The Gold Note PH-10 phono preamplifier is one of the Italian manufacturer’s flagship products. It has most certainly played a role in the brand’s reputation in the audiophile world.
GOLD NOTE PH-10: FRONT AND BACK PANEL
This phono preamplifier is characterised by different aspects specific to it.
First off, it is shaped like a “shoe box” (semi-chassis). The entire housing is made of very high-quality brushed aluminium. It comes in three finishes: black, silver and gold.
The front panel features a unique and magnificent colour display associated with a control knob. The display indicates the selected input, the type of cartridge (MM or MC), gain, load and the RIAA curve. Two other elements show the brightness adjustment and if the optional Gold Note PSU-10 external power supply is connected or not.
The rear panel provides two separate RCA inputs. There is an RCA output as well as a balanced XLR output. There’s also the multipin socket for the power supply in option, the IEC socket and a Micro USB for the firmware update.
GOLD NOTE PH-10: SETTINGS
The PH-10 from Gold Note is a truly versatile phono preamp providing all the functionalities that can be expected from a high-end phono stage.
The adjustment of MM and MC gain (45 dB/65 dB with -3 dB/6 dB) and load (10, 22, 47, 100, 220, 470, 1k, 22k et 47 kΩ) allows combination with a large number of high and low output cartridges.
The PH-10 lets you select the most appropriate equalisation curve for every vinyl record: RIAA, DECCA LONDON or AMERICAN COLUMBIA. The curve appears clearly in the shape of a graphic on the large colour display. Each curve can be “enhanced” with our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Cutting Lathe for superior high frequency dynamics and musicality.
You should know that 95% of records are based on the RIAA curve. The other curves are for specific vinyl discs which are mainly from before 1958 (introduction of the stereo record). However, it’s true that some labels (very few) used the Decca and American Colombia curves until the late sixties. It is often indicated on the LP’s sleeve.
GOLD NOTE PH-10: COMBINATIONS
The two separate RCA inputs thus allow to connect two tonearms or turntables with two completely different phono cartridges. Each one of these settings is stored into memory even when the unit is switched off.
To maximize the performance of the PH-10, Gold Note also developed the PSU-10, a dedicated external super inductive power supply that allows the PH-10 to achieve its fullest potential. This allows to reach an even higher degree of musical realism, better dynamics, and greater three-dimensionality sound.
GOLD NOTE PH-10: TESTING AND LISTENING
From the first few measures, the Gold Note PH-10 offers a very detailed sound reproduction with a beautiful and slightly “warm” timbre. This timbre quality makes the sound very realistic.
High frequencies are a little more dark and a little less bright than with the Aurorasound Vida Prima phono preamplifier. But, as a result, there’s no screeching nor auditory fatigue.
The width of the soundstage is the main asset of the PH-10. It is stable and very precise, while offering a nice definition and remarkable presence. Consequently, you can easily visualise and place the instruments and the musicians in space.
Dynamics are impressive! The PH-10 provides outstanding swing no matter the music style. We also notice that the Gold Note PH-10 is very quiet, so the micro details are not drowned by the noise. It’s very evident with voice reverberations or at the end of piano notes.
To sum up, the Gold Note PH-10 phono preamplifier is not the most neutral or surgical of phono stages. But alongside the Vida Prima, it’s most certainly one of the best preamps below 1,500 euros.
In addition to its musicality, the Gold Note PH-10 offers completely unique connection and adjustment possibilities in the range! The manufacturing quality is worth mentioning as well.
Would recommend +++
AWARDS:
Hifi Pig - Outstanding product - 2017
Positive Feedback - 2017
The Audiophile Man 8/10 - 2018
Stereoplay - Goldenes Ohr - 2019
TheEar.net - Best Buy - 2019
Hi-Fi+ - Editor's Choice - 2020
FranckCompatibility: MM and MC
Inputs: 2 x RCA
Outputs: 2 x RCA and 2 x balanced XLR
MM gain: 45 dB (-3 dB/6 dB)
MC gain: 65 dB (-3 dB/6 dB)
Input impedance: 10, 22, 47, 100, 220, 470 , 1k, 22k et 47 kΩ
Capacitance: 220 pF
Equalisation curves: RIAA, DECCA LONDON and AMERICAN COLUMBIA
Option: Gold Note PSU-10 power supply
Dimensions: 29 x 18 x 39 cm
Weight: 3 kg
Customer reviews
REDÉCOUVERTE DE VINYLS
Cherchant un vrai préampli phono en mesure de réveiller la musicalité de ma (vieille) platine (Thorens Centenial TD166 MKIII associée aux Audio Research Reference II + Ampli Conrad Johnson Evolution) j'ai opté sur les conseils très avisés et directs de Franck pour ce très beau modèle de chez Gold Note. C'est un argument que l'on entend souvent mais il est vrai : je re-découvre ou plutôt je découvre des subtilités en nombre qui étaient cachés dans les microsillons de mes vinyls... Merci !
Christophe
Super préampli !!! merci franck pour tes conseils
excellent
ce préampli phono est parfait pour moi.
Gold Note PH-10
Après les conseils avisé de Franck suite a une pré sélection de ma part j ai choisis le phono Gold Note PH-10 et son alimentation séparée ainsi qu une excellente cellule Ortofon cadenza blue .
Mon cahier des charge exigeait 2 entrées platine ainsi que 2 sorties séparées (cinch et xlr) .
Les possibilités d adaptation en terme de gain de sortie , de charge et de courbe d égalisation (3 plus 3 options )sont indispensable pour une compatibilité avec un grand nombre de disques notamment ceux au master perfectible . C en est même surprenant de redécouvrir certains disques a l égalisation loupé sans usé d égaliseur externe et ses inconvenants .
La qualité du son est impressionnante sur toute la bande passante passante et également en terme de rapport signal sur bruit .
L utilisation est intuitive.
Merci a Ma platine , Franck et aussi Valentin pour son intervention .