Gold Note PH-1000 – Reference Phono Stage with 3 Inputs
Ultimate control and refinement for serious vinyl systems. The Gold Note PH-1000 is a true reference MM/MC phono stage, combining three fully independent inputs, 40+ EQ curves, extensive loading and gain options, Class-A circuitry and a superbly intuitive interface. Designed and built in Italy, it is a no-compromise phono control center for demanding analogue enthusiasts.
- 3 independent phono inputs (2 × RCA, 1 × XLR) for multiple tonearms or turntables
- 40+ selectable EQ curves with “Enhanced” mode for historic and modern pressings
- 7 gain levels, 12 loading options and 6 capacitance values for perfect cartridge matching
- Class-A discrete design with colour display, SKC single-knob control and optional Class-A line preamp
Product Overview
The Gold Note PH-1000 is conceived as a complete analogue hub for high-end vinyl systems. Its audio path is entirely analogue, using Class-A discrete components, while the front-panel interface and display are handled by a separate digital control section, ensuring ultra-low noise and minimal signal degradation. You get the convenience of digital control without any digital processing in the audio path.
Three fully independent phono inputs—two unbalanced RCA and one balanced XLR—allow you to connect multiple arms or turntables and configure each with its own gain, loading, capacitance and EQ curve. Two additional sockets (one RCA, one XLR) can be used as external load inputs for ultra-fine cartridge tuning or, in the PH-1000 LINE version, as line-level inputs to the optional Class-A preamp stage.
Listening Experience
The PH-1000 delivers a clean, dynamic and highly resolved listening experience. Noise levels are vanishingly low, so ambience, reverb tails and the finest low-level details emerge from a jet-black background. Transients are fast and precise, yet the overall presentation remains fluid and naturally musical.
Bass is firm, extended and impeccably controlled, giving recordings a solid foundation without blur. The midrange is open and expressive, preserving tone colour and texture with lifelike realism, while the treble is detailed and airy without edginess. The multitude of EQ curves and “Enhanced” options let you fine-tune the presentation—from strictly neutral to more expansive and energetic—matching the character of each pressing and your own taste.
System Integration & Cartridge Matching
With 7 gain steps, 12 load impedances and 6 capacitance values dedicated to MM cartridges, the PH-1000 is built to partner virtually any MM or MC design, including low-output, exotic models. You can adjust cartridge type (MM/MC), gain, load and capacitance on the fly via the Single Knob Control and colour display, even while music is playing, making comparative listening and optimisation straightforward.
Balanced and unbalanced outputs allow seamless integration into high-end systems—whether feeding an integrated amplifier, a separate preamp or, in PH-1000 LINE guise, acting as a full Class-A line preamplifier. Optional external power supplies (PSU-1000 or PSU-1250) and tube output stages further extend performance for systems chasing absolute state-of-the-art analog reproduction.
Ideal Applications
- Reference analogue systems with multiple tonearms or turntables
- Setups mixing MM and MC cartridges requiring different gain and loading
- Collectors of historic pressings needing accurate, selectable EQ curves
- Studios and mastering rooms seeking a precision phono stage with advanced control
Technical Specifications
- Type: MM/MC phono stage (optional Class-A line preamp version)
- Phono inputs: 3 × independent (2 × RCA unbalanced, 1 × XLR balanced)
- Additional inputs: 1 × RCA, 1 × XLR (external load or line inputs on PH-1000 with preamp)
- Gain: 7 selectable levels, approx. 40–65 dB range depending on MM/MC mode
- Load impedance: 12 options from 10 Ω up to 100 kΩ, plus external load
- Capacitance (MM): 6 selectable values from 100 pF up to 1000 pF
- EQ curves: 40+ presets (RIAA, Decca, Columbia, Capitol, Deutsche Grammophon and more), each with “Enhanced” mode
- Outputs: 1 × RCA unbalanced, 1 × XLR balanced
- Headphone output: Class-A headphone stage with dedicated level control
- Controls: SKC (Single Knob Control), colour display, remote control
- Design: Fully analogue audio path, Class-A discrete components, separate digital control section
- Upgrade options: Compatible with PSU-1000 / PSU-1250 external PSU and TUBE-1006 / TUBE-1012 tube output stages
- Chassis: Precision-machined aluminium enclosure, made in Italy
Why Choose the Gold Note PH-1000?
The Gold Note PH-1000 is the ideal choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want total control over their analogue front end without sacrificing musicality. With three fully configurable inputs, extensive gain and loading flexibility, 40+ EQ curves, a Class-A architecture and a beautifully intuitive interface, it functions as a true reference phono control center—ready to partner the finest turntables, tonearms and cartridges on the market.
