Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: Gold Note

Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage

High-Fidelity Phono Stage with Custom EQ Curves

$1,999.00; $1,999.00
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Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage

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Unveiling the Elegance of Sound: Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage

In the world of vinyl playback, the quest for pristine sound is an endless journey. Dreamedia introduces a masterpiece that harmonizes the delicate dance of analog signals with modern sophistication—the Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage. An embodiment of Italian craftsmanship, this phono preamplifier is a statement piece for audiophiles who demand nothing but the purest sound from their vinyl collection.

Exquisite Design & Build Quality

The Gold Note PH-10 is a marvel of engineering, boasting a half-width design that makes a significant visual statement without overwhelming your space. With color options in Silver, Gold, and Black, it presents a palette to match your personal style and home décor. The diagonal vents, not only serve an aesthetic purpose but ensure that your PH-10 remains cool during its sonic performances.

Crafted from a single piece of aluminum, the chassis of the PH-10 exudes a sense of unity and strength. The front panel, a generous 1/4 inch thick, solidifies the PH-10's presence, while the floating circuit board design within the chassis is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that Gold Note is renowned for.

Advanced Features and Functions

The PH-10 is not just about looks; it's a powerhouse of functionality:

EQ Curves: Tailor your listening experience with RIAA, DECCA-LONDON, and AMERICAN-CBS-COLUMBIA EQ curves. Each curve is enhanced, providing versatility to match the original sound quality of any record.
Impedance Loading Settings: With nine options ranging from 10Ω to 47KΩ, the PH-10 adapts effortlessly to any cartridge, ensuring optimal performance.
Gain Settings: Four levels of gain adjustment allow precise control over the output volume, catering to your listening environment and preferences.
Display & Control: A 2.8-inch color TFT display coupled with the Single-Knob Control (SKC) system offers an intuitive interface that's a joy to use.
Firmware Updates: The mini-USB port ensures your PH-10 is future-proof, allowing for easy updates.

Connectivity and Control at Your Fingertips

The PH-10 understands that connectivity is key:

Inputs: Two sets of unbalanced RCA inputs provide flexibility for multiple turntables or tonearm setups.
Outputs: Balanced XLRs and unbalanced RCAs ensure compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers and systems.
Power Supply: The PSU-10 power supply connector promises a clean and stable power supply for uninterrupted audio bliss.

A Performance That Speaks Volumes

At the heart of the PH-10 lies its performance:

Frequency Response: Enjoy a full spectrum of sound with a 20Hz–20KHz frequency response.
THD: With less than 0.05% THD MAX, the PH-10 delivers crystal-clear audio.
Signal to Noise Ratio: A -89dB signal-to-noise ratio means a background as silent as a whisper.
Dynamic Range: The 105dB dynamic range ensures that from the softest pianissimo to the most thunderous fortissimo, every detail is captured.

Tailored Listening Experience

Subsonic Filter: The onboard 10Hz 36dB/octave subsonic filter eliminates low-frequency rumbles, preserving the integrity of your music.
Memory Function: The PH-10 remembers your settings, so your perfect sound is always one button away.
Cartridge Compatibility: Whether you prefer Gold Note, Rega, Grado, or others, the PH-10 is ready to bring out the best in any cartridge.

The Heart of Your Vinyl System

The Gold Note PH-10 is more than just a phono stage; it's the heart of your vinyl playback system. It sets the stage for a musical experience that is as personal as it is powerful. With its user-friendly control interface and balanced outputs, setting up the PH-10 is a breeze, ensuring that you spend less time tweaking and more time enjoying your music.

Pros That Make a Difference

The PH-10 brings a host of advantages that elevate your listening experience:

A versatile feature set that caters to audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts alike.
The innovative 2.8" color TFT display and SKC interface offer a modern touch to the classic vinyl experience.
Multiple input configurations and loading options provide unparalleled flexibility.
Balanced outputs maintain signal integrity for the purest sound.
The subsonic filter ensures a cleaner listening experience devoid of unwanted artifacts.
A neutral soundstage that presents music with detail and transparency.
A selection of EQ curves to match the original sound quality of various LPs.

In Summary

The Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage is a testament to the beauty of sound and design. With its extensive feature set and user-friendly interface, it stands as an indispensable component in the pursuit of audio perfection. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or new to the world of vinyl, the PH-10 is designed to delight with every note.

At Dreamedia, we understand the passion for high-fidelity audio. We're here to help design and integrate the PH-10 into your home theater system, ensuring a seamless and enchanting musical journey. Elevate your vinyl experience with the Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage, priced at $1599, and immerse yourself in the elegance of sound that is both timeless and contemporary.

