Gold Note PH-10
Analogue phono preamplifier by Gold Note, with selectable equalisation curves and loading and gain settings adjustable via colour display.
Description
The PH-10 is a phono preamplifier designed by Gold Note to amplify and equalise the signal from a cartridge before it enters an amplifier or preamplifier chain. It stands out for its fully analogue design and for the possibility of choosing the equalisation curve suited to each record, displayed on a colour screen on the front panel.
The unit offers three equalisation curves, RIAA, Decca London and American Columbia, selectable directly from the single SKC (Single Knob Control) dial, which also allows real-time adjustment of loading and gain whilst listening. The input loading can be set to nine values, from 10 Ω to 47 kΩ, with capacitance fixed at 220 pF, allowing precise matching of the preamp to different types of MM and MC cartridges. Gain, adjustable from 40 dB (MM) to 65 dB (MC) across four levels, completes this adaptability. A switchable subsonic filter at 10 Hz (36 dB/octave) limits unwanted low frequencies caused by record warp or tonearm resonance. In terms of performance, the PH-10 offers total harmonic distortion below 0.05%, a signal-to-noise ratio of 89 dB and a dynamic headroom of 105 dB, for clean reproduction and good dynamic reserve. It features two stereo RCA inputs, one stereo RCA output and one balanced stereo XLR output.
This preamplifier is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts owning several cartridges or turntables with differing characteristics, or wishing to explore historical equalisation curves beyond the RIAA standard. Its versatile settings and balanced output make it a sound choice for a demanding separates-based system.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| THD | < 0.05% max. |
| Signal to noise ratio | 89 dB |
| Dynamic headroom | 105 dB |
| Subsonic filter | 10 Hz / 36 dB octave |
| Loading setting | 10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22KΩ, 47KΩ |
| Capacitance setting | 220 pF |
| Gain setting | 40 dB MM to 65 dB MC with 4 levels |
| Line input level | 2 Vrms (standard) up to 2.5 Vrms (max) |
| Inputs | 2 x stereo RCA inputs |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 80 x 200 x 260 mm |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
What to check before buying used
With this type of phono preamplifier, it is worth checking that the SKC control dial functions correctly and that the colour display is legible, as these govern all curve, loading and gain settings. Checking the RCA inputs and outputs as well as the XLR output helps confirm the absence of crackling or loose connections. It is also useful to test the various loading and gain positions to confirm that each level is correctly reproduced.
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