{"id":24643,"date":"2021-10-05T07:00:48","date_gmt":"2021-10-05T06:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?p=24643"},"modified":"2021-10-04T22:50:04","modified_gmt":"2021-10-04T21:50:04","slug":"gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/","title":{"rendered":"GOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gold Note\u2019s IS-1000 streaming amplifier\u00a0recently<\/a>\u00a0spent time here. Comprehensive functionality and a graceful sound, all founded on clarity. Build quality was admirable too, with understated looks that whispered style rather than shouting it.<\/p>\n

The CD-1000 MKII is similarly blessed, its discrete fascia giving way to Gold Note\u2019s signature air vents slashed stylishly into the casework. Was this overkill? The thing runs cool as a cucumber \u2013 but those vents, they do\u00a0look<\/em>\u00a0good. Build quality is also fine; in both senses of the word.
\n
\n– – – – –<\/p>\n

Conclusions<\/b><\/p>\n

My last CD player \u2013 a Meridian 508 \u2013 drew its final breath aeons ago. Computer audio, the holy trinity of greater convenience, more music and better sound, has won out in the broader market. And yet the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII well and truly harpoon\u2019s the notion that all digital sources sound alike. In Italian hands, the CD audibly outperforms the file.<\/p>\n

Returning to CD forced me back into old listening habits and I don\u2019t just mean getting out of the chair to change the CD. The bottom line is clear: for audiophiles, there\u2019s real life in the CD yet, a view supported by high enders\u00a0dCS\u00a0who report their Rossini CD Player is outselling the DAC version. If you\u2019re in the market for a CD player and can\u2019t stretch to a dCS, put the Gold Note on your shortlist.<\/p>\n

The bigger question is whether you\u00a0should<\/i>\u00a0be in the market for a CD player. The CD-1000 MKII is good enough to make those in camp \u2018no\u2019 rethink their position. And I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be saying that.
\n\u2013 Phil Wright, Darko.Audio | Feb, 2019<\/p>\n

Link to product: Gold Note CD-1000 MkII<\/a>
\nLink to review: Darko.Audio<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Gold Note\u2019s IS-1000 streaming amplifier\u00a0recently\u00a0spent time here. Comprehensive functionality and a graceful sound, all founded…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24644,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[171,181,175],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nGOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review - INTEK HI-FI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Darko.AudioAudioquest HOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSWITCH SKINSEARCHLATEST STORIESA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE SONY WF-1000XM4A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PRO-JECT DEBUT PROA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT THE IKEA\/SONOS SYMFONISK PICTURE FRAMEA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE MOLA MOLA KULAA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT APTX LOSSLESS BLUETOOTHA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PEACHTREE GAN400PreviousNextAudioQuestDACS, REVIEWS, SOURCESGold Note CD-1000 MKII reviewby Phil WrightFebruary 20, 2019, 09:37Audioquest \u201cYou\u2019ve got a what?!\u201d said my ex-wife and daughter in unison. My son was even blunter: \u201cWhy are you reviewing obsolete technology?\u201d. The object of their ire \u2013 Gold Note\u2019s new CD player, the CD-1000 MKII. Did they have a point?CD sales are struggling whilst streaming is powering ahead. And many with large CD collections have long since ripped them to a computer (haven\u2019t they?) with the donor discs, at best, relegated to aesthetic service? And hasn\u2019t the steady flow of new CD player models coming to market been reduced to a trickle?OK, but it\u2019s not all one-sided. Open its internal DAC to external streaming sources and the CD players jump from one-trick pony to multi-horse carriage. This is where we find Gold Note\u2019s CD-1000 MKII. At \u20ac3,990 \/ \u00a33,455 \/ $4788, its CD capability should be up to snuff but its coaxial and optical inputs make it streaming-friendly. Perfect for the Linhay (Devon barn \u2013 my home). The timing was good too, an eBay-plus-wine accident (oops) saw a job lot of 450 CDs arriving at the same time as the Gold Note. Ripping would have to wait.OverviewGold Note\u2019s IS-1000 streaming amplifier recently spent time here. Comprehensive functionality and a graceful sound, all founded on clarity. Build quality was admirable too, with understated looks that whispered style rather than shouting it.The CD-1000 MKII is similarly blessed, its discrete fascia giving way to Gold Note\u2019s signature air vents slashed stylishly into the casework. Was this overkill? The thing runs cool as a cucumber \u2013 but those vents, they do look good. Build quality is also fine; in both senses of the word.Available in two configurations, the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s base model (reviewed here) incorporates a Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC and offers an optical and a coax input, making it a true multi-tasker. An extra \u20ac810 \/ \u00a3863 \/ $972 gets you the reportedly better-sounding PCM1792 chip and a USB input.Should the base model wear USB? Maybe \u2013 there are certainly fewer streamers and computers with coax outputs than USB \u2013 hence my purchasing an ALLO DigiOne to Roonify the Gold Note disc spinner (US$215 for the complete DigiOne Player).Each of the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s digital inputs is limited to 24\/192 PCM. MQA is a no-no too. Undoubtedly, some will bemoan the \u2018low\u2019 24\/192 ceiling. For me \u2013 and probably you \u2013 it\u2019s a non-issue. This box is a CD player first, a streamer second.Still not sated? Go for the external upgrades \u2013 a power supply (\u20ac3190, \u00a32900, $3828) and\/or two alternative tube outputs (\u20ac3250, \u00a32680, $3900 or \u20ac5600, \u00a34820, $6720). Upgrade paths for when the bug bites.Functionality and operationOn outputs, we get a digital coaxial plus both single-ended and balanced analogue outputs. I went with the latter.The disc mechanism is Stream Unlimited\u2019s JPL-2800 from Austria. dCS\u2019s \u00a320k Rossini Player uses the same. The Gold Note\u2019s 9 x 2.5cm OLED display is admirably clear but also remote control defeatable. Speaking of which, go with the heart (and wallet) for the \u00a3200 optional metal remote \u2014 a tactile delight, it\u2019s well worth the money.Controls are limited to standard CD player click buttons, with Next Track and Previous Track doubling up to scroll through the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s inputs. They\u2019re not labelled as such and only work in this second mode when the disc tray is empty.Dance partnersThe main cast was an Ayre EX-8 streaming amplifier (\u00a37570, review to come) playing through the now-resident Graham LS6 speakers (\u00a32,200), with Tellurium Q Black 2 cables (\u00a3270) as conduit. Atlas XLRs hooked the Gold Note into the Ayre\u2019s balanced inputs.A Blue Jeans cable (\u00a325) too S\/PDIF from the Gold Note\u2019s coaxial output variously to the Ayre EX-8\u2019s DAC and Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster combo (\u00a31200). The same cable fed Roon to the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input courtesy of the ALLO DigiOne.Note: the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input likes to see 5.5V, which flummoxed the 5V output on the ALLO DigiOne (the S\/PDIF standard is 5-6V, so both technically comply). A switch to the higher voltage BNC output (via an adapter) sorted it.Ripping on the ripAntonio Meneses & Maria Joao Pires in a Live at Wigmore Hall recital. Beautiful music if you like it \u2013 I do \u2013 and a stunning recording even if you don\u2019t. Roon played the ripped file into the Ayre EX-8\u2019s network card (a \u00a3750 option) via Ethernet. I noted the precision of the playing, the tone of the cello and an over-arching \u2018lovely\u2019 acoustic. It doesn\u2019t get better than this.Except it does. With the CD-1000 MKII used as CD transport, coax-ing out to the EX-8m, any A\/B battle was over after a few bars, the ripped file skulking off into the corner. Wow.What gives? The ALLO\u2019s admirable precision is supplanted by the Gold Note\u2019s greater sense of ease and musical flow. In comparison, the ripped file sounds reserved, stilted, as if holding something back. Greater colour, increased richness, more flesh \u2014 all contribute to Meneses and Pires playing with more verve via the CD than the streamer. The cello\u2019s midrange beauty just tugs the emotions harder.This result had me flabbergasted \u2013 so I listened for a good deal longer. Different music. Different DAC. I even tried upsampling the ripped file to hi-res PCM. I tried everything I could to knock the CD player\u2019s grin off its face. And I just couldn\u2019t, my findings falling consistently in the Gold Note\u2019s favour. The silver disc spun via the Gold Note player won the day. Every day. A non-audiophile friend put it more succinctly \u2013 the file and CD were incomparable.DAC offThe CD-1000 Mk2\u2019s DAC proved its worth, this time without upsetting world order.Against the Ayre EX-8\u2019s internal DAC \u2013 connected via coax to its disc spinning host \u2013 it was a close call but the Gold Note won out, making more sense of Grace Jones\u2019 dense Hurricane courtesy of a touch more clarity. Bass was better controlled and music flowed more easily. This was a marginal victory at best; a scenario in which alternative cables might reverse findings.With the Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster playing decoder to the Gold Note\u2019s digital output and compared to its internal conversion, it was the same result but more discernible: the Liberty majoring on bombast at the expense of some control, particularly down low. The Gold Note\u2019s analogue outputs better cut through the complexity, affording greater separation to Jones\u2019 Hurricane. Handled via the Gold Note\u2019s internals, Grace Jones sounded more delicate. Aural memory tells me the Gold Note as DAC is closer to the Mytek Brooklyn+ than the Liberty.All together nowWith less complex tracks playing via the CD-1000 MKII, like Gretchen Parlato\u2019s Holding Back The Years, that same sense of subtlety comes shining through. Bass and drums are well defined, allowing the delicate piano space to support (but not obfuscate) Gretchen\u2019s vocals. Each element clearly is delineated but it\u2019s not the clarity that stands out so much as a sense of gentle rhythmic flow.Changing gear to Queen\u2019s swansong Made In Heaven or Beth Hart\u2019s Lifts You Up and the CD-1000 MKII rolls up its sleeves to get busy with the swagger. Musical elements are still well defined but here it\u2019s the grunt that grabs. Sounds are fleshed out, more corporeal. Orchestral music is the same \u2013 the weight of the Saint Saens Organ Symphony final movement portrayed majestically.The CD 1000 MKII\u2019s sound quality is consistently high, majoring on clarity and light, not richness or meat, so pair accordingly.ConclusionsMy last CD player \u2013 a Meridian 508 \u2013 drew its final breath aeons ago. Computer audio, the holy trinity of greater convenience, more music and better sound, has won out in the broader market. And yet the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII well and truly harpoon\u2019s the notion that all digital sources sound alike. In Italian hands, the CD audibly outperforms the file.Returning to CD forced me back into old listening habits and I don\u2019t just mean getting out of the chair to change the CD. The bottom line is clear: for audiophiles, there\u2019s real