Goldnote PH-1000 – the struggle for words
Now that my system has finally reached high-end heaven for me, it would be time to take the last part of the system to the next level.
I carried out the test on my home system, which consists of the following components::
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Acoustic Solid – Solid Edition with My Sonic Lab Eminent GL pickup
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Goldnote PH10 with PSU-10 (UVP ca. CHF 2900) on XLR OUT
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Magico A5 speakers on Soulution 330 INT Stereo Integrated Amplifier
I was allowed to borrow a Goldnote PH-1000 from a dealer for a week to test.
In addition to the standard version, the PH-1000 also has the line module, you can find the technical details on their product page.
I carried out the test 1:1, so I simply hung the turntable around and after 2 days of warming up, we got down to business.
The struggle for words... because I had to think for a long time about how I should write this so that it does everything justice.
The first impression was – WOW, nothing is missing. After a longer listening session and getting used to it, I was able to process the impressions for myself.
Very fine resolution, nice graduation, crisp in the bass, velvety in the highs. When playing classical music, I had the impression that the musicians in the orchestra were a little more distant from each other. The individual registers can be heard without any effort and it is also very easy to follow what is being played. With electronic music you can hear every detail, the vivid image is really great - you immediately feel comfortable with it, forget the system and let yourself be carried away by the music. That's exactly how it should be.
Today, after another session (I always try to listen for 3 days, mainly because of the day's form) I decided to switch back to the PH-10 with PSU-10.
I always do this consciously because then you can immediately hear the differences, if there are any. Played the same record again (Yello Toy) and what can I say.
At first the bass was there and the stage - but then somehow something was missing. The effects are clearly audible, but are not as sharp in the room. The stage has become a little more open space (I can't think of any other comparison), so the feeling of where the stage reaches is different. With the PH-1000 I always had the impression that the space between the tones was noticeable. I was missing that a bit with the little one. The depth is somehow missing.
The effects also have a little less contour, but nothing is missing here either. I also had the impression that some things were no longer depicted as vividly, a little glassy or out of focus.
The advantages of the PH-1000 are clearly audible, but that brings me to the conclusion of my little test session:
The expectations of the PH-1000 Line were very high given the RRP price (CHF 14,800). But for once I didn't immediately feel like I wanted to have something.
Does the PH-1000 do everything right? 100%.
Was I missing something? NO
Nevertheless, it is up to the interested listener to decide whether the 5x higher guide price is justified.
I heard with a Demonstration unit, and it should cost “only” around ahlf of the RRP.
For me, I think the RRP price is set a bit too high. Of course the PH-1000 has a lot more to offer than the PH-10, but I still struggle with my words. (Line IN, Earphone Stage etc)
I will definitely have to send a second or even a third candidate into the race to answer the question of how much room or potential for improvement there really is and how much should it cost.
However, I was able to answer one question without a doubt, namely that my turntable with the Eminent GL can do more than the PH-10+PSU-10 can.
More to come …
I welcome visitors who are curious, those who talk shop, and those who are always critical.
I'm going to spend the last few hours just listening to some good music or watching a movie before I have to work again tomorrow.
Thank you for reading.
