{"id":24819,"date":"2022-03-01T22:01:19","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T21:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?p=24819"},"modified":"2022-03-01T22:59:55","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T21:59:55","slug":"gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/","title":{"rendered":"GOLD NOTE PH-1000 > Stereophile review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gold Note’s $11,999 PH-1000 is by a considerable margin the most sophisticated, most configurable phono preamplifier that any audio manufacturer has ever produced<\/strong>, at least that I know of. Remarkably, considering all that flexibility and sophistication, using and adjusting the PH-1000 is straightforward.
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. . . . .<\/b><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong>
\nGold Note’s made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that’s easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that’s a rare and attractive combination. You’ll\u00a0never<\/i>\u00a0get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to “Stage” in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and “stereo\/mono” functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.<\/p>\n

The PH-1000’s sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.<\/p>\n

\"222gold.downes\"<\/p>\n

Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.<\/p>\n

If you’re thinking “Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?” you’re probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.
\n– Michael Fremer, Stereophile<\/p>\n

Link to product: Gold Note PH-1000<\/a>
\nLink to review: Stereophile<\/a><\/p>\n

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Gold Note’s $11,999 PH-1000 is by a considerable margin the most sophisticated, most configurable phono…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24820,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[171,172,173,186],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nGOLD NOTE PH-1000 > Stereophile review - INTEK HI-FI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"LOG IN | JOIN Search formSearch REVIEWS RECOMMENDED COLUMNS SHOWS NEWS FORUMS GALLERIES SUBSCRIBEPHONO PREAMP REVIEWSGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierMichael Fremer | Feb 18, 2022facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonGold Note's $11,999 PH-1000 is by a considerable margin the most sophisticated, most configurable phono preamplifier that any audio manufacturer has ever produced, at least that I know of. Remarkably, considering all that flexibility and sophistication, using and adjusting the PH-1000 is straightforward.Despite all that the PH-1000 can do, and all that you can do with it, you'll never get lost in nested-menu dysfunctionality, thanks to what Gold Note calls "SKC" (Single Knob Control)\u2014but before getting into control, let's explore the PH-1000's features and configurability.The basics: The PH-1000 has two standard single-ended (RCA) inputs and one standard balanced (XLR) input; it came equipped with two line inputs, but I didn't use them. Loading can be set independently for each input, 12 options for the RCA inputs and eight options for the XLR input; see the Specifications sidebar for details.In addition, there's a third RCA and a second XLR connection, which can be used to fine-tune loading on RCA input 2 (using RCA input 3) and XLR input 1 (using XLR input 2): Just solder loading resistors across an RCA or XLR plug and plug it in. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are included.222gold.bacCapacitive loading choices (for moving magnet cartridges) are OFF and 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, and 1000pF. In the "OFF" position, only the cable's capacitance loads the cartridge.The default gain is 40dB in MM mode and 65dB MC; that gain can be adjusted to six other levels relative to 65dB: \u20139, \u20136, or \u20133dB, 3, 6, and 9dB. So the highest setting is 74dB, which should be enough gain for even the lowest-output moving coil cartridges.There's also a "mono" setting, phase\/polarity inversion, a L\u2013R channel swap function, and a "rumble" filter. There's a headphone jack. The PH-1000 has a volume control ("Preamp" mode) you can use and drive your amplifier directly, or you can use it to fine-tune the preamp-output gain. Or, if you prefer, you can bypass the volume control and run the PH-1000 at fixed output ("Stage" mode).That's a lot of flexibility, but what really sets apart the PH-1000 from most other phono preamplifiers is its multitude of equalization options, which include, according to Gold Note, "40+ curves."222gold.bac2And now for a digressionDespite what some people claim, once the stereo era began almost every label, foreign and domestic, quickly switched to the RIAA curve.That includes British Decca and its American affiliate, London Records. Almost all of those records were pressed at the same British pressing plant. They were the same pressing. Only the labels were different. London record jackets say "use the RIAA curve" not to fool anyone but because that was the EQ used in cutting the lacquers (footnote 1). Sorry to have to keep repeating this like, um, a broken record, but the online blowback and charlatanism continues.Recently, I spent some time with Allan Steckler, who was in charge of the classical division at London Records before leaving for ABKCO, where he oversaw the Rolling Stones catalog. Steckler confirmed all of this. He also told me that Deccas and Londons had different cover art because he didn't like Decca's choices. He declined an on-camera interview, which is too bad because he had stories I assured him I'd not repeat! But I'm digressing from my digression.Old myths die hard. During a recent Zoom meeting with an audiophile society, I was challenged on the London\/Decca pressing myth. A member claimed that Londons weighed less to save on shipping\u2014proof that they were not identical. So I weighed a few London and Decca titles on a digital scale. All weighed within a few grams of each other. Some of the Londons weighed slightly more than the corresponding Deccas.222gold.3Another phono preamp manufacturer claims that Prestige and Blue Note used different curves, yet both were cut by Rudy Van Gelder on the same lathe. Please\u2014let's stop the nonsense! End of sermon and digression.Here are a few of the EQ choices listed by Gold Note for the PH-1000: Capitol; Columbia\/CBS; Deutsche Grammophon; Decca London USA; Decca London UK; Decca Mono 78rpm; Epic; HMW; Mercury; RCA Victor; Philips; Elektra; L'Oiseau-Lyre; Parlophone.Gold Note also avers that "Each curve can be 'enhanced' with our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Pole to extend the frequency response up to 50kHz." (footnote 2)Where does Gold Note get its claim of "40+ curves"? That number results from taking the 18 selectable preset curves, adding four more that you can define yourself by specifying the bass turnover frequency, bass shelf, and treble cut\u2014that's 22\u2014and then by adding the "Neumann Pole" to each one to get to "40+." Other than the $14,500 LOCi phono preamp produced by Millennia Music & Media Systems under a government contract to the Library of Congress, which is far more complicated to use, the PH-1000 is the EQ-selectability champ.222gold.insWhile the user interface is digitally controlled, all signal paths, including equalization, remain strictly in the analog domain using what Gold Note refers to as "audio-grade" components and sealed single switches with the goal of keeping signal paths as short as possible.If you have a large collection of 78rpm records, or of mono LPs from the pre-stereo era\u2014or if you're a professional (or serious amateur) transcriptionist of early vinyl\u2014then these preset curves could be useful. Otherwise, if you want to use them on stereo-era records, that's fine, go ahead, but that's not how they were cut.Footnote 1: George Bettyes, one of Decca's veteran cutting engineers, confirmed this. John Atkinson once visited the pressing plant in Surrey, England and witnessed this for himself. Stereophile published a photo of a London and Decca press order.Footnote 2: Read Keith Howard's essential discussion of the RIAA curve and this (some say spurious) addition to the standard curve here.NEXT: Page 2 \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" unprecedented nature of the current events.." qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Many assume data speaks for sound" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we "assume data speaks for sound" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g."3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less," johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels."Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA." qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"optional outboard power supply would address that issue." MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more."Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" Spring Break!" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat "spring break" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a "family day" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Canada is now under Martial Law" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called "Freedom Convoy" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal "convoy" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' "freedom" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the "Deplorable" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of "I like Ike" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs "SuperIt" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifierB.M.C. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: "load"; "rumble filter"; "stereo-mono"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting "Stereo" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among "stereo," "stereo 180"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014"mono," and "mono 180." Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes "A\/B" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in "Stage" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including "Crazy" (Patsy Cline), "Hello Walls" (Faron Young), and "Funny How Time Slips Away" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's "Hungarian Dance No.17" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, "Ave Maria" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley "Just a Gigolo"\/"I Ain't Got Nobody" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do "Nothing's Too Good for My Baby." With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on "Body and Soul" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. "Tone control," or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label "Brahms Symphony Nr.4" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute "Hitsville U.K." is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should "pop" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled "Visions of Johanna" from an original "360 Sound" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more "stickiness" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to "Visions of Johanna"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to "Stage" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and "stereo\/mono" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking "Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for "33" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" unprecedented nature of the current events.." qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Many assume data speaks for sound" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we "assume data speaks for sound" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g."3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less," johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels."Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA." qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"optional outboard power supply would address that issue." MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more."Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" Spring Break!" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat "spring break" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a "family day" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Canada is now under Martial Law" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called "Freedom Convoy" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal "convoy" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' "freedom" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the "Deplorable" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of "I like Ike" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs "SuperIt" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: "load"; "rumble filter"; "stereo-mono"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting "Stereo" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among "stereo," "stereo 180"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014"mono," and "mono 180." Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes "A\/B" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in "Stage" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including "Crazy" (Patsy Cline), "Hello Walls" (Faron Young), and "Funny How Time Slips Away" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's "Hungarian Dance No.17" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, "Ave Maria" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley "Just a Gigolo"\/"I Ain't Got Nobody" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do "Nothing's Too Good for My Baby." With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on "Body and Soul" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. "Tone control," or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label "Brahms Symphony Nr.4" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute "Hitsville U.K." is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should "pop" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled "Visions of Johanna" from an original "360 Sound" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more "stickiness" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to "Visions of Johanna"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to "Stage" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and "stereo\/mono" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking "Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for "33" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" unprecedented nature of the current events.." qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Many assume data speaks for sound" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we "assume data speaks for sound" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g."3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less," johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels."Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA." qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"optional outboard power supply would address that issue." MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more."Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" Spring Break!" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat "spring break" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a "family day" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Canada is now under Martial Law" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called "Freedom Convoy" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal "convoy" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' "freedom" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the "Deplorable" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of "I like Ike" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs "SuperIt" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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Remarkably, considering all that flexibility and sophistication, using and adjusting the PH-1000 is straightforward.Despite all that the PH-1000 can do, and all that you can do with it, you'll never get lost in nested-menu dysfunctionality, thanks to what Gold Note calls "SKC" (Single Knob Control)\u2014but before getting into control, let's explore the PH-1000's features and configurability.The basics: The PH-1000 has two standard single-ended (RCA) inputs and one standard balanced (XLR) input; it came equipped with two line inputs, but I didn't use them. Loading can be set independently for each input, 12 options for the RCA inputs and eight options for the XLR input; see the Specifications sidebar for details.In addition, there's a third RCA and a second XLR connection, which can be used to fine-tune loading on RCA input 2 (using RCA input 3) and XLR input 1 (using XLR input 2): Just solder loading resistors across an RCA or XLR plug and plug it in. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are included.222gold.bacCapacitive loading choices (for moving magnet cartridges) are OFF and 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, and 1000pF. In the "OFF" position, only the cable's capacitance loads the cartridge.The default gain is 40dB in MM mode and 65dB MC; that gain can be adjusted to six other levels relative to 65dB: \u20139, \u20136, or \u20133dB, 3, 6, and 9dB. So the highest setting is 74dB, which should be enough gain for even the lowest-output moving coil cartridges.There's also a "mono" setting, phase\/polarity inversion, a L\u2013R channel swap function, and a "rumble" filter. There's a headphone jack. The PH-1000 has a volume control ("Preamp" mode) you can use and drive your amplifier directly, or you can use it to fine-tune the preamp-output gain. Or, if you prefer, you can bypass the volume control and run the PH-1000 at fixed output ("Stage" mode).That's a lot of flexibility, but what really sets apart the PH-1000 from most other phono preamplifiers is its multitude of equalization options, which include, according to Gold Note, "40+ curves."222gold.bac2And now for a digressionDespite what some people claim, once the stereo era began almost every label, foreign and domestic, quickly switched to the RIAA curve.That includes British Decca and its American affiliate, London Records. Almost all of those records were pressed at the same British pressing plant. They were the same pressing. Only the labels were different. London record jackets say "use the RIAA curve" not to fool anyone but because that was the EQ used in cutting the lacquers (footnote 1). Sorry to have to keep repeating this like, um, a broken record, but the online blowback and charlatanism continues.Recently, I spent some time with Allan Steckler, who was in charge of the classical division at London Records before leaving for ABKCO, where he oversaw the Rolling Stones catalog. Steckler confirmed all of this. He also told me that Deccas and Londons had different cover art because he didn't like Decca's choices. He declined an on-camera interview, which is too bad because he had stories I assured him I'd not repeat! But I'm digressing from my digression.Old myths die hard. During a recent Zoom meeting with an audiophile society, I was challenged on the London\/Decca pressing myth. A member claimed that Londons weighed less to save on shipping\u2014proof that they were not identical. So I weighed a few London and Decca titles on a digital scale. All weighed within a few grams of each other. Some of the Londons weighed slightly more than the corresponding Deccas.222gold.3Another phono preamp manufacturer claims that Prestige and Blue Note used different curves, yet both were cut by Rudy Van Gelder on the same lathe. Please\u2014let's stop the nonsense! End of sermon and digression.Here are a few of the EQ choices listed by Gold Note for the PH-1000: Capitol; Columbia\/CBS; Deutsche Grammophon; Decca London USA; Decca London UK; Decca Mono 78rpm; Epic; HMW; Mercury; RCA Victor; Philips; Elektra; L'Oiseau-Lyre; Parlophone.Gold Note also avers that "Each curve can be 'enhanced' with our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Pole to extend the frequency response up to 50kHz." (footnote 2)Where does Gold Note get its claim of "40+ curves"? That number results from taking the 18 selectable preset curves, adding four more that you can define yourself by specifying the bass turnover frequency, bass shelf, and treble cut\u2014that's 22\u2014and then by adding the "Neumann Pole" to each one to get to "40+." Other than the $14,500 LOCi phono preamp produced by Millennia Music & Media Systems under a government contract to the Library of Congress, which is far more complicated to use, the PH-1000 is the EQ-selectability champ.222gold.insWhile the user interface is digitally controlled, all signal paths, including equalization, remain strictly in the analog domain using what Gold Note refers to as "audio-grade" components and sealed single switches with the goal of keeping signal paths as short as possible.If you have a large collection of 78rpm records, or of mono LPs from the pre-stereo era\u2014or if you're a professional (or serious amateur) transcriptionist of early vinyl\u2014then these preset curves could be useful. Otherwise, if you want to use them on stereo-era records, that's fine, go ahead, but that's not how they were cut.Footnote 1: George Bettyes, one of Decca's veteran cutting engineers, confirmed this. John Atkinson once visited the pressing plant in Surrey, England and witnessed this for himself. Stereophile published a photo of a London and Decca press order.Footnote 2: Read Keith Howard's essential discussion of the RIAA curve and this (some say spurious) addition to the standard curve here.NEXT: Page 2 \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" unprecedented nature of the current events.." qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Many assume data speaks for sound" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we "assume data speaks for sound" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g."3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less," johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels."Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA." qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"optional outboard power supply would address that issue." MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more."Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" Spring Break!" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat "spring break" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a "family day" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Canada is now under Martial Law" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called "Freedom Convoy" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal "convoy" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' "freedom" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the "Deplorable" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of "I like Ike" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs "SuperIt" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifierB.M.C. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: "load"; "rumble filter"; "stereo-mono"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting "Stereo" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among "stereo," "stereo 180"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014"mono," and "mono 180." Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes "A\/B" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in "Stage" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including "Crazy" (Patsy Cline), "Hello Walls" (Faron Young), and "Funny How Time Slips Away" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's "Hungarian Dance No.17" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, "Ave Maria" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley "Just a Gigolo"\/"I Ain't Got Nobody" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do "Nothing's Too Good for My Baby." With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on "Body and Soul" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. "Tone control," or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label "Brahms Symphony Nr.4" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute "Hitsville U.K." is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should "pop" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled "Visions of Johanna" from an original "360 Sound" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more "stickiness" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to "Visions of Johanna"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to "Stage" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and "stereo\/mono" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking "Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for "33" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" unprecedented nature of the current events.." qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Many assume data speaks for sound" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we "assume data speaks for sound" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g."3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less," johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels."Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA." qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"optional outboard power supply would address that issue." MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more."Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" Spring Break!" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat "spring break" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a "family day" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Canada is now under Martial Law" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called "Freedom Convoy" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal "convoy" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' "freedom" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the "Deplorable" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of "I like Ike" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs "SuperIt" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: "load"; "rumble filter"; "stereo-mono"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting "Stereo" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among "stereo," "stereo 180"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014"mono," and "mono 180." Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes "A\/B" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in "Stage" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including "Crazy" (Patsy Cline), "Hello Walls" (Faron Young), and "Funny How Time Slips Away" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's "Hungarian Dance No.17" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, "Ave Maria" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley "Just a Gigolo"\/"I Ain't Got Nobody" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do "Nothing's Too Good for My Baby." With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on "Body and Soul" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. "Tone control," or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label "Brahms Symphony Nr.4" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute "Hitsville U.K." is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should "pop" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled "Visions of Johanna" from an original "360 Sound" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more "stickiness" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to "Visions of Johanna"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to "Stage" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and "stereo\/mono" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking "Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for "33" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" unprecedented nature of the current events.." qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Many assume data speaks for sound" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we "assume data speaks for sound" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g."3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less," johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels."Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA." qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"optional outboard power supply would address that issue." MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more."Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture" Spring Break!" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat "spring break" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a "family day" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"Canada is now under Martial Law" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called "Freedom Convoy" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal "convoy" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' "freedom" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the "Deplorable" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of "I like Ike" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs "SuperIt" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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Show 2021Florida Audio Expo 2020Munich 2019More Show ReportsLatest NewsAudio NewsPast eNewslettersCommunityForumsGalleriesVoteSweepstakes RecommendedComponentsRec Comp 2015Rec Comp 2014Rec Comp 2013Rec Comp 2012Products ofthe YearPOTY 2014POTY 2013POTY 2012Retired BlogsJana DagdaganJason SerinusRobert BairdFred KaplanStephen MejiasAriel BitranWes Phillips ShopRecordingsBuyer's GuidesMore . . .ResourcesAudiophile SocietieseNewsletter Sign-upContact UsAbout UsCustomer ServiceRSS FeedThe UK Hi-Fi Show LiveMedia KitsPrivacyTerms of UseSubscriptionsNew SubscriptionDigital SubscriptionRenewGive a GiftSub Services\u00a9 2022 StereophileAVTech Media Americas Inc., USAAll rights reserved\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"INTEK HI-FI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-03-01T21:01:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-03-01T21:59:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/gold-note-ph-1000-1280x720-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"darko\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"2 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/\",\"name\":\"INTEK HI-FI\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/gold-note-ph-1000-1280x720-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/gold-note-ph-1000-1280x720-1.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":720,\"caption\":\"Gold Note PH-1000\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/\",\"name\":\"GOLD NOTE PH-1000 > Stereophile review - INTEK HI-FI\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2022-03-01T21:01:19+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-03-01T21:59:55+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7\"},\"description\":\"LOG IN | JOIN Search formSearch REVIEWS RECOMMENDED COLUMNS SHOWS NEWS FORUMS GALLERIES SUBSCRIBEPHONO PREAMP REVIEWSGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierMichael Fremer | Feb 18, 2022facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonGold Note's $11,999 PH-1000 is by a considerable margin the most sophisticated, most configurable phono preamplifier that any audio manufacturer has ever produced, at least that I know of. Remarkably, considering all that flexibility and sophistication, using and adjusting the PH-1000 is straightforward.Despite all that the PH-1000 can do, and all that you can do with it, you'll never get lost in nested-menu dysfunctionality, thanks to what Gold Note calls \\\"SKC\\\" (Single Knob Control)\\u2014but before getting into control, let's explore the PH-1000's features and configurability.The basics: The PH-1000 has two standard single-ended (RCA) inputs and one standard balanced (XLR) input; it came equipped with two line inputs, but I didn't use them. Loading can be set independently for each input, 12 options for the RCA inputs and eight options for the XLR input; see the Specifications sidebar for details.In addition, there's a third RCA and a second XLR connection, which can be used to fine-tune loading on RCA input 2 (using RCA input 3) and XLR input 1 (using XLR input 2): Just solder loading resistors across an RCA or XLR plug and plug it in. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are included.222gold.bacCapacitive loading choices (for moving magnet cartridges) are OFF and 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, and 1000pF. In the \\\"OFF\\\" position, only the cable's capacitance loads the cartridge.The default gain is 40dB in MM mode and 65dB MC; that gain can be adjusted to six other levels relative to 65dB: \\u20139, \\u20136, or \\u20133dB, 3, 6, and 9dB. So the highest setting is 74dB, which should be enough gain for even the lowest-output moving coil cartridges.There's also a \\\"mono\\\" setting, phase\/polarity inversion, a L\\u2013R channel swap function, and a \\\"rumble\\\" filter. There's a headphone jack. The PH-1000 has a volume control (\\\"Preamp\\\" mode) you can use and drive your amplifier directly, or you can use it to fine-tune the preamp-output gain. Or, if you prefer, you can bypass the volume control and run the PH-1000 at fixed output (\\\"Stage\\\" mode).That's a lot of flexibility, but what really sets apart the PH-1000 from most other phono preamplifiers is its multitude of equalization options, which include, according to Gold Note, \\\"40+ curves.\\\"222gold.bac2And now for a digressionDespite what some people claim, once the stereo era began almost every label, foreign and domestic, quickly switched to the RIAA curve.That includes British Decca and its American affiliate, London Records. Almost all of those records were pressed at the same British pressing plant. They were the same pressing. Only the labels were different. London record jackets say \\\"use the RIAA curve\\\" not to fool anyone but because that was the EQ used in cutting the lacquers (footnote 1). Sorry to have to keep repeating this like, um, a broken record, but the online blowback and charlatanism continues.Recently, I spent some time with Allan Steckler, who was in charge of the classical division at London Records before leaving for ABKCO, where he oversaw the Rolling Stones catalog. Steckler confirmed all of this. He also told me that Deccas and Londons had different cover art because he didn't like Decca's choices. He declined an on-camera interview, which is too bad because he had stories I assured him I'd not repeat! But I'm digressing from my digression.Old myths die hard. During a recent Zoom meeting with an audiophile society, I was challenged on the London\/Decca pressing myth. A member claimed that Londons weighed less to save on shipping\\u2014proof that they were not identical. So I weighed a few London and Decca titles on a digital scale. All weighed within a few grams of each other. Some of the Londons weighed slightly more than the corresponding Deccas.222gold.3Another phono preamp manufacturer claims that Prestige and Blue Note used different curves, yet both were cut by Rudy Van Gelder on the same lathe. Please\\u2014let's stop the nonsense! End of sermon and digression.Here are a few of the EQ choices listed by Gold Note for the PH-1000: Capitol; Columbia\/CBS; Deutsche Grammophon; Decca London USA; Decca London UK; Decca Mono 78rpm; Epic; HMW; Mercury; RCA Victor; Philips; Elektra; L'Oiseau-Lyre; Parlophone.Gold Note also avers that \\\"Each curve can be 'enhanced' with our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Pole to extend the frequency response up to 50kHz.\\\" (footnote 2)Where does Gold Note get its claim of \\\"40+ curves\\\"? That number results from taking the 18 selectable preset curves, adding four more that you can define yourself by specifying the bass turnover frequency, bass shelf, and treble cut\\u2014that's 22\\u2014and then by adding the \\\"Neumann Pole\\\" to each one to get to \\\"40+.\\\" Other than the $14,500 LOCi phono preamp produced by Millennia Music & Media Systems under a government contract to the Library of Congress, which is far more complicated to use, the PH-1000 is the EQ-selectability champ.222gold.insWhile the user interface is digitally controlled, all signal paths, including equalization, remain strictly in the analog domain using what Gold Note refers to as \\\"audio-grade\\\" components and sealed single switches with the goal of keeping signal paths as short as possible.If you have a large collection of 78rpm records, or of mono LPs from the pre-stereo era\\u2014or if you're a professional (or serious amateur) transcriptionist of early vinyl\\u2014then these preset curves could be useful. Otherwise, if you want to use them on stereo-era records, that's fine, go ahead, but that's not how they were cut.Footnote 1: George Bettyes, one of Decca's veteran cutting engineers, confirmed this. John Atkinson once visited the pressing plant in Surrey, England and witnessed this for himself. Stereophile published a photo of a London and Decca press order.Footnote 2: Read Keith Howard's essential discussion of the RIAA curve and this (some say spurious) addition to the standard curve here.NEXT: Page 2 \\u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\\\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"Many assume data speaks for sound\\\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \\\"assume data speaks for sound\\\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\\\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\\\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\\\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\\\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\\\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\\\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\\\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\\\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" Spring Break!\\\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \\\"spring break\\\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \\\"family day\\\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"Canada is now under Martial Law\\\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \\\"Freedom Convoy\\\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \\\"convoy\\\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \\\"freedom\\\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \\\"Deplorable\\\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\\\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \\\"I like Ike\\\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \\\"SuperIt\\\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifierB.M.C. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: \\\"load\\\"; \\\"rumble filter\\\"; \\\"stereo-mono\\\"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting \\\"Stereo\\\" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among \\\"stereo,\\\" \\\"stereo 180\\\"\\u2014polarity inverted\\u2014\\\"mono,\\\" and \\\"mono 180.\\\" Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes \\\"A\/B\\\" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in \\\"Stage\\\" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including \\\"Crazy\\\" (Patsy Cline), \\\"Hello Walls\\\" (Faron Young), and \\\"Funny How Time Slips Away\\\" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's \\\"Hungarian Dance No.17\\\" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, \\\"Ave Maria\\\" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley \\\"Just a Gigolo\\\"\/\\\"I Ain't Got Nobody\\\" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do \\\"Nothing's Too Good for My Baby.