life in the CD yet, a view supported by high enders dCS who report their Rossini CD Player is outselling the DAC version. If you\u2019re in the market for a CD player and can\u2019t stretch to a dCS, put the Gold Note on your shortlist.The bigger question is whether you should be in the market for a CD player. The CD-1000 MKII is good enough to make those in camp \u2018no\u2019 rethink their position. And I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be saying that.Further information: Gold NoteT+A\u2019s MP 3000 MKII is a network streamer, CD player & FM tunerJanuary 15, 2020Hi-res audio is much ado about not very much (for most people)July 16, 2021Letters to the editor: AXPONA 2019, CDs & electronic musicApril 15, 2019CD PLAYERCD-1000 MKIIGOLD NOTESee morePrevious articlePro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesNext articleThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dhttps:\/\/www.hegel.com\/Written by Phil WrightPhil is a Brit living in deepest Devon. Think: Tolkien's Shire but with killer cream teas. He's been around since digital audio's inception - he even wrote his dissertation on the introduction of the CD - but today's developments in both music and audio gear make him think 'we have never had it so good'. Phil is a Music-First audiophile with wide ranging tastes (Trad Jazz excepted): 5000 albums in his local library with the remainder coming from Tidal.AudioquestPro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dEISA AwardsGoldenEarGato AudioRECENT POSTSFuture-Fi Now! Mission\u2019s LX Connect systemOctober 1, 2021Future-Fi Now! NAD\u2019s C700 is a slimmed down M10September 30, 2021PrimaLuna kinda sorta announces EVO 300 HybridSeptember 29, 2021Audeze\u2019s dramatic weight loss will leave you speechlessSeptember 27, 2021A short film about the Sony WF-1000XM4September 26, 2021darkoaudiodarkoaudioFollow on InstagramPATREONNEW! Exclusive Patreon VLOG videosMusic playlists for all YouTube videosFree hi-fi & head-fi gearThe Darko DAC IndexOver-the-phone buying advice or general hi-fi discussionBecome a Patron! 2010 - 2021 \u00b7 Darko.Audio Studio.Raydianze.com Web-DesignCookie Policy (EU)(AU)(CA)(UK)(US)Manage CookiesPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerImprintHow is Darko.Audio funded?Back to TopCloseHOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSearch for:Search \u2026SEARCH Cookie SettingsPRODUCTS REVIEWSABOUT US DISTRIBUTORSNEWSENCD-1000 MKIIA DIGITAL AND AN ANALOGUE STAGE INTEGRATED IN ONE ELEGANT UNITA STATE-OF-THE-ART CD PLAYERThe CD-1000 MkII is the most musical and versatile High-End CD player available today. Housed in a beautiful brushed aluminium chassis, it integrates digital stage and analogue stage in one, elegant source.You can play your CD disc collection, stream music from the computer through the USB port, connect a TV or DVD-Player via the coax or optical digital inputs.The CD-1000 MkII recreates the natural, detailed, and powerful sound and can be easily integrated into any High-End stereo system. It Features a top-class 24bit\/192kHz high-resolution D\/A converter with S\/PDIF coaxial and TOS optical digital inputs to get the best out of your system.SMOOTH PLAYBACKThe transport mechanism model JPL-2800 is the drawer type supplied by Austrian Stream-Unlimited, the best mechanic available on the market today. It provides maximum stability of rotation supplying a digital signal with extremely low jitter.The CD-1000 MkII features a digital volume control stage to drive power amplifiers or active speakers directly. All the information of the CD-player is always easily visible on the large O-Led display.CD-1000 MkII may be equipped with special external devices to enhance the performance of the player to top high-end audio performance:TUBE-1012\/1006 \u2013 the external class A tube output stages developed with 6 or 12 tubesPSU-1250\/1000 \u2013 the dedicated external Super Inductive Power SupplyFOR THE VALVE LOVERSWith our tube output stages TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006 you can add the sound of valves to our CD-1000. They are the best way to enhance the performance of our electronics but you can also use them with other digital sources.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSMAIN FEATURESCD-PLAYERWith integrated DACD\/A CONVERTER CHIP24bit\/192kHz DAC PCM1792AFREQUENCY RESPONSE20Hz-20kHz @ +\/-0.3dBTHD \u2013 TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION0.001% maxSIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO128dBDYNAMIC RESPONSE127dBVOLUME CONTROLSwitchable On\/Off digital partializerMECHANICAluminium JPL-2800 Stream-UnlimitedSPEED FLUCTUATION0.0001%FORMATSCD formats: Red BookDisc compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3REMOTE CONTROLMultifunctional remote includedINPUTS AND OUTPUTSPOWERDIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTFINISHESRETAIL PRICESREAR PANELREMOTE CONTROLUPGRADESWINDOWS DRIVERMANUALREVIEWSFIND A DEALERDISCOVER MORE\ufeffSIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERDon\u2019t miss out on news, reviews and events.Our newsletter is the best way to stay in touch and discoverhow we design audio solutions for the contemporary audiophile.OUTLET & SPARE PARTSDOWNLOAD & FIRMWARE UPDATELIMITED EDITIONSDISCONTINUEDPRODUCT REGISTRATIONSUPPORTCONTACTSTERMS AND CONDITIONS Privacy PolicyCookies PolicyCopyright \u00a9 2021 Akamai s.r.l | Via Virginio 158, 50025 Montespertoli - Firenze, ItalyP.I. 05751200485 | REA 571944 | cap.soc. \u20ac 100.000 i.v. | Registro delle Imprese di FirenzeWeb design by DgNet\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"GOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review - INTEK HI-FI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Darko.AudioAudioquest HOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSWITCH SKINSEARCHLATEST STORIESA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE SONY WF-1000XM4A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PRO-JECT DEBUT PROA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT THE IKEA\/SONOS SYMFONISK PICTURE FRAMEA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE MOLA MOLA KULAA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT APTX LOSSLESS BLUETOOTHA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PEACHTREE GAN400PreviousNextAudioQuestDACS, REVIEWS, SOURCESGold Note CD-1000 MKII reviewby Phil WrightFebruary 20, 2019, 09:37Audioquest \u201cYou\u2019ve got a what?!\u201d said my ex-wife and daughter in unison. My son was even blunter: \u201cWhy are you reviewing obsolete technology?\u201d. The object of their ire \u2013 Gold Note\u2019s new CD player, the CD-1000 MKII. Did they have a point?CD sales are struggling whilst streaming is powering ahead. And many with large CD collections have long since ripped them to a computer (haven\u2019t they?) with the donor discs, at best, relegated to aesthetic service? And hasn\u2019t the steady flow of new CD player models coming to market been reduced to a trickle?OK, but it\u2019s not all one-sided. Open its internal DAC to external streaming sources and the CD players jump from one-trick pony to multi-horse carriage. This is where we find Gold Note\u2019s CD-1000 MKII. At \u20ac3,990 \/ \u00a33,455 \/ $4788, its CD capability should be up to snuff but its coaxial and optical inputs make it streaming-friendly. Perfect for the Linhay (Devon barn \u2013 my home). The timing was good too, an eBay-plus-wine accident (oops) saw a job lot of 450 CDs arriving at the same time as the Gold Note. Ripping would have to wait.OverviewGold Note\u2019s IS-1000 streaming amplifier recently spent time here. Comprehensive functionality and a graceful sound, all founded on clarity. Build quality was admirable too, with understated looks that whispered style rather than shouting it.The CD-1000 MKII is similarly blessed, its discrete fascia giving way to Gold Note\u2019s signature air vents slashed stylishly into the casework. Was this overkill? The thing runs cool as a cucumber \u2013 but those vents, they do look good. Build quality is also fine; in both senses of the word.Available in two configurations, the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s base model (reviewed here) incorporates a Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC and offers an optical and a coax input, making it a true multi-tasker. An extra \u20ac810 \/ \u00a3863 \/ $972 gets you the reportedly better-sounding PCM1792 chip and a USB input.Should the base model wear USB? Maybe \u2013 there are certainly fewer streamers and computers with coax outputs than USB \u2013 hence my purchasing an ALLO DigiOne to Roonify the Gold Note disc spinner (US$215 for the complete DigiOne Player).Each of the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s digital inputs is limited to 24\/192 PCM. MQA is a no-no too. Undoubtedly, some will bemoan the \u2018low\u2019 24\/192 ceiling. For me \u2013 and probably you \u2013 it\u2019s a non-issue. This box is a CD player first, a streamer second.Still not sated? Go for the external upgrades \u2013 a power supply (\u20ac3190, \u00a32900, $3828) and\/or two alternative tube outputs (\u20ac3250, \u00a32680, $3900 or \u20ac5600, \u00a34820, $6720). Upgrade paths for when the bug bites.Functionality and operationOn outputs, we get a digital coaxial plus both single-ended and balanced analogue outputs. I went with the latter.The disc mechanism is Stream Unlimited\u2019s JPL-2800 from Austria. dCS\u2019s \u00a320k Rossini Player uses the same. The Gold Note\u2019s 9 x 2.5cm OLED display is admirably clear but also remote control defeatable. Speaking of which, go with the heart (and wallet) for the \u00a3200 optional metal remote \u2014 a tactile delight, it\u2019s well worth the money.Controls are limited to standard CD player click buttons, with Next Track and Previous Track doubling up to scroll through the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s inputs. They\u2019re not labelled as such and only work in this second mode when the disc tray is empty.Dance partnersThe main cast was an Ayre EX-8 streaming amplifier (\u00a37570, review to come) playing through the now-resident Graham LS6 speakers (\u00a32,200), with Tellurium Q Black 2 cables (\u00a3270) as conduit. Atlas XLRs hooked the Gold Note into the Ayre\u2019s balanced inputs.A Blue Jeans cable (\u00a325) too S\/PDIF from the Gold Note\u2019s coaxial output variously to the Ayre EX-8\u2019s DAC and Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster combo (\u00a31200). The same cable fed Roon to the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input courtesy of the ALLO DigiOne.Note: the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input likes to see 5.5V, which flummoxed the 5V output on the ALLO DigiOne (the S\/PDIF standard is 5-6V, so both technically comply). A switch to the higher voltage BNC output (via an adapter) sorted it.Ripping on the ripAntonio Meneses & Maria Joao Pires in a Live at Wigmore Hall recital. Beautiful music if you like it \u2013 I do \u2013 and a stunning recording even if you don\u2019t. Roon played the ripped file into the Ayre EX-8\u2019s network card (a \u00a3750 option) via Ethernet. I noted the precision of the playing, the tone of the cello and an over-arching \u2018lovely\u2019 acoustic. It doesn\u2019t get better than this.Except it does. With the CD-1000 MKII used as CD transport, coax-ing out to the EX-8m, any A\/B battle was over after a few bars, the ripped file skulking off into the corner. Wow.What gives? The ALLO\u2019s admirable precision is supplanted by the Gold Note\u2019s greater sense of ease and musical flow. In comparison, the ripped file sounds reserved, stilted, as if holding something back. Greater colour, increased richness, more flesh \u2014 all contribute to Meneses and Pires playing with more verve via the CD than the streamer. The cello\u2019s midrange beauty just tugs the emotions harder.This result had me flabbergasted \u2013 so I