Gold Note PH-1000 LITE – Phono Preamplifier
Reference-grade MM/MC phono stage with extreme flexibility and precision. The Gold Note PH-1000 LITE is a fully analogue phono preamplifier that brings the core technology of the flagship PH-1000 into a “lite” chassis. With 36 EQ curves, wide-ranging gain, load and capacitance adjustment plus three separate inputs, it is built for demanding vinyl enthusiasts who want their cartridges to perform at their absolute best.
- MM/MC phono preamplifier with 3 independent inputs (2 × RCA, 1 × XLR)
- 36 EQ curves (18 base curves, each with Enhanced option) for modern and vintage records
- Gain from 31 dB to 74 dB, load from 10 Ω to 100 kΩ, capacitance from 100 pF to 1,000 pF
- Colour display and SKC single-knob control for real-time adjustment during playback
Product Overview
The Gold Note PH-1000 LITE is designed as a no-compromise phono stage for serious analogue systems. It retains the advanced control logic, colour display and Single Knob Control (SKC) interface of the PH-1000, allowing you to adjust gain, loading, capacitance, EQ curves and mono/stereo modes in real time while listening.
Three independent inputs (two unbalanced RCA and one balanced XLR) let you connect multiple tonearms or turntables simultaneously. The PH-1000 LITE offers 36 EQ curves – 18 classic and modern curves, each with an Enhanced variant – so you can match the preamp precisely to a huge range of pressings, from contemporary audiophile cuts to vintage LPs and early mono records.
Under the hood, a fully analogue circuit with discrete audio-grade components is powered by a sophisticated internal supply, with the option to upgrade to external PSU units and tube stages for even higher performance within the Gold Note ecosystem.
Listening Experience
The PH-1000 LITE delivers a transparent, dynamic and strikingly quiet vinyl presentation. With a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and THD below 0.01%, it lets the character of your cartridges and records shine without adding grain or glare.
Bass is deep, agile and well defined, supporting complex music with authority while preserving timing and pitch. The midrange is rich and highly resolved, giving vocals and acoustic instruments a convincing sense of presence and body. High frequencies are extended and smooth, with excellent air and micro-detail that reveal subtle ambience and texture in the recording. The result is a spacious, three-dimensional soundstage with precise imaging and excellent separation.
Cartridge Matching & Adjustability
The PH-1000 LITE is built to partner everything from classic MM designs to the most exotic low-output MC cartridges. It provides:
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Gain: 31 dB to 74 dB across multiple steps, covering high-output MM to very low-output MC
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Load: 10 Ω to 100 kΩ via 12 selectable settings for optimum MC and MM matching
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Capacitance (MM): 100 pF to 1,000 pF in seven steps for fine-tuning frequency balance
This level of control makes it easy to dial in the ideal combination for each cartridge, improving tonal balance, dynamics and tracking. The infrasonic filter (10 Hz, 36 dB/octave) can be switched in when you need to tame low-frequency rumble or warped records without compromising musicality.
Additional functions such as stereo/mono modes (Stereo, Stereo 180°, Mono, Mono 180°, Mono L) and channel swapping (L/R, R/L) make the PH-1000 LITE a powerful tool when working with mono pressings, test records and different cutting standards.
System Integration & Upgrade Path
With both RCA and XLR outputs plus a dedicated headphone output, the PH-1000 LITE integrates smoothly into high-end systems:
- Feeds integrated amplifiers and preamps via unbalanced RCA or balanced XLR
- Drives quality headphones directly for ultra-short-path vinyl listening
- Offers a clear upgrade path via Gold Note external power supplies and tube output stages
The front-panel colour display and SKC control make daily operation intuitive, while the IR remote adds convenience from the listening chair. For serious vinyl collections spanning multiple eras and labels, the PH-1000 LITE becomes the central reference tool of the analogue front end.
Ideal Applications
- High-end two-channel systems built around multiple tonearms or turntables
- Collections mixing modern audiophile reissues with vintage stereo and mono LPs
- Listeners needing deep cartridge matching options for MM and MC designs
- Gold Note-based setups that may later add external PSU and tube stages
Technical Specifications
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Type: MM/MC phono preamplifier
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Inputs: 3 phono inputs (2 × RCA unbalanced, 1 × XLR balanced)
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Outputs: 1 × RCA stereo line, 1 × XLR stereo line, 1 × 6.3 mm headphone output
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Gain: 31 dB to 74 dB (multiple selectable steps)
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Load impedance: 10 Ω to 100 kΩ (12 selectable values)
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Capacitance: 100 pF to 1,000 pF (7 selectable values for MM)
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Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
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Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.01% max
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Signal-to-noise ratio: up to approx. 100 dB
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Dynamic range: 110 dB
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EQ curves: 36 curves total (18 base EQ curves, each with Enhanced option ±0.3 dB)
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Infrasonic filter: 10 Hz / 36 dB per octave (on/off)
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Mono/Stereo modes: Stereo, Stereo 180°, Mono, Mono 180°, Mono L
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Channel swap: L/R, R/L
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Control interface: SKC (Single Knob Control) with colour display and IR remote
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Power supply: Internal high-quality supply, upgradeable with external PSU units (e.g. PSU-1000 / PSU-1250)
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Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 375 mm
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Weight: approx. 12 kg (net)
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Finish: Brushed aluminium front panel in typical Gold Note finishes
Why Choose the Gold Note PH-1000 LITE?
The Gold Note PH-1000 LITE is an exceptional choice for vinyl lovers who want true reference-level flexibility without stepping up to the full PH-1000 with line stage. With 36 EQ curves, comprehensive MM/MC adjustment, three independent inputs, headphone output and a clear upgrade path, it turns your turntable system into a precise, highly musical analogue laboratory—letting every record in your collection sound closer to the master tape.
