GOLD NOTE PH-10 Phono Preamplifier User Manual

GOLD NOTE PH-10 Phono Preamplifier

Thank you for purchasing one of our units and welcome into the Gold Note world, where we turn High-End audio and music into a new experience.
Maurizio Aterini, founder of Gold Note

IMPORTANT SAFTEY INFORMATION

PLEASE NOTE

1. Do not disassemble any part of the product.
2. Do not use any part of the product for other purposes.
3. For service and problems of any kind, contact qualified Gold Note personnel.
4. Protect the product from rain, humidity and keep away from heat sources, electric and electronic motors etc. The power cord supplied must be used only on this unit.
5. Gold Note does not have responsibility for any improper use of this unit.

GENERIC INFORMATION

• Read these instructions and store them.

• Heed all warnings.

• Follow the instructions.

• Do not use this apparatus near water.

• Clean only with a dry cloth.

• Do not block the ventilation openings and install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding-type plug: a polarised plug hastwo blades with one wider than the other.

• A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or  the third prong are provided for your safety.
  If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

• Only use attachments/accessories specified  by the manufacturer.

• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
  When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way (such as when the power cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture) and in any case when the apparatus does not operate normally or has been dropped.

This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel. Please record the model and serial number and retain them for your records.

CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user- serviceable parts inside. Refer only to qualified Gold Note service personnel for service.

WARNING!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

GOLD NOTE – Information on the correct management of waste from household Equipment pursuant to the European Directive 2012/19/EU
The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol shown on the equipment or its packaging indicates that the product, at the end of its useful life, must be collected separately from other waste to allow its proper treatment and recycling.

The user must therefore deliver, free of charge, the end-of-life equipment to the centres for the separate collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment, or return it to the dealer in accordance with the procedures established by the legislation.

The appropriate separate collection of discarded equipment allows for proper recycling, treatment and environmentally compatible disposal, helping to avoid the possible dispersion of hazardous substances and negative effects on the environment and health, favouring the reuse and/or recycling of the materials of which the equipment is composed of. Illegal dumping of the product by the user involves the application of administrative sanction provided for by the legislation in force. We invite you consult the current legislation and the measures adopted by the public service operating in your country or territory.

PACKAGE CONTENT

• PH-10
• POWER CABLE X 1
• USER MANUAL X 1

INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES

THE EXTRAORDINARY PHONO STAGE
The PH-10 is one of the most complete and flexible phono stages available today, offering a wide selection of adjustments and functions. The two separate inputs allow you to connect up to two different cartridges, either MM or MC, and completely customise the settings for each. Combining usability and versatility, the PH-10 is easy to match to your system thanks to four GAIN levels, 9 LOAD options, and 6 EQ Curves.

ANALOGUE DESIGN
All the functionalities of the PH-10 are managed through discrete audio-grade components and sealed single switches, always shortening the signal path to deliver superior audio quality and extract even the finest details from the vinyl record.

DIGITAL INTERFACE
The proprietary SKC technology allows you to easily and quickly control all the functions using the colour display and the SKC (single knob control). You can browse the menu and change gain, load, EQ Curves, MM/MC, and all the other options in real-time while playing your music.

6 EQ CURVES
The PH-10 offers 3 of the most popular equalisation curves: RIAA, DECCA LONDON, and AMERICAN COLUMBIA. Each can be “Enhanced” using our proprietary technology inspired by the Neumann Cutting Lathe to extend the frequency response up to 50kHz, which in some systems can improve even further the stage, dynamics and resolution.

TWO INDEPENDENT INPUTS
With two separate RCA inputs, you can connect up to 2 different cartridges at the same time, both MM and MC. You can also quickly adjust the settings for each input – the PH-10 will save the settings in its memory making it easy to switch between them.

PERFECT CARTRIDGE MATCHING
The PH-10 can be perfectly matched with any cartridge and any amplifier. The GAIN goes from -3dB to +6bB [-3dB, 0dB, +3dB, +6bB] and there are 9 LOAD options [10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22kΩ, 47kΩ].

EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY
The PH-10 features an internal power supply specifically designed for its circuitry, delivering optimal power without producing interferences in the ultra-sensitive amplification. If you want more, you can enhance the performance of your PH- 10 beyond any limits with the dedicated external power supply PSU-10, achieving outstanding sound and realism.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MAIN FEATURES

• Phono Preamplifier with SKC and TFT colour display

• EQ:
  3 curves (RIAA, Decca London, American Columbia) with Enhanced option

• Subsonic filter:
  10Hz/36dB octave

• Frequency response:
  20Hz – 20kHz ± 0.3dB
  Enhanced 20Hz – 50kHz ± 0.3dB

• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion):
  <0.05% @ 1kHz

• Signal to noise ratio:
  89dB

• Dynamic response:
  105dB

ANALOGUE INPUTS

• MM/MC two independent stereo RCA

• Input sensitivity:
  0.1mV MC up to 10.0mV MM

• Input impedance:
  9 options [10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22kΩ, 47kΩ]

• Gain:
  MM= 45dB
  MC= 65dB
  with 4 options [0dB, ± 3dB, + 6dB]

• MM capacitance:
  220pf

AUDIO OUTPUTS

• Line Outputs level (fixed):
  Unbalanced RCA @ 2V and balanced XLR @ 4V

• Output Impedance:
  50Ω

POWER

• Power supply: 100-120V/220-240V with auto sense, 50/60Hz
•  Power consumption:  25W
• Dynamic power:  >50W
• Standby power:  <1W
• Fuse  0,5A T

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

• Dimensions:
  200W | 80H | 260D mm
  290W | 180H | 390D mm – boxed

• Weight:
  Kg. 3
  Kg. 4 – boxed

FRONT PANEL

FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW

The front panel of the PH-10 has been designed for ease of use and everyday reliability. Everything revolves around the interface which leverages two key elements – the large display and the SKC (Single Knob Control). These provide you with intuitive controls so that you can check the PH-10 settings at glance and adjust parameters quickly using the knob.

