Gold Note IS-1000 MKII DELUXE silver

The Gold Note IS-1000 DELUXE MKII represents the culmination of over two decades of Italian acoustic research. This integrated solution combines in a single chassis a Class AB amplifier, an MM/MC phono preamp, a high-resolution digital-to-analog converter, and a full-featured network streamer. A technological powerhouse that promises to radically simplify your hi-fi setup without compromising sound performance.

Italian craftsmanship meets modern engineering

The IS-1000 DELUXE MKII features a brushed aluminum chassis available in three finishes: black, silver, and gold. Gold Note’s signature ventilation slots, inherited from the award-winning PH-10 phono preamp, cascade elegantly across the top panel and sidewalls. Beyond their visual appeal, they contribute to the unit’s thermal dissipation. The 600 VA toroidal transformer, mechanically decoupled from the chassis, sits at the heart of an internally organized architecture designed to minimize electromagnetic interference.

The front color display clearly shows the volume level in large characters, while other parameters appear in smaller text. Navigation is handled via a single SKC (Single Knob Control) rotary encoder—press to power on, rotate to adjust volume, and use successive presses to access various menus. This minimalist interface conceals remarkable sophistication: the unit memorizes preferences for each input and automatically adjusts parameters when switching.

The supplied multifunction remote provides direct access to all functions, while the GN Control app, developed specifically for the IS-1000 MKII, turns your smartphone or tablet into a complete control center. This proprietary app stands out for its intuitive ergonomics and stability, allowing you to manage both local sources and streaming services.

Amplification and exclusive technologies: controlled power

The amplification stage delivers 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling to 250 watts into 4 ohms. Class AB MOSFET transistors ensure total harmonic distortion below 0.005% at 5 watts, kept under 0.1% across the entire power range from 0.1 to 50 watts. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 100 dB on line and digital inputs, dropping to 80 dB for the MM phono input—figures that place the IS-1000 MKII among market benchmarks.

Gold Note includes a unique feature at this price point: an adjustable damping factor with two settings. The “High” setting (250) suits demanding speakers with large woofers that require firm cone control. The “Low” mode (25) emulates the behavior of a lower-power tube amplifier, ideal for high-efficiency speakers or bookshelf monitors. This flexibility lets you tailor the sonic signature to your speakers’ characteristics without changing electronics.

The Booster function is another distinctive feature. Adjustable in three steps or disabled, it selectively increases gain around 50 Hz. This frequency, chosen after extensive listening sessions, corresponds to the point where small speakers typically struggle to reproduce deep bass. Booster is particularly effective for late-night listening at low volume or to compensate for a room’s acoustic limitations.

An intelligent cooling system activates only when the volume reaches high levels. The fan, calibrated to remain inaudible even in operation, extends component lifespan without ever interfering with musical enjoyment.

Digital conversion and streaming: BurrBrown excellence

The DELUXE version stands out by integrating the BurrBrown PCM1792A converter, a significant upgrade over the PCM1796 in the standard model. This DAC processes PCM signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz and converts DSD64 files to high-resolution PCM via the UPnP protocol. The choice of BurrBrown is no accident: Gold Note favors the natural musicality of these chips over a race for digital specs.

The digital stage is built around a 32-bit Cortex-M4 microcontroller, ensuring exemplary processing stability and minimal latency when changing formats. This processor also manages thermal protection protocols and optimizes conversion parameters in real time based on the selected source.

Network connectivity relies on both Ethernet and Wi‑Fi interfaces. The IS-1000 MKII is Roon Ready certified, guaranteeing seamless integration with this music management ecosystem. Tidal Connect enables direct streaming from the Tidal app (for units produced after serial number 79486). The device also supports Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, vTuner for web radio, as well as Deezer. MQA compatibility ensures decoding of Master Quality Authenticated files for Tidal users.

