Gold Note P-1000 MKII Deluxe Preamplifier, Black

The Gold Note P-1000 MKII Deluxe is a Class A stereo preamplifier that forms the centre of a high-end system with a fully balanced six-stage design, three separate linear power supplies and eight inputs. This version is finished in Black, brushed and anodised aluminium. It does exactly one thing – managing signals and controlling volume – but with remarkable dedication.

Why the P-1000 MKII Deluxe?

A preamp is the bottleneck of every separates system: everything you hear has to pass through it. That is why Gold Note relies on Class A, relay switching and an optical ALPS encoder with 100 volume steps. The Deluxe version goes further: the six output stages carry additional noise-suppression coils and capacitors derived from military technology, secured with custom-made copper clips, plus selected audiophile components. With four RCA and four XLR inputs, every source finds its place, and two output pairs per connection type allow bi-amping or a subwoofer.

What you hear

Above all: nothing that isn't on the recording. With distortion below 0.001 %, 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio and over 118 dB channel separation, the P-1000 MKII Deluxe stays pleasantly unobtrusive and lets space, voices and instruments stand cleanly. If you like it a little fuller, use the bass booster in three steps. Add mono/stereo, phase inversion and channel swap – small tools you rarely need and then miss badly. And if you love tube sound, connect a TUBE-1006 or TUBE-1012 to the dedicated tube output.

Who is the P-1000 MKII Deluxe for?

For anyone who wants to bring several high-quality analogue sources to one or two power amps without making compromises. Bottom line: it has no phono input, no DAC and no streaming. For your turntable you need a phono stage, for digital sources a DAC. If you mostly stream and have only one analogue source, the DS-1000 EVO Line is the leaner choice. But if you can fill eight inputs, you finally have a control centre here that won't become the weakest link.

Our verdict

The P-1000 MKII Deluxe is a preamp for people who know what they want: plenty of connections, calm in the signal path and an upgrade path with an external power supply and tube stage. Which power amp suits it is something we are happy to discuss with you – at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, by phone or via WhatsApp.

Technical data

• Type: stereo preamplifier, Class A
• Finish: Black, brushed anodised aluminium
• Circuit: fully balanced, six stages, relay switching
• Deluxe features: noise-suppression coils and capacitors on the six output stages, audiophile components
• Analogue inputs: 4× RCA (unbalanced), 4× XLR (balanced)
• Input level: nominal 2 Vrms, max. 5 Vrms (RCA) / 10 Vrms (XLR)
• Input impedance: 100 kΩ
• Outputs: 2× RCA, 2× XLR, 1× tube output for TUBE-1006/TUBE-1012
• Output level: max. 10 Vrms (RCA) / 20 Vrms (XLR)
• Output impedance: < 50 Ω
• Gain: +19 dB
• Volume control: ALPS optical encoder, 100 steps
• Frequency response: 2 Hz – 200 kHz (±3 dB)
• Distortion: < 0.001 % (1 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
• Channel separation: > 118 dB
• Functions: bass booster (3 steps + off), mono/stereo, phase 0°/180°, channel swap
• Operation: colour display, remote control (IR receivers front and rear)
• Power supply: linear, 3 transformers; input for external power supply PSU-1000/PSU-1250
• Power consumption: max. 30 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 375 mm
• Weight: 11 kg
• Scope of delivery: P-1000 MKII Deluxe, remote control

Frequently asked questions

Does the Gold Note P-1000 MKII Deluxe have a phono input or DAC?

No, the P-1000 MKII Deluxe is a pure analogue preamp without a phono input and without digital inputs. For your turntable you need a phono stage, for streaming or CD a DAC or player with an analogue output. In return you get four RCA and four XLR inputs.

What does the Deluxe version of the P-1000 MKII bring?

The Deluxe version adds noise-suppression coils and capacitors to the six output stages, derived from military technology and secured with custom copper clips. Selected audiophile components complete the package. The aim is an even calmer signal path with less interference. This should be noticeable especially in quiet passages and fine details.

Can I run two power amps from the P-1000 MKII Deluxe?

Yes, it has two output pairs each in RCA and XLR. That lets you drive two power amps for bi-amping or additionally connect an active subwoofer. Via the separate tube output you can also integrate a TUBE-1006 or TUBE-1012 tube output stage. All outputs are low-impedance (below 50 Ω) and handle longer cable runs as well.

Can the P-1000 MKII Deluxe be upgraded later?

Yes, Gold Note provides two upgrade steps: an external PSU-1000 or PSU-1250 power supply for an even cleaner supply and a TUBE-1006 or TUBE-1012 tube output stage for more tube character. You connect both to the dedicated sockets on the back. So you don't have to buy everything at once.

Why buy the Gold Note P-1000 MKII Deluxe at HD Zürisee?

Because a preamp is only as good as the chain behind it. With our many years of experience we help you find the right power amp, sources and cabling and plan the upgrades sensibly. On request, our own technician handles delivery and connection on site.

Goes well with

• Power amplifiers – without a power amp, even the best preamp stays silent.
• Phono preamplifiers – so the turntable can join in.
• DACs & D/A converters – for everything that arrives digitally.
• XLR cables – four balanced inputs want to be connected properly.