1. LED status light
2. Display
3. SKC (Single Knob Control)

LED status light:  Blue = ON/standby

REAR PANEL

REAR PANEL OVERVIEW
The PH-10 features high-quality connectors to provide maximum versatility. The PSU IN input is dedicated to the external power supply PSU-10 to enhance even further the performance of your PH-10.

  LINE INPUT

1. RCA 1 Phono and GND 1 (GND signal ground)

2. RCA 2 Phono and GND 2 (GND signal ground)
   LINE OUTPUT

3. RCA unbalanced

4. XLR balanced
   POWER AND OTHERS

5. PSU-IN (for the external power supply PSU-10)

6. Master Switch ON/OFF

7. AC plug IEC standard

8. USB port (for service only)

QUICK START

ON/OFF

1. Use the Master Switch on the rear panel to power the PH-10. The status led turns blue when the Master Switch is ON.
2.  Press the SKC for 3 seconds to turn ON  or OFF (standby) the PH-10.

HOW TO SELECT FUNCTIONS

1. Press the knob once to activate the SELECTION FRAME.
2.  Turn the SKC left or right to select  the desired function with the white SELECTION FRAME.
3.  Press the SKC once to select the  highlighted function. The SELECTION FRAME turns red.
4.  Turn the SKC left or right to adjust the value. Press the SKC again to confirm and exit the selection. The SELECTION FRAME turns white.

FUNCTIONS AND DISPLAY

DISPLAY OVERVIEW

EQ Curves
Vinyl records were pressed by different labels: each and every one could develop and use a different way to record and print records thus creating different equalisation curves.
Aligning the curves of equalisation of reproduction to match the curves used to produce the record is the best way to extract the correct audio signal from the vinyl.
PH-10 offers a variety of the most commonly used curves, starting with the standard RIAA, followed by the acclaimed original DECCA LONDON and the AMERICAN COLUMBIA.
Every curve is also offered in its ENHANCED version that can result in a crisper, more vivid sound extracted from the vinyl and sometimes useful to achieve even greater dynamic.

FIRMWARE UPDATE

We are constantly striving to deliver the best user experience and audio quality with our products, so please keep your Gold Note unit up to date with the latest firmware.

Scan the QR-Code and visit the dedicated page on our website to find out how to update your unit. www.goldnote.it/downloads

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

PRODUCT REGISTRATION
We recommend to register the unit on our internet website within 15 days from the purchase at www.goldnote.it/product-registration
Registering your product ensures that you will always receive communications about updates, information, and news regarding your product.
Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the distributor without being authorised to do so.

WARRANTY
All Gold Note products come with a warranty against defective materials and workmanship.
Any service and inspection must be carried out by a Gold Note dealer or distributor so in case you need any assistance with this product, please contact the seller.

PLEASE NOTE
Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary at any time and without notice.

WARNING
Gold Note products should only be opened, serviced and inspected by certified Gold Note technicians and dealers. Work performed by unqualified personnel may cause serious damage or personal injury. Opening of the product by non- authorised personnel will void the guarantee.
In this case, contact your dealer to be advised on how the fault can be solved.

TROUBLESHOOTING

CLEANING THE UNIT

With EXTREME care use ONLY water or detergents for delicate surfaces with a very soft cloth to sweep dust and remove stains.
Any acid or not extremely soft cloth will irreversibly damage the unit. Do not use alcohol.

RELATED PRODUCTS

CARTRIDGES

TUSCANY
Our top-of-the-line MC cartridge, the result of over 20 years of experience, boasts an extra-thin Micro Ridge diamond tip and precisely hand-wrapped coils.

MACHIAVELLI MkII
A low output MC cartridge that delivers a fantastic dynamic range and tonal balance, the perfect tool to extract the finest details from your records.

DONATELLO
Lightweight MC phono cartridge with top-of-the-range performance. Features Micro Elliptical diamonds, copper coils and Duraluminium body.

TURNTABLES

GIGLIO
The Italian turntable that features technical solutions coming directly from the flagship Mediterraneo. With a 33mm platter, a highprecision bearing/spindle system, and our proprietary motor powered by a Quadral- Core micro-controller.

PIANOSA
Italian design meets technical innovation and impeccable finishes. Pianosa is a handmade turntable featuring a 23mm platter made of damping polyvinyl and our proprietary motor powered by microcontroller for 33/45rpm.

POWER SUPPLIES

PSU-10
The PSU-10 is the external power supply designed exclusively for the PH-10. Improves the soundstage and the dynamic range, delivering even finer details and realism. Designed and handmade in Firenze, Italy www.goldnote.it
copyright ©2021 Akamai S.r.l. All rights reserved

References

• Home | Gold Note
• Downloads | Gold Note
• Product registration | Gold Note
• Produktregistrierung | goldnote
• Registrazione prodotto | goldnote

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