GOLD NOTE PH-1000 INE Phono Preamplifier User Manual

USER MANUAL

PH-1000

PH-1000 LINE
PH-1000 LITE

Thank you for purchasing one of our units and welcome into the Gold Note world, where we turn High-End audio and music into a new experience.

Maurizio Aterini,
founder of Gold Note

| IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONS

PLEASE NOTE

1 Do not disassemble any part of the product.

2 Do not use any part of the product for other purposes.

3 For service and problems of any kind, contact qualified Gold Note personnel.

4 Protect the product from rain, humidity and keep away from heat sources, electric and electronic motors etc. The power cord supplied must be used only on this unit.

5 Gold Note does not have responsibility for any improper use of this unit.

GENERIC INFORMATION

| Read these instructions and store them.

| Heed all warnings.

| Follow the instructions.

| Do not use this apparatus near water.

| Clean only with a dry cloth.

| Do not block the ventilation openings and install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

| Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

| Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding-type plug: a polarised plug hastwo blades with one wider than the other.

| A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety.

If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

| Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

| Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.

When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

| Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way (such as when the power cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture) and in any case when the apparatus does not operate normally or has been dropped.

This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel.
Please record the model and serial number and retain them for your records.

MODEL

SERIAL NUMBER
| CAUTION|
---|---|---
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION!

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user- serviceable parts inside. Refer only to qualified Gold Note service personnel for service.

| WARNING|
---|---|---
FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD

WARNING!

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

GOLD NOTE – Information on the correct management of waste from household Equipment pursuant to the European Directive 2012/19/EU

The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol shown on the equipment or its packaging indicates that the product, at the end of its useful life, must be collected separately from other waste to allow its proper treatment and recycling. The user must therefore deliver, free of charge, the end-of-life equipment to the centres for the separate collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment, or return it to the dealer in accordance with the procedures established by the legislation.
The appropriate separate collection of discarded equipment allows for proper recycling, treatment and environmentally compatible disposal, helping to avoid the possible dispersion of hazardous substances and negative effects on the environment and health, favouring the reuse and/or recycling of the materials of which the equipment is composed of. Illegal dumping of the product by the user involves the application of administrative sanction provided for by the legislation in force. We invite you consult the current legislation and the measures adopted by the public service operating in your country or territory.

| PACKAGE CONTENT

1x

PH-1000

| 1x

POWER CABLE

| 1x

USER MANUAL

| 1x

REMOTE CONTROL

---|---|---|---

| INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES

THE MOST ADVANCED PHONO STAGE

The PH-1000 is simply the best phono stage we have ever created, a unique piece of audio engineering designed to be innovative in every possible way and 100% made in Italy. Featuring class A exclusive discrete components, class A headphone output, +40 EQ curves, manually adjustable custom EQ curves, and the high-quality class A line preamp which comes as an optional on the PH-1000 LINE. For the first time ever, you will be able to play virtually any record the way it’s meant to be thanks to the EQ curves available – that’s why the PH-1000 is a complete game-changer, opening a new era in vinyl reproduction.

PERFECT CARTRIDGE MATCHING

With 14 options to adjust the gain, 12 for the load and 6 for the capacitance it is the ideal phono stage for high-performance analogue systems, capable of driving even the most exotic of cartridges with perfect synergy, making the PH-1000 a versatile tool even for high-end recording studios.

On top of that, you can change settings and make ultra-fine adjustments, including the EQ curve, on the go by simply using the SKC and the display as you are playing music. Our innovative technology allows the best ease of use while preserving entirely the sound quality as it works in the analogue domain: the interface is digital and independent from the audio path, which is completely analogue. The result is an ultralow noise phono stage with high gain and no audio filters.

All the functionalities are in fact managed through discrete audio-grade components and single sealed switches, always shortening the signal path to deliver superior audio quality and extract even the finest of details from the vinyl record. Powered by our custom firmware, the PH-1000 can be easily updated via computer when necessary.

MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY

The PH-1000 offers 3 independent inputs, two RCA and one XLR.
On the PH-1000 and PH-1000 LINE, two additional inputs can be used for the external load, or as line inputs (PH-1000 LINE only). Add the other functionalities, such as the headphone output, the Stereo/Mono control with phase inversion, the L/R channel swap and the rumble infrasonic filter and here you have it, the most advanced phono stage on the market.

HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS

The level of quality meets the highest standard throughout the entire production: from the aluminium ultra-solid chassis machined with precision to the electronic components and circuitry that undergo strict QC computer- controlled tests.

