Gold Note PH-10 User manual

Italian Music Experience
OWNER’S MANUAL
PH-10
THE MOST INNOVATIVE PHONO PREAMPLIFIER

1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel.
Please record the model and serial number and retain them for your records.
Serial Number:
Model:
Do not disassemble any part of the product.
Do not use any part of the product for other purposes.
For service and problems of any kind, contact qualied Gold Note personnel.
Protect the product from rain and humidity and keep away from heat sources, electric and electronic motors etc.
The power Chord supplied must be used only on this unit.
Gold Note does not have responsibility for any improper use of this unit.
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

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
1Read these instructions and store them.
2Heed all warnings.
3Follow the instructions.
4Do not use this apparatus near water.
5Clean only with a dry cloth.
6Do not block the ventilation openings and install in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
7Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves or other apparatus (including ampliers) that
produce heat.
8Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or
grounding-type plug: a polarised plug has two 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 t into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
9Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
10 Only use attachments/accessories specied by the
manufacturer.
11 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specied 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.
12 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
13 Refer all servicing to qualied 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.

3
DESCRIPTION & SPECIFICATIONS
THE MOST INNOVATIVE PHONO STAGE
Engineered to allow ultra precise adjustments and
let you enjoy the best out of your system and with
two separate RCA inputs you will be able to connect
independently two different tonearms and tune it to
match each cartridge specs.
Once the tonearm is connected, PH-10 can be
adjusted with 4 different GAIN levels [-3dB, 0dB,
+3dB, 6dB]to match precisely the output level of
any MM or MC cartridge the perfect setup is
guaranteed with 9 different load options: 10Ω,
22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22KΩ,
47KΩ
6 EQ CURVES TO CHOOSE
Select between 3 equalisation curves and
experience outstanding performances.
You will nally be able to switch from the
internationally recognised RIAA curve, to the DECCA-
LONDON or the AMERICAN-COLUMBIA curve, always
graphically shown on the front display.
And there's more, because you will also be able to
“enhance” each curve with a modern Gold Note
proprietary design for superior dynamic and
powerful results.
AUDIOPHILE WITH STYLE
Built from a solid block of machined aluminium and
designed to elegantly cool the sophisticated
electronics.
TWO SEPARATE TONEARMS
With two separate RCA inputs you can connect two
different tonearms and adjust settings
independently for each single cartridge.
SELECTING THE GAINS
PH-10 offers 4 different selectable GAIN levels -3dB,
0dB, +3dB, 6dB to precisely match any kind of
output level for MM and MC cartridges.
9 INTERNAL L OAD OPTIONS
Perfect matching is easy and quick to achieve with 9
different load options: 10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω,
220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22KΩ, 47KΩ.
3 EQUALISATION CURVES TO ENHANCE
Select the record modulation between the
internationally recognised RIAA, DECCA-LONDON or
AMERICAN-COLUMBIA curves and then “enhance” it
with our cutting-edge proprietary technology to
achieve the best vinyl experience.
TFT DISPL AY & SKC [SINGLE KNOB CONTROL]
SKC is a unique technology that paired with TFT
display allows quick control of the unit's functions
through the single knob.
The display shows every information and lets you
select and modify the settings.

4
DESCRIPTION & SPECIFICATIONS
MAIN DETAILS
Phono Preamplier with SKC and TFT colour display
Equalisation Curve control: 3 selectable curves
[RIAA - Decca-London - American-Columbia +
enhanced]
Subsonic lter: 10Hz/36dB octave
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz @ +/- 0.3dB
[Enhanced: 20Hz – 50KHz @ +/- 0.3dB]
THD ( Total Harmonic Distortion): <0.05% MAX
Signal to noise ratio: -89dB
Dynamic response: 105dB
Output impedance: 50Ω
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Dimensions: 200mm L | 80mm H | 260mm D
Weight: 4Kg
FINISHES
Brushed anodised Aluminium available in Black, Silver or Gold
AUDIO INPUTS
RCA: 2 separate independent inputs
Input sensitivity: 0.1mV MC up to 7.0mV MM
Input impedance: 9 options [10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω,
100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22KΩ, 47KΩ]
Gain: 65dB MC and 45dB MM with 4 options
[-3dB 0dB +3dB +6dB]
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Line output level (xed): stereo RCA @ 2V and
balanced XLR @ 4 V
POWER
Main supply: 100V to 245V ~ 50/60Hz
Power consumption: 30W Super Linear supply
Standby consumption: < 0,5W

5
FRONT & REAR PANELS
XLR BALANCED OUT
PSU IN
(PSU-10)
GN PORT
MASTER
SWITCH
PHONO IN 1
& GND 1
LEFT
(
TOP
)
RIGHT
(
BOTTOM
)
PHONO IN 2
& GND 2
LEFT
(
TOP
)
RIGHT
(
BOTTOM
)
RCA UNBALANCED
OUT
LEFT
(
TOP
)
RIGHT
(
BOTTOM
)
AC POWER PLUG
POWER CORD
USB PORT & RESET
GOLD NOTE SERVICE
SINGLE KNOB CONTROL
[SKC]
DISPLAY
STATUS LED
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
REAR PANEL OVERVIEW