\\\" With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on \\\"Body and Soul\\\" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. \\\"Tone control,\\\" or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label \\\"Brahms Symphony Nr.4\\\" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute \\\"Hitsville U.K.\\\" is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should \\\"pop\\\" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled \\\"Visions of Johanna\\\" from an original \\\"360 Sound\\\" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\\u2014I expected more \\\"stickiness\\\" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to \\\"Visions of Johanna\\\"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\\u2014or you can set to \\\"Stage\\\" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and \\\"stereo\/mono\\\" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking \\\"Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?\\\" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for \\\"33\\\" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \\u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\\\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"Many assume data speaks for sound\\\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \\\"assume data speaks for sound\\\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\\\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\\\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\\\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\\\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\\\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\\\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\\\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\\\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" Spring Break!\\\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \\\"spring break\\\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \\\"family day\\\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"Canada is now under Martial Law\\\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \\\"Freedom Convoy\\\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \\\"convoy\\\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \\\"freedom\\\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \\\"Deplorable\\\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\\\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \\\"I like Ike\\\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \\\"SuperIt\\\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: \\\"load\\\"; \\\"rumble filter\\\"; \\\"stereo-mono\\\"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting \\\"Stereo\\\" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among \\\"stereo,\\\" \\\"stereo 180\\\"\\u2014polarity inverted\\u2014\\\"mono,\\\" and \\\"mono 180.\\\" Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes \\\"A\/B\\\" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in \\\"Stage\\\" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including \\\"Crazy\\\" (Patsy Cline), \\\"Hello Walls\\\" (Faron Young), and \\\"Funny How Time Slips Away\\\" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's \\\"Hungarian Dance No.17\\\" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, \\\"Ave Maria\\\" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley \\\"Just a Gigolo\\\"\/\\\"I Ain't Got Nobody\\\" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do \\\"Nothing's Too Good for My Baby.\\\" With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on \\\"Body and Soul\\\" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. \\\"Tone control,\\\" or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label \\\"Brahms Symphony Nr.4\\\" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute \\\"Hitsville U.K.\\\" is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should \\\"pop\\\" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled \\\"Visions of Johanna\\\" from an original \\\"360 Sound\\\" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\\u2014I expected more \\\"stickiness\\\" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to \\\"Visions of Johanna\\\"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\\u2014or you can set to \\\"Stage\\\" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and \\\"stereo\/mono\\\" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking \\\"Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?\\\" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for \\\"33\\\" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \\u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\\\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"Many assume data speaks for sound\\\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \\\"assume data speaks for sound\\\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\\\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\\\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\\\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\\\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\\\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\\\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\\\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\\\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\" Spring Break!\\\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \\\"spring break\\\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \\\"family day\\\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"Canada is now under Martial Law\\\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \\\"Freedom Convoy\\\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \\\"convoy\\\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \\\"freedom\\\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \\\"Deplorable\\\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\\\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\\\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \\\"I like Ike\\\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \\\"SuperIt\\\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. Gordon HoltInnerFidelity MusicRecording of the MonthRecords To Die ForAlbum ReviewsFeaturesColumnsAnalog CornerAs We See ItGramophone DreamsMy Back PagesRe-TalesRevinylizationRetired ColumnsArt Dudley ListeningThe Fifth ElementAudio StreamsMusic in the RoundThe Entry LevelFace The MusicFine TunesFeaturesSpecial FeaturesReferenceAudiophile EssentialsInterviewsThink PiecesHistoricalMQA Show ReportsCES 2019CES 2018CES 2017CES 2016RMAF 2019RMAF 2018RMAF 2017RMAF 2016AXPONA 2019AXPONA 2018AXPONA 2017AXPONA 2016Montreal 2019Montreal 2018Montreal 2017SSI 2016SSI 2015 Show ReportsCapital AudioFest 2021T.H.E. 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Remarkably, considering all that flexibility and sophistication, using and adjusting the PH-1000 is straightforward.Despite all that the PH-1000 can do, and all that you can do with it, you'll never get lost in nested-menu dysfunctionality, thanks to what Gold Note calls \"SKC\" (Single Knob Control)\u2014but before getting into control, let's explore the PH-1000's features and configurability.The basics: The PH-1000 has two standard single-ended (RCA) inputs and one standard balanced (XLR) input; it came equipped with two line inputs, but I didn't use them. Loading can be set independently for each input, 12 options for the RCA inputs and eight options for the XLR input; see the Specifications sidebar for details.In addition, there's a third RCA and a second XLR connection, which can be used to fine-tune loading on RCA input 2 (using RCA input 3) and XLR input 1 (using XLR input 2): Just solder loading resistors across an RCA or XLR plug and plug it in. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are included.222gold.bacCapacitive loading choices (for moving magnet cartridges) are OFF and 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, and 1000pF. In the \"OFF\" position, only the cable's capacitance loads the cartridge.The default gain is 40dB in MM mode and 65dB MC; that gain can be adjusted to six other levels relative to 65dB: \u20139, \u20136, or \u20133dB, 3, 6, and 9dB. So the highest setting is 74dB, which should be enough gain for even the lowest-output moving coil cartridges.There's also a \"mono\" setting, phase\/polarity inversion, a L\u2013R channel swap function, and a \"rumble\" filter. There's a headphone jack. The PH-1000 has a volume control (\"Preamp\" mode) you can use and drive your amplifier directly, or you can use it to fine-tune the preamp-output gain. Or, if you prefer, you can bypass the volume control and run the PH-1000 at fixed output (\"Stage\" mode).That's a lot of flexibility, but what really sets apart the PH-1000 from most other phono preamplifiers is its multitude of equalization options, which include, according to Gold Note, \"40+ curves.\"222gold.bac2And now for a digressionDespite what some people claim, once the stereo era began almost every label, foreign and domestic, quickly switched to the RIAA curve.That includes British Decca and its American affiliate, London Records. Almost all of those records were pressed at the same British pressing plant. They were the same pressing. Only the labels were different. London record jackets say \"use the RIAA curve\" not to fool anyone but because that was the EQ used in cutting the lacquers (footnote 1). Sorry to have to keep repeating this like, um, a broken record, but the online blowback and charlatanism continues.Recently, I spent some time with Allan Steckler, who was in charge of the classical division at London Records before leaving for ABKCO, where he oversaw the Rolling Stones catalog. Steckler confirmed all of this. He also told me that Deccas and Londons had different cover art because he didn't like Decca's choices. He declined an on-camera interview, which is too bad because he had stories I assured him I'd not repeat! But I'm digressing from my digression.Old myths die hard. During a recent Zoom meeting with an audiophile society, I was challenged on the London\/Decca pressing myth. A member claimed that Londons weighed less to save on shipping\u2014proof that they were not identical. So I weighed a few London and Decca titles on a digital scale. All weighed within a few grams of each other. Some of the Londons weighed slightly more than the corresponding Deccas.222gold.3Another phono preamp manufacturer claims that Prestige and Blue Note used different curves, yet both were cut by Rudy Van Gelder on the same lathe. Please\u2014let's stop the nonsense! End of sermon and digression.Here are a few of the EQ choices listed by Gold Note for the PH-1000: Capitol; Columbia\/CBS; Deutsche Grammophon; Decca London USA; Decca London UK; Decca Mono 78rpm; Epic; HMW; Mercury; RCA Victor; Philips; Elektra; L'Oiseau-Lyre; Parlophone.Gold Note also avers that \"Each curve can be 'enhanced' with our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Pole to extend the frequency response up to 50kHz.\" (footnote 2)Where does Gold Note get its claim of \"40+ curves\"? That number results from taking the 18 selectable preset curves, adding four more that you can define yourself by specifying the bass turnover frequency, bass shelf, and treble cut\u2014that's 22\u2014and then by adding the \"Neumann Pole\" to each one to get to \"40+.\" Other than the $14,500 LOCi phono preamp produced by Millennia Music & Media Systems under a government contract to the Library of Congress, which is far more complicated to use, the PH-1000 is the EQ-selectability champ.222gold.insWhile the user interface is digitally controlled, all signal paths, including equalization, remain strictly in the analog domain using what Gold Note refers to as \"audio-grade\" components and sealed single switches with the goal of keeping signal paths as short as possible.If you have a large collection of 78rpm records, or of mono LPs from the pre-stereo era\u2014or if you're a professional (or serious amateur) transcriptionist of early vinyl\u2014then these preset curves could be useful. Otherwise, if you want to use them on stereo-era records, that's fine, go ahead, but that's not how they were cut.Footnote 1: George Bettyes, one of Decca's veteran cutting engineers, confirmed this. John Atkinson once visited the pressing plant in Surrey, England and witnessed this for himself. Stereophile published a photo of a London and Decca press order.Footnote 2: Read Keith Howard's essential discussion of the RIAA curve and this (some say spurious) addition to the standard curve here.NEXT: Page 2 \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifierB.M.C. Phono MCCI phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. Gordon HoltInnerFidelity MusicRecording of the MonthRecords To Die ForAlbum ReviewsFeaturesColumnsAnalog CornerAs We See ItGramophone DreamsMy Back PagesRe-TalesRevinylizationRetired ColumnsArt Dudley ListeningThe Fifth ElementAudio StreamsMusic in the RoundThe Entry LevelFace The MusicFine TunesFeaturesSpecial FeaturesReferenceAudiophile EssentialsInterviewsThink PiecesHistoricalMQA Show ReportsCES 2019CES 2018CES 2017CES 2016RMAF 2019RMAF 2018RMAF 2017RMAF 2016AXPONA 2019AXPONA 2018AXPONA 2017AXPONA 2016Montreal 2019Montreal 2018Montreal 2017SSI 2016SSI 2015 Show ReportsCapital AudioFest 2021T.H.E. Show 2021Florida Audio Expo 2020Munich 2019More Show ReportsLatest NewsAudio NewsPast eNewslettersCommunityForumsGalleriesVoteSweepstakes RecommendedComponentsRec Comp 2015Rec Comp 2014Rec Comp 2013Rec Comp 2012Products ofthe YearPOTY 2014POTY 2013POTY 2012Retired BlogsJana DagdaganJason SerinusRobert BairdFred KaplanStephen MejiasAriel BitranWes Phillips ShopRecordingsBuyer's GuidesMore . . .ResourcesAudiophile SocietieseNewsletter Sign-upContact UsAbout UsCustomer ServiceRSS FeedThe UK Hi-Fi Show LiveMedia KitsPrivacyTerms of UseSubscriptionsNew SubscriptionDigital SubscriptionRenewGive a GiftSub Services\u00a9 2022 StereophileAVTech Media Americas Inc., USAAll rights reserved LOG IN | JOIN Search formSearch REVIEWS RECOMMENDED COLUMNS SHOWS NEWS FORUMS GALLERIES SUBSCRIBEPHONO PREAMP REVIEWSGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifier Page 2facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonGold Note offers two extra-cost options, neither of which was supplied for this review: the PSU-1250\/1000 external power supply and the TUBE-1012\/1006 external tubed output stage, both of which connect to rear panel jacks.Big screen, complete controlAs previously mentioned, a single rotary\/pushbutton knob facilitates feature selection and control, aided by a generously sized, well-organized TFT LCD color screen. You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: \"load\"; \"rumble filter\"; \"stereo-mono\"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting \"Stereo\" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among \"stereo,\" \"stereo 180\"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014\"mono,\" and \"mono 180.\" Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes \"A\/B\" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in \"Stage\" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including \"Crazy\" (Patsy Cline), \"Hello Walls\" (Faron Young), and \"Funny How Time Slips Away\" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's \"Hungarian Dance No.17\" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, \"Ave Maria\" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley \"Just a Gigolo\"\/\"I Ain't Got Nobody\" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do \"Nothing's Too Good for My Baby.\" With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on \"Body and Soul\" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. \"Tone control,\" or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label \"Brahms Symphony Nr.4\" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute \"Hitsville U.K.\" is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should \"pop\" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled \"Visions of Johanna\" from an original \"360 Sound\" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more \"stickiness\" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to \"Visions of Johanna\"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to \"Stage\" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and \"stereo\/mono\" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking \"Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?\" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for \"33\" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. Gordon HoltInnerFidelity MusicRecording of the MonthRecords To Die ForAlbum ReviewsFeaturesColumnsAnalog CornerAs We See ItGramophone DreamsMy Back PagesRe-TalesRevinylizationRetired ColumnsArt Dudley ListeningThe Fifth ElementAudio StreamsMusic in the RoundThe Entry LevelFace The MusicFine TunesFeaturesSpecial FeaturesReferenceAudiophile EssentialsInterviewsThink PiecesHistoricalMQA Show ReportsCES 2019CES 2018CES 2017CES 2016RMAF 2019RMAF 2018RMAF 2017RMAF 2016AXPONA 2019AXPONA 2018AXPONA 2017AXPONA 2016Montreal 2019Montreal 2018Montreal 2017SSI 2016SSI 2015 Show ReportsCapital AudioFest 2021T.H.E. Show 2021Florida Audio Expo 2020Munich 2019More Show ReportsLatest NewsAudio NewsPast eNewslettersCommunityForumsGalleriesVoteSweepstakes RecommendedComponentsRec Comp 2015Rec Comp 2014Rec Comp 2013Rec Comp 2012Products ofthe YearPOTY 2014POTY 2013POTY 2012Retired BlogsJana DagdaganJason SerinusRobert BairdFred KaplanStephen MejiasAriel BitranWes Phillips ShopRecordingsBuyer's GuidesMore . . .ResourcesAudiophile SocietieseNewsletter Sign-upContact UsAbout UsCustomer ServiceRSS FeedThe UK Hi-Fi Show LiveMedia KitsPrivacyTerms of UseSubscriptionsNew SubscriptionDigital SubscriptionRenewGive a GiftSub Services\u00a9 2022 StereophileAVTech Media Americas Inc., USAAll rights reserved LOG IN | JOIN Search formSearch REVIEWS RECOMMENDED COLUMNS SHOWS NEWS FORUMS GALLERIES SUBSCRIBEPHONO PREAMP REVIEWSGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifier Page 2facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonGold Note offers two extra-cost options, neither of which was supplied for this review: the PSU-1250\/1000 external power supply and the TUBE-1012\/1006 external tubed output stage, both of which connect to rear panel jacks.Big screen, complete controlAs previously mentioned, a single rotary\/pushbutton knob facilitates feature selection and control, aided by a generously sized, well-organized TFT LCD color screen. You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: \"load\"; \"rumble filter\"; \"stereo-mono\"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting \"Stereo\" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among \"stereo,\" \"stereo 180\"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014\"mono,\" and \"mono 180.\" Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes \"A\/B\" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in \"Stage\" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including \"Crazy\" (Patsy Cline), \"Hello Walls\" (Faron Young), and \"Funny How Time Slips Away\" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's \"Hungarian Dance No.17\" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, \"Ave Maria\" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley \"Just a Gigolo\"\/\"I Ain't Got Nobody\" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do \"Nothing's Too Good for My Baby.\" With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on \"Body and Soul\" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. \"Tone control,\" or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label \"Brahms Symphony Nr.4\" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute \"Hitsville U.K.\" is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should \"pop\" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled \"Visions of Johanna\" from an original \"360 Sound\" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more \"stickiness\" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to \"Visions of Johanna\"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to \"Stage\" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and \"stereo\/mono\" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking \"Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?\" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for \"33\" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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Remarkably, considering all that flexibility and sophistication, using and adjusting the PH-1000 is straightforward.Despite all that the PH-1000 can do, and all that you can do with it, you'll never get lost in nested-menu dysfunctionality, thanks to what Gold Note calls \"SKC\" (Single Knob Control)\u2014but before getting into control, let's explore the PH-1000's features and configurability.The basics: The PH-1000 has two standard single-ended (RCA) inputs and one standard balanced (XLR) input; it came equipped with two line inputs, but I didn't use them. Loading can be set independently for each input, 12 options for the RCA inputs and eight options for the XLR input; see the Specifications sidebar for details.In addition, there's a third RCA and a second XLR connection, which can be used to fine-tune loading on RCA input 2 (using RCA input 3) and XLR input 1 (using XLR input 2): Just solder loading resistors across an RCA or XLR plug and plug it in. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are included.222gold.bacCapacitive loading choices (for moving magnet cartridges) are OFF and 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, and 1000pF. In the \"OFF\" position, only the cable's capacitance loads the cartridge.The default gain is 40dB in MM mode and 65dB MC; that gain can be adjusted to six other levels relative to 65dB: \u20139, \u20136, or \u20133dB, 3, 6, and 9dB. So the highest setting is 74dB, which should be enough gain for even the lowest-output moving coil cartridges.There's also a \"mono\" setting, phase\/polarity inversion, a L\u2013R channel swap function, and a \"rumble\" filter. There's a headphone jack. The PH-1000 has a volume control (\"Preamp\" mode) you can use and drive your amplifier directly, or you can use it to fine-tune the preamp-output gain. Or, if you prefer, you can bypass the volume control and run the PH-1000 at fixed output (\"Stage\" mode).That's a lot of flexibility, but what really sets apart the PH-1000 from most other phono preamplifiers is its multitude of equalization options, which include, according to Gold Note, \"40+ curves.\"222gold.bac2And now for a digressionDespite what some people claim, once the stereo era began almost every label, foreign and domestic, quickly switched to the RIAA curve.That includes British Decca and its American affiliate, London Records. Almost all of those records were pressed at the same British pressing plant. They were the same pressing. Only the labels were different. London record jackets say \"use the RIAA curve\" not to fool anyone but because that was the EQ used in cutting the lacquers (footnote 1). Sorry to have to keep repeating this like, um, a broken record, but the online blowback and charlatanism continues.Recently, I spent some time with Allan Steckler, who was in charge of the classical division at London Records before leaving for ABKCO, where he oversaw the Rolling Stones catalog. Steckler confirmed all of this. He also told me that Deccas and Londons had different cover art because he didn't like Decca's choices. He declined an on-camera interview, which is too bad because he had stories I assured him I'd not repeat! But I'm digressing from my digression.Old myths die hard. During a recent Zoom meeting with an audiophile society, I was challenged on the London\/Decca pressing myth. A member claimed that Londons weighed less to save on shipping\u2014proof that they were not identical. So I weighed a few London and Decca titles on a digital scale. All weighed within a few grams of each other. Some of the Londons weighed slightly more than the corresponding Deccas.222gold.3Another phono preamp manufacturer claims that Prestige and Blue Note used different curves, yet both were cut by Rudy Van Gelder on the same lathe. Please\u2014let's stop the nonsense! End of sermon and digression.Here are a few of the EQ choices listed by Gold Note for the PH-1000: Capitol; Columbia\/CBS; Deutsche Grammophon; Decca London USA; Decca London UK; Decca Mono 78rpm; Epic; HMW; Mercury; RCA Victor; Philips; Elektra; L'Oiseau-Lyre; Parlophone.Gold Note also avers that \"Each curve can be 'enhanced' with our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Pole to extend the frequency response up to 50kHz.\" (footnote 2)Where does Gold Note get its claim of \"40+ curves\"? That number results from taking the 18 selectable preset curves, adding four more that you can define yourself by specifying the bass turnover frequency, bass shelf, and treble cut\u2014that's 22\u2014and then by adding the \"Neumann Pole\" to each one to get to \"40+.\" Other than the $14,500 LOCi phono preamp produced by Millennia Music & Media Systems under a government contract to the Library of Congress, which is far more complicated to use, the PH-1000 is the EQ-selectability champ.222gold.insWhile the user interface is digitally controlled, all signal paths, including equalization, remain strictly in the analog domain using what Gold Note refers to as \"audio-grade\" components and sealed single switches with the goal of keeping signal paths as short as possible.If you have a large collection of 78rpm records, or of mono LPs from the pre-stereo era\u2014or if you're a professional (or serious amateur) transcriptionist of early vinyl\u2014then these preset curves could be useful. Otherwise, if you want to use them on stereo-era records, that's fine, go ahead, but that's not how they were cut.Footnote 1: George Bettyes, one of Decca's veteran cutting engineers, confirmed this. John Atkinson once visited the pressing plant in Surrey, England and witnessed this for himself. Stereophile published a photo of a London and Decca press order.Footnote 2: Read Keith Howard's essential discussion of the RIAA curve and this (some say spurious) addition to the standard curve here.NEXT: Page 2 \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifierB.M.C. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: \"load\"; \"rumble filter\"; \"stereo-mono\"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting \"Stereo\" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among \"stereo,\" \"stereo 180\"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014\"mono,\" and \"mono 180.\" Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes \"A\/B\" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in \"Stage\" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including \"Crazy\" (Patsy Cline), \"Hello Walls\" (Faron Young), and \"Funny How Time Slips Away\" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's \"Hungarian Dance No.17\" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, \"Ave Maria\" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley \"Just a Gigolo\"\/\"I Ain't Got Nobody\" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do \"Nothing's Too Good for My Baby.\" With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on \"Body and Soul\" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. \"Tone control,\" or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label \"Brahms Symphony Nr.4\" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute \"Hitsville U.K.\" is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should \"pop\" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled \"Visions of Johanna\" from an original \"360 Sound\" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more \"stickiness\" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to \"Visions of Johanna\"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to \"Stage\" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and \"stereo\/mono\" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking \"Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?\" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for \"33\" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: \"load\"; \"rumble filter\"; \"stereo-mono\"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting \"Stereo\" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among \"stereo,\" \"stereo 180\"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014\"mono,\" and \"mono 180.\" Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes \"A\/B\" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in \"Stage\" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including \"Crazy\" (Patsy Cline), \"Hello Walls\" (Faron Young), and \"Funny How Time Slips Away\" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's \"Hungarian Dance No.17\" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, \"Ave Maria\" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley \"Just a Gigolo\"\/\"I Ain't Got Nobody\" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do \"Nothing's Too Good for My Baby.\" With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on \"Body and Soul\" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. \"Tone control,\" or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label \"Brahms Symphony Nr.4\" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute \"Hitsville U.K.\" is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should \"pop\" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled \"Visions of Johanna\" from an original \"360 Sound\" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more \"stickiness\" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to \"Visions of Johanna\"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to \"Stage\" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and \"stereo\/mono\" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking \"Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?\" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for \"33\" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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Show 2021Florida Audio Expo 2020Munich 2019More Show ReportsLatest NewsAudio NewsPast eNewslettersCommunityForumsGalleriesVoteSweepstakes RecommendedComponentsRec Comp 2015Rec Comp 2014Rec Comp 2013Rec Comp 2012Products ofthe YearPOTY 2014POTY 2013POTY 2012Retired BlogsJana DagdaganJason SerinusRobert BairdFred KaplanStephen MejiasAriel BitranWes Phillips ShopRecordingsBuyer's GuidesMore . . .ResourcesAudiophile SocietieseNewsletter Sign-upContact UsAbout UsCustomer ServiceRSS FeedThe UK Hi-Fi Show LiveMedia KitsPrivacyTerms of UseSubscriptionsNew SubscriptionDigital SubscriptionRenewGive a GiftSub Services\u00a9 2022 StereophileAVTech Media Americas Inc., USAAll rights reserved","og_url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/","og_site_name":"INTEK HI-FI","article_published_time":"2022-03-01T21:01:19+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-03-01T21:59:55+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":720,"url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/gold-note-ph-1000-1280x720-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"darko","Est. reading time":"2 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/","name":"INTEK HI-FI","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/gold-note-ph-1000-1280x720-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/gold-note-ph-1000-1280x720-1.jpg","width":1280,"height":720,"caption":"Gold Note PH-1000"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/","name":"GOLD NOTE PH-1000 > Stereophile review - INTEK HI-FI","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/gold-note-ph-1000-stereophile-review\/#primaryimage"},"datePublished":"2022-03-01T21:01:19+00:00","dateModified":"2022-03-01T21:59:55+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7"},"description":"LOG IN | JOIN Search formSearch REVIEWS RECOMMENDED COLUMNS SHOWS NEWS FORUMS GALLERIES SUBSCRIBEPHONO PREAMP REVIEWSGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierMichael Fremer | Feb 18, 2022facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonGold Note's $11,999 PH-1000 is by a considerable margin the most sophisticated, most configurable phono preamplifier that any audio manufacturer has ever produced, at least that I know of. Remarkably, considering all that flexibility and sophistication, using and adjusting the PH-1000 is straightforward.Despite all that the PH-1000 can do, and all that you can do with it, you'll never get lost in nested-menu dysfunctionality, thanks to what Gold Note calls \"SKC\" (Single Knob Control)\u2014but before getting into control, let's explore the PH-1000's features and configurability.The basics: The PH-1000 has two standard single-ended (RCA) inputs and one standard balanced (XLR) input; it came equipped with two line inputs, but I didn't use them. Loading can be set independently for each input, 12 options for the RCA inputs and eight options for the XLR input; see the Specifications sidebar for details.In addition, there's a third RCA and a second XLR connection, which can be used to fine-tune loading on RCA input 2 (using RCA input 3) and XLR input 1 (using XLR input 2): Just solder loading resistors across an RCA or XLR plug and plug it in. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are included.222gold.bacCapacitive loading choices (for moving magnet cartridges) are OFF and 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, and 1000pF. In the \"OFF\" position, only the cable's capacitance loads the cartridge.The default gain is 40dB in MM mode and 65dB MC; that gain can be adjusted to six other levels relative to 65dB: \u20139, \u20136, or \u20133dB, 3, 6, and 9dB. So the highest setting is 74dB, which should be enough gain for even the lowest-output moving coil cartridges.There's also a \"mono\" setting, phase\/polarity inversion, a L\u2013R channel swap function, and a \"rumble\" filter. There's a headphone jack. The PH-1000 has a volume control (\"Preamp\" mode) you can use and drive your amplifier directly, or you can use it to fine-tune the preamp-output gain. Or, if you prefer, you can bypass the volume control and run the PH-1000 at fixed output (\"Stage\" mode).That's a lot of flexibility, but what really sets apart the PH-1000 from most other phono preamplifiers is its multitude of equalization options, which include, according to Gold Note, \"40+ curves.\"222gold.bac2And now for a digressionDespite what some people claim, once the stereo era began almost every label, foreign and domestic, quickly switched to the RIAA curve.That includes British Decca and its American affiliate, London Records. Almost all of those records were pressed at the same British pressing plant. They were the same pressing. Only the labels were different. London record jackets say \"use the RIAA curve\" not to fool anyone but because that was the EQ used in cutting the lacquers (footnote 1). Sorry to have to keep repeating this like, um, a broken record, but the online blowback and charlatanism continues.Recently, I spent some time with Allan Steckler, who was in charge of the classical division at London Records before leaving for ABKCO, where he oversaw the Rolling Stones catalog. Steckler confirmed all of this. He also told me that Deccas and Londons had different cover art because he didn't like Decca's choices. He declined an on-camera interview, which is too bad because he had stories I assured him I'd not repeat! But I'm digressing from my digression.Old myths die hard. During a recent Zoom meeting with an audiophile society, I was challenged on the London\/Decca pressing myth. A member claimed that Londons weighed less to save on shipping\u2014proof that they were not identical. So I weighed a few London and Decca titles on a digital scale. All weighed within a few grams of each other. Some of the Londons weighed slightly more than the corresponding Deccas.222gold.3Another phono preamp manufacturer claims that Prestige and Blue Note used different curves, yet both were cut by Rudy Van Gelder on the same lathe. Please\u2014let's stop the nonsense! End of sermon and digression.Here are a few of the EQ choices listed by Gold Note for the PH-1000: Capitol; Columbia\/CBS; Deutsche Grammophon; Decca London USA; Decca London UK; Decca Mono 78rpm; Epic; HMW; Mercury; RCA Victor; Philips; Elektra; L'Oiseau-Lyre; Parlophone.Gold Note also avers that \"Each curve can be 'enhanced' with our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Pole to extend the frequency response up to 50kHz.\" (footnote 2)Where does Gold Note get its claim of \"40+ curves\"? That number results from taking the 18 selectable preset curves, adding four more that you can define yourself by specifying the bass turnover frequency, bass shelf, and treble cut\u2014that's 22\u2014and then by adding the \"Neumann Pole\" to each one to get to \"40+.\" Other than the $14,500 LOCi phono preamp produced by Millennia Music & Media Systems under a government contract to the Library of Congress, which is far more complicated to use, the PH-1000 is the EQ-selectability champ.222gold.insWhile the user interface is digitally controlled, all signal paths, including equalization, remain strictly in the analog domain using what Gold Note refers to as \"audio-grade\" components and sealed single switches with the goal of keeping signal paths as short as possible.If you have a large collection of 78rpm records, or of mono LPs from the pre-stereo era\u2014or if you're a professional (or serious amateur) transcriptionist of early vinyl\u2014then these preset curves could be useful. Otherwise, if you want to use them on stereo-era records, that's fine, go ahead, but that's not how they were cut.Footnote 1: George Bettyes, one of Decca's veteran cutting engineers, confirmed this. John Atkinson once visited the pressing plant in Surrey, England and witnessed this for himself. Stereophile published a photo of a London and Decca press order.Footnote 2: Read Keith Howard's essential discussion of the RIAA curve and this (some say spurious) addition to the standard curve here.NEXT: Page 2 \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifierB.M.C. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: \"load\"; \"rumble filter\"; \"stereo-mono\"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting \"Stereo\" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among \"stereo,\" \"stereo 180\"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014\"mono,\" and \"mono 180.\" Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes \"A\/B\" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in \"Stage\" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including \"Crazy\" (Patsy Cline), \"Hello Walls\" (Faron Young), and \"Funny How Time Slips Away\" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's \"Hungarian Dance No.17\" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, \"Ave Maria\" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley \"Just a Gigolo\"\/\"I Ain't Got Nobody\" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do \"Nothing's Too Good for My Baby.\" With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on \"Body and Soul\" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. \"Tone control,\" or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label \"Brahms Symphony Nr.4\" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute \"Hitsville U.K.\" is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should \"pop\" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled \"Visions of Johanna\" from an original \"360 Sound\" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more \"stickiness\" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to \"Visions of Johanna\"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to \"Stage\" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and \"stereo\/mono\" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking \"Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?\" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for \"33\" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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You can make changes without interrupting playback, although there is a momentary pause as the relays kick in.The first button push puts a rectangle around the EQ curve choice. Then rotating the button\/knob moves the rectangle through the various other options: \"load\"; \"rumble filter\"; \"stereo-mono\"; and so on. When you reach a setting you want to adjust, just push the button again and the rectangle turns red. Now, rotating the button runs you through the options within that setting. For instance, selecting \"Stereo\" then pushing the button and rotating it lets you select among \"stereo,\" \"stereo 180\"\u2014polarity inverted\u2014\"mono,\" and \"mono 180.\" Push the button again to lock in your choice.222gold.2The system is easy to use, with just one inconvenience: Every time you change a setting, you must navigate through the menu from the beginning. Which makes \"A\/B\" comparisons slower and more cumbersome. The firmware, by the way, is updatable in the field.For a sophisticated multi-option product, the manual is inadequate\u2014too casually written and full of holes, with too little guidance about which settings to choose. Perhaps Gold Note figures buyers of such a sophisticated multi-option device bring to it the requisite knowledge.Smooth, silky, sophisticated soundI ran the PH-1000 balanced, trying it both with its volume control and in \"Stage\" (fixed-volume) mode. The sound, including the quiet backgrounds, wasn't appreciably different between the two modes of operation. Which means that the PH-1000 should work quite well in an all-analog system with no line-level preamp.222gold.nelsonAnalogue Productions recently reissued Willie Nelson's And Then I Wrote (APP 133-45), first issued on Liberty Records in 1962. This was Willie's first album, but some of the songs had already become hits for others, including \"Crazy\" (Patsy Cline), \"Hello Walls\" (Faron Young), and \"Funny How Time Slips Away\" (Jimmy Elledge and, later, Bryan Ferry, among others). You might not recognize Willie from the clean-cut cover photo, but you'll immediately recognize his voice. There's plenty of early '60s-style reverb putting Willie in a bubble and pushing him way forward on the soundstage, with the usual corny, cooing background singers way back, on some tracks straight behind and sometimes off in the right channel. This is a great period piece in which Willie alternates between singing and cartoonishly reciting sad lyrics of loneliness, heartache, and regret. I've played this record many times through my reference gear\u2014and now also through the devoutly feature-free Paradox Phono 70 Signature, the subject of this month's Analog Corner column. Wallowing has never been more pleasant.The PH-1000's signature sonic characteristic is an ultrasophisticated smoothness. The shuffling drum kit and tinkling piano or vibraphone were somewhat softer and smoother than I'd become accustomed to but no less attractive or transparent.The Paradox Phono 70 Signature removed some of the smoothness, slightly intensified the piano and drum transients, and put both instruments (drums and piano) into slightly greater spatial relief. There was less bloom to the reverb with the 70, which increased vocal-sibilant detail and increased the focus and attack of the walking bass line.The sublime Electric Recording Company reissue of Herbert Downes and Jacqueline du Pr\u00e9's Music for Viola and Cello (Columbia CSD 1499\/ERC 028) highlighted the PH-1000's sonic strengths. The PH-1000's luxurious finish produced a viola sound to die for, with a rich, shimmering sustain and lifelike microdynamic nuance. On Brahms's \"Hungarian Dance No.17\" with Gerald Moore on piano, the timbral picture was rich and full and the physical presentation was convincing. The next track, \"Ave Maria\" with Roy Jesson on organ, produced low-frequency foundational depth that the less-costly Paradox phono preamp, good as it was, couldn't match.222gold.PrimaMoving to a pre-stereo mono record, I tried Louis Prima's The Wildest! (LP, Capitol T755), a turquoise label original from 1956. Was it cut using the Capitol curve, or had the shift already taken place to RIAA? I don't know, but I used the Capitol curve to good effect. Following the Prima\/Keely Smith medley \"Just a Gigolo\"\/\"I Ain't Got Nobody\" (covered years later by David Lee Roth), Louis and Keely do \"Nothing's Too Good for My Baby.\" With the Capitol curve, the picture seemed to open up timbrally and dynamically. Keely Smith's vocals sailed effortlessly into the room, and the front-to-back layering of instruments would convince even the staunchest mono haters of what makes well-recorded one-channel listening special. James Blount's trombone on \"Body and Soul\" was right there with the Capitol curve. It was softer, more reserved, and less exuberant with the RIAA setting. \"Tone control,\" or correct EQ? I don't know, but either way, I liked it, and using it couldn't have been easier.Some people insist that Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA. The tulip label \"Brahms Symphony Nr.4\" (DG 138 927) I've been playing since college definitely opened up on top when played with the DG\/Teldec curve\u2014but is that the correct equalization to use? Was the Brahms more open on top because it was played back using the correct equalization or because it was acting as a tone control? I'm not sure.If you want to dig deeper, the Pspatial Stereo Lab site can draw you deeply into a world of equalization confusion (footnote 3).This review could turn into a hair-pulling session about esoteric equalization. Instead, let's explore how the PH-1000 deals with rock music.222gold.SandinistaFirst up: Sandinista!, specifically CBS FSLN 1, the UK pressing of the Clash's sprawling 3-LP set. This is the version to have if you're a Clash fan. The American pressing can't compare to the British original's wide-open top end and enormously wide soundstage. Recorded and mixed by Bill Price, the album is explosive, and its orderly mix contrasts well with the group's musical anarchy. The Motown tribute \"Hitsville U.K.\" is supposed to have a bright top-end snap and crackle; with its smooth, suave sonic personality, the Gold Note PH-1000 softens and mutes it some. Topper Headon's drums should \"pop\" more. The top end should glisten. Paul Simonon's bass should be more muscular, not quite as polite and refined as the PH-1000 delivers it. That said, the midrange see-into-the-mix transparency impressed.If you want a bottom-to-top frequency response report, here it is: The PH-1000's bass is well-controlled and nuanced but somewhat polite. It's better on acoustic bass than electric. When I sampled \"Visions of Johanna\" from an original \"360 Sound\" pressing of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde (C2S 841)\u2014the copy I played in my college frat bedroom, which still sounds great\u2014I expected more \"stickiness\" to Joe South's bass lines.However: Higher up, Kenny Buttrey's cymbal hits were startlingly clean, each emphatic and meaningful in the break between the verses. Dylan's voice, well isolated at the front of the mix, was thrillingly there, and Wayne Moss's and Charlie McCoy's guitar parts were wiry, edgy, and disturbing\u2014as they should be. Al Kooper's organ (that sounds wrong somehow) and Dylan's harmonica were as properly piercing and edgy as you'd want them to be and not at all soft, which, based on the Clash experience, is what I was expecting.222gold.lifeThe star of this listening session was the PH-1000's midrange lucidity and clarity and the top end's transient precision. Only the bass disappointed, especially because it's so key to \"Visions of Johanna\"'s musical soul.ConclusionGold Note's made-in-Italy PH-1000 is a visually attractive\u2014it looks best in gold, IMO\u2014feature-driven, sophisticated phono preamplifier that's easy to use and uniquely configurable. In my reviewing experience, that's a rare and attractive combination. You'll never get lost in a nested menu system. Its volume control is transparent and works well, which means that the PH-1000 can be used without a line preamplifier in an analog-only system\u2014or you can set to \"Stage\" in a more typical system, with a line level preamplifier. The gain, loading, and equalization flexibility set it apart from most if not every other phono preamplifier currently available. Its absolute polarity and \"stereo\/mono\" functionality, though not totally unique, are not as common in phono preamplifiers as they should be.The PH-1000's sonic performance was as smooth and sophisticated as its operating system. It was quiet and both micro- and macrodynamically accomplished. Its transparency, clarity, and freedom from congestion in the midrange were notable.222gold.downesOnly the somewhat polite bottom end disappointed, and even there it was more on electric than acoustic music. Perhaps the optional outboard power supply would address that issue. The optional tube stage might produce more vivid orchestral colors, but as the Downes-du Pr\u00e9 record (among others) demonstrated, those sonic riches are already present. The quiet, fine-sounding built-in class-A headphone amp adds yet more value.If you're thinking \"Who needs all of this extra stuff, I just want to play my stereo records?\" you're probably better off putting your money elsewhere, since much of the value of the PH-1000 is in features and flexibility. The PH-1000 becomes a very attractive choice if your record collection is rich with older mono records or if you value setup perfection alongside fine sonic performance.Footnote 3: As I did after reading this, which led me to disagree with Mikey here. Apparently, Germany officially adopted a government standard different from the RIAA standard and kept it until 1962. Labels including DG and Telefunken would have used the German EQ at least until 1962 if not for longer: Look for \"33\" in a triangle on the record label. See pspatialaudio.com\/record_characters.htm.\u2014Jim AustinNEXT: Specifications \u00bbCOMPANY INFOGold Note ItalyUS distributor: Rutherford Audio14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108Englewood, CO 80112goldnote.it ARTICLE CONTENTSPage 1Page 2SpecificationsAssociated EquipmentMeasurementsfacebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonflipboard sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonLog in or register to post commentsCOMMENTSjohnnythunder1's pictureNo comments?Submitted by johnnythunder1 on February 18, 2022 - 8:00pmThe aesthetics, engineering methodology, Michael Fremer's existence, the price, the country of origin, its comparison to other phono stages costing 10-50x less, and other random complaints hasn't brought out the trolls yet.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureGive it time...Submitted by MatthewT on February 18, 2022 - 8:25pmYou know what they are going to say, too.Log in or register to post commentskg's pictureThis unsettling silenceSubmitted by kg on February 19, 2022 - 12:28pmGiven the unprecedented nature of the current events, I advise you to proceed with utmost caution, my dear friend.Log in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureYou must...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 4:32pmElaborate on this post.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" unprecedented nature of the current events..\" qtd kgSubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 1:28pmHiYou've said it: the invasion of Ukraine by Russia yesterday, killing 57 & wounded 160 people as of today as per BBC NewsJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureFundamental difference.Submitted by JHL on February 20, 2022 - 5:01amWe've known for decades of the difference between data and sound. For the sake of great sound I hope this publication redevelops this fundamental dichotomy. It is real.Many assume data speaks for sound.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Many assume data speaks for sound\" qtd JHLSubmitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:42pmHiAgreed. But not for yours truly: data & sound go the extremely polarized directions.Standard bench test data are obtained by feeding pure sinewaves, square waves or triangular waves into the component under test. This I would call it static test.Music signals are not pure sinewaves at all: comprising basic sinewave plus multi orders of harmonics, ever dynamically changing.So it is therefore comparing apple to orange - irrelevant ! So how can we \"assume data speaks for sound\" ??????If you get the chance to look at the 3-D waveforms of a realtime music signal, like I have, you will see how complex would be a music signal, ever dynamically changing.May I suggst you to read up papers on the complex multiple 3-D positioned visualization of music signal. to learn more about it, e.g.\"3D musical notation - providng visual cues for musical analysis\".Listening, not data alone, is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsJHL's pictureI'd reply...Submitted by JHL on February 27, 2022 - 3:56am...but I can't find a place to interject in an argument against everything simultaneously.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"its comparison to other phonostages cost'g 10-50x less,\" johnnySubmitted by Jack L on February 24, 2022 - 5:01pmHiApparently most money gone to the 'unique' feature of RIAA curves (40+) adjustment to tailor-match old\/new LP labels.\"Deutsche Grammophon records used the DG\/Teldec curve well into the stereo era, and that's why DG records tend to sound dull played back using RIAA.