capability is among the most comprehensive available in any integrated amplifier or all-in-one component at this price — a fully featured, high-resolution streaming platform that supports Roon, Tidal, Tidal Connect, MQA, Qobuz, Spotify, Deezer, and vTuner via LAN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi connectivity is dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac — supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks — while Bluetooth 5.0 High-Definition provides wireless audio connection at the highest quality the standard supports. Local library playback from a NAS or USB flash drive is fully supported, as is UPnP and DLNA media server compatibility — making the IS-10 equally at home as the digital hub of a network-streaming system or as a standalone local playback device. The GN Control App — available free for iOS and Android — provides comprehensive remote control of every streaming and system function, while Tidal Connect allows the IS-10 to be driven directly from the Tidal app without the need for an additional control layer.

Headphone Preamplifier — 6.3mm Output with Dual Sensitivity

The IS-10's headphone output is not an afterthought — it is a proprietary design of genuine audiophile intent, featuring a 6.3mm professional-standard connection and two independently selectable sensitivity levels (High and Low) that allow the IS-10 to drive headphones of any impedance and sensitivity characteristic with the correct output level and damping factor. The dual sensitivity design — developed by Gold Note specifically for this application — ensures that high-sensitivity in-ear monitors and low-sensitivity over-ear headphones alike are driven with the precision and control that headphone listening at this level demands, delivering a headphone experience of directness, transparency, and musical authority that dedicated headphone amplifiers of comparable cost cannot consistently match.

Connectivity, Control, and Multi-Room

The IS-10 offers analogue inputs via two RCA unbalanced pairs — allowing connection of a CD player, turntable (via a suitable phono stage such as the Gold Note PH-10), or any other line-level source — alongside its comprehensive digital and network input suite. Multi-room operation is fully supported: the IS-10 is plug-and-play compatible with Roon multi-room architectures and AirPlay — allowing it to operate as part of a whole-home audio system of genuine high-resolution quality. The IS-10 can be controlled via the included remote control, the GN Control App, or the SKC front panel control system — all three providing access to the intuitive display menu that allows fine adjustments to be made quickly and without interrupting playback.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The IS-10 is for the music lover who wants a system of genuinely high-end analogue and digital performance in a single, elegantly resolved component — one who values the quality of what they hear above the complexity of what they assemble, and who understands that a component of this engineering ambition does not require a rack of separates to justify its place in a serious system. It is equally compelling as a standalone all-in-one and as the foundation of a more ambitious Gold Note system — particularly for those who want to explore the monoblock upgrade path via the Gold Note PA-10, or who want to add a quality analogue source via the Gold Note PH-10 phono stage.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. We can demonstrate the IS-10 in our Norwich showroom — streaming, playing digital files, and driving a quality pair of loudspeakers — so you can hear precisely what this component achieves in a properly configured system. When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris and Tim — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system.

Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.