Actually I was 'sort of happy' with the Gold Note. The Gold Note had some software control issues in terms of the relays controlling the Gain and Loading settings. I was told by the factory to do a firmware update which came out late spring. I honestly didn't wish to deal with this as I wanted something much more simple to keep in operation. Plus I found the Gold Note in my system tended to have ground loop issues, which I did eliminate with experimentation, but again I am looking for simple.
As far as performance goes, the Gold Note has a very nice mid range, but compared to the Whest Three with its outboard power supply and dual mono power line feeds (each is a 5 conductor XLR), there is no comparison.... the Whest is hands down far better. The Gold Note cannot compete with the Whest in terms of low end dynamic output and the upper end is far smoother with a substantial advantage in sound stage and 3D imaging. The mid range in the Whest is also excellent; so in essence, it has it all. In addition, the Whest has a very pronounced superior level of detail. I am very anxious to try out some new low capacitance phono cables shortly just to hear what that does.
As far as noise goes, the Whest is extremely quiet, I don't even know if it is on when I switch over to the phono input on the system. The Gold Note was not nearly as quiet. But you pay for all of this as the Whest is almost 3 times the price point; but in my eyes well worth the cost.
As far as performance goes, the Gold Note has a very nice mid range, but compared to the Whest Three with its outboard power supply and dual mono power line feeds (each is a 5 conductor XLR), there is no comparison.... the Whest is hands down far better. The Gold Note cannot compete with the Whest in terms of low end dynamic output and the upper end is far smoother with a substantial advantage in sound stage and 3D imaging. The mid range in the Whest is also excellent; so in essence, it has it all. In addition, the Whest has a very pronounced superior level of detail. I am very anxious to try out some new low capacitance phono cables shortly just to hear what that does.
As far as noise goes, the Whest is extremely quiet, I don't even know if it is on when I switch over to the phono input on the system. The Gold Note was not nearly as quiet. But you pay for all of this as the Whest is almost 3 times the price point; but in my eyes well worth the cost.