listened for a good deal longer. Different music. Different DAC. I even tried upsampling the ripped file to hi-res PCM. I tried everything I could to knock the CD player\u2019s grin off its face. And I just couldn\u2019t, my findings falling consistently in the Gold Note\u2019s favour. The silver disc spun via the Gold Note player won the day. Every day. A non-audiophile friend put it more succinctly \u2013 the file and CD were incomparable.DAC offThe CD-1000 Mk2\u2019s DAC proved its worth, this time without upsetting world order.Against the Ayre EX-8\u2019s internal DAC \u2013 connected via coax to its disc spinning host \u2013 it was a close call but the Gold Note won out, making more sense of Grace Jones\u2019 dense Hurricane courtesy of a touch more clarity. Bass was better controlled and music flowed more easily. This was a marginal victory at best; a scenario in which alternative cables might reverse findings.With the Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster playing decoder to the Gold Note\u2019s digital output and compared to its internal conversion, it was the same result but more discernible: the Liberty majoring on bombast at the expense of some control, particularly down low. The Gold Note\u2019s analogue outputs better cut through the complexity, affording greater separation to Jones\u2019 Hurricane. Handled via the Gold Note\u2019s internals, Grace Jones sounded more delicate. Aural memory tells me the Gold Note as DAC is closer to the Mytek Brooklyn+ than the Liberty.All together nowWith less complex tracks playing via the CD-1000 MKII, like Gretchen Parlato\u2019s Holding Back The Years, that same sense of subtlety comes shining through. Bass and drums are well defined, allowing the delicate piano space to support (but not obfuscate) Gretchen\u2019s vocals. Each element clearly is delineated but it\u2019s not the clarity that stands out so much as a sense of gentle rhythmic flow.Changing gear to Queen\u2019s swansong Made In Heaven or Beth Hart\u2019s Lifts You Up and the CD-1000 MKII rolls up its sleeves to get busy with the swagger. Musical elements are still well defined but here it\u2019s the grunt that grabs. Sounds are fleshed out, more corporeal. Orchestral music is the same \u2013 the weight of the Saint Saens Organ Symphony final movement portrayed majestically.The CD 1000 MKII\u2019s sound quality is consistently high, majoring on clarity and light, not richness or meat, so pair accordingly.ConclusionsMy last CD player \u2013 a Meridian 508 \u2013 drew its final breath aeons ago. Computer audio, the holy trinity of greater convenience, more music and better sound, has won out in the broader market. And yet the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII well and truly harpoon\u2019s the notion that all digital sources sound alike. In Italian hands, the CD audibly outperforms the file.Returning to CD forced me back into old listening habits and I don\u2019t just mean getting out of the chair to change the CD. The bottom line is clear: for audiophiles, there\u2019s real life in the CD yet, a view supported by high enders dCS who report their Rossini CD Player is outselling the DAC version. If you\u2019re in the market for a CD player and can\u2019t stretch to a dCS, put the Gold Note on your shortlist.The bigger question is whether you should be in the market for a CD player. The CD-1000 MKII is good enough to make those in camp \u2018no\u2019 rethink their position. And I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be saying that.Further information: Gold NoteT+A\u2019s MP 3000 MKII is a network streamer, CD player & FM tunerJanuary 15, 2020Hi-res audio is much ado about not very much (for most people)July 16, 2021Letters to the editor: AXPONA 2019, CDs & electronic musicApril 15, 2019CD PLAYERCD-1000 MKIIGOLD NOTESee morePrevious articlePro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesNext articleThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dhttps:\/\/www.hegel.com\/Written by Phil WrightPhil is a Brit living in deepest Devon. Think: Tolkien's Shire but with killer cream teas. He's been around since digital audio's inception - he even wrote his dissertation on the introduction of the CD - but today's developments in both music and audio gear make him think 'we have never had it so good'. Phil is a Music-First audiophile with wide ranging tastes (Trad Jazz excepted): 5000 albums in his local library with the remainder coming from Tidal.AudioquestPro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dEISA AwardsGoldenEarGato AudioRECENT POSTSFuture-Fi Now! Mission\u2019s LX Connect systemOctober 1, 2021Future-Fi Now! NAD\u2019s C700 is a slimmed down M10September 30, 2021PrimaLuna kinda sorta announces EVO 300 HybridSeptember 29, 2021Audeze\u2019s dramatic weight loss will leave you speechlessSeptember 27, 2021A short film about the Sony WF-1000XM4September 26, 2021darkoaudiodarkoaudioFollow on InstagramPATREONNEW! Exclusive Patreon VLOG videosMusic playlists for all YouTube videosFree hi-fi & head-fi gearThe Darko DAC IndexOver-the-phone buying advice or general hi-fi discussionBecome a Patron! 2010 - 2021 \u00b7 Darko.Audio Studio.Raydianze.com Web-DesignCookie Policy (EU)(AU)(CA)(UK)(US)Manage CookiesPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerImprintHow is Darko.Audio funded?Back to TopCloseHOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSearch for:Search \u2026SEARCH Cookie SettingsPRODUCTS REVIEWSABOUT US DISTRIBUTORSNEWSENCD-1000 MKIIA DIGITAL AND AN ANALOGUE STAGE INTEGRATED IN ONE ELEGANT UNITA STATE-OF-THE-ART CD PLAYERThe CD-1000 MkII is the most musical and versatile High-End CD player available today. Housed in a beautiful brushed aluminium chassis, it integrates digital stage and analogue stage in one, elegant source.You can play your CD disc collection, stream music from the computer through the USB port, connect a TV or DVD-Player via the coax or optical digital inputs.The CD-1000 MkII recreates the natural, detailed, and powerful sound and can be easily integrated into any High-End stereo system. It Features a top-class 24bit\/192kHz high-resolution D\/A converter with S\/PDIF coaxial and TOS optical digital inputs to get the best out of your system.SMOOTH PLAYBACKThe transport mechanism model JPL-2800 is the drawer type supplied by Austrian Stream-Unlimited, the best mechanic available on the market today. It provides maximum stability of rotation supplying a digital signal with extremely low jitter.The CD-1000 MkII features a digital volume control stage to drive power amplifiers or active speakers directly. All the information of the CD-player is always easily visible on the large O-Led display.CD-1000 MkII may be equipped with special external devices to enhance the performance of the player to top high-end audio performance:TUBE-1012\/1006 \u2013 the external class A tube output stages developed with 6 or 12 tubesPSU-1250\/1000 \u2013 the dedicated external Super Inductive Power SupplyFOR THE VALVE LOVERSWith our tube output stages TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006 you can add the sound of valves to our CD-1000. They are the best way to enhance the performance of our electronics but you can also use them with other digital sources.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSMAIN FEATURESCD-PLAYERWith integrated DACD\/A CONVERTER CHIP24bit\/192kHz DAC PCM1792AFREQUENCY RESPONSE20Hz-20kHz @ +\/-0.3dBTHD \u2013 TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION0.001% maxSIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO128dBDYNAMIC RESPONSE127dBVOLUME CONTROLSwitchable On\/Off digital partializerMECHANICAluminium JPL-2800 Stream-UnlimitedSPEED FLUCTUATION0.0001%FORMATSCD formats: Red BookDisc compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3REMOTE CONTROLMultifunctional remote includedINPUTS AND OUTPUTSPOWERDIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTFINISHESRETAIL PRICESREAR PANELREMOTE CONTROLUPGRADESWINDOWS DRIVERMANUALREVIEWSFIND A DEALERDISCOVER MORE\ufeffSIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERDon\u2019t miss out on news, reviews and events.Our newsletter is the best way to stay in touch and discoverhow we design audio solutions for the contemporary audiophile.OUTLET & SPARE PARTSDOWNLOAD & FIRMWARE UPDATELIMITED EDITIONSDISCONTINUEDPRODUCT REGISTRATIONSUPPORTCONTACTSTERMS AND CONDITIONS Privacy PolicyCookies PolicyCopyright \u00a9 2021 Akamai s.r.l | Via Virginio 158, 50025 Montespertoli - Firenze, ItalyP.I. 05751200485 | REA 571944 | cap.soc. \u20ac 100.000 i.v. | Registro delle Imprese di FirenzeWeb design by DgNet\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"INTEK HI-FI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-10-05T06:00:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-10-04T21:50:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkII-1280.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"darko\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"2 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/\",\"name\":\"INTEK HI-FI\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkII-1280.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkII-1280.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":720,\"caption\":\"Gold Note CD-1000 MkII\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/\",\"name\":\"GOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review - INTEK HI-FI\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-10-05T06:00:48+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-10-04T21:50:04+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7\"},\"description\":\"Darko.AudioAudioquest HOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSWITCH SKINSEARCHLATEST STORIESA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE SONY WF-1000XM4A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PRO-JECT DEBUT PROA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT THE IKEA\/SONOS SYMFONISK PICTURE FRAMEA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE MOLA MOLA KULAA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT APTX LOSSLESS BLUETOOTHA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PEACHTREE GAN400PreviousNextAudioQuestDACS, REVIEWS, SOURCESGold Note CD-1000 MKII reviewby Phil WrightFebruary 20, 2019, 09:37Audioquest \\u201cYou\\u2019ve got a what?!\\u201d said my ex-wife and daughter in unison. My son was even blunter: \\u201cWhy are you reviewing obsolete technology?