Gold Note PH-10 Phono Preamplifier, Gold

The Gold Note PH-10 is a fully analog phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges – the unit that amplifies and correctly equalizes the delicate signal from your turntable before it reaches the amplifier.

It comes from Gold Note's Series 10 and was built to the same standard as its bigger siblings – just considerably more affordable. Here in the elegant gold finish, with Gold Note's signature look.

Why the PH-10?

Because it lets you adjust things that elsewhere require the manual and a flashlight. Where competitors in this class work with tiny DIP switches on the back of the unit, on the PH-10 you control everything comfortably via a single dial – Gold Note's “Single Knob Control” – and a colour display: cartridge type (MM/MC), gain, load resistance and the equalization curve. Two separate RCA inputs mean you can connect two turntables or tonearms at the same time and set each one individually. The settings stay saved even when the unit is switched off.

What you hear

The PH-10 works fully analog in the signal path; the digital control only serves the display and doesn't interfere with the music. The result is a low-noise, natural and dynamic sound that gives your cartridge room to breathe. Three selectable equalization curves – RIAA, Decca London and American Columbia, each with an “Enhanced” option – cleanly bring out even older or unusual pressings.

Who it's for

For anyone who takes vinyl seriously but doesn't have the budget for a flagship phono stage – and who appreciates the flexibility of using MM and MC, two turntables and different curves. Bottom line: if you run just a single MM cartridge and listen to plain RIAA-standard records, you can be perfectly happy with a simpler phono stage. The PH-10's strength lies in its versatility.

What do the three equalization curves do?

Not every record follows the RIAA standard – older Decca and Columbia pressings in particular were cut differently. With the matching curves you hear them the way they were meant to sound. For modern records you simply stay on RIAA.

Our verdict

The PH-10 is one of the most versatile phono preamplifiers in its price class and a genuine piece of Gold Note engineering at a sensible price. Anyone who wants more later can upgrade with the external PSU-10 power supply. Come by in Wädenswil and bring your cartridge along – we'll set up the PH-10 correctly on site.

Technical data

• Type: fully analog phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges
• Inputs: 2× RCA, each independently adjustable and stored
• Outputs: RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced)
• Equalization curves: RIAA, Decca London, American Columbia – each with “Enhanced” option
• Gain: 45 dB (MM) to 65 dB (MC), 4 steps (0 dB, ±3 dB, +6 dB)
• Load resistance: 9 steps (10 / 22 / 47 / 100 / 220 / 470 / 1000 Ω, 22 kΩ, 47 kΩ)
• Subsonic filter: 10 Hz / 36 dB per octave
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.002%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 102 dB
• Dynamic range: 122 dB
• Output impedance: 500 Ω
• Control: Single Knob Control (SKC) with 2.8-inch colour display, firmware update via USB
• Upgradeable: external PSU-10 power supply (also compatible with PSU-5)
• Finish: Gold

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the PH-10 and the PH-1000?

The PH-1000 is Gold Note's flagship with over 40 EQ curves, three inputs including XLR and a Class-A headphone output. The PH-10 offers the three most important curves, two inputs and the same thoughtful ease of use – at a fraction of the price. For the vast majority of vinyl collections, it's exactly right.

Can I connect two turntables at the same time?

Yes. Via the two separate RCA inputs you connect two turntables or tonearms and set each input individually to its cartridge. The settings stay saved.

Why buy the Gold Note PH-10 at HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage only sounds good when it's matched to the cartridge. We set up the PH-10 correctly for you, advise you on the right chain, and are there for you in Wädenswil – even after the purchase. From CHF 190 we ship free of charge throughout Switzerland.

Goes well with: turntables, cartridges and tonearms.