Gold Note PH-5.2 Phono Preamplifier, Black

The Gold Note PH-5.2 is a compact phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges that is set up via a colour touchscreen and offers a balanced XLR output alongside RCA. Gold Note sees it not as an update but as a complete redesign of the PH-5 – with ideas taken from the larger PH-10 and PH-1000. The black chassis in sandblasted, anodised aluminium is just 20 cm wide and will still find space next to a compact amplifier.

Why the PH-5.2?

Because it offers unusually wide adjustment for its price class: nine load settings from 10 Ω to 47 kΩ, 40 dB (MM) or 60 dB (MC) gain with four fine steps, and three equalisation curves – RIAA, Decca London and American Columbia, each with an “Enhanced” option. Two memory slots for MM and MC store your settings, so you don’t start from scratch after swapping cartridges. And because everything can be changed on the touchscreen while the record is playing, you hear immediately what a change does.

What you hear

A clean, calm sound with 89 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a frequency response that extends to 50 kHz in Enhanced mode. The signal path is built with discrete components and high-quality relays, and the 10 Hz infrasonic filter keeps rumble and the pumping of warped records away from your loudspeakers – your woofers will thank you. If you want more later, you can upgrade the PH-5.2 with the external inductive PSX-5.2 power supply.

Who is the PH-5.2 for?

For anyone who has been running their turntable on the amplifier’s built-in phono input and is looking for the next audible step – and for newcomers with a good MC cartridge. The XLR output is handy if your amplifier has balanced inputs. Straight talk: the PH-5.2 has exactly one phono input. If you want to connect two turntables at the same time, a larger phono stage such as the PH-10 will serve you better.

Our verdict

The PH-5.2 brings Gold Note know-how into a chassis hardly bigger than a thick book, and you can operate it without learning the manual by heart. For under a thousand francs, this is a very grown-up phono stage. We’re happy to clarify with you whether it suits your cartridge – you can reach our team in Wädenswil on +41 44 680 22 00, via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 or at shop@hdzuerisee.ch. HD Zürisee will advise you even if you’re not yet sure where your analogue journey is heading.

Technical specifications

• Type: phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges
• Phono input: 1× RCA (MM/MC)
• Input sensitivity: 0.1 mV (MC) to 10 mV (MM)
• Gain: 40 dB (MM) / 60 dB (MC), 4 steps (0, +3, ±6 dB)
• Load impedance: 9 settings (10, 22, 47, 100, 220, 470 Ω, 1 kΩ, 22 kΩ, 47 kΩ)
• Capacitance (MM): 220 pF
• Equalisation: RIAA, Decca London, American Columbia, each with Enhanced option
• Infrasonic filter: 10 Hz, 36 dB/octave
• Outputs: 1× RCA (unbalanced), 1× XLR (balanced)
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB), Enhanced 20 Hz – 50 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.05 % (1 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 89 dB
• Dynamic range: 105 dB
• Operation: colour touchscreen, 2 memory slots (MM/MC)
• Upgradeable: external PSX-5.2 power supply
• Power consumption: 10 W, standby < 0.5 W
• Mains voltage: 100–120 V or 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 × 80 × 260 mm
• Weight: 1.2 kg
• Finish: black (sandblasted, anodised aluminium)

Frequently asked questions

Does the PH-5.2 work with MC cartridges?

Yes. The PH-5.2 amplifies MC cartridges by 60 dB and offers seven low-impedance load settings between 10 Ω and 1 kΩ, plus 22 kΩ and 47 kΩ for MM. This lets you match most MC cartridges correctly. With extremely low-output cartridges below 0.2 mV, it’s worth taking a quick look at the data sheet first.

What does the Enhanced option on the EQ curves mean?

Enhanced is an additional variant of each of the three equalisation curves. On the PH-5.2 it extends the linear frequency response from 20 kHz to 50 kHz, each with a ±0.3 dB tolerance. Sonically it often sounds a little more open and airy. The easiest way to find out whether you like it with your records is to switch over while listening.

Can I connect two turntables to the PH-5.2?

No, the PH-5.2 has a single phono input in RCA format. The two memory slots for MM and MC help when you swap cartridges or headshells, but they don’t replace a second input. For two turntables in parallel, a phono stage with several inputs is the right choice, for example the Gold Note PH-10.

Do I need an additional power supply for the PH-5.2?

No, the PH-5.2 has a built-in power supply and plays without any accessories. As a later upgrade, Gold Note offers the external inductive PSX-5.2 power supply, which is designed to calm the power supply further. So you can start small and expand later once the analogue bug has really bitten.

Why buy the Gold Note PH-5.2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage has to be set up correctly to show its potential. We help you match gain, load and curve to your cartridge, advise you on turntable and cabling, and our technician is there for you after the purchase too. From CHF 190, we deliver free of shipping costs.

Goes well with

The PH-5.2 needs a source: take a look at our turntables and cartridges. For the connection there are phono cables, and if you still need an amplifier, you’ll find one among our integrated amplifiers.