Some additional info for you to think about... The AT Pro has Standard and Pro Modes. These two modes work differently to allow novice detectorists some room to learn and grow. The Standard mode is similar to the Ace series of detectors. It gives a loud signal regardless of target depth. The Pro mode (Proportional audio, not “Professional”) gives a proportional audio response of the target size and depth, much like your White’s. The deeper the target is, the fainter the signal will be. Now, under the two modes, you have 3 different discrimination settings, Custom, Coins and Zero. The Custom allows you to custom notch discriminate out certain signals like foil and at the end of the day you turn off the detector, those settings are saved for your next adventure. The Coins setting is pre-programmed to notch out iron and other trash, leaving the coin range for cherry picking. The Zero setting is no discrimination at start-up. You can notch discriminate out however you please, but when you turn off the detector, you lose your discrimination settings; this also goes for the Coin discrimination program as well.
The AT Gold does not have the Standard and Pro modes. The Gold is a proportional audio detector with the threshold. It does not have notch discrimination either; you are stuck with what Garrett gives you. Of course, it gives you a relic setting (Disc 1) and a coin setting (Disc 2) plus a true All-metal mode that should give you additional depth.
Both detectors allow for automatic and manual ground balancing but the AT Gold also has a ground balance window for additional flexibility.
No detector is going to be absolutely perfect... It’s a decision you have to make. If it were I and I lived where you do, and knowing my preference of hunting is relics and homesteads, I’d go for the GOLD. The 5x8 coil will work really well in iron infested old home sites and the true all metal mode will give you the depth you need and the iron audio will be valuable as well.
