Gold Note IS-1000 MKII Deluxe Integrated Amplifier, Silver

The Gold Note IS-1000 MKII Deluxe is a streaming integrated amplifier that combines a Class AB power stage, a high-end DAC, an MM/MC phono preamp and a network streamer in a single housing.

It's built by hand in Tuscany; its circuitry is derived from Gold Note's P-1000/PA-1175 pre/power amp combination. In silver, the solid aluminium housing looks bright and classic.

Why the IS-1000 MKII Deluxe?

Because it replaces a complete high-end chain. The Class AB power stage delivers 125 watts at 8 Ω (around 250 W at 4 Ω) and drives even demanding speakers with authority. The high-end DAC uses the high-quality BurrBrown PCM1792A (PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD64), and the built-in MM/MC phono preamp is derived from the highly praised Gold Note PH-10 – not a token phono stage, but a serious one with 45 dB (MM) or 65 dB (MC) of gain. In other words: turntable, streaming, computer, CD player – everything goes straight in, one device, one power cord.

A special feature is the adjustable damping factor: three settings let you match the power stage's behaviour to your speakers – more control and drive for unruly speakers, or a more open, airier presentation. The IS-1000 is controlled via the display with single-knob operation, the remote control, or the free GN-Control app.

What you hear

Drive and substance. The IS-1000 plays lively, dynamic and with good timing, builds a large, well-organised soundstage and keeps its composure even with complex music. Over LAN or Wi-Fi you stream Roon, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and more; local files from NAS or USB just as easily. Whether vinyl, stream or digital source – everything runs through the same carefully tuned signal path.

Who is the IS-1000 MKII Deluxe for?

For anyone who wants a complete, high-quality system in a single device – vinyl included. Straight talk: if you don't have a turntable and never plan to connect one, you're paying for the built-in phono stage without using it; then the IS-1000 MKII Line (no phono, with PCM1796 DAC) is the leaner alternative. Anyone who listens to records, on the other hand, gets a PH-10 phono stage thrown in – a strong argument.

Do I need an extra phono stage for a turntable?

No. The IS-1000 MKII Deluxe has a full MM/MC phono preamp on board, derived from the Gold Note PH-10. The first RCA input can be switched at the front between line and phono (MM/MC) – so you connect your turntable directly, done.

Can I use the IS-1000 as a source or preamp?

Yes. Via the preamp outputs (fixed and variable) you pass the signal from the DAC and phono stage on to a separate power amp or another amplifier – handy if you upgrade later or integrate the IS-1000 into an existing system.

Our verdict

The IS-1000 MKII Deluxe is one of the most thoughtfully engineered all-in-one solutions on the market: four devices in one, with no compromise in sound, hand-built in Italy. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil set the device up for you completely – network, streaming services, speaker matching and the phono settings for your cartridge – so everything is right from day one.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier (power stage + DAC + MM/MC phono + streamer)
• Amplifier: Class AB (Mosfet)
• Power: 2× 125 W at 8 Ω (1 kHz), approx. 2× 250 W at 4 Ω
• DAC: BurrBrown PCM1792A, PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD64
• Phono preamp: MM & MC, derived from the Gold Note PH-10 (45 dB MM / 65 dB MC)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.005% @ 5 W; 0.1% @ 0.1–50 W (20 Hz–20 kHz)
• Damping factor: > 100, adjustable in three steps (can be switched off)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB (line/digital), > 80 dB (phono MM)
• Streaming: Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, MQA, vTuner, Deezer
• Network: LAN (Ethernet) and Wi-Fi
• Analogue inputs: 2× RCA (input 1 switchable between line or phono MM/MC), 1× XLR
• Digital inputs: 1× coaxial, 3× optical (TOSLink), 1× USB-B, 1× USB-A
• Outputs: speaker terminals; preamp outputs 1× RCA fixed, 1× RCA variable
• Supported formats: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD64, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC/AAC, WMA, MP3
• Controls: display with single-knob control, remote control, GN-Control app
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 430 × 135 × 375 mm
• Weight: approx. 18 kg

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the IS-1000 MKII Deluxe and the Line version?

The Deluxe has two things more: a built-in MM/MC phono preamp (derived from the PH-10) and the higher-grade DAC chip, the BurrBrown PCM1792A. The IS-1000 MKII Line does without the phono input and uses the PCM1796 – the right choice if you don't run a turntable.

How many devices does the IS-1000 MKII Deluxe replace?

Four: integrated amplifier, DAC, phono preamp and network streamer. In principle you only need speakers and – if you want – a turntable. That saves space, cables and potential points of failure, without any compromise in sound.

Can the speaker matching be adjusted for sound?

Yes. Via the three-step adjustable damping factor you tune how the power stage and speakers interact – more control in the bass or a more open sound. Together we'll find out which setting suits your speakers during setup.

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

Because an all-in-one only shines when it's set up correctly. We integrate the IS-1000 into your network, set up streaming services, phono and speaker matching, and give you honest advice on whether Deluxe or Line suits your chain. As an experienced team in Wädenswil, we're there for you after the purchase too.

Goes well with: matching floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers and a turntable for the built-in phono input. More sources and network players can be found under Streaming.