Goldenote S-3 Signature II


Goldenote S-3 Signature II – 100Watt Integrated Amplifier just came in for a review. This is a top model from Classic series. I heard Maurizio state of the art Diamond Demidoff integrated and it's one of the most impressive out to date. Golden Note doesn't offer fancy boxes, but what's on the inside is beyond ordinary and in the service of music.
 Here are few specs:

The S-3 Signature II is a single ended Dual-Mono solid state stereo integrated amplifier features the proprietary Mirror-Amp™ electronic design producing a super-linear signal, thus virtually eliminating distortion.

The power supply is handled by three E.I. custom made transformers, of which two dedicated to the audio signal path, while a smaller galvanically isolated powering all the accessory functions such as the motorized volume control, the relays, the power ON led light and even the micro-chip used for electro-mechanical functions.

The S-3 SIGNATURE II does not have active or passive filters on the audio signal path. Four thermal switches strategically positioned shut off temporarily the amplifier reaches a too high internal temperature till cooling down. To ensure large power capability the S-3 SIGNATURE II features two precision low noise fans separately powered to keep the unit cooler and more stable.

The fan's bearings are low noise kind increasing the speed proportionally to limit the unnecessary noise.

The amplifier chassis is made of Steel to minimize RFI and EMI interference.

The S.3 Signature II features a high quality built in headphone amplifier having a 6,3mm jack input.
MAIN DETAILS

POWER OUTPUT
100w + 100w @ 20-20000Hz S-3 Signature
75w + 75w @ 20-20.000Hz S-3 Standard
FREQUENCY RESPONSE  
20Hz – 20KHz @ +/- 3dB  
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
<0 -="-" 20="20" 20hz="20hz" khz="khz" p="p">
RATIO SIGNAL TO NOISE 
-90dB  
DAMPING FACTOR             
>100
SLEW RATE
13Volt/µs  
VOLUME CONTROL
Motorised ALPS potentiometer


AUDIO INPUTS

ANALOGUE INPUTS
4 per Line RCA + 1 XLR & 1 RCA Phono stereo (optional)
INPUT SENSITIVITY
550mV
INPUT IMPEDANCE
47kΩ
PHONO INPUT IMPEDANCE (optional)
470Ω MC - 47kΩ MM
PHONO INPUT GAIN (optional)
62dB MC – 48dB MM
HEADPHONE
6.3mm jack input


AUDIO OUTPUTS

SPEAKER
Gold Plated Binding Posts
FIXED OUTPUT
One stereo RCA


CONNECTIVITY

REMOTE INFRA-RED
RC5 proprietary code variable on Volume only


POWER

MAINS SUPPLY
100V ▪ 115V ▪ 230V ▪ 50 or 60Hz (depending on market destination not convertible)  
POWER TRANSFOMERS                 
2 audio E core customised + 1 controlling    
POWER CONSUMPTION
350Watt Max – 40Watt Min.


UPGRADES

SPECIAL
Goldenote Lucca Power Chord


PHYSICAL

DIMENSIONS
425mm L x 105mm H x 325mm D
TOTAL WEIGHT
12Kilos (26Lbs.)


FINISHES

FRONT PANEL
Brushed Black or Silver anodised aluminium
CASE
Black powder coated


Matej Isak Mono and Stereo ultra high end audio magazine All rights reserved, 2012 www.monoandstereo.com None of the text or pictures can be re-pritend or used in any way without prior permission.