Gold Note PH-10 The PH-10 is Gold Note's statement phono preamplifier — a fully analogue design built to extract the maximum from any cartridge and any record in your collection. Where most phono stages ask you to accept a fixed set of compromises, the PH-10 is engineered around the premise that no two cartridges, no two tonearms, and no two pressings are quite alike. The result is a unit of extraordinary flexibility, matched by the sonic resolution to make that flexibility matter. Single Knob Control and Display Adjusting a phono stage mid-session typically means interrupting playback, reaching behind the unit, or consulting a manual. Gold Note's Single Knob Control (SKC) changes that entirely. Combined with a colour display, it puts every adjustment — gain, loading, EQ curve — under a single intuitive control without stopping the music. It is the kind of considered ergonomic design that reveals how seriously Gold Note take the listening session itself, not just the specifications on paper. EQ Curve Selection Most phono stages apply RIAA equalisation and nothing else. The PH-10 goes considerably further. Three equalisation curves are selectable — RIAA, Decca London, and American Columbia — each available in both standard and Enhanced modes. The Enhanced function draws on Gold Note's proprietary technology, itself inspired by the Neumann cutting lathe, and extends frequency response to 20Hz–50kHz at ±0.3dB, compared to 20Hz–20kHz in standard mode. For collectors of pre-1960s pressings, this is not a novelty feature. It is the difference between hearing a record as it was cut and hearing a RIAA approximation of it. Loading, Gain, and Dual Inputs Nine input impedance options cover the full range from 10Ω to 47kΩ, accommodating everything from the most demanding low-output moving coil to a high-impedance moving magnet. Four gain settings span 45dB to 65dB with intermediate adjustments of ±3dB and +6dB. Input sensitivity runs from 0.1mV MC to 10.0mV MM. Two independent stereo RCA inputs allow two separate tonearms to be connected simultaneously, each with its own independently saved settings — stored in memory even when the unit is switched off. Capacitance loading for MM cartridges is fixed at 220pF. Outputs and Signal Architecture The PH-10 provides both an unbalanced RCA output and a balanced XLR output, with the XLR delivering an additional +12dB. Output impedance is 50Ω. The infrasonic filter operates at 10Hz at 36dB per octave, keeping low-frequency noise — whether from warps, footfalls, or air conditioning — out of the signal entirely. Signal-to-noise ratio is 89dB; dynamic response reaches 105dB. PSU-10 and PSU-5 Upgrades The PH-10 runs from its internal power supply as standard, drawing 10W from a 100–120V or 220–240V supply. For those who want to go further, Gold Note offer two optional external power supplies. The PSU-10 is a dedicated linear supply with an inductive dual-choke filter — designed specifically for the PH-10 and described by Gold Note as the best way to realise the unit's full potential. The PSU-5 is a compatible alternative derived from the PSU-10, developed originally for the PH-5. Available Finishes The PH-10 is available in Black, Silver, or Gold brushed aluminium, each finished to the standard you would expect from a Florentine manufacturer who treats casework as part of the product, not an afterthought. Technical Specifications Parameter Value Analogue Inputs 2× independent stereo RCA (MM/MC) Input Sensitivity 0.1mV (MC) to 10.0mV (MM) Input Impedance 9 options: 10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22kΩ, 47kΩ Gain 45dB (MM) to 65dB (MC); 4 options: 0dB, ±3dB, +6dB Capacitance (MM only) 220pF Audio Outputs 1× unbalanced RCA; 1× balanced XLR (+12dB) Output Impedance 50Ω EQ Curves RIAA, Decca London, American Columbia (each with Enhanced mode) Infrasonic Filter 10Hz / 36dB per octave Frequency Response 20Hz–20kHz ±0.3dB (standard); 20Hz–50kHz ±0.3dB (Enhanced) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 89dB Dynamic Response 105dB Power Supply 100–120V or 220–240V, 50/60Hz Power Consumption 10W Fuse 0.5A F/T Dimensions (net) 200W × 80H × 260D mm Dimensions (boxed) 290W × 180H × 390D mm Finishes Black, Silver, or Gold brushed aluminium Who Is It For? Buying from Martins Hi-Fi Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. You can hear the PH-10 at our Norwich showroom, where we can demonstrate it with a range of cartridges and tonearms so you can judge the difference the loading and EQ options make in practice. When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris, and the rest of the team — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system. Contact us at [email protected], call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.
