Gold Note PA-1175 MkII – Stereo Power Amplifier
High-current Italian power with finesse, dynamics and control. The Gold Note PA-1175 MkII is a reference-class Class AB stereo power amplifier delivering 200 W per channel into 8 Ω, bridgeable to a formidable 520 W mono. With selectable damping factor, proprietary optical bias and a massive toroidal power supply, it brings authority and refinement to demanding high-end loudspeakers.
- 200 W per channel @ 8 Ω, bridgeable to 520 W @ 8 Ω in mono BTL
- Selectable damping factor (25 or 250) to match different loudspeakers
- Proprietary optical bias for ultra-low distortion and stable operation
- High-current Class AB design with custom toroidal transformer
Product Overview
The Gold Note PA-1175 MkII is engineered as a no-compromise power amplifier for serious stereo and bi-amp systems. Its Class AB topology uses matched transistor arrays per channel, driven by Gold Note’s optical bias circuitry to ensure consistent biasing and very low distortion, even under heavy dynamic loads.
A large toroidal “spiral core” transformer, housed in its own chamber, provides clean power with minimal mechanical vibration, while a secondary transformer manages auxiliary functions to keep the audio path as pure as possible. The PA-1175 MkII can operate either as a powerful stereo amplifier or as a high-power mono block via its Bridge-Tied-Load (BTL) mode—ideal for future system upgrades or multi-amp configurations.
Listening Experience
The PA-1175 MkII delivers a dynamic, controlled and highly transparent presentation. Bass is deep, fast and textured, giving music real physical impact without sacrificing precision. The midrange is open and detailed, with excellent separation of instruments and a natural, unforced vocal presence.
High frequencies are airy and refined, with a smooth, grain-free character that makes long listening sessions a pleasure. The soundstage is wide and deep, with rock-solid imaging and a strong sense of space around instruments. Whether driving complex orchestral works, intimate jazz ensembles or high-energy rock, the PA-1175 MkII combines power and subtlety in equal measure.
Recommended Room Size
Thanks to its substantial output and current capability, the PA-1175 MkII is ideal for medium to large listening rooms, and can comfortably handle very large spaces when used in mono BTL mode or in multi-amp systems. It is perfectly at home in both dedicated listening rooms and high-performance living-room systems.
Speaker Pairing
One of the distinctive strengths of the PA-1175 MkII is its selectable damping factor. From the front panel, you can choose:
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High damping (DF 250) – ideal for large, low-sensitivity loudspeakers and complex bass alignments, maximising grip and control.
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Low damping (DF 25) – a better match for high-efficiency speakers or monitors that sound more natural with a slightly softer amplifier interface.
This makes the amplifier extremely versatile with a wide variety of loudspeaker designs, from modern multi-driver floorstanders to sensitive standmounts. In stereo mode, it confidently drives demanding loads; in bridged mono mode, it becomes a powerhouse for particularly current-hungry or large-scale systems.
Ideal Applications
- High-end stereo systems using a dedicated preamplifier or streaming preamp
- Bi-amp or mono-block configurations for reference loudspeakers
- Upgrading from integrated amplifiers to dedicated power amplification
- Systems requiring fine tuning of amplifier–speaker interaction via damping factor
Technical Specifications
- Type: Class AB stereo/mono power amplifier
- Power output (stereo): 200 W per channel @ 8 Ω; 300 W per channel @ 4 Ω
- Power output (mono BTL): 520 W @ 8 Ω
- Frequency response: 1 Hz – 100 kHz (±1 dB)
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): < 0.01%
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
- Damping factor: Selectable, 25 or 250
- Slew rate: 20 V/µs
- Inputs: 1 × RCA unbalanced, 1 × XLR balanced
- Input sensitivity: 1 V (RCA), 4 V (XLR)
- Input impedance: 47 kΩ
- Outputs: Gold-plated speaker binding posts
- Power consumption: up to approx. 1200 W max; low standby draw
- Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 430 × 135 × 370 mm
- Weight: approx. 22 kg
- Finish: Premium metalwork with Italian styling, available in multiple colours
Why Choose the Gold Note PA-1175 MkII?
The Gold Note PA-1175 MkII is a superb choice for audiophiles who want an amplifier that combines muscle, finesse and real-world versatility. With its high power, bridgeable architecture, selectable damping factor and advanced optical bias design, it can be precisely matched to a wide range of loudspeakers while delivering a sound that is powerful, transparent and deeply musical—making it a true long-term cornerstone for high-end systems.