\\u201d. The object of their ire \\u2013 Gold Note\\u2019s new CD player, the CD-1000 MKII. Did they have a point?CD sales are struggling whilst streaming is powering ahead. And many with large CD collections have long since ripped them to a computer (haven\\u2019t they?) with the donor discs, at best, relegated to aesthetic service? And hasn\\u2019t the steady flow of new CD player models coming to market been reduced to a trickle?OK, but it\\u2019s not all one-sided. Open its internal DAC to external streaming sources and the CD players jump from one-trick pony to multi-horse carriage. This is where we find Gold Note\\u2019s CD-1000 MKII. At \\u20ac3,990 \/ \\u00a33,455 \/ $4788, its CD capability should be up to snuff but its coaxial and optical inputs make it streaming-friendly. Perfect for the Linhay (Devon barn \\u2013 my home). The timing was good too, an eBay-plus-wine accident (oops) saw a job lot of 450 CDs arriving at the same time as the Gold Note. Ripping would have to wait.OverviewGold Note\\u2019s IS-1000 streaming amplifier recently spent time here. Comprehensive functionality and a graceful sound, all founded on clarity. Build quality was admirable too, with understated looks that whispered style rather than shouting it.The CD-1000 MKII is similarly blessed, its discrete fascia giving way to Gold Note\\u2019s signature air vents slashed stylishly into the casework. Was this overkill? The thing runs cool as a cucumber \\u2013 but those vents, they do look good. Build quality is also fine; in both senses of the word.Available in two configurations, the CD-1000 MKII\\u2019s base model (reviewed here) incorporates a Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC and offers an optical and a coax input, making it a true multi-tasker. An extra \\u20ac810 \/ \\u00a3863 \/ $972 gets you the reportedly better-sounding PCM1792 chip and a USB input.Should the base model wear USB? Maybe \\u2013 there are certainly fewer streamers and computers with coax outputs than USB \\u2013 hence my purchasing an ALLO DigiOne to Roonify the Gold Note disc spinner (US$215 for the complete DigiOne Player).Each of the CD-1000 MKII\\u2019s digital inputs is limited to 24\/192 PCM. MQA is a no-no too. Undoubtedly, some will bemoan the \\u2018low\\u2019 24\/192 ceiling. For me \\u2013 and probably you \\u2013 it\\u2019s a non-issue. This box is a CD player first, a streamer second.Still not sated? Go for the external upgrades \\u2013 a power supply (\\u20ac3190, \\u00a32900, $3828) and\/or two alternative tube outputs (\\u20ac3250, \\u00a32680, $3900 or \\u20ac5600, \\u00a34820, $6720). Upgrade paths for when the bug bites.Functionality and operationOn outputs, we get a digital coaxial plus both single-ended and balanced analogue outputs. I went with the latter.The disc mechanism is Stream Unlimited\\u2019s JPL-2800 from Austria. dCS\\u2019s \\u00a320k Rossini Player uses the same. The Gold Note\\u2019s 9 x 2.5cm OLED display is admirably clear but also remote control defeatable. Speaking of which, go with the heart (and wallet) for the \\u00a3200 optional metal remote \\u2014 a tactile delight, it\\u2019s well worth the money.Controls are limited to standard CD player click buttons, with Next Track and Previous Track doubling up to scroll through the CD-1000 MKII\\u2019s inputs. They\\u2019re not labelled as such and only work in this second mode when the disc tray is empty.Dance partnersThe main cast was an Ayre EX-8 streaming amplifier (\\u00a37570, review to come) playing through the now-resident Graham LS6 speakers (\\u00a32,200), with Tellurium Q Black 2 cables (\\u00a3270) as conduit. Atlas XLRs hooked the Gold Note into the Ayre\\u2019s balanced inputs.A Blue Jeans cable (\\u00a325) too S\/PDIF from the Gold Note\\u2019s coaxial output variously to the Ayre EX-8\\u2019s DAC and Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster combo (\\u00a31200). The same cable fed Roon to the CD-1000 MKII\\u2019s coaxial input courtesy of the ALLO DigiOne.Note: the CD-1000 MKII\\u2019s coaxial input likes to see 5.5V, which flummoxed the 5V output on the ALLO DigiOne (the S\/PDIF standard is 5-6V, so both technically comply). A switch to the higher voltage BNC output (via an adapter) sorted it.Ripping on the ripAntonio Meneses & Maria Joao Pires in a Live at Wigmore Hall recital. Beautiful music if you like it \\u2013 I do \\u2013 and a stunning recording even if you don\\u2019t. Roon played the ripped file into the Ayre EX-8\\u2019s network card (a \\u00a3750 option) via Ethernet. I noted the precision of the playing, the tone of the cello and an over-arching \\u2018lovely\\u2019 acoustic. It doesn\\u2019t get better than this.Except it does. With the CD-1000 MKII used as CD transport, coax-ing out to the EX-8m, any A\/B battle was over after a few bars, the ripped file skulking off into the corner. Wow.What gives? The ALLO\\u2019s admirable precision is supplanted by the Gold Note\\u2019s greater sense of ease and musical flow. In comparison, the ripped file sounds reserved, stilted, as if holding something back. Greater colour, increased richness, more flesh \\u2014 all contribute to Meneses and Pires playing with more verve via the CD than the streamer. The cello\\u2019s midrange beauty just tugs the emotions harder.This result had me flabbergasted \\u2013 so I listened for a good deal longer. Different music. Different DAC. I even tried upsampling the ripped file to hi-res PCM. I tried everything I could to knock the CD player\\u2019s grin off its face. And I just couldn\\u2019t, my findings falling consistently in the Gold Note\\u2019s favour. The silver disc spun via the Gold Note player won the day. Every day. A non-audiophile friend put it more succinctly \\u2013 the file and CD were incomparable.DAC offThe CD-1000 Mk2\\u2019s DAC proved its worth, this time without upsetting world order.Against the Ayre EX-8\\u2019s internal DAC \\u2013 connected via coax to its disc spinning host \\u2013 it was a close call but the Gold Note won out, making more sense of Grace Jones\\u2019 dense Hurricane courtesy of a touch more clarity. Bass was better controlled and music flowed more easily. This was a marginal victory at best; a scenario in which alternative cables might reverse findings.With the Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster playing decoder to the Gold Note\\u2019s digital output and compared to its internal conversion, it was the same result but more discernible: the Liberty majoring on bombast at the expense of some control, particularly down low. The Gold Note\\u2019s analogue outputs better cut through the complexity, affording greater separation to Jones\\u2019 Hurricane. Handled via the Gold Note\\u2019s internals, Grace Jones sounded more delicate. Aural memory tells me the Gold Note as DAC is closer to the Mytek Brooklyn+ than the Liberty.All together nowWith less complex tracks playing via the CD-1000 MKII, like Gretchen Parlato\\u2019s Holding Back The Years, that same sense of subtlety comes shining through. Bass and drums are well defined, allowing the delicate piano space to support (but not obfuscate) Gretchen\\u2019s vocals. Each element clearly is delineated but it\\u2019s not the clarity that stands out so much as a sense of gentle rhythmic flow.Changing gear to Queen\\u2019s swansong Made In Heaven or Beth Hart\\u2019s Lifts You Up and the CD-1000 MKII rolls up its sleeves to get busy with the swagger. Musical elements are still well defined but here it\\u2019s the grunt that grabs. Sounds are fleshed out, more corporeal. Orchestral music is the same \\u2013 the weight of the Saint Saens Organ Symphony final movement portrayed majestically.The CD 1000 MKII\\u2019s sound quality is consistently high, majoring on clarity and light, not richness or meat, so pair accordingly.ConclusionsMy last CD player \\u2013 a Meridian 508 \\u2013 drew its final breath aeons ago. Computer audio, the holy trinity of greater convenience, more music and better sound, has won out in the broader market. And yet the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII well and truly harpoon\\u2019s the notion that all digital sources sound alike. In Italian hands, the CD audibly outperforms the file.Returning to CD forced me back into old listening habits and I don\\u2019t just mean getting out of the chair to change the CD. The bottom line is clear: for audiophiles, there\\u2019s real life in the CD yet, a view supported by high enders dCS who report their Rossini CD Player is outselling the DAC version. If you\\u2019re in the market for a CD player and can\\u2019t stretch to a dCS, put the Gold Note on your shortlist.The bigger question is whether you should be in the market for a CD player. The CD-1000 MKII is good enough to make those in camp \\u2018no\\u2019 rethink their position. And I didn\\u2019t think I\\u2019d be saying that.Further information: Gold NoteT+A\\u2019s MP 3000 MKII is a network streamer, CD player & FM tunerJanuary 15, 2020Hi-res audio is much ado about not very much (for most people)July 16, 2021Letters to the editor: AXPONA 2019, CDs & electronic musicApril 15, 2019CD PLAYERCD-1000 MKIIGOLD NOTESee morePrevious articlePro-Ject\\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesNext articleThis Music-First Audiophile says \\u201cThank You!\\u201dhttps:\/\/www.hegel.com\/Written by Phil WrightPhil is a Brit living in deepest Devon. Think: Tolkien's Shire but with killer cream teas. He's been around since digital audio's inception - he even wrote his dissertation on the introduction of the CD - but today's developments in both music and audio gear make him think 'we have never had it so good'. Phil is a Music-First audiophile with wide ranging tastes (Trad Jazz excepted): 5000 albums in his local library with the remainder coming from Tidal.AudioquestPro-Ject\\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesThis Music-First Audiophile says \\u201cThank You!\\u201dEISA AwardsGoldenEarGato AudioRECENT POSTSFuture-Fi Now! Mission\\u2019s LX Connect systemOctober 1, 2021Future-Fi Now! NAD\\u2019s C700 is a slimmed down M10September 30, 2021PrimaLuna kinda sorta announces EVO 300 HybridSeptember 29, 2021Audeze\\u2019s dramatic weight loss will leave you speechlessSeptember 27, 2021A short film about the Sony WF-1000XM4September 26, 2021darkoaudiodarkoaudioFollow on InstagramPATREONNEW! Exclusive Patreon VLOG videosMusic playlists for all YouTube videosFree hi-fi & head-fi gearThe Darko DAC IndexOver-the-phone buying advice or general hi-fi discussionBecome a Patron! 2010 - 2021 \\u00b7 Darko.Audio Studio.Raydianze.com Web-DesignCookie Policy (EU)(AU)(CA)(UK)(US)Manage CookiesPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerImprintHow is Darko.Audio funded?Back to TopCloseHOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSearch for:Search \\u2026SEARCH Cookie SettingsPRODUCTS REVIEWSABOUT US DISTRIBUTORSNEWSENCD-1000 MKIIA DIGITAL AND AN ANALOGUE STAGE INTEGRATED IN ONE ELEGANT UNITA STATE-OF-THE-ART CD PLAYERThe CD-1000 MkII is the most musical and versatile High-End CD player available today. Housed in a beautiful brushed aluminium chassis, it integrates digital stage and analogue stage in one, elegant source.You can play your CD disc collection, stream music from the computer through the USB port, connect a TV or DVD-Player via the coax or optical digital inputs.The CD-1000 MkII recreates the natural, detailed, and powerful sound and can be easily integrated into any High-End stereo system. It Features a top-class 24bit\/192kHz high-resolution D\/A converter with S\/PDIF coaxial and TOS optical digital inputs to get the best out of your system.SMOOTH PLAYBACKThe transport mechanism model JPL-2800 is the drawer type supplied by Austrian Stream-Unlimited, the best mechanic available on the market today. It provides maximum stability of rotation supplying a digital signal with extremely low jitter.The CD-1000 MkII features a digital volume control stage to drive power amplifiers or active speakers directly. All the information of the CD-player is always easily visible on the large O-Led display.CD-1000 MkII may be equipped with special external devices to enhance the performance of the player to top high-end audio performance:TUBE-1012\/1006 \\u2013 the external class A tube output stages developed with 6 or 12 tubesPSU-1250\/1000 \\u2013 the dedicated external Super Inductive Power SupplyFOR THE VALVE LOVERSWith our tube output stages TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006 you can add the sound of valves to our CD-1000. They are the best way to enhance the performance of our electronics but you can also use them with other digital sources.