PH-1000

The Gold Note PH-1000 is a fully analogue phono stage for high-quality turntable systems, with adjustable equalisation curves, load, capacitance and gain settings for vinyl playback.

Its 3 independent inputs include 1 balanced XLR input. The phono stage offers 24 equalisation curves, 6 gain settings and 12 pre-selected loads for matching cartridge impedance, as well as 6 capacitance options for MM cartridges. Stereo/mono and channel-swapping functions are also provided.

The available equalisation curves include the internationally recognised RIAA curve, Capitol, Columbia/CBS, Decca, Epic, EMI, London Decca, Mercury, RCA Victor, Deutsch, and mono 78 RPM for Columbia (English) and Brunswick/Parlophone. Each curve is shown on the 3.5” front-panel colour display, and every option can be enhanced using a modern Gold Note proprietary design, doubling the available choices. Each regulation setup is stored in memory, including when PH-1000 is disconnected from the power supply.

All functions can be adjusted while music is playing, allowing the settings to be configured for each record. Operation is available through the remote handset or the front-panel SKC proprietary rotary knob. The controls and settings are displayed on a 3.5” colour monitor, powered by custom Gold Note firmware stored on a micro SD card. The firmware can be updated via PC when necessary. Its micro-controller is separate from the audio signal path to avoid interference with the audio signal.

PH-1000 uses discrete components to keep its selectable functions within the analogue domain. High-end audio-grade analogue sealed single switches manage the options and shorten the audio signal path, supporting the unit’s fully analogue design.

Like other Gold Note sources in the 1000 series, the PH-1000 uses a modular design. It can be paired with a special external power supply and tube output stages to further develop its audio performance.

Handmade in Italy, the phono stage uses high-end audio-grade components. Quality control covers the complete production process, from the precision-milled aluminium chassis and assembly of the electronic parts through to proprietary computer-controlled QC tests. PH-1000 is designed for high-value turntables and for extracting the information held in vinyl record collections.