\" qtd M.F.I am not so sure of above quote appliable to my DGG collection. In fact, quite a few my DGG LPs sound so so good that I've used them as my sonic reference: open, balanced & livelike.Just quote 3 excellent sounding DGG LPs:-(1) Beethoven No.1 Piano Concerto\/Arturo Michelangeli\/Vienna Symphony\/Carlo Goilini. Live performance recording 21\/9\/1979The piano sounds so crystal-transparent, best of all my piano LPs(2) Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra\/Boston Symphony\/William Steinberg 1971.The performance starting sub-bass notes (20Hz?) solidly crawl toward me, followed immediately by kettle drum beats - sharp & powerful !!!!!(3) Strawinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps\/Berlin Philharmonic\/Herbert V Karajan 1977. Powerful sharp percussions !Only played throu my home-brew phono-preamp (MM input\/non-adjustable passive RIAA). I got no problem sonically with all my DGG LPs at all.Listening is believingJack LLog in or register to post commentsremlab's pictureMADE IN ITALY??Submitted by remlab on February 19, 2022 - 10:09amWHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"optional outboard power supply would address that issue.\" MFSubmitted by Jack L on February 19, 2022 - 3:21pmHiYes, my first glance at the compact enclosed power supply hinted me it should be a wall wart type switch mode power supply !! Nooo good for any analogue amps, let alone phono preamp, IMO.Yes, compact, handy & cheap but it emits EMI\/RFI noises into the amp. I'd never use such SMPS in any of my audio amps. Get an external analogue linear power supply would be the way to go.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureFear of SMPS doesn't make much sense...Submitted by Archimago on February 19, 2022 - 4:48pmDunno man. This fear of SMPS as being noisy doesn't mKe much sense these days. Even some of the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.Would love to see what evidence there is for such a belief and with what power supply and analog gear susceptible to this.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"the cheapest SMPS wall warts don't emit much RF\/EMI any more.\"Submitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:14amHiReally? Your home-brew science or your imagination ?I tested with my digital wideband EMI & powerline noise analyser. It shows RF noise surge in the powerline powering any digital devices using wall warts or similar SMPS.This physics !!!!!!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureShow me a listening test.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:44amYes, it's physics.And IMO you're worried about imaginary ultrasonic stuff.Show me otherwise cuz I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference. (People claim all kinds of things like yourself but have nothing to show for it.)Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" I don't know anyone who is able to reliably tell a difference\"Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 4:45pmHiIt's your call, pal.You challenged me SMPS does not emit RFI\/EMI\/powerline noises. Now I tell you again such powerline noise DO exist as shown on the screen of my digital wideband powerline noise & EMI analysis.Frankly, you don't apparently even know such commonly used instrument to analyse poweline noises do exist at all.Be my guest if YOU or whoever lend a deaf ear. None of my business.Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureNo comments ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 19, 2022 - 5:53pmCanada is now under Martial LawUkraine isn't joining NATO, no bullets flyingThis Italian buggy whip gets barely noticed.Tony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsMatthewT's pictureThat is almost a great...Submitted by MatthewT on February 19, 2022 - 6:28pmHaiku.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLOL.. true..Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:05amAlmost.. But there is no beauty in those words.Log in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureNo worries up here in Canada...Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 12:14amI'm sure we'll this sorted by Spring Break! Come visit. ;-) Although I think it's much nicer this time of the year down in Florida.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\" Spring Break!\" qtd AchimagoSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:52amHiWhat \"spring break\" ?You mean March break when school\/universities close down a week or more provding private times for students' families.Yes, there is a \"family day\" coming Monday, the 3rd Monday every February, a provincial public holiday with salary fully paid.Jack LLog in or register to post commentsArchimago's pictureWe have Spring Break in BC.Submitted by Archimago on February 20, 2022 - 10:46amIt's on the school calendar from March 14-25 for the families with kids.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"Canada is now under Martial Law\" qtd TonykazSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 9:40amHiRumour or misinformation-on-line ?So called \"Freedom Convoy\" at Ottawa, Canada capital city, is already done like dinner a couple of days ago. Those behind-the-seen financiers, including a few from USA, for such illegal \"convoy\" are already tracked down & their convoy monies are already frozen.We should worry more about the Canada\/USA border road block by the trucks due to their drivers not yet vaccinated. 70% of goods trades Canada\/USA is done by trucking thru the border every day !!!!We already felt the pinch: our grocery & food prices soar up like nobody's business !!!Thanks to those drivers' \"freedom\" conscience !!!Jack LLog in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Jack L pondering misinformationsSubmitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 10:21amYes, we have that problem with our legacy press. ( not Stereophile though )One of the Canadian MPs reported to his YouTube Channel that Parliament has been suspended.The Industrial Report on the Trucking Industry ( USA ) reveals that we have about 2,000,000 Live Breathing Truck Drivers today. We have 3,500,000 Semi Trucks available. ( an acute driver shortage )Additionally, we have all the West Coast Entry Ports at FULL capacity with a critical shortage of derage drivers ( the short range drivers that haul the Containers from the Port to locations within 50 miles ).Truck Drivers are mostly Unionised, 80% are small companies of 6 or less. Politically, Drivers are considered the \"Deplorable\" Class ! They stay connected thru modern communication devices. Most Over the Road Rigs are fully Internet Capable and have a wide range of connectivity tools. The Canadian Freedom Convoy is the 1st of a Global Series of these types of Events. Another One is now forming up to go from California to Washington. Expect the Farmers to share in this as they typically operate two or three Semi Truck rigs.Heavy Trucks and Diesel engine related Industries are the World I lived in so I still follow these developments.It's said and thought that the Stores have 3 Days of goods, if the Trucks Stop rolling -- all hell breaks loose .It's time to be carefulTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsBriandrumzilla's pictureUkraine, no bullets flying..Submitted by Briandrumzilla on February 25, 2022 - 5:18amIt is an explosioney, but mostly peaceful war.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's pictureMr.Briandrumzilla - so right you areSubmitted by tonykaz on February 25, 2022 - 9:49amTony in FloridaLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureA phono preamplifier pricedSubmitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 2:52amA phono preamplifier priced at $12.000 with very very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense at all.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's picture\"$12.000 w\/very poor overload margin? Doesn't make sense\" KursunSubmitted by Jack L on February 20, 2022 - 10:32amHiWell, it makes tons Money Sense to the Italian manufacturers\/vendors. Profiteering I would call it.Italian leisure goods are always expensive, including audios.I still recall I spent some US$40, 1\/5 of my monthly salary for a Valentino silk tie some 40 years back.For such money, I've gone for French goods: Lacoste (the green Alligator logo) T-shirts of diffenent colours, soft-leather sneakers, etc.For my pocket wallet, Louis Vuitton of course ! Genuine soft leather made with its serial number inside itm, like any audio components !!Jack LLog in or register to post commentsKursun's pictureWell...Submitted by Kursun on February 20, 2022 - 11:10amWell...If a product is expensive but good I wouldn't object.I have a 30 year old Lacoste sweatshirt that I still wear.But, if a product costs $12.000 and displays a sub-mediocre performance, this is a problem.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureFully concurred with your opinion !!Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:35am.Log in or register to post commentsvolvic's picturePH-10Submitted by volvic on February 20, 2022 - 7:08amIt is priced six times higher than the PH-10, I wonder is it six times better? This is a serious question as the PH-10 has garnered rave reviews from others and appears to offer similar flexibility. Curious.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureEarly dementia signs in audiophiles...Submitted by Anton on February 20, 2022 - 12:38pmThe compulsion to mix politics into Hi Fi is a classic sign of impending dementia.Just saying.Log in or register to post commentstonykaz's picturedementia ?Submitted by tonykaz on February 20, 2022 - 3:52pmare you angry relating to the median age of us 33.3 people ?Your opinion is probably accurate, vinyl people are fully captured by the hobbies of our post WW11 youth and a certain fondness of \"I like Ike\" memories.Your diagnosis should include neurosis & psychosis which are the prevailing qualities of our Reviewed Gear buying readership. ( myself included )Tony in paradisiacal FloridaLog in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureLMAO...Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:08amTotally true. Fucking wrecking the last frontier of truth. Fuckers.Log in or register to post commentsJack L's pictureBe civil with your F-language here, please.Submitted by Jack L on February 23, 2022 - 11:38am.Log in or register to post commentshollowman's pictureThanks John Atkinson for ...Submitted by hollowman on February 20, 2022 - 6:40pm... the extensive Measurements section for a type of product that does not get metric'd often in audio journalism. AUDIO mag used to do something similar for phono products -- the late 70's - 1980s IIRC.Log in or register to post commentsGlotz's pictureDid anybody READ the review??Submitted by Glotz on February 22, 2022 - 10:10amIt was overwhelmingly positive, but no one has anything (but negative shit) to say.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureIt was a great review in two ways...Submitted by Anton on February 22, 2022 - 11:59am1) It gave me a great sense of feel for the device.2) It enlightened me further regarding vinyl playback history.All good. Better than good!Out of my budget, but I am happy it exists.Log in or register to post commentsozan2022's picturePH-1000Submitted by ozan2022 on February 23, 2022 - 11:16amI purchased PH1000, PSU 1250, and Tube 1210 few months ago. First I used PH-1000 as it is then added the PSU and could not believe the improvement. And then I added the tube output stage again a substantial improvement but the PSU is a tremendous improvement. Highly recommend it.Log in or register to post commentsAnton's pictureThat's a great follow up!Submitted by Anton on February 23, 2022 - 12:02pmThanks for the perspective.Log in or register to post commentsSpartachino's pictureGold Note TheftSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:16pmThey stole the PH-1000 name from Victor Laboratory PH-1000 Ceramic Headshell.copyright infringement and disrespectLog in or register to post commentsSpartachino's picture12k and lacks bassSubmitted by Spartachino on February 23, 2022 - 2:49pmWhy would I buy a 12K device with crap bottom end?Only the somewhat polite bottom end disappointedLog in or register to post commentsRelated Latest Galleries RecommendedGold Note PH-1000 phono preamplifierPro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifierPlinius M14 phono preamplifierChannel D Pure Vinyl 5 & Seta L phono preamplifierAnalog Corner #286: Channel D Lino C 2.0 phono preamplifierPS Audio Stellar Phono phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Little Loco phono preamplifierNew York Audio Labs \"SuperIt\" phono preamplifierHeed Audio Quasar phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Duo phono preamplifierZesto Audio Andros T\u00e9ssera phono preamplifierLuxman EQ-500 phono preamplifierShindo Aurieges Equalizer AmplifierLeema Acoustics Essentials phono preamplifierSentec EQ11 phono preamplifierSutherland Engineering Insight phono preamplifier SPONSORED VIDEO LoudspeakersFloorstandingStand\/BookshelfSubwoofersAmplificationTube PreampsTube Power AmpsSolid PreampsSolid Power AmpsIntegrated AmpsPhono PreampsDigital SourcesCDHi-Rez DiscDigital ProcessorsComputer AudioMedia Servers Analog SourcesTurntablesTonearmsPhono CartridgesFM TunersAccessoriesCablesPhono AccessoriesPowerlineRoom TreatmentsStands\/RacksHeadphonesMiscellaneousFeaturedBudget ComponentsAudacious AudioJ. 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