6
QUICK START
TURNING ON & OFF PH-10 (STANDBY)
SELECTING FUNCTIONS AND CHANGING VALUES
On PH-10 every function is selected and adjusted from the front panel using the SKC Knob and the display. Browsing the menu is quick
and easy and allows instant changes on the go while the music is playing.
Every adjustment will affect the device and the playback soon as it is applied and in real time within a couple of seconds (PH-10 will mute
the playback while applying the adjustment).
The SKC Knob can be rotated [to browse the menu and adjust values] and pressed [to select a function and conrm the adjustment].
To select a function, simply rotate the SKC Knob clockwise or anticlockwise: the display will show the SELECTION FRAME: as you rotate the
SKC Knob you will see the SELECTION FRAME browsing the functions on the menu and now you can place the SELECTION FRAME on the
function you want to adjust.
Use the MASTER SWITCH on the rear panel to power PH-10: the
STATUS LED will turn ON to indicate that PH-10 is in Standby.
Press the SKC KNOB for 3 seconds to turn ON or OFF
(standby mode) the PH-10.
Press once the SKC Knob to select the function - the
SELECTION FRAME will turn RED - and now rotate the SKC
Knob to set the desired value.
Press the SKC Knob once again to apply the adjustment -
the SELECTION FRAME will turn back to WHITE.

7
FUNCTIONS & DISPLAY
Load 47kΩ
100Hz 1kHz 10kHz
IN 1
Gain +3db
RIAA
MM
GN
Disp.
TYPE SELECTION
MM
MC
GAIN SELECTION
LOAD SELECTION
-3 dB
0 dB
+3 dB
+6 dB
10Ω 22Ω 47Ω 100Ω 220Ω
470Ω 1KΩ 22KΩ 47KΩ
DISP (DISPLAY OFF)
turns the display OFF, the display will turn ON again
for a few seconds when using the SKC KNOB
EXT (EXTERNAL)
external power supply
PSU-10 connected
INPUT SELECTION
IN 1
IN 2
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 COLUMBIA-CBS
AMERICAN.
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.
Selecting the curves is simple and intuitive using the SKC Knob design, making PH-10
a great tool to discover again your records.
DISPLAY OVERVIEW

8
WARRANTY & SERVICE
WARRANTY
To validate the warranty is necessary to register the unit on the Gold Note internet web site within 15 days from the purchase on the
appropriate area of the web site:
www.goldnote.it/warranty
If the unit is not registered correctly or has been purchased from a different country of the purchaser home address the unit will not be
covered by any warranty and the registration will be refused.
The warranty does not does not cover in any case: Tubes, Phono Cartridge Styli and Batteries.
SERVICE
Every GOLD NOTE® product is the result of meticulous technological research, and consequently their correct functioning is guaranteed.
In spite of this it is possible that problems may emerge which non-specialist users cannot resolve.
In this case, contact your dealer to be advised on how the fault can be solved.
Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the national distributor or without being authorised to do so.
In such cases both GOLD NOTE® and the distribution agents operating within your territory decline responsibility of any kind.
For more information please visit www.goldnote.it/service
PLEASE NOTE
Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary at any time and without notice.

9
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Matching the cartridge with PH-10.
Buzzing noise coming from the
loudspeakers.
PH-10 is not working.
The MC cartridges need specic
impedance values.
The MM cartridges need a 47KΩ
load.
The phono stage is very sensitive to
the surrounding environment.
The power cord is not plugged in.
The ground connector is not
plugged in correctly.
The interconnect cables are not
connected to the tonearm.
The interconnect inputs are not
plugged in.
The IEC fuse is blown.
The listening volume is very high
while no music is playing.
The tonearm and the cartridge are not
installed properly.
The interconnect cables used on the
input/output are not shielded.
Refer to the manufacturer's specications to set up
MC cartridges.
MM cartridges do not require any adjustment.
The PH-10 has a xed capacitance of 330pF.
Try different placements of the phono stage and
ensure that the environment is not affected by
RFI/EMI.
Always use only shielded cables.
Connect the power cord properly and ensure the
power outlet is working.
Try to plug and unplug the ground connectors to
nd the best solution for your specic audio
system.
Ensure that the interconnect the cables are properly
plugged in.
Always connect the interconnect input to test how
the phono stage performs.
Replace it with one of the same value.
High performance phono stages will produce a
buzzing noise when the volume is high. It's normal
when no music is playing and with MC gain
selection.
Check the installation and the tonearm.
Always use only shielded cables.
TROUBLESHOOTING

10
NOTES

Italian Music Experience
www.goldnote.it