Gold Note PA-10 EVO Stereo Power Amplifier, Black

The Gold Note PA-10 EVO is a compact, fully balanced power amplifier with 2× 140 W that can be switched to 280 W in mono mode and comes with a selectable damping factor.

At 20 cm wide and 3 kg, it fits on any shelf and looks as if it belongs exactly there. It connects either unbalanced via RCA or balanced via XLR and, like all Gold Note units, is made in Italy. In black, the brushed aluminium blends in discreetly next to the other units of the 10 series.

Why the PA-10 EVO?

Because it turns Gold Note's compact 10 format into a full-fledged system. Behind the HP-10 headphone amplifier, the desktop hub becomes a speaker system. And next to the IS-10 streaming integrated amplifier, you get a mono pairing in which each unit handles one channel.

According to Gold Note, the 140 W per channel are available into 8 Ω as well as 4 Ω, and the damping factor can be switched between 250 and 25. This lets the amplifier adjust its grip to the connected speakers – tight for bookshelf speakers with strong bass, looser for sensitive designs.

What you hear

A bigger stage than the chassis suggests. The PA-10 EVO plays controlled and clean, with a frequency response from 5 Hz to 50 kHz and 0.01 % distortion. At idle it draws less than 6 W, in standby under 1 W – pleasant for a unit that likes to stay connected to the mains.

Who is the PA-10 EVO for?

For compact systems with bookshelf or mid-sized floorstanding speakers, for desktop setups and as an upgrade for the HP-10 or IS-10. Bottom line: the PA-10 EVO has no volume control. It always needs a preamp, a headphone amplifier with variable output or a DAC with volume control in front of it. For very large rooms and power-hungry speakers, the bigger PA-1175 MKII is the better choice.

Our verdict

Small, powerful, flexible – and with its damping factor switch, cleverer than many bigger power amplifiers. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is happy to put together the right 10-series system for you.

Technical data

• Type: stereo power amplifier, fully balanced, stereo/mono switchable
• Finish: Black, brushed anodised aluminium
• Power stereo: 2× 140 W into 8 Ω and 4 Ω (THD 1 %)
• Power mono: 1× 280 W into 8 Ω and 4 Ω (THD 1 %)
• Inputs: 1× RCA (stereo), 1× XLR (stereo); sensitivity 2.5 Vrms; input impedance 3.6 kΩ (RCA), 7.2 kΩ (XLR)
• Outputs: speaker terminals
• Damping factor: switchable, high (250) or low (25)
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz (–3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.01 % (1 kHz @ 1 W)
• Power consumption: standby < 1 W, idle < 6 W
• Power supply: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 3 kg

Frequently asked questions

How much power does the Gold Note PA-10 EVO have?

In stereo mode the PA-10 EVO delivers 2× 140 W, in mono mode 280 W, according to Gold Note into 8 Ω and 4 Ω alike. That's easily enough for bookshelf speakers and many floorstanding speakers in living rooms. For very large rooms, two units can be run as monoblocks.

Does the PA-10 EVO pair with the Gold Note HP-10 or IS-10?

Yes, that's exactly what it was built for. Behind an HP-10 with its volume-controlled line outputs, you get a compact speaker system. With the IS-10 streaming integrated amplifier, it forms a mono pairing with up to 280 W per channel. All units share the same chassis format and stack neatly.

Do I need a preamplifier for the PA-10 EVO?

Yes. The PA-10 EVO has no volume control. It needs a preamplifier, a headphone amplifier with variable output such as the HP-10, or a DAC with volume control in front of it. It connects via RCA or balanced via XLR. Without a preamp, the source would play at full level.

Why buy the Gold Note PA-10 EVO at HD Zürisee?

Because we think of the compact Gold Note system as a whole. We advise you whether the PA-10 EVO or a bigger power amplifier suits your speakers, combine it with preamp and source, and set everything up at your place. Write to us or give us a call – we look forward to your project.

Goes well with

In front of the PA-10 EVO fits a unit from our headphone amplifiers with preamp output or from our preamplifiers. Add compact bookshelf speakers, good XLR cables and sources from our streamers category.