TOTAL CONTROL

The PH-1000 shows every detail on the colour display powered by our proprietary firmware. With the SKC [Single Knob Control technology] and the display, you have an intuitive system to easily control the phono stage and quickly make fine-adjustments without even interrupting the playback.

EQUALISATION CURVES

RIAA, Capitol, Columbia/CBS, Deutsche Grammophon, Decca London USA, Decca London UK and Decca Mono 78rpm, Epic, HMW, Mercury, RCA Victor, Philips, Elektra, L’Oiseau-Lyre, Parlophone, and more. Each curve can be “enhanced” with our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Pole to extend the frequency response up to 50kHz.

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

You can now enjoy the shortest audio path ever with the PH-1000, your turntable and your headphones – that’s all you need for the audio signal to go from the vinyl directly into your headphones without the need of any additional stages.

MODULAR DESIGN

For the most demanding audiophiles, the PH-1000 can also be further enhanced with our external power supply PSU-1250 and PSU-1000, or even the external tube output stage TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006, to reach the highest level of musical realism in terms of dynamic, details, and imaging.

| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PH-1000 is available in three models, each with different specifications.
Please see the comparison chart for more info.

MAIN FEATURES

| Frequency response:
20Hz – 20kHz

| Equalisation curves with Enhanced option
@ +/- 0.3dB max.

| THD (Total Harmonic Distortion):
<0.01% max

| Signal to noise ratio:
100dB

| Dynamic range:
110dB

| Output impedance:
Unbalanced 100Ω
Balanced 300Ω

| Infrasonic filter:
10Hz/36dB octave (ON/OFF)

| Mono/Stereo:
Stereo, Stereo 180°, Mono, Mono 180°

| Channel Swapping:
R/L, L/R

| IR receiver for multifunctional remote
control

EQ CURVES

| 18 EQ Curve presets dedicated to Stereo, Mono and 78rpm records, or Flat.

| 4 manually adjustable EQ Curve setups

| Enhanced option ON/OFF (Neumann Pole)

AUDIO OUTPUTS

| 1x RCA

| 1x XLR

| 1x Tube Output (for the TUBE-1012 and TUBE-1006 external stages)

| Output level:
2 Vrms standard up to 2,5 Vrms max

AUDIO INPUTS

| 2x RCA (0.1mV MC up to 8.0mV MM)

| 1x XLR (0.1mV up to 1.0mV MC)

| Line input level:
2 Vrms standard up to 2,5 Vrms max

RCA IN 1: PHONO stereo unbalanced
RCA IN 2: PHONO stereo unbalanced
RCA IN 3: EXTERNAL LOAD/LINE stereo unbalanced (external load for fine adjustment applied for RCA 2 only, or line)
XLR IN 1: PHONO stereo balanced (MC only)
XLR IN 2: EXTERNAL LOAD/LINE stereo balanced (external load for fine adjustment or line)

LOAD

| RCA – 12 options:
100kΩ, 75kΩ, 47kΩ, 33kΩ, 22kΩ, 1kΩ, 470Ω, 220Ω, 100Ω, 47Ω, 22Ω,10Ω
+ external load (EXT)

| XLR – 8 options:
4k7Ω, 1kΩ, 470Ω, 220Ω, 100Ω, 47Ω, 22Ω,10Ω
+ external load (EXT)

CAPACITANCE

| 7 options:
OFF, 100pF, 150pF, 220pF, 330pF, 470pF, 1000pF

GAIN

| 40dB MM to 65dB MC with 7 options:
0dB, ± 3dB, ± 6dB, ± 9dB

POWER

| Power supply:
Dual-Mono linear power supply
100-240V with auto sense, 50-60Hz

| Power consumption:
30W

| PSU Input for external power supply
PSU-1250 and PSU-1000

| Fuse:
2A T

RUMBLE FILTER

When active, the infrasonic filter reduces distortion at low frequencies and prevents uncontrolled vibrations of the drivers.

CLASS-A PREAMP LINE STAGE

Pure class A preamp stage built-in, can also be used with the Line inputs (RCA 3, XLR 2) to connect other audio sources.

