Gold Note PA-1175 MKII User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
PA-1175
Stereo Power Amplifier
Stereo 175W@8Ohm - Bridged Mono 350W@8Ohm
PA-1175
GOLD NOTE
DF

OWNER’S MANUAL page 1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel.
Please record the model and serial numbee and retain them for
your records.
Serial Number: Model:
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE
Do not disassemble any part of the product.
Do not use any part of the product for other purposes.
For service and problems of any kind, contact qualified Gold Note personnel.
Protect the product from rain and humidity and keep away from heat sources, electric and
electronic motors etc.
The power Chord supplied must be used only on this unit.
Gold Note does not have responsibility for any improper use of this unit

OWNER’S MANUAL page 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
1Read these instructions.
2Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near to any water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
8Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or ground-
ing-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provid-
ed for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufac-
turer.
12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When
a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on
the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a
book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the
AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON
position.
• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC
outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord plug at any
time.
• The main plug is used as the disconnect device, the discon-
nect device shall remain readily operable.
• If the product uses batteries (including a battery pack or
installed batteries), they should not be exposed to sunshine, fire
or excessive heat.
• Caution should be taken when using earphones or head-
phones with the product because excessive sound pressure
(volume) from earphones or head- phones can cause hearing
loss.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 3
INTRODUCTION
There is something undeniably magical about the 1000
series of electronics designed by Gold Note. The large
optional unique modular design and the high-class look
created by Arch. Stefano Bonifazi combine an exclu-
sive line of products building one of the most exotic
vertically growing audio systems of the high-end audio
market.
The PA-1175 is one of the most innovative stereo
Power Amplifiers available on the market.
The PA-1175 is the Gold Note first stereo amplifi-
er ever made over 20 years of designing electronics.
As first ever made stereo amplifier the PA-1175
features a lot of innovations have always distinguished
Gold Note designs. The PA-1175 merges the knowl-
edge of the acclaimed Demidoff single ended amplifi-
ers with high power rate never reached before.
The PA-1175 is a Dual-Mono amplifier featuring 4
matched pair of transistors per channel with a propri-
etary Gold Note BIAS constant current generator
enables high current and high power rate with ultra low
distortion.
The amplifier features a Gold Note innovative Optical
BIAS that uses optical devices to control the voltage
reference of the unit that being much more stable of the
traditional electronic ones the optical devices guarantee
extraordinary audio performance.
Besides Gold Note introduced a new unique Optical
Protection for the output stage, featuring optical
decoupling that despite the traditional electronic ones
that typically downgrading the performance, analysis the
audio signal optically. The Optical Protection is com-
pletely separated by the audio signal path allowing a
perfect protection to the unit and unbeatable perfor-
mance.
One of the most interesting and exclusive Gold Note
innovation of the new PA-1175 also powers a conve-
niently selectable front panel Damping Factor switch
sets up 250 or 25 allowing an ideal match with any kind
of speakers acting the amplifier full power and great
control at 250 DF necessary with large and difficult
speakers to drive while acting as a low power tube amps
at 25 DF ideal to drive high sensitivity or mini monitor
speakers do not agree the energy of big amplifiers.
The PA-1175 is a fully balanced amplifier features BTL
design (Bridge-Tied-Load) allows the unit being easily
bridged working as mono amp doubling its large power
rate from 175watt per channel @ 8ohm to a consid-
erably 350watt per channel.
The existing flexibility of the stereo power amplifier could
be largely extended with the mono application for all kind
of speakers really requires high power and great
energy.
The amplifier features a 800VA custom made toroidal
audio transformer dampened with original Ducati race
bikes silent block to guarantee e terrific effect and
perfect insulation. A small 6VA transformer powers all
service functions out of the audio signal path to
preserve the best performance.
Top-level electronic components combined with outer
connections RCA, XLR and original Rhodium Gold
Note speaker terminals complete the PA-1175
high-level quality.
The PA-1175 is built around a very solid steel chassis
completed by large massive panels of aluminum to avoid
RFI and Emi troubles but magnetic fields at the same
time.
The PA-1175 is a new Gold Note design of Arch.
Stefano Bonifazi presenting elegant compact look
though in a massive 25kilos unit needed to guarantee
pure high-end audio performance.
KEY FEATURES:
HIGH POWER AMP:
The PA-1175 is a 175Watt per channel @ 8ohm
Stereo Power Amplifier bridgeable to have a mono
350Watt per channel.
GOLD NOTE AUDIO DESIGN:
Single-End 8 transistors per channel inductive pow-
ered amplifier GN Design derivated from the Diamond
Line
GOLD NOTE OPTICAL BIAS REGULATION:
Full innovative GN optical BIAS regulation design
allows ultra low distortion clean power music signal.
GOLD NOTE OPTICAL PROTECTION:
Innovative GN design Optical Output Protection
enable best audio performance.
ADJUSTABLE DAMPING FACTOR:
Adjustable GN property Damping Factor 250/25
playing alternatively low sensitivity difficult speakers and
easy load or mini monitors.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power output: 175W per channel @ 8Ω and 350W @
8Ω in mono (BTL)
Frequency response: 1Hz-100kHz at +/-1dB
THD – Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01%THD @
20Hz-20kHz
Signal to Noise ratio: -110dB
Damping factor: Selectable 250 or 25
Slew rate: 20V/µs
Audio inputs:
Stereo RCA, stereo XLR balanced
Input sensitivity: 1000mV on RCA and 4000mV
on XLR
Input impedance: 47Kohm
Audio outputs:
Speakers: Gold Note BP-01 Rhodium Plated Binding
Posts
Power:
Mains supply: 100 to 245V, 50/60Hz, depending on
market destination not convertible
Power transformers: 600VA Toroidal Customized
Audio Power Transformer and 6VA transformer for all
service out of the audio signal path
Power consumption: 600W max – >1W idle
Upgrades:
Special: Gold Note Lucca power chord
Physical:
Dimensions: 425mm L x 135mm H x 370mm D
Total weight: 25kg
Finishes:
Black Brushed Aluminium or Silver Brushed Aluminium
Left Side Inserts: Walnut, Acrylic or Aluminium