Our Review

Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage Review

I. Introduction

The Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage emerges as an intriguing addition to the high-fidelity audio enthusiast's arsenal. As the vinyl renaissance continues, the significance of a dedicated phono stage cannot be overstated—this unit is the critical intermediary that amplifies the delicate signal from a turntable's cartridge to line-level, allowing an amplifier to do its job effectively. The PH-10 promises to elevate this amplification process, enhancing audio quality through meticulous engineering and thoughtful design.

II. Design and Build Quality

With dimensions of 8.7" x 3.1" x 10.2" and weighing in at 6.6 lbs., the PH-10 boasts a compact and solid build. It's available in fetching color options of Black, Silver, and Gold, ensuring it can fit aesthetically into a variety of setups. The unit feels premium, with materials and construction that reflect its price point. The 2.8" color TFT display is a standout feature, marrying form with function, providing users with clear information and a touch of modernity amidst the traditional vinyl listening experience.

III. Features and Functionality

The PH-10's features are comprehensive, starting with two phono inputs that can be configured for either MM or MC cartridges, covering a broad range of compatible models from Gold Note to Ortofon. The adjustable gain and impedance loading settings are a vinyl purist's dream, allowing for fine-tuning that can accommodate personal preferences and nuanced record characteristics.

The inclusion of a subsonic filter, adjustable EQ curves, and memory function for settings storage show Gold Note's commitment to a customizable listening experience. The USB port for firmware updates ensures the unit stays current, potentially enhancing its longevity and performance over time.

IV. Setup and Usability

Setting up the PH-10 is straightforward, making it accessible even to those new to the vinyl scene. The SKC interface—combined with the vibrant TFT display—provides a user-friendly experience, simplifying the configuration process. The memory function demonstrates its utility by recalling personalized settings, reducing the need for constant adjustment.

V. Audio Performance

The PH-10 delivers on its promise of a neutral soundstage with detailed and transparent performance. The frequency response is faithful across the spectrum, and the signal integrity is maintained via its balanced outputs. While the dynamic range is impressive, there is a noted confinement of the soundstage between speakers and a slight lack of depth in the lower bass frequencies, which may not satisfy those seeking a more expansive or powerful sonic signature.

VI. Pros and Cons

The PH-10's extensive feature set provides tangible benefits to the listener, with the innovative display and interface enhancing the overall user experience. The versatility in connectivity and the clean sound delivered by the onboard subsonic filter are commendable.

However, there are areas where the PH-10 might leave some users wanting more. The soundstage, while accurate, doesn't always deliver the expansiveness found in some competitor models. Additionally, the EQ curves and firmware updates have raised some concerns regarding their implementation, and the absence of a built-in mono function could be seen as a missed opportunity.

VII. Comparison to Competitors

When evaluating the price-to-performance ratio, the PH-10 holds its ground. It offers unique features such as the color display and a wide range of EQ curves. While its sound quality is generally excellent, discerning ears may find certain high-end competitors offer a fuller soundstage and bass representation.

VIII. Upgradability and Additional Accessories

For those looking to enhance their PH-10 experience, the option to upgrade with a Class-A tube output stage is enticing, promising a warmer, more organic sound. The PSU-10 external power supply compatibility also suggests a pathway to improved audio fidelity and reduced electrical interference.

IX. Final Thoughts

The Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage stands out as a formidable contender in the market, with strengths that lie in its feature set, user interface, and sound clarity. While it may exhibit some limitations in soundstage breadth and bass weight, these should be weighed against the overall neutral and transparent audio performance. Potential buyers with a penchant for customization and modern flair will likely find the PH-10 a worthy investment, though those seeking the ultimate in sonic expansion may explore additional options. In the landscape of high-quality phono stages, the Gold Note PH-10 offers a compelling balance of features, performance, and style.

Specifications

Design

Component Size: Half-width
Color Options: Silver, Gold, Black
Ventilation: Diagonal vents
Chassis Material: Single-piece aluminum
Front Panel Thickness: 1/4 inch
Circuit Board Design: Floating within chassis

Features and Functions

EQ Curves: RIAA, DECCA-LONDON, AMERICAN-CBS-COLUMBIA
Enhanced Mode: Available for each EQ curve
Impedance Loading Settings: 9 options (10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22KΩ, 47KΩ)
Gain Settings: 4 levels (-3dB, 0dB, +3dB, +6dB)
Display: 2.8 inch color TFT
Control: Single-Knob Control (SKC) system
Firmware: Update capability via mini-USB port
Micro-controller: Separate from audio signal path