Gold Note PSU-1250 black

The Gold Note PSU-1250 is an external power supply dedicated to the Italian manufacturer’s 1000 Series components, designed to provide the CD-1000 players, DS-1000 DACs, P-1000 preamplifiers, and PH-1000 phono stages with filtered power of surgical precision. With its 7‑transformer design – 4 dedicated exclusively to the power stage, 1 for galvanic isolation, and 3 for the Dual Choke inductive filter – this power supply represents the pinnacle of Gold Note’s range in terms of mains conditioning.

Sophisticated electrical design

The PSU-1250 is based on a particularly elaborate multi‑transformer topology. The configuration includes 7 transformers: 4 dedicated exclusively to the power stage, including one for galvanic isolation of the audio section, and 3 for the Dual Choke inductive filter. This layout allows for physical separation of the various electrical functions, thereby reducing the risk of interference between stages.

Featuring a hybrid Super Inductive Dual Choke design, the PSU-1250 includes an inductive filter on the analog stage and a dual‑inductance controlled design driving both the high‑current positive and negative stages. This Dual Choke technology, exclusive to Gold Note, is one of the cornerstones of the Tuscan manufacturer’s design philosophy. The principle is to use chokes (inductors) to filter signal voltages upstream of the electronics, eliminating electromagnetic interference and electrical noise long before they reach sensitive circuits.

The PSU-1250 incorporates 7 low‑noise voltage regulators for outstanding electrical stability, ensuring a maximum output voltage variation limited to 0.05%. This remarkable stability is coupled with line and common‑mode noise rejection greater than 80 dB, ensuring that the connected electronics receive power of unmatched purity.

Galvanic isolation deserves particular attention: it electrically decouples the audio stage from the rest of the power supply, creating a barrier against disturbances that could propagate by conduction. This physical separation helps preserve the integrity of the musical signal, a fundamental element in Gold Note product design.

Power and responsiveness in the service of music

The dynamic power of the PSU-1250 exceeds 300 W, far beyond its nominal 100 W consumption. This substantial energy reserve allows it to respond instantly to the transient demands of electronics, particularly during complex musical passages or dynamic peaks. A response time of 2.5 microseconds demonstrates how quickly the power supply can deliver the required power.

These external power supplies perfectly filter the alternating current and suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio‑frequency interference (RFI) from the power system. By eliminating this pollution, the PSU-1250 allows electronics to operate in ideal conditions, free from the constraints imposed by the variable quality of the domestic power grid.

Ergonomics and practical features

The front panel of the PSU-1250 features a status LED that visually indicates operating status. When a unit is powered by the PSU, the unit’s status LED changes color from blue to green. This simple indication allows you to verify at a glance that the connection is correctly established.

Absolute phase control, selectable from the front panel, lets you adjust signal phase (0°/180°). Pressing the phase button reverses the phase and the status LED changes color from blue to red (inverted phase). This function is useful for correcting any phase issues in the audio chain or simply for experimentation to determine which polarity provides the most natural sound in your system configuration.

The power supply includes automatic voltage detection (100-120 V / 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz), making it easy to use in different regions of the world without changing switches. Connection to 1000 Series electronics is made via the supplied 1‑meter PSU Link cable, ensuring optimal linkage between the power supply and the powered device.

Build and finish

With dimensions of 430 mm width, 135 mm height, and 360 mm depth, the PSU-1250 has a substantial footprint, consistent with the other components of the 1000 Series. Its net weight of 21 kg (27 kg packaged) attests to the solidity of its construction and the density of the transformers it houses.

The anodized aluminum chassis is available in three finishes: black, silver, or gold, all with a traditional brushed finish. This aesthetic consistency allows for a harmonious look across the hi‑fi system, especially when several 1000 Series components are combined.

It is recommended to place the PSU-1250 at a reasonable distance from other audio electronics, avoiding positioning it directly under the unit it powers or too close to other components. This precaution optimizes performance by limiting electromagnetic interactions between the different elements of the system.

Technical specifications

Electrical performance

• Low-noise voltage regulators
  • PSU-1250: 7 regulators
• Maximum output voltage variation: 0.05%
• Line noise rejection: > 80 dB
• Common-mode noise rejection: > 80 dB
• Absolute phase control: selectable from the front panel
• Full power response time: < 2.5 µsec
• Dedicated to 1000 Series electronics

Power supply and consumption

• Power consumption: 100 W
• Dynamic power
  • PSU-1250: > 300 W
  • PSU-1000: > 200 W
• Standby consumption: 1 W
• Mains power: 100–120 V / 220–240 V with automatic detection, 50 / 60 Hz
• Fuse: 3.15 A F

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 135 x 360 mm
• Power connection cable: 1 m
• Weight: 21 kg net, 27 kg packaged