Gold Note PH-1000 line gold
Overview
The Gold Note PH-1000 LINE represents the pinnacle of Italian audio engineering in the field of phono preamplifiers. Designed as the flagship of the Gold Note range, this exceptional device offers unprecedented versatility for the most demanding vinyl enthusiasts. With its ability to adapt to virtually any phono cartridge, multiple equalization curves, and Class A preamplification stage, the PH-1000 LINE transcends the simple function of a phono preamp to become a true analog control center.
Exceptional Italian Design
The PH-1000 LINE features a distinctive design that reflects Italian elegance. Its anodized aluminum chassis, available in gold, black, or silver finishes, showcases grooves arranged in circular arcs, giving it a look that is both vintage and contemporary. This minimalist aesthetic is complemented by a 2.8-inch color TFT display integrated into the front panel, offering a clear and intuitive visual interface.
Entirely made in Italy, the PH-1000 LINE demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship. Each component is carefully selected and hand-assembled to ensure impeccable sound quality. With dimensions of 430 x 135 x 375 mm and a weight of 12 kg, this device commands attention in any high-end audio setup.
Unmatched Versatility for All Phono Cartridges
The PH-1000 LINE stands out for its ability to perfectly adapt to virtually any existing phono cartridge. It offers 14 different gain levels, reaching up to 65 dB for the most demanding moving coil (MC) cartridges, with 7 fine-tuning options (0 dB, ±3 dB, ±6 dB, ±9 dB).
For optimal impedance matching, the device provides 12 options for RCA inputs (from 10 Ω to 100 kΩ) and 8 options for the XLR input (from 10 Ω to 4.7 kΩ). Moving magnet (MM) cartridges benefit from 7 capacitance settings (from OFF to 1000 pF). This exceptional flexibility allows users to extract the best from any cartridge, even the most exotic or vintage ones.
The connectivity is particularly generous, with two unbalanced RCA phono inputs and one balanced XLR input for MC cartridges. On the output side, there is an unbalanced RCA output, a balanced XLR output, a front headphone output, and a dedicated output for optional tube modules TUBE-1012 or TUBE-1006.
A Journey Through Vinyl History
One of the most remarkable features of the PH-1000 LINE is its ability to faithfully reproduce records from all eras thanks to its multiple equalization curves. While most phono preamps are limited to the standard RIAA curve, the PH-1000 LINE offers 18 different equalization curves, each available with an “Enhanced” option for a total of 36 possibilities.
These curves allow for the correct reproduction of records pressed before the 1954 RIAA standardization, as well as those using proprietary curves. Notable examples include the Capitol, Columbia LP, Deutsche Grammophon, Decca London USA, Decca London UK curves, as well as specific curves for 78 RPM records like FFRR 78 or American 78.
The PH-1000 LINE goes even further by offering 4 customizable equalization curves that users can manually adjust according to their preferences. This exclusive feature allows for the rediscovery of old vinyl treasures with unprecedented fidelity or the adaptation of sound reproduction to personal tastes.
An Intuitive User Interface
Despite its technical complexity, the PH-1000 LINE stands out for its ease of use thanks to Gold Note’s “Single Knob Control” (SKC) system. A single rotary knob provides access to all the device’s functions and settings through simple rotation and pressing.
The color TFT display clearly shows all essential information: selected input, cartridge type, gain, impedance, and capacitance values, active equalization curve (with a graphical representation of its profile), subsonic filter activation, mono/stereo mode, and headphone output volume level.
All settings can be adjusted in real-time, even during playback, without interrupting the music. The device automatically saves configurations for each input, creating distinct profiles for different turntables or cartridges. A remote control is also included for complete remote operation.
Exceptional Sound Quality
The PH-1000 LINE is distinguished by its exceptional sound purity. Its fully analog design, using high-quality discrete components, ensures faithful and detailed signal reproduction. The signal path is kept as short as possible to preserve sound integrity and extract the finest details from the grooves.
The Class A preamplification stage, which sets the LINE model apart from the standard PH-1000, adds extra musicality and allows direct volume control from the phono preamp. This function can be disabled by selecting the “STAGE” mode in the “PREAMP” menu.
The signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB and total harmonic distortion below 0.01% attest to the quality of this device’s design. The switchable subsonic filter (10 Hz with a slope of 36 dB/octave) effectively eliminates unwanted low-frequency noise without affecting the response in the lower audible spectrum.
Scalability and Upgrade Options
The PH-1000 LINE is designed to evolve with your system. It features a dedicated input for high-end external power supplies PSU-1250 or PSU-1000, further enhancing sound performance by isolating audio circuits from electrical interference.
For tube sound enthusiasts, Gold Note offers optional external modules TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006, which add a tube output stage to the signal path. These modules connect via the dedicated output of the PH-1000 LINE and provide a different, warmer, and more organic sound coloration.
The device is also equipped with a mini-USB port for firmware updates, ensuring its longevity in the face of future developments.
