Фонокорректоры — Gold Note PH-1000

The Gold Note PH-1000 is a full-width phono preamplifier from the Italian company Gold Note, built around Class A circuitry and made to take MM and MC pickups on any of its three inputs. It is sold as three variants - PH-1000 LITE, PH-1000 and PH-1000 LINE, the last adding an optional Class A line preamplifier stage. Gold Note is based in Montespertoli near Florence, and it states that each unit passes computer-controlled quality tests during production.

Key specs that matter

Two unbalanced RCA inputs accept signals from 0.1 mV to 8.0 mV, and one balanced XLR input covers 0.1 mV to 1.0 mV. Loading is set from 12 positions on the RCA side and 8 on the XLR side, with capacitance either off or selectable between 100 pF and 1000 pF. Gain runs from 40 dB for MM up to 65 dB for MC on the standard and LINE versions, while the LITE stops at 60 dB. Gold Note quotes a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, THD below 0.01 percent, a signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB and a dynamic range of 110 dB. The chassis measures 430 x 135 x 375 mm and weighs 12 kg net or 17 kg boxed, and power draw is 30 W.

Engineering and use context

All functions are handled by discrete components, and the control interface is kept fully independent of the signal path, which stays analogue. A dual-mono linear power supply with automatic sensing accepts 100 to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz. Equalisation goes well beyond RIAA. The unit stores 18 standard curves, each with an Enhanced option, and the LINE version also allows an unlimited number of user-defined curves for older pressings. An infrasonic filter works at 10 Hz with a slope of 36 dB per octave. Five channel modes are available - Stereo, Stereo 180 degrees, Mono, Mono 180 degrees and Mono L - so mono records and phase issues can be handled from the listening seat. A headphone output with a direct Class A signal path is built in. All adjustments are made through a single-knob control that Gold Note calls SKC, which works with a colour display running proprietary firmware and lets the owner change settings while a record keeps playing. The precision-machined aluminium chassis is anodised in a choice of black, silver or gold.

Pairing

Signals leave the unit through RCA and XLR sockets, plus a dedicated balanced tube output connector for Gold Note's valve stages. The TUBE-1006 and TUBE-1012 add a valve output section, and the PSU-1000 and PSU-1250 external power supplies can take over from the internal supply. With both balanced and unbalanced outputs the PH-1000 connects to line preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers of either input type.

Alternatives

The Gold Note PH-10 is a smaller phono stage in a 200 x 80 x 260 mm case with two independent RCA inputs and fixed MM capacitance.