Gold Note P-1000 MKII DELUXE black

In the heart of Tuscany, around twenty kilometers from Florence, Gold Note has been designing components since 2012 that combine artisanal craftsmanship with modern engineering. The P-1000 MKII Deluxe represents the culmination of this philosophy applied to line preamplification. This model uses the same architecture as the standard P-1000 MKII while adding selected components to further lower the noise floor, a valuable asset with high-sensitivity speakers.

A fully symmetrical six-stage architecture

The proprietary “Six Gain Stage Ultra-Balanced” topology is the technical foundation of the P-1000 MKII. Each channel features six distinct gain stages operating in pure Class A, powered by three independent linear transformers. This configuration maintains strict separation between the left and right circuits throughout the entire signal path.

Volume control is based on an ALPS optical encoder combined with relays, offering 100 adjustment steps. This system avoids the channel imbalance often observed at low volume with conventional potentiometers. The high 100 kΩ input impedance ensures optimal compatibility with most sources, whether analog or digital.

The Deluxe version stands out through the integration of military-grade noise-suppressing coils and capacitors on the six output stages. These components are held in place by specially shaped copper clips, a solution developed by Gold Note to guarantee their mechanical stability. The benefit is most noticeable when listening at low levels or with particularly revealing speakers.

Comprehensive connectivity and high-level outputs

With eight stereo inputs (four RCA and four balanced XLR), the P-1000 MKII can accept numerous sources simultaneously without resorting to an external switch. The XLR inputs can handle signals up to 10 Vrms, leaving comfortable headroom for high-output DACs.

On the output side, two pairs of RCA and XLR are available, plus a dedicated output for the TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006 tube stages. Output levels reach 20 Vrms in balanced mode and 10 Vrms in unbalanced mode, more than enough to effortlessly drive even the most demanding power amplifiers. The output impedance of less than 50 Ω minimizes the influence of interconnect cables.

Advanced functions to refine listening

Beyond simple volume control and source selection, the P-1000 MKII offers several adjustments that are rarely combined in a single unit.

The Booster technology acts as a targeted analog equalization centered around 50 Hz, a frequency often lacking with compact speakers. Three positions are available: off, intermediate level (50%), and maximum level (100%). This feature can also be useful for late-night listening at low volume, when the human ear is less sensitive to bass according to the Fletcher–Munson curve. The circuit is completely bypassed in the OFF position, without any alteration of the signal.

Absolute phase inversion (0° or 180°) allows you to adapt playback to recordings whose polarity has been inverted during mastering, a situation more common than one might think. Mono mode and left/right channel swap complete this toolkit, making it easier to listen to older pressings or to check stereo balance.

Ergonomics and remote control

The color display clearly shows the selected input, volume level, and the status of the various functions. Gold Note has opted for a single front-panel knob interface (SKC, Single Knob Control), which manages all settings through rotation and pressing. This approach reduces the number of visible controls while maintaining direct access to everyday adjustments.

The supplied infrared remote control communicates with the unit via two receivers, one on the front and the other on the rear. This dual placement prevents range issues when the preamplifier is installed in a cabinet or oriented differently from the listening position.

A chassis built to last

The anodized aluminum chassis is available in three finishes: black, silver, and gold. The side ventilation slots, cut in a curved pattern characteristic of the 1000 series, help dissipate the heat generated by Class A operation. Despite the absence of forced ventilation, the unit remains only warm during prolonged use thanks to passive dissipation provided by the rigid steel chassis and aluminum plates that filter electromagnetic interference.

Dimensions of 430 × 135 × 375 mm and a weight of 11 kg testify to robust construction. The mounting screws are concealed to preserve aesthetics, a detail that contributes to seamless visual integration in a high-end system.

Upgrade options with external modules

Gold Note has designed the P-1000 MKII as an upgradable platform. The internal power supply, already featuring three linear transformers, can be complemented by an external PSU-1250 (300 W) or PSU-1000 (200 W). These dual-mono inductive units further isolate the audio circuits from mains interference and increase the available current reserves.

For those wishing to add tube-style harmonic coloration, the TUBE-1006 (six tubes) and TUBE-1012 (twelve tubes) output stages connect via the dedicated output. These modules also operate in Class A and have their own inductive power supply. This hybrid configuration allows you to benefit from the neutrality and low distortion of transistors upstream, while adding the characteristic tube texture just before the power amplifier.

Technical specifications

Architecture and design

• Type: Class A line preamplifier
• Design: six ultra-balanced gain stages (proprietary technology)
• Volume control: ALPS relays and optical encoder (100 steps)

Audio performance

• Frequency response: 2 Hz – 200 kHz (± 3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.001% at 1 kHz
• Gain: +19 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
• Channel separation: > 118 dB

Connectivity

• Analog inputs: 4 × RCA, 4 × XLR
  • RCA input level: nominal 2 Vrms, maximum 5 Vrms
  • XLR input level: nominal 2 Vrms, maximum 10 Vrms
  • Input impedance: 100 kΩ (RCA and XLR)
• Outputs: 2 × RCA, 2 × XLR, 1 × Tube-1012
  • Maximum output level: 20 Vrms (XLR), 10 Vrms (RCA)
  • Output impedance: < 50 Ω (RCA and XLR)

Advanced features

• Mono / stereo mode for playback of vintage recordings
• Absolute phase inversion (0° / 180°)
• Booster technology: 3 adjustable levels to enhance low frequencies
• Left / right channel swap
• Infrared remote control included (front and rear receiver)

Compatible extensions

• PSU-1250: external inductive Dual-Mono power supply (300 W)
• PSU-1000: external inductive Dual-Mono power supply (200 W)
• TUBE-1012 / TUBE-1006: Class A tube stages

Physical characteristics

• Dimensions: 430 × 135 × 375 mm (W × H × D)
• Net weight: 11 kg
• Packaged weight: 16 kg

Deluxe version

The Deluxe version uses military-grade coils and capacitors on the six output stages, secured with special copper clips to reduce background noise.