PH-1000
Stereophile: 'Most Sophisticated Phono Stage Ever Made' — 36 EQ Curves
Description ⌄
GoldNote reference MM/MC phono stage — 36 EQ curves, balanced XLR inputs and outputs. Reference Class A phono stage with 18 EQ curves, 14 selectable gain levels and three inputs (2×RCA + 1×XLR balanced). Features balanced XLR and RCA outputs, THD <0.01%, SNR 100dB and 110dB dynamic range for MM and MC cartridges. Adjustable load, gain and capacitance; upgradeable with PSU-1000 or PSU-1250 external power supply.
Technical background
GoldNote phono stages use a fully discrete Class A topology with separate regulated DC rails for each amplification stage, eliminating inter-stage interference. The proprietary Single Knob Control (SKC) stores cartridge loading, gain and capacitance settings in non-volatile memory — one knob, colour TFT display, instant recall. RIAA equalisation uses precision film resistors and polypropylene capacitors. The PH-1000 extends this to 36 historical EQ curves and 14 gain levels — the most configurable phono stage ever made, per Stereophile.
Design story
The PH-10 was GoldNote's first phono stage with a TFT colour display and Single Knob Control, a user-experience philosophy that became the signature of the entire range. The PH-1000 takes this to its logical extreme — 36 EQ curves, 14 gain levels, adjustable loading — earning Michael Fremer's verdict in Stereophile: 'by a considerable margin the most sophisticated, most configurable phono preamplifier that any audio manufacturer has ever produced.'
Best for
Reference analog front-end builders wanting the most configurable phono stage available; audiophiles who regularly switch cartridges and demand precise loading adjustment Reference analog front-end builders wanting the most configurable phono stage; audiophiles who regularly switch cartridges Reference phono system: PH-1000 + PSU-1250 + Tuscany Gold + Mediterraneo X + B-7 Ceramic + P-1000 mkII + PA-1175 mkII
Awards & press
⭐ Stereophile Recommended Components 2022; Mono & Stereo Editor's Choice Award 2022; Hifi Pig 5 Hearts 2022 "Gold Note's PH-1000 is by a considerable margin the most sophisticated, most configurable phono preamplifier that any audio manufacturer has ever produced." — Michael Fremer, Stereophile, February 2022
Features ⌄
- 14 gain levels + 12 load + 7 capacitance options — infinite cartridge compatibility
- 36 EQ preset profiles + 4 custom curves — match any vintage or modern LP standard
- Modular architecture — supports optional valve output stage and external PSU
- Stereophile reviewed + Hi-Fi Plus Highly Recommended — reference phono preamplifier
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs — fully balanced signal path from cartridge to preamplifier
- Modular architecture — accepts optional Tube-1012 valve output stage and PSU-1000 or PSU-1250 external PSU