Amplifier GoldNote S-1 Anniversary
According to the manufacturer, Gold Note S-1 has a structure Anniversary "double mono" (two identical torus network with 10 cm in diameter really visible through frequent ventilation slots in the top cover of the amplifier). There is also a third, the service power supply with galvanic isolation for volume control, input selector switch, LED display, etc. As part of preliminary amplification scheme is used with the current mirror - common a few decades ago the classical solution, designed for the "copy" of the control current for several cascades to set the quiescent current of the output transistors. Gold Note S-1 Anniversary made by audiophile canons - no chains overload protection and no active or passive filters. According to the company, all of this is rejected by the negative impact on the sound. Necessary in any case overtemperature protection is implemented in four temperature-sensitive elements that turn off power when the temperature exceeds the output stages of 80 °C. As the volume taken motorized ALPS potentiometer resistance of 50 ohms. Amplifier housing Gold Note S-1 Anniversary fairly simple, but very strong, even a little brutal. Front panel made of aluminum sheet 8 mm thick very concise - it is only two large white metal handles (input selector and volume control), headphone jack, power switch and decorative "gold medal" lineup Gold Note. Information screen is missing, switching quite modest - only four entrances, one of which is duplicated balanced one connection. There is a toggle switch "earth", it can help get rid of the buzz because of network interference. Be permitted to order another pair of input terminals (in our sample nests under them covered with plugs). Terminals are short, but, unlike other devices, placed very spacious. Based on the information from the manual as an option available to the amplifier good remote control, but came to us equipped with a small flat instance universal "credit card" that can only adjust the volume. An input selector are only unbalanced inputs. When using the balanced interface is somewhat baffling and makes us look for the desired position of the selector. They are given an AUX 3 is logically obvious. But as a big plus note the large ergonomic and quality acoustic terminals, which is securely fixed cables, portioned "bananas".
When listening to Gold Note S-1 Anniversary demonstrates sound nature lies about halfway between what give Musical Fidelity amplifiers and Sugden, but closer to the latter. However, this party is very good timbre resolution. Unlike machine Musical Fidelity sound is not as full-bodied, rich bass register enough, but a bit muffled or obscured. Attack along the ground seems more relaxed than the other regions. In general, the sound is perceived as uniform, covered with a light transparent veil thrown over all ranges, but remains consistently enjoyable and plastic. High Frequency Register does not have the same clear transparency like amplifier operating in Class A, but the resolution is still better than the MF M3i. Can emotional intensity Gold Note S-1 Anniversary hard, much better it conveys the penumbra and hints, clearly preferring orchestral ensemble music or brutal.