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSMAIN FEATURESCD-PLAYERWith integrated DACD\/A CONVERTER CHIP24bit\/192kHz DAC PCM1792AFREQUENCY RESPONSE20Hz-20kHz @ +\/-0.3dBTHD \\u2013 TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION0.001% maxSIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO128dBDYNAMIC RESPONSE127dBVOLUME CONTROLSwitchable On\/Off digital partializerMECHANICAluminium JPL-2800 Stream-UnlimitedSPEED FLUCTUATION0.0001%FORMATSCD formats: Red BookDisc compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3REMOTE CONTROLMultifunctional remote includedINPUTS AND OUTPUTSPOWERDIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTFINISHESRETAIL PRICESREAR PANELREMOTE CONTROLUPGRADESWINDOWS DRIVERMANUALREVIEWSFIND A DEALERDISCOVER MORE\\ufeffSIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERDon\\u2019t miss out on news, reviews and events.Our newsletter is the best way to stay in touch and discoverhow we design audio solutions for the contemporary audiophile.OUTLET & SPARE PARTSDOWNLOAD & FIRMWARE UPDATELIMITED EDITIONSDISCONTINUEDPRODUCT REGISTRATIONSUPPORTCONTACTSTERMS AND CONDITIONS Privacy PolicyCookies PolicyCopyright \\u00a9 2021 Akamai s.r.l | Via Virginio 158, 50025 Montespertoli - Firenze, ItalyP.I. 05751200485 | REA 571944 | cap.soc. \\u20ac 100.000 i.v. | Registro delle Imprese di FirenzeWeb design by DgNet\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"GOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review\"}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7\",\"name\":\"darko\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#personlogo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b6149fb1fb06b36083b7009dbff0af?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b6149fb1fb06b36083b7009dbff0af?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"darko\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/author\/darko\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"GOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review - INTEK HI-FI","description":"Darko.AudioAudioquest HOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSWITCH SKINSEARCHLATEST STORIESA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE SONY WF-1000XM4A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PRO-JECT DEBUT PROA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT THE IKEA\/SONOS SYMFONISK PICTURE FRAMEA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE MOLA MOLA KULAA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT APTX LOSSLESS BLUETOOTHA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PEACHTREE GAN400PreviousNextAudioQuestDACS, REVIEWS, SOURCESGold Note CD-1000 MKII reviewby Phil WrightFebruary 20, 2019, 09:37Audioquest \u201cYou\u2019ve got a what?!\u201d said my ex-wife and daughter in unison. My son was even blunter: \u201cWhy are you reviewing obsolete technology?\u201d. The object of their ire \u2013 Gold Note\u2019s new CD player, the CD-1000 MKII. Did they have a point?CD sales are struggling whilst streaming is powering ahead. And many with large CD collections have long since ripped them to a computer (haven\u2019t they?) with the donor discs, at best, relegated to aesthetic service? And hasn\u2019t the steady flow of new CD player models coming to market been reduced to a trickle?OK, but it\u2019s not all one-sided. Open its internal DAC to external streaming sources and the CD players jump from one-trick pony to multi-horse carriage. This is where we find Gold Note\u2019s CD-1000 MKII. At \u20ac3,990 \/ \u00a33,455 \/ $4788, its CD capability should be up to snuff but its coaxial and optical inputs make it streaming-friendly. Perfect for the Linhay (Devon barn \u2013 my home). The timing was good too, an eBay-plus-wine accident (oops) saw a job lot of 450 CDs arriving at the same time as the Gold Note. Ripping would have to wait.OverviewGold Note\u2019s IS-1000 streaming amplifier recently spent time here. Comprehensive functionality and a graceful sound, all founded on clarity. Build quality was admirable too, with understated looks that whispered style rather than shouting it.The CD-1000 MKII is similarly blessed, its discrete fascia giving way to Gold Note\u2019s signature air vents slashed stylishly into the casework. Was this overkill? The thing runs cool as a cucumber \u2013 but those vents, they do look good. Build quality is also fine; in both senses of the word.Available in two configurations, the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s base model (reviewed here) incorporates a Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC and offers an optical and a coax input, making it a true multi-tasker. An extra \u20ac810 \/ \u00a3863 \/ $972 gets you the reportedly better-sounding PCM1792 chip and a USB input.Should the base model wear USB? Maybe \u2013 there are certainly fewer streamers and computers with coax outputs than USB \u2013 hence my purchasing an ALLO DigiOne to Roonify the Gold Note disc spinner (US$215 for the complete DigiOne Player).Each of the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s digital inputs is limited to 24\/192 PCM. MQA is a no-no too. Undoubtedly, some will bemoan the \u2018low\u2019 24\/192 ceiling. For me \u2013 and probably you \u2013 it\u2019s a non-issue. This box is a CD player first, a streamer second.Still not sated? Go for the external upgrades \u2013 a power supply (\u20ac3190, \u00a32900, $3828) and\/or two alternative tube outputs (\u20ac3250, \u00a32680, $3900 or \u20ac5600, \u00a34820, $6720). Upgrade paths for when the bug bites.Functionality and operationOn outputs, we get a digital coaxial plus both single-ended and balanced analogue outputs. I went with the latter.The disc mechanism is Stream Unlimited\u2019s JPL-2800 from Austria. dCS\u2019s \u00a320k Rossini Player uses the same. The Gold Note\u2019s 9 x 2.5cm OLED display is admirably clear but also remote control defeatable. Speaking of which, go with the heart (and wallet) for the \u00a3200 optional metal remote \u2014 a tactile delight, it\u2019s well worth the money.Controls are limited to standard CD player click buttons, with Next Track and Previous Track doubling up to scroll through the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s inputs. They\u2019re not labelled as such and only work in this second mode when the disc tray is empty.Dance partnersThe main cast was an Ayre EX-8 streaming amplifier (\u00a37570, review to come) playing through the now-resident Graham LS6 speakers (\u00a32,200), with Tellurium Q Black 2 cables (\u00a3270) as conduit. Atlas XLRs hooked the Gold Note into the Ayre\u2019s balanced inputs.A Blue Jeans cable (\u00a325) too S\/PDIF from the Gold Note\u2019s coaxial output variously to the Ayre EX-8\u2019s DAC and Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster combo (\u00a31200). The same cable fed Roon to the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input courtesy of the ALLO DigiOne.Note: the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input likes to see 5.5V, which flummoxed the 5V output on the ALLO DigiOne (the S\/PDIF standard is 5-6V, so both technically comply). A switch to the higher voltage BNC output (via an adapter) sorted it.Ripping on the ripAntonio Meneses & Maria Joao Pires in a Live at Wigmore Hall recital. Beautiful music if you like it \u2013 I do \u2013 and a stunning recording even if you don\u2019t. Roon played the ripped file into the Ayre EX-8\u2019s network card (a \u00a3750 option) via Ethernet. I noted the precision of the playing, the tone of the cello and an over-arching \u2018lovely\u2019 acoustic. It doesn\u2019t get better than this.Except it does. With the CD-1000 MKII used as CD transport, coax-ing out to the EX-8m, any A\/B battle was over after a few bars, the ripped file skulking off into the corner. Wow.What gives? The ALLO\u2019s admirable precision is supplanted by the Gold Note\u2019s greater sense of ease and musical flow. In comparison, the ripped file sounds reserved, stilted, as if holding something back. Greater colour, increased richness, more flesh \u2014 all contribute to Meneses and Pires playing with more verve via the CD than the streamer. The cello\u2019s midrange beauty just tugs the emotions harder.This result had me flabbergasted \u2013 so I listened for a good deal longer. Different music. Different DAC. I even tried upsampling the ripped file to hi-res PCM. I tried everything I could to knock the CD player\u2019s grin off its face. And I just couldn\u2019t, my findings falling consistently in the Gold Note\u2019s favour. The silver disc spun via the Gold Note player won the day. Every day. A non-audiophile friend put it more succinctly \u2013 the file and CD were incomparable.DAC offThe CD-1000 Mk2\u2019s DAC proved its worth, this time without upsetting world order.Against the Ayre EX-8\u2019s internal DAC \u2013 connected via coax to its disc spinning host \u2013 it was a close call but the Gold Note won out, making more sense of Grace Jones\u2019 dense Hurricane courtesy of a touch more clarity. Bass was better controlled and music flowed more easily. This was a marginal victory at best; a scenario in which alternative cables might reverse findings.With the Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster playing decoder to the Gold Note\u2019s digital output and compared to its internal conversion, it was the same result but more discernible: the Liberty majoring on bombast at the expense of some control, particularly down low. The Gold Note\u2019s analogue outputs better cut through the complexity, affording greater separation to Jones\u2019 Hurricane. Handled via the Gold Note\u2019s internals, Grace Jones sounded more delicate. Aural memory tells me the Gold Note as DAC is closer to the Mytek Brooklyn+ than the Liberty.All together nowWith less complex tracks playing via the CD-1000 MKII, like Gretchen Parlato\u2019s Holding Back The Years, that same sense of subtlety comes shining through. Bass and drums are well defined, allowing the delicate piano space to support (but not obfuscate) Gretchen\u2019s vocals. Each element clearly is delineated but it\u2019s not the clarity that stands out so much as a sense of gentle rhythmic flow.Changing gear to Queen\u2019s swansong Made In Heaven or Beth Hart\u2019s Lifts You Up and the CD-1000 MKII rolls up its sleeves to get busy with the swagger. Musical elements are still well defined but here it\u2019s the grunt that grabs. Sounds are fleshed out, more corporeal. Orchestral music is the same \u2013 the weight of the Saint Saens Organ Symphony final movement portrayed majestically.The CD 1000 MKII\u2019s sound quality is consistently high, majoring on clarity and light, not richness or meat, so pair accordingly.ConclusionsMy last CD player \u2013 a Meridian 508 \u2013 drew its final breath aeons ago. Computer audio, the holy trinity of greater convenience, more music and better sound, has won out in the broader market. And yet the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII well and truly harpoon\u2019s the notion that all digital sources sound alike. In Italian hands, the CD audibly outperforms the file.Returning to CD forced me back into old listening habits and I don\u2019t just mean getting out of the chair to change the CD. The bottom line is clear: for audiophiles, there\u2019s real life in the CD yet, a view supported by high enders dCS who report their Rossini CD Player is outselling the DAC version. If you\u2019re in the market for a CD player and can\u2019t stretch to a dCS, put the Gold Note on your shortlist.The bigger question is whether you should be in the market for a CD player. The CD-1000 MKII is good enough to make those in camp \u2018no\u2019 rethink their position. And I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be saying that.Further information: Gold NoteT+A\u2019s MP 3000 MKII is a network streamer, CD player & FM tunerJanuary 15, 2020Hi-res audio is much ado about not very much (for most people)July 16, 2021Letters to the editor: AXPONA 2019, CDs & electronic musicApril 15, 2019CD PLAYERCD-1000 MKIIGOLD NOTESee morePrevious articlePro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesNext articleThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dhttps:\/\/www.hegel.com\/Written by Phil WrightPhil is a Brit living in deepest Devon. Think: Tolkien's Shire but with killer cream teas. He's been around since digital audio's inception - he even wrote his dissertation on the introduction of the CD - but today's developments in both music and audio gear make him think 'we have never had it so good'. Phil is a Music-First audiophile with wide ranging tastes (Trad Jazz excepted): 5000 albums in his local library with the remainder coming from Tidal.AudioquestPro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dEISA AwardsGoldenEarGato AudioRECENT POSTSFuture-Fi Now! Mission\u2019s LX Connect systemOctober 1, 2021Future-Fi Now! NAD\u2019s C700 is a slimmed down M10September 30, 2021PrimaLuna kinda sorta announces EVO 300 HybridSeptember 29, 2021Audeze\u2019s dramatic weight loss will leave you speechlessSeptember 27, 2021A short film about the Sony WF-1000XM4September 26, 2021darkoaudiodarkoaudioFollow on InstagramPATREONNEW! Exclusive Patreon VLOG videosMusic playlists for all YouTube videosFree hi-fi & head-fi gearThe Darko DAC IndexOver-the-phone buying advice or general hi-fi discussionBecome a Patron! 