Gold Note HP-5.2
Gold Note HP-5.2
Gold Note HP-5.2
Gold Note HP-5.2
Gold Note HP-5.2
Gold Note Logo

HP-5.2

£999 inc VAT

The HP-5.2 is Gold Note’s most accessible dedicated headphone amplifier, built around the same balanced Class A, dual-mono topology and analogue control philosophy that defined the acclaimed HP-10. With up to 5 W of output power, four headphone connections covering every major format, an integrated ESS SABRE ES9023 DAC, Bluetooth 5.2 HD aptX and a suite of analogue tuning tools that Gold Note calls Studio, it is designed to function as both a serious headphone amplifier and a flexible system hub — without compromise in either role.

Gold Note HP-5.2 Gold Note HP-5.2 Gold Note HP-5.2

Precision control for every headphone

Every pair of headphones presents a different set of electrical and acoustic characteristics. Impedance, sensitivity, driver type and the acoustic geometry of the ear cup all influence how a recording is perceived. Most headphone amplifiers treat these variables as fixed — the HP-5.2 gives you the tools to address them directly, in the analogue domain, in real time.

At the heart of the design is a fully discrete Class A amplification circuit arranged in a symmetrical dual-mono layout. Each channel is independently amplified, minimising crosstalk and providing a stable, low-noise foundation for the signal. Class A biasing keeps the output stage continuously active, which contributes to smoother transient behaviour, finer micro-detail and a more natural tonal character. With 5 W of available output power, the HP-5.2 has the headroom to drive virtually any headphone on the market without strain — from high-impedance studio models to efficient in-ear monitors.

The Studio control suite is what sets the HP-5.2 apart. These are not digital effects or processing artefacts — they are analogue-domain tools, applied directly within the signal path and adjustable during playback via the colour touchscreen or the included remote control. Crossfeed blends a controlled amount of signal between left and right channels to reconstruct a more natural soundstage, reducing the artificial in-head placement that headphone listening can produce. It is adjustable across full spectrum, highs, mids or lows, allowing precise control over spatial presentation. The Harman option applies an optimised equalisation curve specifically tailored for headphone acoustics, while Superflat linearises the high-frequency response for headphones that exhibit a lift in that region. The adjustable Damping Factor matches the amplifier’s output impedance to the connected headphones, ensuring optimal driver control and transient response. Gain is selectable across low, mid and high settings, and a Balance control provides precise left/right volume adjustment for listeners whose hearing differs between ears or for headphones with asymmetric driver characteristics.

The result is not a different sound — it is a more accurate one. The HP-5.2 does not impose a character; it removes the compromises that are typically accepted as inherent to headphone listening.

Connectivity is comprehensive. The front panel provides four headphone outputs: 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm unbalanced, plus 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced. On the rear, balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue inputs connect to DACs, streamers or preamplifiers. A USB-C digital input with the integrated ESS SABRE ES9023 DAC handles PCM signals up to 48 kHz for direct connection to computers and laptops, while Bluetooth 5.2 with HD aptX at 24-bit provides high-quality wireless streaming from phones, tablets and other devices. Bluetooth operates bidirectionally, meaning the HP-5.2 can also transmit to Bluetooth headphones — selected directly from the touchscreen.

The HP-5.2 integrates smoothly into existing systems through its bypass function. When a headphone output is selected and the unit is placed into standby, the analogue input signal passes straight through to the line outputs, allowing a connected preamplifier to continue driving loudspeakers without any change to the system’s wiring. This makes the HP-5.2 a practical addition to a two-channel system rather than a standalone device requiring its own signal path.

By selecting the RCA or XLR line outputs during active use, the HP-5.2 also functions as a line-level preamplifier, with all Studio processing tools remaining available. This opens up the possibility of applying Crossfeed, Harman or Damping Factor adjustments to a speaker-based system — an unusual and genuinely useful capability at this price level.
The new anodised aluminium chassis follows the visual language of the Series 5.2, with the material chosen for its structural rigidity, mechanical stability and electrical cleanliness — all of which contribute to quieter operation of the Class A circuits within. The touchscreen interface provides quick, intuitive access to all settings, and the included remote control allows adjustments from the listening position without interruption.

The HP-5.2 is the direct philosophical descendant of the HP-10 — one of the most innovative headphone amplifiers Gold Note has produced. It shares its vision and its approach to total listening control, translated into a more compact, versatile and accessible form. For listeners who take headphone performance seriously, and for systems where headphone listening is not a secondary concern but a primary one, the HP-5.2 is a genuinely compelling proposition.

Specification

Amplifier
Headphone AmplifierClass A Dual-Mono, discrete components
Headphone Power Output5 W max
Frequency Response20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0 dB
THD + N0.015% @ 1 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio105 dB
D/A ConverterESS SABRE ES9023
Bluetooth5.2 HD aptX, 24-bit (bidirectional)
Studio Controls
CrossfeedAdjustable (full spectrum, highs, mids, lows)
Analogue EQHarman options, Superflat
Damping FactorAdjustable (High / Low)
GainLow / Mid / High
BalanceLeft / Right adjustable
Playback ModesStereo / Mono
Headphone Outputs
3.5 mm JackUnbalanced
6.3 mm JackUnbalanced
4.4 mm JackBalanced
4-pin XLRBalanced
Inputs & Line Outputs
Analogue Inputs1× unbalanced RCA (5 Vrms max)
1× balanced XLR (8 Vrms max)
Digital Inputs1× USB-C (PCM 48 kHz)
Bluetooth 5.2 HD aptX 24-bit
Line Outputs1× unbalanced RCA
1× balanced XLR
Power
Power Supply100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption25 W max
Fuse2A T
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions200 W × 80 H × 260 D mm
Weight3 kg (net)
4 kg (boxed)
Additional
FinishBlack anodised aluminium
Remote ControlMultifunctional remote included
Bypass FunctionYes — passes signal to line outputs in standby for seamless integration with preamplifiers
UpgradesPSX-5.2 external inductive power supply

Our Gold Note partners

Join the Airt Mailing List

Keep up to date with new product launches, exclusive deals and the latest news in the realm of high-end audio.

"*" indicates required fields

Marketing Permissions*

Keep up to speed

Our team keep up to speed with all the latest developments in the world of high-end audio. We share our passion for exceptional products daily on Instagram and invite you to follow us.

Follow us on Instagram