Gold Note PH1000 Lite preamplifier

The Gold Note PH-1000 is quite simply the finest phono stage ever created by Gold Note. This phono preamplifier embodies the Italian manufacturer's expertise in audio engineering and innovation.

Gold Note PH-1000: cabinet

The front panel is milled from solid aluminium and echoes the styling and ergonomics of the manufacturer's high-end products. A single "SKC"-style knob (rotary and push) gives access to all the preamplifier's functions. These functions and settings are shown on the colour display to the left of the front panel. Next to it is a 6.35 mm stereo headphone output.

Gold Note PH-1000: connections

The PH-1000 has three independent inputs: two RCA and one XLR. It also has two additional inputs, one RCA and one XLR, which can be used for an external load, for greater control, or as line inputs on the PH-1000 LINE. Further features such as a headphone output, mono/stereo control with phase inversion, L/R channel switching and a subsonic rumble filter can also be added, making this the most advanced phono stage preamplifier on the market.

Gold Note PH-1000: technology

The modular design gives demanding audiophiles the option of equipping the PH-1000 with the external Gold Note PSU-1250 or PSU-1000 power supply, as well as the TUBE-1012 or TUBE-1006 valve stages, to reach optimal musical realism in terms of dynamics, detail and soundstage. The headphone output lets the audio signal pass directly from the vinyl to the headphones, taking the shortest possible path: the record, the turntable, the PH-1000 and the headphones. Its innovative technology simplifies the user experience without affecting audio quality, because everything is done in the analogue domain: the PH-1000's digital interface is completely independent of the audio path, which remains entirely analogue. The result is a very low-noise, high-gain phono stage with no audio filter. All functions are handled by discrete audio components, minimising the audio signal path for exceptional audio quality and extracting the finest details from every record. Thanks to our firmware, the PH-1000 can easily be updated from your computer if needed.

Gold Note PH-1000: settings

The PH-1000 gives you access to its settings through its colour display, optimised by our proprietary firmware. With the SKC (Single Knob Control) knob and display, you have a simple, intuitive way to control the phono preamplifier and make quick adjustments without interrupting playback. It offers 18 equalisation curves including 4 customisable presets. For the first time, it is possible to play any record exactly as it should be, thanks to the virtually infinite equalisation curves available. With 8 gain levels, 12 load levels and 7 capacitance options for MM cartridges, the PH-1000 is compatible with every cartridge and every audio recording. The PH-1000 offers the following curves: RIAA, Capitol, Columbia/CBS, Deutsche Grammophon, Decca London USA, Decca London UK and Decca Mono 78 rpm, Epic, HMV, Mercury, RCA Victor, Philips, Elektra, L'Oiseau-Lyre, Parlophone and many more. Thanks to Gold Note technology, inspired by Neumann's "cutting" technology, each curve can be personalised via the "Enhanced" function.

Gold Note PH-1000: sound

From the very first tracks, you notice reproduction of a very high musical and analytical standard. Its approach is at once neutral, refined and extremely detailed. The Gold Note PH-1000 brings out all the micro-information on the record without ever feeling over-analytical. The soundstage is wide and very deep. Instruments are well separated and the stereo image is very stable and precise. The bass is precise, taut and very articulate. The PH-1000 favours control and clarity over an artificially reinforced, "floating" bass. The midrange is very natural and nuanced. Voices and acoustic instruments are reproduced with great neutrality and realism. This range is paired with a very fine, silky treble offering plenty of resolution and transparency, without harshness or distortion. The noise floor is very low, even non-existent, allowing the most subtle details to come through. It is less coloured than some valve preamplifiers, offering a more neutral, more transparent presentation than many competitors. The Gold Note PH-1000 LITE is designed for music lovers seeking the highest musical quality, thanks to its 3 independent inputs (2 unbalanced RCA, 1 balanced XLR), the ability to select equalisation curves, and the option to play your own records in both stereo and mono.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Gold Note PH-1000 Lite

Is the PH-1000 Lite compatible with my phono cartridge?

The PH-1000 Lite accepts both moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges, including very low-output models. Its high gain, wide range of load settings and capacitance options let you match it very precisely to almost any cartridge on the market. You therefore get the best from your turntable, whatever type of cartridge you use. 

What are the 18 equalisation curves for?

The RIAA standard is universal today, but many older records were cut using other curves (Columbia, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon and so on). The PH-1000 Lite offers 18 equalisation curves, including customisable presets, so it can reproduce each record exactly as it was cut. Lovers of reissues and historic pressings gain a valuable tonal accuracy.

 Can I connect the PH-1000 Lite to a balanced input and listen on headphones?

The PH-1000 Lite has both RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) inputs and outputs, which makes it easy to integrate into high-end systems and long cable runs. It also includes a headphone preamplifier with a 6.35 mm jack output, offering the shortest path between the vinyl and your ears. It is an ideal solution for late-night listening as well as for close analysis of recordings.

 Can the PH-1000 Lite evolve over time?

Its modular design means you can later add an external Gold Note power supply (PSU-1000 or PSU-1250) or valve stages (TUBE-1006 or TUBE-1012) to go even further in dynamics and musicality. Its firmware can also be updated from a computer. The PH-1000 Lite is therefore a lasting investment, able to keep pace with the evolution of your system.