2010 - 2021 \u00b7 Darko.Audio Studio.Raydianze.com Web-DesignCookie Policy (EU)(AU)(CA)(UK)(US)Manage CookiesPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerImprintHow is Darko.Audio funded?Back to TopCloseHOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSearch for:Search \u2026SEARCH Cookie SettingsPRODUCTS REVIEWSABOUT US DISTRIBUTORSNEWSENCD-1000 MKIIA DIGITAL AND AN ANALOGUE STAGE INTEGRATED IN ONE ELEGANT UNITA STATE-OF-THE-ART CD PLAYERThe CD-1000 MkII is the most musical and versatile High-End CD player available today. Housed in a beautiful brushed aluminium chassis, it integrates digital stage and analogue stage in one, elegant source.You can play your CD disc collection, stream music from the computer through the USB port, connect a TV or DVD-Player via the coax or optical digital inputs.The CD-1000 MkII recreates the natural, detailed, and powerful sound and can be easily integrated into any High-End stereo system. It Features a top-class 24bit\/192kHz high-resolution D\/A converter with S\/PDIF coaxial and TOS optical digital inputs to get the best out of your system.SMOOTH PLAYBACKThe transport mechanism model JPL-2800 is the drawer type supplied by Austrian Stream-Unlimited, the best mechanic available on the market today. It provides maximum stability of rotation supplying a digital signal with extremely low jitter.The CD-1000 MkII features a digital volume control stage to drive power amplifiers or active speakers directly. All the information of the CD-player is always easily visible on the large O-Led display.CD-1000 MkII may be equipped with special external devices to enhance the performance of the player to top high-end audio performance:TUBE-1012\/1006 \u2013 the external class A tube output stages developed with 6 or 12 tubesPSU-1250\/1000 \u2013 the dedicated external Super Inductive Power SupplyFOR THE VALVE LOVERSWith our tube output stages TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006 you can add the sound of valves to our CD-1000. They are the best way to enhance the performance of our electronics but you can also use them with other digital sources.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSMAIN FEATURESCD-PLAYERWith integrated DACD\/A CONVERTER CHIP24bit\/192kHz DAC PCM1792AFREQUENCY RESPONSE20Hz-20kHz @ +\/-0.3dBTHD \u2013 TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION0.001% maxSIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO128dBDYNAMIC RESPONSE127dBVOLUME CONTROLSwitchable On\/Off digital partializerMECHANICAluminium JPL-2800 Stream-UnlimitedSPEED FLUCTUATION0.0001%FORMATSCD formats: Red BookDisc compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3REMOTE CONTROLMultifunctional remote includedINPUTS AND OUTPUTSPOWERDIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTFINISHESRETAIL PRICESREAR PANELREMOTE CONTROLUPGRADESWINDOWS DRIVERMANUALREVIEWSFIND A DEALERDISCOVER MORE\ufeffSIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERDon\u2019t miss out on news, reviews and events.Our newsletter is the best way to stay in touch and discoverhow we design audio solutions for the contemporary audiophile.OUTLET & SPARE PARTSDOWNLOAD & FIRMWARE UPDATELIMITED EDITIONSDISCONTINUEDPRODUCT REGISTRATIONSUPPORTCONTACTSTERMS AND CONDITIONS Privacy PolicyCookies PolicyCopyright \u00a9 2021 Akamai s.r.l | Via Virginio 158, 50025 Montespertoli - Firenze, ItalyP.I. 05751200485 | REA 571944 | cap.soc. \u20ac 100.000 i.v. | Registro delle Imprese di FirenzeWeb design by DgNet","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"GOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review - INTEK HI-FI","og_description":"Darko.AudioAudioquest HOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSWITCH SKINSEARCHLATEST STORIESA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE SONY WF-1000XM4A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PRO-JECT DEBUT PROA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT THE IKEA\/SONOS SYMFONISK PICTURE FRAMEA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE MOLA MOLA KULAA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT APTX LOSSLESS BLUETOOTHA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PEACHTREE GAN400PreviousNextAudioQuestDACS, REVIEWS, SOURCESGold Note CD-1000 MKII reviewby Phil WrightFebruary 20, 2019, 09:37Audioquest \u201cYou\u2019ve got a what?!\u201d said my ex-wife and daughter in unison. My son was even blunter: \u201cWhy are you reviewing obsolete technology?\u201d. The object of their ire \u2013 Gold Note\u2019s new CD player, the CD-1000 MKII. Did they have a point?CD sales are struggling whilst streaming is powering ahead. And many with large CD collections have long since ripped them to a computer (haven\u2019t they?) with the donor discs, at best, relegated to aesthetic service? And hasn\u2019t the steady flow of new CD player models coming to market been reduced to a trickle?OK, but it\u2019s not all one-sided. Open its internal DAC to external streaming sources and the CD players jump from one-trick pony to multi-horse carriage. This is where we find Gold Note\u2019s CD-1000 MKII. At \u20ac3,990 \/ \u00a33,455 \/ $4788, its CD capability should be up to snuff but its coaxial and optical inputs make it streaming-friendly. Perfect for the Linhay (Devon barn \u2013 my home). The timing was good too, an eBay-plus-wine accident (oops) saw a job lot of 450 CDs arriving at the same time as the Gold Note. Ripping would have to wait.OverviewGold Note\u2019s IS-1000 streaming amplifier recently spent time here. Comprehensive functionality and a graceful sound, all founded on clarity. Build quality was admirable too, with understated looks that whispered style rather than shouting it.The CD-1000 MKII is similarly blessed, its discrete fascia giving way to Gold Note\u2019s signature air vents slashed stylishly into the casework. Was this overkill? The thing runs cool as a cucumber \u2013 but those vents, they do look good. Build quality is also fine; in both senses of the word.Available in two configurations, the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s base model (reviewed here) incorporates a Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC and offers an optical and a coax input, making it a true multi-tasker. An extra \u20ac810 \/ \u00a3863 \/ $972 gets you the reportedly better-sounding PCM1792 chip and a USB input.Should the base model wear USB? Maybe \u2013 there are certainly fewer streamers and computers with coax outputs than USB \u2013 hence my purchasing an ALLO DigiOne to Roonify the Gold Note disc spinner (US$215 for the complete DigiOne Player).Each of the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s digital inputs is limited to 24\/192 PCM. MQA is a no-no too. Undoubtedly, some will bemoan the \u2018low\u2019 24\/192 ceiling. For me \u2013 and probably you \u2013 it\u2019s a non-issue. This box is a CD player first, a streamer second.Still not sated? Go for the external upgrades \u2013 a power supply (\u20ac3190, \u00a32900, $3828) and\/or two alternative tube outputs (\u20ac3250, \u00a32680, $3900 or \u20ac5600, \u00a34820, $6720). Upgrade paths for when the bug bites.Functionality and operationOn outputs, we get a digital coaxial plus both single-ended and balanced analogue outputs. I went with the latter.The disc mechanism is Stream Unlimited\u2019s JPL-2800 from Austria. dCS\u2019s \u00a320k Rossini Player uses the same. The Gold Note\u2019s 9 x 2.5cm OLED display is admirably clear but also remote control defeatable. Speaking of which, go with the heart (and wallet) for the \u00a3200 optional metal remote \u2014 a tactile delight, it\u2019s well worth the money.Controls are limited to standard CD player click buttons, with Next Track and Previous Track doubling up to scroll through the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s inputs. They\u2019re not labelled as such and only work in this second mode when the disc tray is empty.Dance partnersThe main cast was an Ayre EX-8 streaming amplifier (\u00a37570, review to come) playing through the now-resident Graham LS6 speakers (\u00a32,200), with Tellurium Q Black 2 cables (\u00a3270) as conduit. Atlas XLRs hooked the Gold Note into the Ayre\u2019s balanced inputs.A Blue Jeans cable (\u00a325) too S\/PDIF from the Gold Note\u2019s coaxial output variously to the Ayre EX-8\u2019s DAC and Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster combo (\u00a31200). The same cable fed Roon to the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input courtesy of the ALLO DigiOne.Note: the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input likes to see 5.5V, which flummoxed the 5V output on the ALLO DigiOne (the S\/PDIF standard is 5-6V, so both technically comply). A switch to the higher voltage BNC output (via an adapter) sorted it.Ripping on the ripAntonio Meneses & Maria Joao Pires in a Live at Wigmore Hall recital. Beautiful music if you like it \u2013 I do \u2013 and a stunning recording even if you don\u2019t. Roon played the ripped file into the Ayre EX-8\u2019s network card (a \u00a3750 option) via Ethernet. I noted the precision of the playing, the tone of the cello and an over-arching \u2018lovely\u2019 acoustic. It doesn\u2019t get better than this.Except it does. With the CD-1000 MKII used as CD transport, coax-ing out to the EX-8m, any A\/B battle was over after a few bars, the ripped file skulking off into the corner. Wow.What gives? The ALLO\u2019s admirable precision is supplanted by the Gold Note\u2019s greater sense of ease and musical flow. In comparison, the ripped file sounds reserved, stilted, as if holding something back. Greater colour, increased richness, more flesh \u2014 all contribute to Meneses and Pires playing with more verve via the CD than the streamer. The cello\u2019s midrange beauty just tugs the emotions harder.This result had me flabbergasted \u2013 so I listened for a good deal longer. Different music. Different DAC. I even tried upsampling the ripped file to hi-res PCM. I tried everything I could to knock the CD player\u2019s grin off its face. And I just couldn\u2019t, my findings falling consistently in the Gold Note\u2019s favour. The silver disc spun via the Gold Note player won the day. Every day. A non-audiophile friend put it more succinctly \u2013 the file and CD were incomparable.DAC offThe CD-1000 Mk2\u2019s DAC proved its worth, this time without upsetting world order.Against the Ayre EX-8\u2019s internal DAC \u2013 connected via coax to its disc spinning host \u2013 it was a close call but the Gold Note won out, making more sense of Grace Jones\u2019 dense Hurricane courtesy of a touch more clarity. Bass was better controlled and music flowed more easily. This was a marginal victory at best; a scenario in which alternative cables might reverse findings.With the Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster playing decoder to the Gold Note\u2019s digital output and compared to its internal conversion, it was the same result but more discernible: the Liberty majoring on bombast at the expense of some control, particularly down low. The Gold Note\u2019s analogue outputs better cut through the complexity, affording greater separation to Jones\u2019 Hurricane. Handled via the Gold Note\u2019s internals, Grace Jones sounded more delicate. Aural memory tells me the Gold Note as DAC is closer to the Mytek Brooklyn+ than the Liberty.All together nowWith less complex tracks playing via the CD-1000 MKII, like Gretchen Parlato\u2019s Holding Back The Years, that same sense of subtlety comes shining through. Bass and drums are well defined, allowing the delicate piano space to support (but not obfuscate) Gretchen\u2019s vocals. Each element clearly is delineated but it\u2019s not the clarity that stands out so much as a sense of gentle rhythmic flow.Changing gear to Queen\u2019s swansong Made In Heaven or Beth Hart\u2019s Lifts You Up and the CD-1000 MKII rolls up its sleeves to get busy with the swagger. Musical elements are still well defined but here it\u2019s the grunt that grabs. Sounds are fleshed out, more corporeal. Orchestral music is the same \u2013 the weight of the Saint Saens Organ Symphony final movement portrayed majestically.The CD 1000 MKII\u2019s sound quality is consistently high, majoring on clarity and light, not richness or meat, so pair accordingly.ConclusionsMy last CD player \u2013 a Meridian 508 \u2013 drew its final breath aeons ago. Computer audio, the holy trinity of greater convenience, more music and better sound, has won out in the broader market. And yet the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII well and truly harpoon\u2019s the notion that all digital sources sound alike. In Italian hands, the CD audibly outperforms the file.Returning to CD forced me back into old listening habits and I don\u2019t just mean getting out of the chair to change the CD. The bottom line is clear: for audiophiles, there\u2019s real life in the CD yet, a view supported by high enders dCS who report their Rossini CD Player is outselling the DAC version. If you\u2019re in the market for a CD player and can\u2019t stretch to a dCS, put the Gold Note on your shortlist.The bigger question is whether you should be in the market for a CD player. The CD-1000 MKII is good enough to make those in camp \u2018no\u2019 rethink their position. And I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be saying that.Further information: Gold NoteT+A\u2019s MP 3000 MKII is a network streamer, CD player & FM tunerJanuary 15, 2020Hi-res audio is much ado about not very much (for most people)July 16, 2021Letters to the editor: AXPONA 2019, CDs & electronic musicApril 15, 2019CD PLAYERCD-1000 MKIIGOLD NOTESee morePrevious articlePro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesNext articleThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dhttps:\/\/www.hegel.com\/Written by Phil WrightPhil is a Brit living in deepest Devon. Think: Tolkien's Shire but with killer cream teas. He's been around since digital audio's inception - he even wrote his dissertation on the introduction of the CD - but today's developments in both music and audio gear make him think 'we have never had it so good'. Phil is a Music-First audiophile with wide ranging tastes (Trad Jazz excepted): 5000 albums in his local library with the remainder coming from Tidal.AudioquestPro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dEISA AwardsGoldenEarGato AudioRECENT POSTSFuture-Fi Now! Mission\u2019s LX Connect systemOctober 1, 2021Future-Fi Now! NAD\u2019s C700 is a slimmed down M10September 30, 2021PrimaLuna kinda sorta announces EVO 300 HybridSeptember 29, 2021Audeze\u2019s dramatic weight loss will leave you speechlessSeptember 27, 2021A short film about the Sony WF-1000XM4September 26, 2021darkoaudiodarkoaudioFollow on InstagramPATREONNEW! Exclusive Patreon VLOG videosMusic playlists for all YouTube videosFree hi-fi & head-fi gearThe Darko DAC IndexOver-the-phone buying advice or general hi-fi discussionBecome a Patron! 2010 - 2021 \u00b7 Darko.Audio Studio.Raydianze.com Web-DesignCookie Policy (EU)(AU)(CA)(UK)(US)Manage CookiesPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerImprintHow is Darko.Audio funded?Back to TopCloseHOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSearch for:Search \u2026SEARCH Cookie SettingsPRODUCTS REVIEWSABOUT US DISTRIBUTORSNEWSENCD-1000 MKIIA DIGITAL AND AN ANALOGUE STAGE INTEGRATED IN ONE ELEGANT UNITA STATE-OF-THE-ART CD PLAYERThe CD-1000 MkII is the most musical and versatile High-End CD player available today. Housed in a beautiful brushed aluminium chassis, it integrates digital stage and analogue stage in one, elegant source.You can play your CD disc collection, stream music from the computer through the USB port, connect a TV or DVD-Player via the coax or optical digital inputs.The CD-1000 MkII recreates the natural, detailed, and powerful sound and can be easily integrated into any High-End stereo system. It Features a top-class 24bit\/192kHz high-resolution D\/A converter with S\/PDIF coaxial and TOS optical digital inputs to get the best out of your system.SMOOTH PLAYBACKThe transport mechanism model JPL-2800 is the drawer type supplied by Austrian Stream-Unlimited, the best mechanic available on the market today. It provides maximum stability of rotation supplying a digital signal with extremely low jitter.The CD-1000 MkII features a digital volume control stage to drive power amplifiers or active speakers directly. All the information of the CD-player is always easily visible on the large O-Led display.CD-1000 MkII may be equipped with special external devices to enhance the performance of the player to top high-end audio performance:TUBE-1012\/1006 \u2013 the external class A tube output stages developed with 6 or 12 tubesPSU-1250\/1000 \u2013 the dedicated external Super Inductive Power SupplyFOR THE VALVE LOVERSWith our tube output stages TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006 you can add the sound of valves to our CD-1000. They are the best way to enhance the performance of our electronics but you can also use them with other digital sources.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSMAIN FEATURESCD-PLAYERWith integrated DACD\/A CONVERTER CHIP24bit\/192kHz DAC PCM1792AFREQUENCY RESPONSE20Hz-20kHz @ +\/-0.3dBTHD \u2013 TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION0.001% maxSIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO128dBDYNAMIC RESPONSE127dBVOLUME CONTROLSwitchable On\/Off digital partializerMECHANICAluminium JPL-2800 Stream-UnlimitedSPEED FLUCTUATION0.0001%FORMATSCD formats: Red BookDisc compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3REMOTE CONTROLMultifunctional remote includedINPUTS AND OUTPUTSPOWERDIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTFINISHESRETAIL PRICESREAR PANELREMOTE CONTROLUPGRADESWINDOWS DRIVERMANUALREVIEWSFIND A DEALERDISCOVER MORE\ufeffSIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERDon\u2019t miss out on news, reviews and events.Our newsletter is the best way to stay in touch and discoverhow we design audio solutions for the contemporary audiophile.OUTLET & SPARE PARTSDOWNLOAD & FIRMWARE UPDATELIMITED EDITIONSDISCONTINUEDPRODUCT REGISTRATIONSUPPORTCONTACTSTERMS AND CONDITIONS Privacy PolicyCookies PolicyCopyright \u00a9 2021 Akamai s.r.l | Via Virginio 158, 50025 Montespertoli - Firenze, ItalyP.I. 05751200485 | REA 571944 | cap.soc. \u20ac 100.000 i.v. | Registro delle Imprese di FirenzeWeb design by DgNet","og_url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/","og_site_name":"INTEK HI-FI","article_published_time":"2021-10-05T06:00:48+00:00","article_modified_time":"2021-10-04T21:50:04+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":720,"url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkII-1280.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"darko","Est. reading time":"2 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/","name":"INTEK HI-FI","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkII-1280.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkII-1280.jpg","width":1280,"height":720,"caption":"Gold Note CD-1000 MkII"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/","name":"GOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review - INTEK HI-FI","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#primaryimage"},"datePublished":"2021-10-05T06:00:48+00:00","dateModified":"2021-10-04T21:50:04+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7"},"description":"Darko.AudioAudioquest HOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSWITCH SKINSEARCHLATEST STORIESA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE SONY WF-1000XM4A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PRO-JECT DEBUT PROA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT THE IKEA\/SONOS SYMFONISK PICTURE FRAMEA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE MOLA MOLA KULAA VERY SHORT FILM ABOUT APTX LOSSLESS BLUETOOTHA SHORT FILM ABOUT THE PEACHTREE GAN400PreviousNextAudioQuestDACS, REVIEWS, SOURCESGold Note CD-1000 MKII reviewby Phil WrightFebruary 20, 2019, 09:37Audioquest \u201cYou\u2019ve got a what?!\u201d said my ex-wife and daughter in unison. My son was even blunter: \u201cWhy are you reviewing obsolete technology?\u201d. The object of their ire \u2013 Gold Note\u2019s new CD player, the CD-1000 MKII. Did they have a point?CD sales are struggling whilst streaming is powering ahead. And many with large CD collections have long since ripped them to a computer (haven\u2019t they?) with the donor discs, at best, relegated to aesthetic service? And hasn\u2019t the steady flow of new CD player models coming to market been reduced to a trickle?OK, but it\u2019s not all one-sided. Open its internal DAC to external streaming sources and the CD players jump from one-trick pony to multi-horse carriage. This is where we find Gold Note\u2019s CD-1000 MKII. At \u20ac3,990 \/ \u00a33,455 \/ $4788, its CD capability should be up to snuff but its coaxial and optical inputs make it streaming-friendly. Perfect for the Linhay (Devon barn \u2013 my home). The timing was good too, an eBay-plus-wine accident (oops) saw a job lot of 450 CDs arriving at the same time as the Gold Note. Ripping would have to wait.OverviewGold Note\u2019s IS-1000 streaming amplifier recently spent time here. Comprehensive functionality and a graceful sound, all founded on clarity. Build quality was admirable too, with understated looks that whispered style rather than shouting it.The CD-1000 MKII is similarly blessed, its discrete fascia giving way to Gold Note\u2019s signature air vents slashed stylishly into the casework. Was this overkill? The thing runs cool as a cucumber \u2013 but those vents, they do look good. Build quality is also fine; in both senses of the word.Available in two configurations, the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s base model (reviewed here) incorporates a Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC and offers an optical and a coax input, making it a true multi-tasker. An extra \u20ac810 \/ \u00a3863 \/ $972 gets you the reportedly better-sounding PCM1792 chip and a USB input.Should the base model wear USB? Maybe \u2013 there are certainly fewer streamers and computers with coax outputs than USB \u2013 hence my purchasing an ALLO DigiOne to Roonify the Gold Note disc spinner (US$215 for the complete DigiOne Player).Each of the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s digital inputs is limited to 24\/192 PCM. MQA is a no-no too. Undoubtedly, some will bemoan the \u2018low\u2019 24\/192 ceiling. For me \u2013 and probably you \u2013 it\u2019s a non-issue. This box is a CD player first, a streamer second.Still not sated? Go for the external upgrades \u2013 a power supply (\u20ac3190, \u00a32900, $3828) and\/or two alternative tube outputs (\u20ac3250, \u00a32680, $3900 or \u20ac5600, \u00a34820, $6720). Upgrade paths for when the bug bites.Functionality and operationOn outputs, we get a digital coaxial plus both single-ended and balanced analogue outputs. I went with the latter.The disc mechanism is Stream Unlimited\u2019s JPL-2800 from Austria. dCS\u2019s \u00a320k Rossini Player uses the same. The Gold Note\u2019s 9 x 2.5cm OLED display is admirably clear but also remote control defeatable. Speaking of which, go with