Gold Note PH-10 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
PH-IO
THE MOST INNOVATIVE PHONO PRE-AMPLIFIER

OWNER’S MANUAL page 1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel.
Please record the model and serial numbee and retain them for
your records.
Serial Number: Model:
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE
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 qualified 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

OWNER’S MANUAL page 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
1Read these instructions.
2Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near to any water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
8Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or ground-
ing-type plug. A polarized 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 provid-
ed for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufac-
turer.
12 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.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply 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, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on
the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a
book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the
AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON
position.
• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC
outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord plug at any
time.
• The main plug is used as the disconnect device, the discon-
nect device shall remain readily operable.
• If the product uses batteries (including a battery pack or
installed batteries), they should not be exposed to sunshine, fire
or excessive heat.
• Caution should be taken when using earphones or head-
phones with the product because excessive sound pressure
(volume) from earphones or head- phones can cause hearing
loss.

OWNER’S MANUAL page 3
INTRODUCTION & SPECIFICATIONS
THE MOST INNOVATIVE PHONO PRE-AMPLIFIER AVAIL-
ABLE TODAY
THE NEW PH-10 ISN'T ANY ORDINARY PHONO PRE-AMPLIFIER
AND YOU CAN TELL
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 precise-
ly 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, 47K
Ω -
INTRODUCING A NEW, AMAZING FEATURE
select between 3 equalization curves and experience outstand-
ing performances
You will finally be able to switch from the internationally recog-
nized RIAA curve, to the DECCA-LONDON or the AMERICAN-CO-
LUMBIA 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
PH-10 shows every detail on its 2,8” colour display and every-
thing is powered by Gold Note proprietary SKC - Single Knob
Control technology – an intuitive control system developed to
easily browse and select all the unit's functions
PH-10 comes with a USB port to quickly update the unit via
computer anytime new software is available
The unit can be externally powered by a dedicated inductive
dual-mono power supply to enhance even more the audio
performance
Advanced Features
ITALIAN DESIGN & QUALITY MATERIALS
TWO SEPARATE TONEARMS
With two separate RCA inputs you can connect two different
tonearms and adjust settings independently for each single
cartridge
SELECT THE GAIN STAGE
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 LOAD OPTIONS
Perfect matching is easy and quick to achieve with 9 different
load options 10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω,
22KΩ, 47KΩ
3 EQUALIZATION CURVES TO ENHANCE
Select the record modulation between the internationally recog-
nized RIAA, DECCA-LONDON or AMERICAN-COLUMBIA curves,
and then “enhance” it with our cutting-edge proprietary
technology to achieve the best vinyl experience
TFT DISPLAY & 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 rapidly select
and modify the settings
MODULAR DESIGN
Gold Note modular design allows upgrades with external units,
including: External Inductive Power Supply, Curve Equalizer
Extender unit, Class-A Tube Output Stage and Gain Stage
Enhancer
ELEGANTLY FUNCTIONAL
Made of solid aluminium and fully machined, the shell body
guarantees low frequency resonance, feedback vibrational
control and low magnetic inertial field

OWNER’S MANUAL page 4
TECHNICAL INFO AND OPTION
Main Details
Phono Pre-amplifier with SKC and TFT colour display
Equalization Curve control: 3 selectable curves [RIAA -
Decca-London - American-Columbia] with enhanced option
for each
Frequency response: 2Hz – 200KHz @ +/- 0.3dB
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): <0.002% MAX
Signal to noise ratio: -102dB
Dynamic response: 122dB
Output impedance: 500Ω
Phase response: linear phase, absolute phase inverted
Weight: 4Kg
Dimensions: 220mm L | 80mm H | 260mm D
Power
Main supply: 100V to 245V ~ 50/60Hz (depending on
market destination, not convertible)
Power consumption: 30W super linear power supply
Audio Outputs
Line output level (fixed): stereo RCA @ 2Volt and balanced
XLR @ 4Volt
Audio Inputs
Analogue inputs: 2 separate independent stereo RCA
Input sensitivity: 0.1mV MC up to 7.0mV MM
Input impedance: 9 selectable options [10Ω 22Ω 47Ω
100Ω 220Ω 470Ω 1000Ω 22KΩ 47KΩ ]
Gain: 65dB MC - 45dB MM with 4 options [-3dB 0dB +3dB
+6dB]
Upgrades
External Class-A tube output stage
Dual-Mono External Inductive Power
Curve Equalizer Extender unit
Class-A Tube Output Stage
Gain Stage Enhancer
External AC filter: Gold Note Lucca AC distributor
Gold Note Lucca Power Cord
FINISHES
Front Panel & Case
brushed anodized aluminium available in Black | Silver |
Gold | Red

OWNER’S MANUAL page 5
PREAMP FRONT PANEL
Multi Funcion Knob
OLED Dysplay

OTHER CONNECTION:
- Expansion Send/Return
- service only
POWER:
- Master Switch
- PSU IN
- AC Input
ANALOGUE AUDIO OUT
- XLR Balanced Left-Right
Analogue Audio OUT
- RCA Unbalanced Left-Right
Analogue Audio OUT
PHONO IN:
- MM & MC Phono IN 1 Left-Right
- Phono IN 1 GND
- MM & MC Phono IN 2 Left-Right
- Phono IN 2 GND
OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
PREAMP REAR PANEL
OWNER’S MANUAL page 6
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
4
2
3
8
4
9
5
6
71 10
11

OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
FUNCTIONALITY EXAMPLE
OWNER’S MANUAL page 7
Step 1 - Select a function:
To select a function, turn the knob left or right until
the desired funtion is highlighted in white
(see fig. 1).
Step 2 - Modify a function:
To modify a function, press the knob once and the
active selection will become highlighted in red
(see fig. 2).
To set a value, turn the knob left or right until the
desired value is shown and press again the knob to
confirm it.
Now the new value is stored in the device and you
can proceed to select another function.
NOTICE:
Every change will affect the device - and the sound
system - only after the choice is applied (that
happens after the second push on the knob as the
highlight turns white again).
PUSH
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
Enhanced
Load 48kΩ
100Hz 1kHz 10kHz
GN
IN 1
Gain +3db
RIAA
MM
Disp.
Enhanced
Load 48kΩ
100Hz 1kHz 10kHz
GN
IN 1
Gain +3db
RIAA
MM
Disp.
Turning PH-10 On/Off:
to turn on/off the device, press the knob for 3
seconds.
3 Sec. LONG
PUSH

OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
DISPLAY FUNCTION VALUE
OWNER’S MANUAL page 8
Enhanced
Load 48kΩ
100Hz 1kHz 10kHz
GN
IN 1
Gain +3db
RIAA
MM
Disp.
IN 1
IN 2
MM
MC
RIAA
RIAA Enhanced
DECCA
DECCA Enhanced
COLUMBIA
COLUMBIA ENHANCED
-3 dB
0 dB
+3 dB
+6 dB
480Ω
220Ω
1kΩ
480kΩ
220kΩ
100kΩ
48kΩ
22kΩ
10kΩ
Display OFF
(any activity of the knob
turn ON the display)
External Audio funcion
Expansion connected
External PSU
Connected
Considerazioni sulle varie RIAA... o boh...

OWNER’S MANUAL page 9
WARRANTIES
WARRANTIES REGISTRATION
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: http://www.goldnote.it/
If the unit is not registered correctly or is been purchased from a different coun-
try of the purchaser origin/home the unit will not be covered by any warranty
and the eventual registration refused.
The warranty does not does not cover in any case: Tubes, Phono Car-
tridge Styli and Batteries.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
All GOLD NOTE® products are 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 who will advise you on how to resolve the prob-
lem.
Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the national distributor or
without being authorized to do so. In such cases both GOLD NOTE® and the
distribution agents operating within your territory decline responsibility of any
kind.
Please Note: Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary in any
moment without notice.

FAQ
ACTION DESCRIPTION HOW TO ADJUST IT
MATCHING THE CARTRIDGE
IMPEDANCE
CLEANING THE PHONO STAGE
The MC cartridges may need a
specific impedance adjustement.
The MM cartridges do not need
any impedance adjustement.
The Phono Stage is dirty and
needs to be cleaned
When selecting the MM option, the correct
47Kohm impedance is automatically loaded.
The MC low impedance cartridge matching may
need RCA plugs shorted with specific resistors
to plug into the LOAD inputs.
The GN Phono Stage has a wide variable
acceptance accept normally all cartridges from
10ohm to over. Lower inputs may need differ-
ent matching impedance if the cartridge
manufacturer requires it.
With EXTREME care use ONLY pure alcohol
and a very soft 100% cotton cloth to sweep
dust and stains out.
Any acid or not extremely soft cloth will
irreversibly damage the Phono Stage fine
aesthetic.
Do not use any alcohol to clean the Phono
Stage anodised label, or printed parts. Only
dry cloth is allowed
OWNER’S MANUAL page 10
FAQ
For spare parts visit the official Gold Note store at:
http://www.akamaiaudio.it/

SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION CAUSE REMEDY
SPEAKER HUMMING
PROBLEMS
PHONO STAGE (THE)
DOES NOT WORK WHEN
THE PHONO STAGE IS
SWITCHED ON
The Phono Stage is very SENSITIVE
to house environment positions.
The Ground connector is not
plugged.
The Phono stage Input Interconnect
are not plugged.
The listening volume is very high.
The tone arm and cartridge are not
properly installed
The interconnect input and/or
output cables are not shielded.
The AC Phono Stage plug is
disconnected from the AC wall plug
The interconnect cables are not
properly connected to the Phono
Stage.
The fuse is blown
The speakers hum
when the Phono
Stage is connected
to the system
Be sure the position chosen is compati-
ble with the Phono Stage.
Try to plug or to unplug the ground
connector always finding the best solution
of your audio system. The Electrical loops
created by the ground connection needs
to be tried.
The “open” input of the Phono Stage may
strongly hum. Always connect the Input
Interconnect to test the Phono Stage.
Any phono stage designed to achieve
good sonic performances hums a bit when
the volume of the amplifier is high. That
is normal and strongly noticeable espe-
cially without music and with MC gain unit
selection.
Install them well. Eventually a tone arm
cable problem can occur; please check
other ways out
Be sure to always use shielded cables for
Phono Stage connections.
Connect it being sure that the AC wall plug
works
Connect them properly
Be sure you selected the right Input of the
amplifier
Substitute the fuse with one of the same value
For spare parts visit the official Gold Note store at:
http://www.akamaiaudio.it/
OWNER’S MANUAL page 11
TROBLESHOTING

OWNER’S MANUAL page 12
USER NOTE

OWNER’S MANUAL page 13
USER NOTE

OWNER’S MANUAL page 14
USER NOTE

Via della Gora, 6
Montespertoli (Florence) Italy 50025
Tel. + 39 0571 675005
Fax. + 39 0571 675013
www.goldnote.it