Gold Note - TUBE 1012

Gold Note TUBE-1012 – Class A Tube Output Stage

Add true valve magic to your Gold Note system. The Gold Note TUBE-1012 is a 12-valve Class A tube output stage designed to partner Gold Note sources and amplifiers, enriching them with the warmth, dimensionality and fluidity of high-quality valves while preserving the control and precision of solid-state electronics.

• 12-valve Class A Totem-Pole output stage with ultra-wide bandwidth and ultra-low distortion
• Works in perfect synergy with Gold Note CD, DAC, preamp and phono stages or other high-end sources
• Selectable Tube/Line inputs with RCA and XLR connectivity
• Improves soundstage depth, harmonic richness and natural musical flow

Product Overview

The Gold Note TUBE-1012 is conceived as an external tube output stage to lift Gold Note electronics – and compatible third-party sources – to a higher level of realism. Its sophisticated Class A design uses twelve 6n1p valves in a proprietary Totem-Pole configuration, providing six independent audio stages per tube for exceptional bandwidth and very low distortion.

A Super Linear vacuum tube-regulated power supply with four inductive choke filters and three custom transformers ensures ultra-stable, low-noise operation. The result is a pure, highly linear output stage that can be inserted between your source and preamp or integrated amplifier, blending solid-state authority with genuine tube charm.

Listening Experience

The TUBE-1012 delivers a rich, holographic and naturally fluid listening experience. Bass gains body and texture without losing control, giving recordings a more lifelike sense of weight and drive. The midrange blossoms, with voices and acoustic instruments acquiring density, colour and presence that feel distinctly “analogue”.

High frequencies become silkier and more relaxed, yet remain finely detailed and extended. Soundstage depth and width increase, with more clearly defined layering and air between instruments. Transients are smooth and organic, reducing listening fatigue and making long sessions more enjoyable, whether you listen to vinyl rips, CDs or high-resolution digital files.

System Integration & Use Cases

Designed around Gold Note’s modular philosophy, the TUBE-1012 connects seamlessly to:

• Gold Note digital sources such as CD and streaming DAC players
• Gold Note preamplifiers and phono stages
• High-quality sources from other brands via standard RCA/XLR line inputs

Dedicated Tube and Line inputs on the rear panel let you connect two sources at once: use the 5-pole Tube input for a direct link to compatible Gold Note units, and the RCA or XLR Line inputs for other sources. Input selection is made from the front panel, making it easy to switch between sources while retaining the tube stage’s benefits.

Ideal Applications

• Upgrading a solid-state Gold Note 1000-series system with a refined tube output stage
• Adding valve warmth, depth and dimensionality to neutral or analytical digital sources
• High-end two-channel systems where musicality and soundstage realism are a priority
• Listeners who enjoy solid-state control but crave the tonal colour of valves

Technical Specifications

• Type: External Class A tube output stage
• Topology: Totem-Pole valve output stage with six independent audio stages per tube
• Valves: 12 × 6n1p tubes
• Gain: 2 dB
• Max input level (THD < 1%): 6 Vrms (RCA), 12 Vrms (XLR)
• Max output level (THD < 1%): 8 Vrms (RCA), 16 Vrms (XLR)
• Output impedance: < 600 Ω
• Recommended load: > 10 kΩ
• THD+N: 0.0028% @ 1 kHz, 1.736 V
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB @ 1 kHz, 1.736 V
• Inputs: 1 × XLR Line In; 1 × RCA Line In; 1 × Tube In (5-pole XLR for Gold Note sources)
• Outputs: Balanced and unbalanced line outputs for connection to preamp or integrated amplifier
• Power supply: 100–120 V or 220–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz; Super Linear vacuum tube regulator with 4 inductive choke filters; 3 × custom Gold Note transformers
• Power consumption: 80 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 370 mm
• Weight: 16 kg net; 21 kg boxed
• Finishes: Brushed aluminium in black, silver or gold

Why Choose the Gold Note TUBE-1012?

The Gold Note TUBE-1012 is the ideal solution if you love the control and resolution of modern solid-state electronics but long for the tone, depth and ease of fine valve gear. By adding a 12-valve Class A output stage externally, it lets you elevate existing Gold Note or third-party systems without changing your core components—delivering a more organic, immersive and emotionally involving musical experience.