the heart (and wallet) for the \u00a3200 optional metal remote \u2014 a tactile delight, it\u2019s well worth the money.Controls are limited to standard CD player click buttons, with Next Track and Previous Track doubling up to scroll through the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s inputs. They\u2019re not labelled as such and only work in this second mode when the disc tray is empty.Dance partnersThe main cast was an Ayre EX-8 streaming amplifier (\u00a37570, review to come) playing through the now-resident Graham LS6 speakers (\u00a32,200), with Tellurium Q Black 2 cables (\u00a3270) as conduit. Atlas XLRs hooked the Gold Note into the Ayre\u2019s balanced inputs.A Blue Jeans cable (\u00a325) too S\/PDIF from the Gold Note\u2019s coaxial output variously to the Ayre EX-8\u2019s DAC and Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster combo (\u00a31200). The same cable fed Roon to the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input courtesy of the ALLO DigiOne.Note: the CD-1000 MKII\u2019s coaxial input likes to see 5.5V, which flummoxed the 5V output on the ALLO DigiOne (the S\/PDIF standard is 5-6V, so both technically comply). A switch to the higher voltage BNC output (via an adapter) sorted it.Ripping on the ripAntonio Meneses & Maria Joao Pires in a Live at Wigmore Hall recital. Beautiful music if you like it \u2013 I do \u2013 and a stunning recording even if you don\u2019t. Roon played the ripped file into the Ayre EX-8\u2019s network card (a \u00a3750 option) via Ethernet. I noted the precision of the playing, the tone of the cello and an over-arching \u2018lovely\u2019 acoustic. It doesn\u2019t get better than this.Except it does. With the CD-1000 MKII used as CD transport, coax-ing out to the EX-8m, any A\/B battle was over after a few bars, the ripped file skulking off into the corner. Wow.What gives? The ALLO\u2019s admirable precision is supplanted by the Gold Note\u2019s greater sense of ease and musical flow. In comparison, the ripped file sounds reserved, stilted, as if holding something back. Greater colour, increased richness, more flesh \u2014 all contribute to Meneses and Pires playing with more verve via the CD than the streamer. The cello\u2019s midrange beauty just tugs the emotions harder.This result had me flabbergasted \u2013 so I listened for a good deal longer. Different music. Different DAC. I even tried upsampling the ripped file to hi-res PCM. I tried everything I could to knock the CD player\u2019s grin off its face. And I just couldn\u2019t, my findings falling consistently in the Gold Note\u2019s favour. The silver disc spun via the Gold Note player won the day. Every day. A non-audiophile friend put it more succinctly \u2013 the file and CD were incomparable.DAC offThe CD-1000 Mk2\u2019s DAC proved its worth, this time without upsetting world order.Against the Ayre EX-8\u2019s internal DAC \u2013 connected via coax to its disc spinning host \u2013 it was a close call but the Gold Note won out, making more sense of Grace Jones\u2019 dense Hurricane courtesy of a touch more clarity. Bass was better controlled and music flowed more easily. This was a marginal victory at best; a scenario in which alternative cables might reverse findings.With the Mytek Liberty \/ SBooster playing decoder to the Gold Note\u2019s digital output and compared to its internal conversion, it was the same result but more discernible: the Liberty majoring on bombast at the expense of some control, particularly down low. The Gold Note\u2019s analogue outputs better cut through the complexity, affording greater separation to Jones\u2019 Hurricane. Handled via the Gold Note\u2019s internals, Grace Jones sounded more delicate. Aural memory tells me the Gold Note as DAC is closer to the Mytek Brooklyn+ than the Liberty.All together nowWith less complex tracks playing via the CD-1000 MKII, like Gretchen Parlato\u2019s Holding Back The Years, that same sense of subtlety comes shining through. Bass and drums are well defined, allowing the delicate piano space to support (but not obfuscate) Gretchen\u2019s vocals. Each element clearly is delineated but it\u2019s not the clarity that stands out so much as a sense of gentle rhythmic flow.Changing gear to Queen\u2019s swansong Made In Heaven or Beth Hart\u2019s Lifts You Up and the CD-1000 MKII rolls up its sleeves to get busy with the swagger. Musical elements are still well defined but here it\u2019s the grunt that grabs. Sounds are fleshed out, more corporeal. Orchestral music is the same \u2013 the weight of the Saint Saens Organ Symphony final movement portrayed majestically.The CD 1000 MKII\u2019s sound quality is consistently high, majoring on clarity and light, not richness or meat, so pair accordingly.ConclusionsMy last CD player \u2013 a Meridian 508 \u2013 drew its final breath aeons ago. Computer audio, the holy trinity of greater convenience, more music and better sound, has won out in the broader market. And yet the Gold Note CD-1000 MKII well and truly harpoon\u2019s the notion that all digital sources sound alike. In Italian hands, the CD audibly outperforms the file.Returning to CD forced me back into old listening habits and I don\u2019t just mean getting out of the chair to change the CD. The bottom line is clear: for audiophiles, there\u2019s real life in the CD yet, a view supported by high enders dCS who report their Rossini CD Player is outselling the DAC version. If you\u2019re in the market for a CD player and can\u2019t stretch to a dCS, put the Gold Note on your shortlist.The bigger question is whether you should be in the market for a CD player. The CD-1000 MKII is good enough to make those in camp \u2018no\u2019 rethink their position. And I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be saying that.Further information: Gold NoteT+A\u2019s MP 3000 MKII is a network streamer, CD player & FM tunerJanuary 15, 2020Hi-res audio is much ado about not very much (for most people)July 16, 2021Letters to the editor: AXPONA 2019, CDs & electronic musicApril 15, 2019CD PLAYERCD-1000 MKIIGOLD NOTESee morePrevious articlePro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesNext articleThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dhttps:\/\/www.hegel.com\/Written by Phil WrightPhil is a Brit living in deepest Devon. Think: Tolkien's Shire but with killer cream teas. He's been around since digital audio's inception - he even wrote his dissertation on the introduction of the CD - but today's developments in both music and audio gear make him think 'we have never had it so good'. Phil is a Music-First audiophile with wide ranging tastes (Trad Jazz excepted): 5000 albums in his local library with the remainder coming from Tidal.AudioquestPro-Ject\u2019s DAC Box E Mobile is for PCs AND smartphonesThis Music-First Audiophile says \u201cThank You!\u201dEISA AwardsGoldenEarGato AudioRECENT POSTSFuture-Fi Now! Mission\u2019s LX Connect systemOctober 1, 2021Future-Fi Now! NAD\u2019s C700 is a slimmed down M10September 30, 2021PrimaLuna kinda sorta announces EVO 300 HybridSeptember 29, 2021Audeze\u2019s dramatic weight loss will leave you speechlessSeptember 27, 2021A short film about the Sony WF-1000XM4September 26, 2021darkoaudiodarkoaudioFollow on InstagramPATREONNEW! Exclusive Patreon VLOG videosMusic playlists for all YouTube videosFree hi-fi & head-fi gearThe Darko DAC IndexOver-the-phone buying advice or general hi-fi discussionBecome a Patron! 2010 - 2021 \u00b7 Darko.Audio Studio.Raydianze.com Web-DesignCookie Policy (EU)(AU)(CA)(UK)(US)Manage CookiesPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerImprintHow is Darko.Audio funded?Back to TopCloseHOMEVIDEOPODCASTREVIEWSNEWSSHOWCASEDAR-KO AWARDSFAQ & FEEDBACKSearch for:Search \u2026SEARCH Cookie SettingsPRODUCTS REVIEWSABOUT US DISTRIBUTORSNEWSENCD-1000 MKIIA DIGITAL AND AN ANALOGUE STAGE INTEGRATED IN ONE ELEGANT UNITA STATE-OF-THE-ART CD PLAYERThe CD-1000 MkII is the most musical and versatile High-End CD player available today. Housed in a beautiful brushed aluminium chassis, it integrates digital stage and analogue stage in one, elegant source.You can play your CD disc collection, stream music from the computer through the USB port, connect a TV or DVD-Player via the coax or optical digital inputs.The CD-1000 MkII recreates the natural, detailed, and powerful sound and can be easily integrated into any High-End stereo system. It Features a top-class 24bit\/192kHz high-resolution D\/A converter with S\/PDIF coaxial and TOS optical digital inputs to get the best out of your system.SMOOTH PLAYBACKThe transport mechanism model JPL-2800 is the drawer type supplied by Austrian Stream-Unlimited, the best mechanic available on the market today. It provides maximum stability of rotation supplying a digital signal with extremely low jitter.The CD-1000 MkII features a digital volume control stage to drive power amplifiers or active speakers directly. All the information of the CD-player is always easily visible on the large O-Led display.CD-1000 MkII may be equipped with special external devices to enhance the performance of the player to top high-end audio performance:TUBE-1012\/1006 \u2013 the external class A tube output stages developed with 6 or 12 tubesPSU-1250\/1000 \u2013 the dedicated external Super Inductive Power SupplyFOR THE VALVE LOVERSWith our tube output stages TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006 you can add the sound of valves to our CD-1000. They are the best way to enhance the performance of our electronics but you can also use them with other digital sources.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSMAIN FEATURESCD-PLAYERWith integrated DACD\/A CONVERTER CHIP24bit\/192kHz DAC PCM1792AFREQUENCY RESPONSE20Hz-20kHz @ +\/-0.3dBTHD \u2013 TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION0.001% maxSIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO128dBDYNAMIC RESPONSE127dBVOLUME CONTROLSwitchable On\/Off digital partializerMECHANICAluminium JPL-2800 Stream-UnlimitedSPEED FLUCTUATION0.0001%FORMATSCD formats: Red BookDisc compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3REMOTE CONTROLMultifunctional remote includedINPUTS AND OUTPUTSPOWERDIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTFINISHESRETAIL PRICESREAR PANELREMOTE CONTROLUPGRADESWINDOWS DRIVERMANUALREVIEWSFIND A DEALERDISCOVER MORE\ufeffSIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERDon\u2019t miss out on news, reviews and events.Our newsletter is the best way to stay in touch and discoverhow we design audio solutions for the contemporary audiophile.OUTLET & SPARE PARTSDOWNLOAD & FIRMWARE UPDATELIMITED EDITIONSDISCONTINUEDPRODUCT REGISTRATIONSUPPORTCONTACTSTERMS AND CONDITIONS Privacy PolicyCookies PolicyCopyright \u00a9 2021 Akamai s.r.l | Via Virginio 158, 50025 Montespertoli - Firenze, ItalyP.I. 05751200485 | REA 571944 | cap.soc. \u20ac 100.000 i.v. | Registro delle Imprese di FirenzeWeb design by DgNet","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-cd-1000-mkii-darko-audio-review\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"GOLD NOTE CD-1000 MKII > Darko Audio review"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7","name":"darko","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#personlogo","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b6149fb1fb06b36083b7009dbff0af?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b6149fb1fb06b36083b7009dbff0af?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"darko"},"url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/author\/darko\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24643"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24643"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24643\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24647,"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24643\/revisions\/24647"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24643"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}