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Dimensions:
430mm W | 135mm H | 375mm D
630mm W | 350mm H | 600mm D – boxed

Weight:
Kg. 12 – net
Kg. 17 – boxed

UPGRADES

| PSU-1250 & PSU-1000 external power supplies

| TUBE-1012 & TUBE-1006 valve output stages

MODELS|

PH-1000 LITE

| PH-1000|

PH-1000 LINE

---|---|---|---
Volume control|

–

| –|

Yes

Headphone output|

Stereo jack 6.3mm

| Stereo jack 6.3mm|

Stereo jack 6.3mm

Line input|

–

| –|

2

External load|

–

| Yes |

Yes

Gain|

MM 40dB – MC 60dB

| MM 40dB – MC 65dB|

MM 40dB – MC 65dB

EQ curves|

36

| Completely adjustable|

Completely adjustable

EQ manual adjustments|

–

| 4 memory slots|

4 memory slots

RS-232|

–

| Yes|

Yes

L/R swap|

–

| Yes|

Yes

| FRONT PANEL

FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW

The PH-1000 shows all the functions on the colour display powered by our proprietary firmware. With the SKC [Single Knob Control technology] and the display, you have an intuitive system to easily control the phono stage and quickly make fine-adjustments without even interrupting the playback.

[1] LED status light

[2] IR

[3] Headphone output

[4] Display

[5] SKC (Single Knob Control)

LED status light:
Red = standby
Blue = on
Green = powered by the external power supply PSU-1250/1000

| REAR PANEL

REAR PANEL OVERVIEW

The PH-1000 offers 3 independent inputs, two RCA and one XLR.
The PH-1000 and PH-1000 LINE feature two additional inputs (RCA 3, XRL 2) for the external load. They also work as line inputs on the PH-1000 LINE.

EXTERNAL LOAD

Ensure to connect your turntable to RCA 2 to use the external load on the RCA inputs and the external load to RCA 3.

To use the external load with the XLR input, ensure to connect your turntable to XLR 1 and the external load to XLR 2.

ANALOGUE INPUTS

[1] RCA 1 Phono and GND 1

[2] RCA 2 Phono and GND 2

[3] RCA 3 and GND 3 ¹
(line / external load) ²

[4] XLR 1 Phono (MC only)

[5] XLR 2 ¹
(line / external load) ²

ANALOGUE OUTPUTS

[6] RCA Line

[7] XLR Line

[8] Tube

POWER AND OTHERS

[9] Mini-USB
(firmware updates)

[10] PSU IN

[11] Master switch ON/OFF

[12] RS IN ¹

[13] AC plug IEC standard

¹ Input available only on PH-1000 and PH-1000 LINE
² This input can be set to “line” only on PH-1000 LINE

| SELECT FUNCTIONS

TURNING THE PH-1000 ON/OFF

Turn on the Master Switch on the rear panel to power the PH-1000, the status LED is red when in standby. Push the SKC (Single Knob Control) for three seconds to switch on the PH-1000 and the status LED will turn blue.

Rear panel                                                    Front panel

1. Master switch
2. 3 seconds push

HOW TO SELECT THE FUNCTIONS

1 Press the knob once to activate the SELECTION FRAME.

2 Turn the knob left or right until the desired function is highlighted in white then press the knob to select it.

3 The frame will turn red: now you can turn the knob to change the function.

4 Press the knob again when the desired value is set to confirm and exit the selection.

1. Turn left or right to browse the menu
2. Push once

| DISPLAY OVERVIEW

CARTRIDGE SETTINGS

The PH-1000 shows all the settings on the display – there are a number of features that you can adjust to perfectly match your cartridge and get the best out of your records.

You can select the type of cartridge (MM or MC), the gain, the load and the capacitance.

1

| Cartridge

Not for RCA 3 and XLR 2

MM
MC

---|---

2

| Capacitance

Not for RCA 3 and XLR 2

OFF        330pF
100pF      470pF
150pF      1000pF
220pF

3

| Gain

Not for RCA 3 and XLR 2

0
±3dB
±6dB
±9dB

4

| Load on RCA input

Not for RCA 3

100kΩ      220Ω
75kΩ        100Ω
47kΩ        47Ω
33kΩ        22Ω
22kΩ        10Ω
1kΩ          EXT
470Ω

Load on XLR input

Not for XLR 2

4k7Ω      47Ω
1kΩ        22Ω
470Ω      10Ω
220Ω      EXT
100Ω

EXTERNAL LOAD

(ONLY PH-1000/PH-1000 LINE)

The external load for the RCA inputs is taken from RCA 3 and applied to RCA 2 only. For the XLR input, it’s taken from XLR 2. On the PH-1000 LINE model, RCA 3 and XLR 2 can also be used as line inputs. To activate the external load, adjust the LOAD rotating the knob until EXT (standing for External Load) is selected. A warning message will be displayed to ensure you have no audio sources connected to the inputs used for the external load and prevent accidental damages to your system. Press SAVE to confirm and continue.

SETTINGS AND FEATURES

The other settings are dedicated to the features of the PH-1000. You can also adjust the brightness of the display. When DISP is set to OFF, turn or press the knob to temporarily activate it again.