The IS-1000 MKII natively communicates with UPnP-certified media servers, including MinimServer and Bubble UPnP. This universality allows access to your music library stored on a NAS without complex configuration. The front USB-A port accepts USB sticks and external hard drives up to 32 GB formatted in FAT32 or NTFS, automatically recognizing AIFF, WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, and DSD64 formats.

Phono preamplification: Gold Note’s vinyl DNA

The integrated phono stage is derived directly from the PH-10, multiple-time winner in the international specialist press. Compatible with moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, it offers remarkable flexibility for an integrated unit. Unlike the PH-10, which provides multiple settings for gain, load, and capacitance, the version built into the IS-1000 MKII adopts optimized values covering the majority of cartridges on the market.

The phono circuit benefits from a dedicated power supply and reinforced shielding to minimize interference from other sections. The exceptionally low noise floor—even with low-output MC cartridges—allows micro-information etched in the groove to be extracted without masking or coloration. The RIAA curve is maintained with exemplary accuracy, ensuring faithful reproduction of vinyl recordings from all eras.

Connectivity and expandability: ready for every scenario

The rear panel reveals connectivity designed to fit into any setup. On the digital side, three Toslink optical inputs and one S/PDIF coaxial input accommodate CD players, game consoles, or TV set-top boxes. The USB-A input enables direct playback from removable storage. The Ethernet port ensures a stable network connection for high-resolution streaming.

The analog section includes a balanced XLR input for high-end sources, an RCA input configurable as line or MM/MC phono, and a second RCA input programmable as a standard line input or AV bypass for home theater integration. Two RCA outputs complete the package: a fixed output (0 dB, 1.4 Vrms) for recording or connection to a headphone amplifier, and a variable output (+9.5 dB, 4 Vrms max) turning the IS-1000 MKII into a preamplifier for bi-amping or active speakers.

The 50-ohm output impedance ensures optimal compatibility with most power amplifiers and active speakers on the market. Externally accessible fuses (3.15 A T for 220-240V, 6.3 A T for 100-120V) facilitate maintenance without disassembly.

Technical specifications

Amplification

• Type: Class AB (Mosfet)
• Power: 125 W / 8 Ω at 1 kHz per channel
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% at 5 W, 0.1% from 0.1 to 50 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Damping factor: > 100
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB (line/digital), > 80 dB (phono MM)
• Booster function: adjustable across 3 levels, enhances bass around 50 Hz

Digital-to-analog conversion

• Deluxe model: BurrBrown PCM1792A
• Supported formats: PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz and DSD64
• High-resolution playback via USB, network, or NAS server

Phono preamplification

• Supported types: MM / MC
• Developed from the award-winning PH-10
• Allows direct connection of turntables

Connectivity and streaming

• Network: Ethernet and Wi‑Fi
• Protocols and services: Roon Ready, Tidal Connect (from S/N 79486), MQA, AirPlay, vTuner, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect
• Media servers: MinimServer, BubbleUPnP, all certified UPnP servers

Inputs and outputs

• Digital inputs:
  • 1 x RCA coaxial (PCM 24 / 192)
  • 3 x optical Toslink (PCM 24 / 192)
  • 1 x USB-A (DSD64 / PCM 24 / 192, FAT32 / NTFS, max 32 GB)
• Analog inputs:
  • 1 x balanced XLR
  • 1 x RCA line / phono MM / MC
  • 1 x RCA line / AV
• Analog outputs:
  • 1 x fixed RCA (0 dB, 1.4 Vrms)
  • 1 x variable RCA (+9.5 dB, 4 Vrms max)
• Output impedance: 50 Ω

Power supply

• Voltage: 100 – 120 V / 220 – 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Consumption: 30 – 400 W max, standby < 0.5 W
• Fuses: 3.15 A T (220 – 240 V) / 6.3 A T (100 – 120 V)

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 430 x 135 x 375 mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 18 kg net / 23 kg packaged

Accessories and control

• Multifunction remote control included
• GN Control app for smartphone and tablet