OWNER’S MANUAL page 4
SPECIFICATION AND KEY FEATURES
There is something undeniably magical about the 1000
series of electronics designed by Gold Note. The large
optional unique modular design and the high-class look
created by Arch. Stefano Bonifazi combine an exclu-
sive line of products building one of the most exotic
vertically growing audio systems of the high-end audio
market.
The PA-1175 is one of the most innovative stereo
Power Amplifiers available on the market.
The PA-1175 is the Gold Note first stereo amplifi-
er ever made over 20 years of designing electronics.
As first ever made stereo amplifier the PA-1175
features a lot of innovations have always distinguished
Gold Note designs. The PA-1175 merges the knowl-
edge of the acclaimed Demidoff single ended amplifi-
ers with high power rate never reached before.
The PA-1175 is a Dual-Mono amplifier featuring 4
matched pair of transistors per channel with a propri-
etary Gold Note BIAS constant current generator
enables high current and high power rate with ultra low
distortion.
The amplifier features a Gold Note innovative Optical
BIAS that uses optical devices to control the voltage
reference of the unit that being much more stable of the
traditional electronic ones the optical devices guarantee
extraordinary audio performance.
Besides Gold Note introduced a new unique Optical
Protection for the output stage, featuring optical
decoupling that despite the traditional electronic ones
that typically downgrading the performance, analysis the
audio signal optically. The Optical Protection is com-
pletely separated by the audio signal path allowing a
perfect protection to the unit and unbeatable perfor-
mance.
One of the most interesting and exclusive Gold Note
innovation of the new PA-1175 also powers a conve-
niently selectable front panel Damping Factor switch
sets up 250 or 25 allowing an ideal match with any kind
of speakers acting the amplifier full power and great
control at 250 DF necessary with large and difficult
speakers to drive while acting as a low power tube amps
at 25 DF ideal to drive high sensitivity or mini monitor
speakers do not agree the energy of big amplifiers.
The PA-1175 is a fully balanced amplifier features BTL
design (Bridge-Tied-Load) allows the unit being easily
bridged working as mono amp doubling its large power
rate from 175watt per channel @ 8ohm to a consid-
erably 350watt per channel.
The existing flexibility of the stereo power amplifier could
be largely extended with the mono application for all kind
of speakers really requires high power and great
energy.
The amplifier features a 800VA custom made toroidal
audio transformer dampened with original Ducati race
bikes silent block to guarantee e terrific effect and
perfect insulation. A small 6VA transformer powers all
service functions out of the audio signal path to
preserve the best performance.
Top-level electronic components combined with outer
connections RCA, XLR and original Rhodium Gold
Note speaker terminals complete the PA-1175
high-level quality.
The PA-1175 is built around a very solid steel chassis
completed by large massive panels of aluminum to avoid
RFI and Emi troubles but magnetic fields at the same
time.
The PA-1175 is a new Gold Note design of Arch.
Stefano Bonifazi presenting elegant compact look
though in a massive 25kilos unit needed to guarantee
pure high-end audio performance.
KEY FEATURES:
HIGH POWER AMP:
The PA-1175 is a 175Watt per channel @ 8ohm
Stereo Power Amplifier bridgeable to have a mono
350Watt per channel.
GOLD NOTE AUDIO DESIGN:
Single-End 8 transistors per channel inductive pow-
ered amplifier GN Design derivated from the Diamond
Line
GOLD NOTE OPTICAL BIAS REGULATION:
Full innovative GN optical BIAS regulation design
allows ultra low distortion clean power music signal.
GOLD NOTE OPTICAL PROTECTION:
Innovative GN design Optical Output Protection
enable best audio performance.
ADJUSTABLE DAMPING FACTOR:
Adjustable GN property Damping Factor 250/25
playing alternatively low sensitivity difficult speakers and
easy load or mini monitors.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power output: 175W per channel @ 8Ω and 350W @
8Ω in mono (BTL)
Frequency response: 1Hz-100kHz at +/-1dB
THD – Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01%THD @
20Hz-20kHz
Signal to Noise ratio: -110dB
Damping factor: Selectable 250 or 25
Slew rate: 20V/µs
Audio inputs:
Stereo RCA, stereo XLR balanced
Input sensitivity: 1000mV on RCA and 4000mV
on XLR
Input impedance: 47Kohm
Audio outputs:
Speakers: Gold Note BP-01 Rhodium Plated Binding
Posts
Power:
Mains supply: 100 to 245V, 50/60Hz, depending on
market destination not convertible
Power transformers: 600VA Toroidal Customized
Audio Power Transformer and 6VA transformer for all
service out of the audio signal path
Power consumption: 600W max – >1W idle
Upgrades:
Special: Gold Note Lucca power chord
Physical:
Dimensions: 425mm L x 135mm H x 370mm D
Total weight: 25kg
Finishes:
Black Brushed Aluminium or Silver Brushed Aluminium
Left Side Inserts: Walnut, Acrylic or Aluminium

