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It’s all very well filling your hi-fi rack with numerous separates, but there comes a time when space becomes a premium, when one box is so much more desirable than four or five. And that’s where Gold Note’s superb IS-1000 comes in.

Described as the “complete all-in-one super integrated”, this quite phenomenal box of tricks neatly bridges the gap between a traditional integrated amplifier and a networked music streamer. At its heart, the IS-1000 is an integrated amplifier with a Class A/B output section capable of a 2x 125W into 8ohm (doubling to 250W into 4ohm loads). The impressive connectivity, meanwhile, reads like a who’s who of inputs and outputs that really matter right now, comprising three analogue inputs (one via XLR and two using RCA phonos – one of which can be used as a switchable MM/MC phono stage input) and digital inputs including a coaxial and three optical inputs supporting sample rates up to 24-bit/ 192kHz. A USB Type-A port similarly supports the same 24/192 PCM file types as well as up to DSD64.

Cat that got the stream
Not content with being a hi-fi hub for all of your audio sources, the IS-1000 also includes a streaming module that can connect to your network via wi-fi or wired using an Ethernet port. Supported streaming services include Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify, while internet radio (via iTuner) and AirPlay protocol is also on hand and is Roon ready too.

Final mention should go to the decent accompanying third-party mconnect app, which is available for iOS and Android devices until Gold Note’s planned dedicated control app is made available. It’s pleasingly slick and acts as a worthwhile addition to the bundled remote control, providing more in-depth control options.

When we reviewed the IS-1000 back in HFC 436, we couldn’t help but be impressed by the way it’s sound quality majored on scale and drive, creating a vast unfettered soundstage that extended both in front of and behind the listener with accurate positioning of instruments that’s unerringly consistent. Equally impressive is the honest and believable tonal realism that complements pretty much everything you choose to play. But don’t take our word for it, win one for yourself supplied by our good friends at Audio Pinnacle. To be in with a chance, just answer the simple question opposite and enter online at: www.hifichoice.co.uk/competitions/goldnote. Good luck!

To be in with a chance of winning answer this simple question:

What is the power output of the IS-1000 at 8ohm? 

A) 2x 60W

B) 2x 125W

C) 2x 250W

Click here to submit your answer and enter the competition

To submit your entry to the Gold Note competition, simply register using the online form and provide your answer to the question shown above. Please ensure you complete all required fields, including your email address, telephone number (including area code) and postal address. We regret we cannot take postal entrants.

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