Comparison with Other Models in the Range
The PH-1000 LINE sits at the top of Gold Note’s phono preamp range. It differs from the standard PH-1000 by adding a Class A preamplification stage, which enhances musicality and allows the device to be used as a standalone preamplifier.
The PH-1000 LITE, a simplified version introduced more recently, omits some features of the PH-1000 LINE: no Class A preamplification stage, no customizable equalization curves, no right/left channel inversion, and a maximum gain limited to 60 dB (compared to 65 dB for the PH-1000 LINE). The PH-1000 LITE also lacks inputs with external loading, which are present on the PH-1000 and PH-1000 LINE models.
Technical Specifications
Audio Specifications
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Equalization curves
- 18 equalization curves with Enhanced option (± 0.3 dB)
- Infinite equalization curves with 4 manually adjustable presets (only on PH-1000 / PH-1000 LINE)
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.01% max.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB
- Dynamic range: 110 dB
- Infrasonic filter: 10 Hz / 36 dB octave (ON / OFF)
- Mono/stereo modes: Stereo, Stereo 180°, Mono, Mono 180°, Mono L
- Channel inversion: R/L, L/R
- Infrared receiver for multifunction remote control
Inputs and Outputs
- Audio inputs
- 2x unbalanced RCA (0.1 mV MC up to 8.0 mV MM)
- 1x balanced XLR (0.1 mV up to 1.0 mV MC)
- Load impedance
- 12 options for RCA [100 kΩ, 75 kΩ, 47 kΩ, 33 kΩ, 22 kΩ, 1 kΩ, 470 Ω, 220 Ω, 100 Ω, 47 Ω, 22 Ω, 10 Ω]
- 8 options for XLR [4k7 Ω, 1 kΩ, 470 Ω, 220 Ω, 100 Ω, 47 Ω, 22 Ω, 10 Ω]
- External load compatible with RCA and XLR connectors (only on PH-1000 / PH-1000 LINE)
- Capacitance: OFF, 100 pF, 150 pF, 220 pF, 330 pF, 470 pF, 1000 pF
- PH-1000 LINE gain: 40 dB MM to 65 dB MC with 7 options [0 dB, ± 3 dB, ± 6 dB, ± 9 dB]
- Line input level: 2 Vrms (standard) up to 2.5 Vrms (max)
- Audio outputs
- 1x unbalanced RCA (up to 2.5 Vrms max)
- 1x balanced XLR (up to 2.5 Vrms max)
- 1x stereo output for tube (balanced GN) for optional TUBE-1012 & TUBE-1006
- Output impedance
- Unbalanced: 100 Ω
- Balanced: 300 Ω
Power Supply
- Power consumption: 430 W
- Input for external power supply Gold Note PSU-1250 & PSU-1000
- Power supply: Dual-Mono linear power supply 100-240 V with automatic detection, 50-60 Hz
- Fuse: 2A T
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 135 x 375 mm
- Dimensions with packaging (W x H x D): 630 x 350 x 600 mm
- Weight: 12 kg net, 17 kg with packaging
Main Features
- Infrasonic filter
- Mono/stereo control
- 2 RCA phono inputs and 1 XLR input
- RCA and XLR outputs (class A)
- Headphone output
- Fine adjustments for capacitance and load impedance
- Gain from 40 dB (MM) to 65 dB (MC) with fine adjustments
- 18 equalization curves with Enhanced option
- Infinite equalization curves (4 manually adjustable presets)
- External load (RCA and XLR connectors)
- L/R inversion
- Class A preamplifier stage (1 RCA, 1 XLR)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the PH-1000 LINE and the standard PH-1000?
The fundamental difference lies in the Class A preamplification stage integrated into the PH-1000 LINE, which is absent in the standard model. This feature transforms the PH-1000 LINE into a true full-fledged preamplifier, capable of directly controlling the volume and being connected to a power amplifier without requiring a separate preamp. This characteristic also adds extra musicality to the sound.
Why are so many equalization curves necessary?
Before the standardization of the RIAA curve in 1954, each record label used its own equalization curve when pressing vinyl records. To faithfully reproduce these old records, it is necessary to apply the corresponding inverse curve during playback. The 18 curves (36 with the Enhanced option) allow for the correct reproduction of virtually all records ever pressed, from 78 RPM records to pre-RIAA vinyl, including some labels that continued using their own curves after 1954.
What is the "Enhanced" mode for equalization curves?
The Enhanced mode offers a slightly modified version (±0.3 dB) of each standard equalization curve. This subtle adjustment provides more vitality and freshness to recordings that might otherwise sound dull or dated, while remaining faithful to the original pressing’s intent. It is particularly useful for older records or medium-quality pressings.
Is the PH-1000 LINE compatible with all phono cartridges on the market?
Thanks to its multiple gain settings (up to 65 dB), impedance adjustments (from 10 Ω to 100 kΩ), and capacitance options (up to 1000 pF), the PH-1000 LINE can adapt to virtually all existing phono cartridges, from the most common MM to the most exotic or low-output MC cartridges. The presence of both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs further enhances its versatility.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: PF-MILLE-PHL-001-Y