PH-1000 LINE
Thanks to the Class-A built-in preamplifier, the PH-1000 LINE features a volume control so you can use the knob to adjust the volume.

Both the PH-1000 and the PH-1000 LINE can be muted using the dedicated function. The LINE model also displays the volume.

1| Display

DISP
D50%
D25%
OFF

---|---
2| Rumble

Not for RCA 3 and XLR 2

ON/OFF

| With headphones

MUTE
PHONES LO
PHONES HI

3| Volume setup

PREAMP
STAGE
MUTE

4| Volume

0-100
LINE

5| STEREO
S180° ²
MONO
M180° ²
6| Input option

PHONO
LOAD (RCA 3/XLR 2)
LINE (RCA 3/XLR 2) ¹

7| LR-Swap

ON/OFF

8| Input

RCA 1 (MC/MM)
RCA 2 (MC/MM)
RCA 3 ¹
XLR 1 (MC only)
XLR 2 ¹

¹ PH-1000 LINE only
² PH-1000 and PH-1000 LINE only

| LINE PREAMPLIFIER

LINE PREAMP AND STAGE MODE

The PH-1000 LINE features a Class-A line preamp of the highest quality that allows you to control the volume directly through the phono stage. The line preamp can be switched off by selecting STAGE from the PREAMP menu. You can also mute the PH1000 selecting MUTE from the same menu or using the dedicated button on the remote.

When selecting STAGE, a warning message will be displayed asking if you want to continue as the volume will increase to max (fixed level) which might cause accidental damages to your system. Press SAVE to confirm and continue.

Warning message

Display in PREAMP mode                                Display in STAGE mode

| EQ CURVES

EQUALISATION CURVE PRESETS

The PH-1000 lets you select the most appropriate EQ curve. We included 18 of the most common and widespread curves: such as RIAA, Capitol, Columbia/CBS, Deutsche Grammophon, Decca London USA, Decca London UK, Decca Mono 78rpm, Epic, HMW, Mercury, RCA Victor, Philips, Elektra, l’Oiseau-Lyre and Parlophone. The equalisation is applied exclusively with analogue components as the whole circuitry works in the analogue domain with audiograde switches that modify the audio signal path.

Each curve can also be enhanced with our proprietary design inspired by the Neumann Pole for superior high-frequency extension.

1| Enhanced

Not for RCA 3 and XLR 2

ON/OFF

---|---
2| EQ Curves

+18 EQ Curves with “Enhanced” mode

EQ CURVES AVAILABLE

LIMITLESS CUSTOM CURVES

(ONLY PH-1000/PH-1000 LINE)

The limitless curve feature is a unique innovation. Using analogue technology, we developed a unique design that allows you to create unlimited equalisation curves simply acting on 3 parameters – Bass Turnover, Bass Shelf and Treble Cut – as it’s the most effective way to control and plot the equalisation curve.

Browse the menu of the EQ curves till the SETUP item and press the knob or the ENTER key on the remote to access the menu of the 4 customizable curves.
After modifying the parameters, press the knob or the ENTER key on the remote to save.
Now you can select the curve you just created directly from the main menu.

Here’s a complete list of parameters for the most popular equalisation curves:
www.goldnote.it/download/media/PH- 1000_EQ_Card.pdf

Bass Turnover (Hz)
This parameter controls the frequency at which the EQ curve reaches 3dB. You can adjust the frequency from 200Hz to 800Hz (for the RIAA standard EQ curve, this parameter is 500Hz).

Bass Shelf (dB)
This parameter controls the gain at 10Hz and it’s also called “low frequency shelving filter”, allowing you to adjust the gain from +12dB to +20dB. It can also be set to N which means it won’t affect the curve (for the RIAA standard EQ curve, this parameter is R= +20dB).

Treble Cut (dB)
Also known as “10kHz gain roll-off”, this parameter determines the cut at 10kHz and can be adjusted from 0dB to -24dB (for the RIAA standard EQ curve, this parameter is -13.7dB).

1| Treble Cut

0             -10,5
-5            -11
-5,5         -12
-5,7         -12,3
-6            -12,7
-7            -13,7
-8            -15
-8,5         -16
-10          -18
-10,3       -24

---|---
2| Cancel

Exit the menu.

3| Bass Shelf

X = +12dB
C = +14dB
A = +16dB
B = +18dB
R = +20dB
N = Null

4| Save

Save the values as a custom EQ.

5| Bass Turnover

200          500
250          600
300          630
350          700
400          800

6| EQ preset

EQ 1
EQ 2
EQ 3
EQ 4

| SETTINGS, FACTORY RESET AND FIRMWARE VERSION

SETTINGS

From the SETTINGS menu you can check the firmware version installed on the unit, reset it and select the mode key used to control it with the remote.

