Mini review of the Gold Note PH-10 phono preamp

I’ve been listening all day

 

Quoting myself as I figured out the issue. I had a ground problem on my table which send static to the unit and it would drop the channel. Which is weird but I fixed the ground and it hasnt happened since.

 

Got the power supply today

 

It’s remarkable the difference the power supply makes

 

Using the American Columbia frequency curve setting on this LP. Quite a difference

 

Ace. How would you describe the difference?

 

It immediately made Burl’s vocals sound more natural and open. I don’t normally notice such things, but the ability to change this on the fly helps. I’ve got a number of old US Columbia pressings that will benefit from this.

 

I've found the Columbia setting to be very beneficial on fifties Columbia Jazz, I'd say that you don't realise there was previously anything was wrong until you hear it sounding right, Brubeck was a revelation.

 

Pull the trigger on PH-10, waiting for it to arrive (will take some time).
I have nothing against my Rogue Audio RP-5, except it is pain to change settings and highest gain is 60db.
And new arm is on it's way, so killing two birds with one stone ))).

 

Could you describe the difference it makes?

 

It may take me a while, but when I get around to it I'll do a proper comparison and switch between the two settings, it's been a while since I played any so no point in commenting, though I did find it a revelation.

 

There was a Columbia setting on the iFi iPhono stage I had, but didn't have any LPs that it was meant for. On normal LPs the Columbia setting did make a difference that I can't really recall, but overall I just thought it was a cool option to have in its proper context. Glad it's working for you.

 

Those curves are messing with the source.

RIAA ... thats all I use

On another topic with my PH-10 it seems I have to knock everything down 3db or there can be distortion. MC, MM, various outputs the 0 is to hot.

 

Can you elaborate please? 3db from what - recomended settings?

 

-3db from O. The goldnote settings is 0 -3db, +3b etc. It doesnt tells you what teh actual level is.

 

But should actual output level depend on cartridge as well?

 

Power supply doesnt make that big a difference. Blind test it.

 

You obviously don’t own any Naim

 

Nope, not a fan. Own lots of good stuff. I can count the number of people who truly hear the detail they think they do on one hand. None are audiophiles but recording engineers. I am the first to tell you, my hearing is degrading with age. Not gifted. I also have the power supply still. So, I own the product I speak of and spend good money on it. Just offering my honest opinion.

 

On a completely different note, I’ve been listening using the RIAA enhanced setting for a couple of weeks. Like It

free photo upload

 

What do you feel changes then?

 

I’m not sure

 

Those are the best improvements )))

 

it raises the high end
I know I have zero LP's utilizing anything but standard RIAA when cut. I have played with the EQ curves too on the GoldNote. There have been times I like the Decca setting as it makes thin albums have more punch to my ears. Again, I do realize though that this is simply an EQ and it changing the source.

 

Finally installed my PH-10. I know it is just a break in period, but I like what I hear a lot. Easily bests the one build in my Rogue Rp-5. Excellent bass extension, better channel separation and as result image. Excellent!
Have not played with curve settings yet.