Gold Note IS-1000 MKII Line Integrated Amplifier, Silver

The Gold Note IS-1000 MKII Line is a streaming integrated amplifier that combines a Class AB power stage, a high-end DAC and a network streamer in a single housing – the pure Line version without a phono stage.

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 Line?

Because it packs half a system into one housing. 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 with BurrBrown PCM1796 (PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD64) and the built-in network streamer turn computer, NAS and streaming services into a clean, direct source – one device, one power cord, one carefully tuned signal path from stream to speaker.

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, or a more open 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. Everything runs through the same carefully tuned signal path.

Who is the IS-1000 MKII Line for?

For anyone who listens digitally and wants a complete system in a single device – without a turntable. Straight talk: the Line deliberately has no phono stage and uses the PCM1796 DAC chip. If you listen to vinyl or want to keep that option open, the IS-1000 MKII Deluxe is the right choice – it brings an MM/MC phono preamp (derived from the PH-10) and the higher-grade PCM1792A. Anyone who never plays a record saves on both and goes for the Line.

Can I connect a turntable to the IS-1000 MKII Line?

Only with an external phono preamp. The Line has no phono input; a turntable therefore needs a separate phono stage feeding one of the Line inputs. If vinyl is part of your life, the IS-1000 MKII Deluxe (with built-in MM/MC phono) is simpler and usually cheaper.

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

Yes. Via the preamp outputs (fixed and variable) you pass the signal on to a separate power amp or another amplifier – handy when upgrading or integrating the IS-1000 into an existing system.

Our verdict

The IS-1000 MKII Line is the digital all-in-one solution for anyone without vinyl: integrated amplifier, DAC and streamer in one, hand-built in Italy. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil set the device up for you completely – network, streaming services and speaker matching – so everything is right from day one.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier (power stage + DAC + streamer), without phono stage
• Amplifier: Class AB (Mosfet)
• Power: 2× 125 W at 8 Ω (1 kHz), approx. 2× 250 W at 4 Ω
• DAC: BurrBrown PCM1796, PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD64
• 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)
• Streaming: Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, MQA, vTuner, Deezer
• Network: LAN (Ethernet) and Wi-Fi
• Analogue inputs: 2× RCA (line), 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 Line and the Deluxe?

Compared with the Deluxe, the Line lacks two things: the built-in MM/MC phono preamp and the higher-grade DAC chip. The Line uses the BurrBrown PCM1796 and has no phono input; the Deluxe brings the PCM1792A plus PH-10 phono. Without a turntable, the Line is the leaner, cheaper choice.

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

Three: integrated amplifier, DAC and network streamer. In principle you only need speakers. That saves space, cables and potential points of failure – ideal for a tidy, purely digital system.

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 Line 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 and speaker matching, and give you honest advice on whether Line or Deluxe 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, plus more sources and network players from our Streaming range.