Gold Note PSU-1000 black

Designed for the Gold Note 1000 series components, the PSU-1000 is an external power supply that uses a hybrid dual-inductor design. With its 5 transformers and 5 low-noise voltage regulators, this 20 kg power supply delivers filtered energy capable of eliminating electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference that undermines sound quality. It’s an investment aimed at owners of the CD-1000, DS-1000, P-1000 or PH-1000 who want to get the very best from their electronics.

A power supply designed for the 1000 series

The PSU-1250 and PSU-1000 are the super-inductive external power supplies dedicated to the Gold Note 1000 series, such as the CD-1000 MkII, the P-1000 MkII and the PH-1000. The PSU-1000 is part of a modular design strategy that allows users to upgrade their units according to their needs and budget.

The CD-1000 MkII, a CD player with built-in digital-to-analog converter, supports PCM formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz. The DS-1000 combines a network player and DAC to access locally stored files and streaming services. The P-1000 MkII, a Class A preamplifier with six ultra-linear gain stages, offers 5 balanced XLR inputs and 5 unbalanced RCA inputs. The PH-1000 phono preamplifier stands out for its advanced management of equalization curves and its multiple load and gain settings.

When a 1000 series unit is powered by the external power supply, the unit’s status LED changes color from blue to green. This visual indication confirms immediately that the device is now running from the external supply rather than its internal power supply.

Dual Choke technology at the heart of the system

The PSU-1000 has been developed with a hybrid super-inductive dual-inductor design and includes an inductive filter in the analog section and a dual-inductor layout powered by a dual choke driving both the high-current negative and positive stages. The Dual Choke design – Gold Note’s proprietary technology – perfectly filters signal voltages to eliminate interference and electrical noise from the AC mains system.

This approach is based on the use of inductors (also called “chokes” in English) that act as passive filters. Unlike capacitors, which store energy electrostatically, inductors store it in a magnetic field. Placed in series on the power rails, they oppose rapid current variations – exactly what characterizes high-frequency noise. Gold Note’s “dual choke” principle goes further by employing two inductors working together, one on the positive rail and the other on the negative rail, thereby creating symmetry that further improves filtering.

The PSU-1000 is powered by a 5-transformer design, using 4 transformers for power supply and galvanic isolation and one for the Dual Choke inductive filter. This multiplication of transformers allows the different functions to be physically separated and prevents cross-contamination between stages.

An uncompromising electrical architecture

Beyond Dual Choke technology, the PSU-1000 incorporates 5 low-noise voltage regulators. These components maintain a stable output voltage despite mains fluctuations or changes in the power consumption of the connected device. The maximum output voltage variation does not exceed 0.05%, a remarkably low figure that attests to the precision of the regulation.

External power supplies perfectly filter the AC mains and suppress interference and electrical noise from the power system, allowing electronics to perform at their best. They ensure that the electronics always receive the optimal amount of power without generating EMI (electromagnetic interference) or RFI (radio-frequency interference) that could affect the audio signal through electromagnetic induction, electrostatic coupling, or conduction.

Line noise and common-mode noise rejection exceeds 80 dB. To put this figure in context: 80 dB corresponds to a reduction factor of 10,000. If the mains carries 1 volt of noise, the PSU-1000’s output will allow only 0.1 millivolt to pass. The full-power response time of less than 2.5 microseconds enables the power supply to react instantly to consumption peaks, preventing voltage sag during demanding musical passages.

Dynamic power exceeds 200 W, far beyond the maximum 100 W consumption, providing a comfortable reserve. In standby, power consumption is limited to 1 W, in line with current energy-efficiency standards.

Installation and phase control

Installing the PSU-1000 is straightforward and takes only a few quick steps: switch off the main power on the Gold Note 1000 series unit and unplug its power cord, connect the power supply to the mains outlet using the supplied power cable, connect the power supply to the unit using the supplied PSU Link cable, then switch on the main power on the rear panel of the power supply.

The included one-meter connection cable lets you position the PSU-1000 close to the powered unit while maintaining a reasonable distance. For best performance, it is recommended to place the power supply at a sensible distance from other audio electronics. This precaution prevents the magnetic fields generated by the PSU-1000 transformers from affecting the sensitive circuits of other components.

Pressing the Phase button reverses the phase 0°/180° and the Status LED changes color from blue to red (inverted phase). This absolute phase control allows you to correct any polarity inversions introduced during recording or mastering, thereby restoring the phase coherence of the musical signal.

The power supply automatically accepts 100–120 V or 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz, adapting to electrical grids worldwide without manual intervention. This automatic detection simplifies use when moving internationally or lending equipment between systems.

With dimensions of 430 × 135 × 360 mm and a weight of 20 kg, the PSU-1000 has an imposing footprint that reflects the density of its internal components. Available in brushed black, silver, or gold aluminum, it is aesthetically matched to the other 1000 series components thanks to the distinctive vents machined into the chassis.

Technical specifications

Architecture and design

• Sophisticated design with a dual choke-coil inductive filter on the analog stage
• 5 transformers in total
  • 4 transformers dedicated to the power stage and galvanic isolation
  • 1 transformer for the inductive filter
• 5 low-noise voltage regulators to ensure a stable, disturbance-free power supply
• Maximum reduction of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI)

Electrical performance

• Maximum output voltage variation: 0.05%
• Line noise rejection: > 80 dB
• Common-mode noise rejection: > 80 dB
• Full power response time: < 2.5 µs

Power supply and consumption

• Mains voltage: 100–120 V / 220–240 V with automatic detection, 50 / 60 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 100 W
• Dynamic power: > 200 W
• Standby consumption: 1 W
• Fuse: 3.15 A F

Control and features

• Selectable absolute phase control from the front panel

Physical characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 360 mm
• Connection cable: 1 m
• Net weight: 20 kg
• Shipping weight: 25 kg