Gold Note PH-1000 LINE Phono Preamplifier, Silver

The Gold Note PH-1000 LINE is a phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges that also features an integrated Class A line stage with two line inputs. This makes it the most fully equipped version of the PH-1000 family: everything the PH-1000 can do, plus the option of sending a line-level source such as a CD player or streamer through the same Class A circuit. The silver anodised aluminium front fits classically into any hi-fi system, whether modern or with vintage charm.

Why the PH-1000 LINE?

Gold Note builds the PH-1000 in three versions. The PH-1000 LITE focuses on the essentials, the PH-1000 adds external loading, channel swap and freely adjustable equalisation – and the LINE goes one step further. Its two additional pairs of sockets (one RCA, one XLR) work either as connections for external load resistors or as line inputs into the integrated Class A stage. If you run a digital source alongside your turntable, both go through one device. Operation stays pleasantly simple: one knob, one colour display, one remote control.

What you get

Under the lid you’ll find the full PH-1000 feature set: three phono inputs (two RCA, one balanced XLR), each individually switchable to MM or MC, gain from 40 to 65 dB, twelve load settings on the RCA and eight on the XLR input, plus seven capacitance steps for MM. 18 equalisation curves, each with an “Enhanced” variant, cover everything from RIAA to historic label curves, and four freely adjustable curves allow fine-tuning to individual pressings. The signal path remains completely analogue, with the control section kept separate – the result is a 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a calm in which good MC cartridges truly blossom. External power supplies (PSU-1000, PSU-1250) and valve output stages (TUBE-1006, TUBE-1012) can be added later.

Who is the PH-1000 LINE for?

For collectors with several turntables or tonearms, for anyone who takes mono and pre-RIAA pressings seriously – and for those who want to equip their analogue hub with line inputs for a second source right away. Straight talk: if you don’t want to route a line-level source through your phono stage, with the LINE you’re paying for a line stage that will just gather dust. Then the regular PH-1000 is the more sensible choice – and if you can also do without external loading and freely adjustable curves, the PH-1000 LITE costs considerably less.

Our verdict

The PH-1000 LINE is the phono stage for people who want to leave nothing to chance yet don’t want to drown in switches. Hand on heart: anyone who invests this much in a phono stage usually also has a record collection that deserves it. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we’ll set the unit up for your cartridge and take the time beforehand to clarify whether LINE, standard or LITE suits your system. Call us (+41 44 680 22 00), send a WhatsApp (076 534 22 00) or write to shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical specifications

• Type: phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges with integrated Class A line stage, analogue signal path
• Phono inputs: 2× RCA (unbalanced), 1× XLR (balanced)
• Additional inputs: 1× RCA, 1× XLR – either line input or external load
• Line input level: 2 V RMS (max. 2.5 V RMS)
• Gain: 40 dB (MM) to 65 dB (MC), 7 steps (0, ±3, ±6, ±9 dB)
• Load impedance: 12 settings RCA (10 Ω to 100 kΩ), 8 settings XLR (10 Ω to 4.7 kΩ), external load possible
• Capacitance (MM): off, 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, 1000 pF
• Equalisation: 18 EQ curves, each with an Enhanced option, plus 4 freely adjustable curves
• Infrasonic filter: 10 Hz, 36 dB/octave, switchable
• Modes: stereo, stereo 180°, mono, mono 180°, mono L; L/R channel swap
• Outputs: 1× RCA, 1× XLR (Class A, max. 2.5 V RMS), 1× TUBE output for TUBE-1006/TUBE-1012
• Headphone output: yes (front)
• Output impedance: 100 Ω (unbalanced), 300 Ω (balanced)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.01 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB
• Dynamic range: 110 dB
• Operation: Single Knob Control with colour display, IR remote control
• Power supply: dual-mono linear, 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz; input for external PSU-1000/PSU-1250 power supply
• Power consumption: 30 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 135 × 375 mm
• Weight: 12 kg
• Finish: silver (anodised aluminium)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the PH-1000 LINE, PH-1000 and PH-1000 LITE?

The PH-1000 LINE additionally has a Class A line stage: its two extra inputs (RCA and XLR) also serve as line inputs. The PH-1000 offers the same phono features without the line stage. The LITE also does without external loading, freely adjustable EQ curves and channel swap, and reaches a maximum of 60 instead of 65 dB gain.

Can I connect a CD player or streamer to the PH-1000 LINE?

Yes. Via one of the two line inputs, RCA or XLR, a line-level source of up to 2.5 V runs through the integrated Class A stage of the PH-1000 LINE. This way your turntable and digital source share the same output circuit. We’re happy to discuss with you how best to integrate this into your existing system.

Does the PH-1000 LINE work with MM and MC cartridges?

Yes. Each of the three phono inputs can be set separately to MM or MC, with its own gain between 40 and 65 dB, its own load impedance and, for MM, its own capacitance. This lets you run up to three turntables or cartridges in parallel and switch conveniently via the knob or remote control.

Can I connect headphones to the PH-1000 LINE?

Yes, the PH-1000 LINE has a headphone output on the front that takes its signal directly from the phono stage. This lets you listen to your records without going through an amplifier – ideal for late hours. For particularly demanding headphones, a separate headphone amplifier can still make sense; we’re happy to advise you.

Why buy the Gold Note PH-1000 LINE from HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage of this class only shows its potential when it’s set up properly. We set gain, load and curves to suit your cartridge, help you choose between LINE, standard and LITE, and put together the right system. Our own technician also takes care of service and support after the purchase.

Goes well with

The PH-1000 LINE deserves an equally good front end: you’ll find turntables, tonearms and cartridges in our analogue range. For upgrades there are power supplies, for the connection phono cables, and for driving a power amplifier directly, our power amplifiers.