Gold Note PA-1175 MKII Stereo Power Amplifier, Silver

The Gold Note PA-1175 MKII is a Class AB stereo power amplifier with 2× 200 W into 8 Ω that can be bridged into a 520 W monoblock and offers a damping factor selectable from the front panel.

Under the thick aluminium chassis works a 640 VA toroidal transformer, and the whole thing tips the scales at 20.5 kg. In silver, the massive aluminium chassis fits classic hi-fi components like a glove. A unit you'd rather carry with two people. The MKII version is the current edition of Gold Note's proven power amplifier and, like all of the brand's units, is made in Tuscany.

Why the PA-1175 MKII?

Because it doesn't just drive speakers, it leads them. 200 W per channel, a frequency response from 1 Hz to 100 kHz and a slew rate of 20 V/µs ensure that even transients and deep bass stay clean and solid. The massive chassis shields against radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference.

The real speciality sits on the front: with the DF button you switch the damping factor between 250 and 25. High gives tight control for large floorstanding speakers, low lets full-range drivers, horns or older classics play more freely and airily. A power amplifier that adapts to your speakers instead of the other way round.

What you hear

Authority. Quiet passages stay calm thanks to 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio, loud moments arrive with punch and without harshness. If you want more later, buy a second amplifier and run both bridged as monoblocks with 520 W each.

Who is the PA-1175 MKII for?

For anyone who owns a preamp and wants to drive demanding speakers in medium to large rooms. Bottom line: the PA-1175 MKII has no volume control – it always needs a preamplifier or a device with a variable output in front of it. And with a maximum draw of 1200 W, it's no candidate for the power strip behind the sofa.

Our verdict

A grown-up, flexible power amplifier with real added value thanks to the switchable damping factor. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we help you find the right preamp and the right setting for your speakers.

Technical data

• Type: stereo power amplifier, Class AB, bridgeable (mono)
• Finish: Silver, brushed anodised aluminium
• Power stereo: 2× 200 W into 8 Ω
• Power mono (bridged, BTL): 1× 520 W into 8 Ω
• Inputs: 1× RCA (sensitivity 1 V), 1× XLR (sensitivity 4 V); input impedance 47 kΩ
• Outputs: gold-plated speaker terminals
• Damping factor: selectable on the front, high (250) or low (25)
• Frequency response: 1 Hz – 100 kHz (± 1 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.01 % (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
• Slew rate: 20 V/µs
• Mains transformer: 640 VA
• Power consumption: max. 1200 W, idle 1.2 W
• Power supply: 220–240 V or 100–120 V, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 370 mm
• Weight: 20.5 kg

Frequently asked questions

What does the switchable damping factor on the PA-1175 MKII do?

It adapts the amplifier to your speakers. The high setting (250) controls large woofers tightly and precisely. The low setting (25) lets full-range drivers, horn speakers or older designs sound more open and lively. You switch conveniently with the DF button on the front, no tools needed.

Can I run the PA-1175 MKII as a monoblock?

Yes. In bridged mono mode (BTL), the PA-1175 MKII delivers 520 W into 8 Ω. For a stereo system you then need two units, one per channel. That's a nice upgrade path: start with one amplifier in stereo mode, add a second one later and run both as monoblocks.

Do I need a preamplifier for the PA-1175 MKII?

Yes. The PA-1175 MKII has no volume control and no source selection. You need a preamplifier, a streaming preamplifier or a DAC with variable output in front of it. It connects via RCA or balanced via XLR; for longer cable runs between preamp and power amp, XLR is the better choice.

Why buy the Gold Note PA-1175 MKII at HD Zürisee?

Because a power amplifier of this class has to match the preamp, the speakers and the room. We plan that with you, deliver on request and connect everything professionally. Our industry experience goes back to 1993, and our technician remains reachable for you after the purchase too.

Goes well with

In front of the PA-1175 MKII belongs a unit from our preamplifiers or streaming preamplifiers. It pairs well with powerful floorstanding speakers, good XLR cables and clean power from our power filters & power conditioning category.