PA-1175
GOLD NOTE
OWNER’S MANUAL page 5
- Power On LED Light Blue with High Damping-Factor 250 for low sensitivity speakers and
Green for Low Damping-Factor 25 for high sensitivity small driver/monitor speakers
- Standby Button
- DF (Damping-Factor) Selectable 250 or 25 Damping Factor
FRONT PANEL
1
2
3
123
DF

POWER:
- AC Power ON/OFF
- AC Power Plug IEC
- BTL SWITCH
Stereo working left side switch position
Mono working right side switch position
- Fuse
ANALOGUE AUDIO IN:
- XLR Balanced Left Analogue Audio IN
(and XLR Mono IN if configured in BTL mode)
- RCA Unbalanced Left Analogue Audio IN
(and RCA Mono IN configured in BTL mode)
- XLR Balanced Right Analogue Audio IN
- RCA Unbalanced Right Analogue Audio IN
SPEAKER OUT:
- Speaker Out Left Channel
(positive pole “+” is even the positive pole if
configured in BTL Mono mode)
- Speaker Out Right Channel
(positive pole “+” is the negative pole “-” if
configured in BTL Mono mode)
OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
REAR PANEL
OWNER’S MANUAL page 6
1
2
3
5
6
8
9
10
7
4
34 2 1
10 10
9
5
6
8
7

OWNER’S MANUAL page 7
WARRANTIES
WARRANTIES REGISTRATION
To validate the warranty is necessary to register the unit on the Gold Note
internet web site within 15 days from the purchase on the appropriate area of
the web site: http://www.goldnote.it/
If the unit is not registered correctly or is been purchased from a different coun-
try of the purchaser origin/home the unit will not be covered by any warranty
and the eventual registration refused.
The warranty does not does not cover in any case: Tubes, Phono Car-
tridge Styli and Batteries.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
All GOLD NOTE® products are the result of meticulous technological research,
and consequently their correct functioning is guaranteed. In spite of this it is
possible that problems may emerge which non-specialist users cannot resolve.
In this case, contact your dealer who will advise you on how to resolve the prob-
lem.
Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the national distributor or
without being authorized to do so. In such cases both GOLD NOTE® and the
distribution agents operating within your territory decline responsibility of any
kind.
Please Note: Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary in any
moment without notice.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
FAQ AND TROBLESHOTING
TROUBLESHOTINGS
FAQ
ACTION DESCRIPTION HOW TO ADJUST IT
CLEANING THE UNIT •The Unit is dirty and needs to
be cleaned
•With EXTREME care use ONLY diluted alcohol
and a very soft 100% cotton cloth to sweep
dust and stains out.
•Any acid or not extremely soft cloth will
irreversibly damage the amplifier fine aesthetic.
•Do not use any alcohol to clean the unit
anodised label, or printed parts. Only dry cloth
is allowed.
SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION CAUSE REMEDY
SPEAKER HUMMING
PROBLEMS
SWITCHING ON/OFF
BUMP
THE UNIT DOES NOT
WORK WHEN THE
STAGE IS SWITCHED ON
•The unit is correctly coupled with
the Ground on DC.
The unit bumps any
time is switched ON
or OFF
The speakers hum
when the amplifier is
connected to the
system
•It is important to notice that it
does not produce any risk even if
the bump is high
•The AC Stage plug is disconnect-
ed from the AC wall plug
•One of the fuses is blown
•Turn Off the amplifier as first but
turn it on as last of the audio
system unit
•Connect it being sure that the AC wall
plug works
•Connect them properly
•Substitute the fuse with one of the
same value
•The interconnect cables are not
properly connected to the amp.
•The interconnect input and/or
output cables are not shielded.
•Be sure your area and personal
environment are well grounded
eventually isolate the ground Pin of the
power chord plug for verification.
•Be sure to always use shielded cables
for the amp connections.
For spare parts visit the official Gold Note store at:
http://www.akamaiaudio.it/

OWNER’S MANUAL page 9
USER NOTE

OWNER’S MANUAL page 10
USER NOTE

Via della Gora, 6
Montespertoli (Florence) Italy 50025
Tel. + 39 0571 675005
Fax. + 39 0571 675013
www.goldnote.it