To enter the menu, first turn off the Master Switch located on the rear panel, then press and keep pressed the SKC (knob on the front panel) while switching back on the Master Switch.

FIRMWARE VERSION

The firmware version is shown at the bottom of the display.

REMOTE CONTROL

Select the mode key assigned to the PH-1000 by the remote. The combination SHIFT + PRE is set by default – press SHIFT and then PRE on the remote to control the PH-1000. If you set the PH-1000 to PRE, then simply press the mode key PRE on the remote.
Once you have selected the desired mode key, press the knob once to confirm the selection – the unit will save and go on standby.

FACTORY RESET

The factory reset function can be used to reset the PH-1000 to the default settings.

Select SAVE to reset the unit or CANCEL to exit the menu, press the knob once to confirm the selection – the unit will save it and go on standby.

| REMOTE CONTROL

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL

All the functions and features available on the PH-1000 can be adjusted using the remote.

Press Enter to activate the selection frame, press IN+ and IN- to browse the menu and adjust the functions.

1

| Power ON/OFF

Turns ON and OFF the PH-1000.

---|---

2

| Enter

Activates the SELECTION FRAME and selects the functions, just like you would by pressing the knob.

3

| Input selection
Use IN+ and IN- to change the selected input.
Use IN+ and IN- when the SELECTION FRAME is red (active selection) to change the function and set the desired value.

4

| Mute

Mutes the PH-1000.

5

| Volume control

Use VOL+ and VOL- to adjust the volume level of the headphone output by 1 step at a time. On the PH-1000 LINE, adjusts the volume when used in PREAMP mode.

6

| Mode key

By default, the mode key is set to SHIFT+PRE.
Press SHIFT and then PRE on the remote to control the PH-1000. Check page 13 to learn how you can change the mode key.

7

| Display

Dimmers the brightness of the display in 4 steps: 100%, 50%, 25%, 0%.

| FIRMWARE UPDATE

We are constantly striving to deliver the best user experience and audio quality with our products, so please keep your Gold Note unit up to date with the latest firmware.

Scan the QR-Code and visit the dedicated page on our website to find out how to update your unit.

www.goldnote.it/downloads

| PRODUCT REGISTRATION

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

We recommend to register the unit on our internet website within 15 days from the purchase at www.goldnote.it/product-registration

Registering your product ensures that you will always receive communications about updates, information, and news regarding your product.

www.goldnote.it/product-registration

WARNING

Gold Note products should only be opened, serviced and inspected by certified Gold Note technicians and dealers. Work performed by unqualified personnel may cause serious damage or personal injury. Opening of the product by non- authorised personnel will void the guarantee.

In this case, contact your dealer to be advised on how the fault can be solved.

Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the distributor without being authorised to do so.

WARRANTY

All Gold Note products come with a warranty against defective materials and workmanship.
Any service and inspection must be carried out by a Gold Note dealer or distributor so in case you need any assistance with this product, please contact the seller.

PLEASE NOTE

Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary at any time and without notice.

| TROUBLESHOOTING

phono stage and ensure that the environment is not affected by RFI/EMI.

Always use shielded cables.

| The ground connector is not connected correctly.| | Try to connect and disconnect the cables and ensure they are working properly.
| The cables are not connected properly.| | Always connect the interconnect input to test how the phono stage performs.
| The listening volume is very high while no music is playing.| | High performance phono stages will produce a buzzing noise when the volume is too high. It’s normal when no music is playing and with MC gain selection.
| The tonearm and the cartridge are not installed properly.| | Check cartridge and the tonearm.
There’s something wrong with the sound.| | Any MC and MM cartridge has specific values that should be set to achieve the best performance.| | Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to set up MC and MM cartridges.
PH-1000 is not working.| | The interconnect cables used on the input/output are not shielded.| | Always use only shielded cables.
| The power cord is not plugged in.| | Connect the power cord properly and ensure the power outlet is working.
| The cables are not connected to the tonearm.| | Ensure that the cables are properly connected.
| The IEC fuse is blown.| | Replace it with one of the same value.

CLEANING THE UNIT

With EXTREME care use ONLY water or detergents for delicate surfaces with a very soft cloth to sweep dust and remove stains.
Any acid or not extremely soft cloth will irreversibly damage the unit. Do not use alcohol.

Designed and handmade in Firenze, Italy
www.goldnote.it
copyright ©2023 Akamai S.r.l. All rights reserved

References

• Home | Gold Note
• Downloads | Gold Note
• Product registration | Gold Note
• Produktregistrierung | goldnote
• Registrazione prodotto | goldnote

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