Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe Headphone Amplifier Review: A Powerhouse for Audiophiles

Explore the unmatched flexibility and rich sound of the Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe headphone amplifier, designed to elevate your listening experience.

When it comes to companies crafting entire audio systems—from turntable stylus to speaker cone—Gold Note stands apart. This brand not only excels in analog but also masters digital domains with equal flair. Among their sophisticated offerings, the HP-10 headphone amplifier shines as a prime example of versatility and sonic excellence.

A Closer Look at the HP-10: More Than Meets the Eye

At first glance, the Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe might seem like any conventional headphone amplifier. The rear sports audio inputs, while the front boasts an array of headphone outputs: 3.5mm and 6.35mm single-ended, plus 4.4mm and four-pin XLR balanced connections. But dive deeper, and you find a machine packed with features that make it a rare gem.

What’s especially cool is the HP-10 comes in three versions:

• The classic HP-10 with analog inputs only
• HP-10 BT adding Bluetooth connectivity
• HP-10 Deluxe, the star here, which includes Bluetooth plus a USB audio input

This lineup gives audiophiles tailored options depending on their setup and needs.

Not So Simple After All

Despite the “simple” label on the classic HP-10, this device is anything but. Front and center sits a touchscreen display—a bit unexpected for a device centered on headphone amplification, but absolutely necessary given its remarkable customization options.

You can switch inputs and outputs easily, and there’s a handy balance adjustment for hearing quirks. But it’s the next level of controls that truly impress:

• Mono listening options (sum of L+R, or just L or R channel)
• Stereo channel reversal
• A “Studio” suite offering four crossfeed settings, which help create a more natural headphone listening experience by blending channels for less fatigue
• Harman curve equalization settings, including a “Superflat” mode to linearize headphone response
• Adjustable damping factor to tweak sound tightness

To top it all off, you can build and save profiles—for different headphones, users, or musical genres—making this amp a truly personalized listening companion.

Compact and refined, the HP-10 combines sophistication with user-friendly design.

Connectivity and Build: Small Package, Big Ambitions

The HP-10 features both RCA and XLR analog inputs and outputs that can serve as a bypass for routing signals to multiple devices. The HP-10 BT enhances this with a Sabre ESS DAC supporting Bluetooth with Apt-X, while the Deluxe model adds a USB-C input powered by an AKM4493 DAC chip.

This means the Deluxe isn’t just a headphone amp—it can function as a high-grade DAC capable of handling PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 files. Impressive for a half-width chassis that looks businesslike yet compact.

Build quality is top-notch, with a sleek metal case and a remote control that can navigate all functions—including the complex Studio menu. No more constant trips to the unit when adjusting volume or toggling settings!

Precision craftsmanship meets practical design in the HP-10’s chassis and controls.

Power Upgrade Option

While the standard HP-10 draws power from a rear IEC socket, audiophiles seeking even better performance can opt for the PSU-10 power supply upgrade. It’s a significant investment—around $1,500 extra—but delivers four dedicated transformers and an inductive filter for cleaner, more stable power.

Sound Performance: Dive Into Detail

Admittedly, the HP-10’s sound profile is highly customizable, which can make initial impressions vary wildly. Our review sample arrived with some preset gain and EQ settings that didn’t quite do justice to the Focal Clear MG headphones we paired it with—they sounded a bit overblown and heavy.

Once we reset settings to flat, applied “Crossfeed 2,” and engaged the “Damping” feature, everything clicked. The Focal Clear MGs, not the most power-hungry cans, were driven with ease—volume never exceeding 45 out of 99 steps.

What struck us first was how much detail the HP-10 pulled from the music. Take the Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique—a dense album packed with layers of samples and rapid-fire lyrics. The HP-10 made it effortless to pick apart the interplay without losing the overall groove.

Classic Hi-Fi Meets Modern Magic

Switching gears to Agnes Obel’s Philharmonics, the HP-10 showed off excellent tonal balance and dynamics, especially in the piano’s restrained but emotive force. Bass extension was notably better than many headphone amps we’ve tested, and the damping control kept the sound tight and lively, never sluggish.

The crossfeed function deserves special mention. It creates a more natural soundstage that places vocals and instruments in front of you rather than shouting into each ear separately. Mazzy Star’s So Tonight That I Might See, especially the track “Into Dust,” comes alive with Hope Sandoval’s intimate vocals floating in space—a rare treat for headphone listeners.

The intuitive interface and versatile features make the HP-10 a joy to use.

DAC Comparisons and Final Thoughts

Though the internal DAC on the HP-10 Deluxe is solid, some users with high-end digital setups might prefer to stick with an external DAC. For instance, pairing the HP-10 with a Chord Electronics Hugo Mscaler DAC and TT2 DAC brought even more soundstage depth and tonal refinement.

But here’s the kicker: the HP-10’s headphone amplifier section outperformed the TT2 when used as a headphone amp itself—proving that Gold Note’s engineering shines brightest where it counts most.

Ultimately, the HP-10’s numerous adjustable settings mean you can craft a sound signature tailored exactly to your taste or headphone model. That flexibility alone puts it in the “one size fits all” category—rare in the audio world.

Gold Note might spread their resources over many categories, but they still know how to deliver a winner.

Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe Specs & Pricing

• Headphone Amplifier: Class-A Dual/Mono
• Analog Inputs: 1x unbalanced RCA (5 Vrms max), 1x balanced XLR (8 Vrms max)
• Digital Inputs: 1x USB-C up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz (HP-10 Deluxe), 1x Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 Deluxe, HP-10 BT)
• Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm jack (unbalanced), 6.3mm jack (unbalanced), 4.4mm jack (balanced), 4-pin XLR (balanced)
• Line Outputs: 1x unbalanced RCA, 1x balanced XLR
• Headphone Power Output: 10W Max
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ± 0.3dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.015% @ 1kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 110dB
• DACs: AKM AK4493 (HP-10 Deluxe), Sabre ES9023 (HP-10 BT)
• Bluetooth: 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 Deluxe, HP-10 BT)
• Crossfeed: Adjustable (full spectrum or lows/mids/highs)
• Analog EQ: Adjustable Harman Curve, Superflat
• Damping Factor: Adjustable (High/Low)
• Phase: Adjustable (0/180)
• Dimensions: 200mm (W) x 80mm (H) x 260mm (D)
• Weight: 3.5 kg
• Price: ~$2,200 USD

Wrapping Up

The Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe is a headphone amplifier that combines flexibility, style, and serious sonic chops. Whether you’re a digital devotee craving high-res USB input, or a headphone lover seeking detailed tuning and crossfeed options, this amp has something for you. Its ability to tailor sound profiles to individual needs makes it a standout in a crowded market. Are you ready to experience your music in a whole new way?

FAQ

• What types of headphones can the HP-10 drive?
  The HP-10 Deluxe delivers up to 10W power output and can handle most headphones, from sensitive in-ears to demanding over-ears, thanks to its versatile gain settings.
• Can I use the HP-10 as a standalone DAC?
  Yes! The USB-C input with its AKM4493 DAC chip supports high-resolution PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512, allowing it to function as an excellent DAC.
• Does the amplifier support Bluetooth?
  Yes, the HP-10 Deluxe and HP-10 BT versions include Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD for wireless streaming.
• What is the “crossfeed” feature?
  Crossfeed blends audio channels to reduce listener fatigue and create a more natural soundstage, simulating speaker listening on headphones.
• Is there an upgrade available for power supply?
  Yes, the PSU-10 upgrade offers four dedicated transformers for cleaner power delivery, enhancing sound quality further.

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