I highly recommend the Gold Note PH-10. Very versatile in loading/gain options all with ease on the front panel to zero in your desired sound preference. Dead quiet, warm & detailed.
Works great with my 2170.
Works great with my 2170.
Ugraditus is calling....again. Phono stage?
There is likely nothing wrong at all with present phono stage but you know how it is.
Present analog front end consists of.
Nottingham Analog Spacedeck with Spacearm.
Shelter 501 mk3 cartridge with maybe 250 hours on it, regularly treated with Lyra.
Dynavector P75 mk3 phono stage.
Feeds into Lyngdorf 2170 via Nordost Red Dawn RCA cables.
My thoughts were that possibly the Dynavector is the weakest link and would pay most dividend on an upgrade but.....
What do I perceive I am lacking right now?
Really hard to say as this is highest quality analog front end ever owned.
Possibly lacking a little in sheer scale and dynamics? Bass is very very good, instruments are well separated and defined.
Just as an overall presentation I feel it lacks that final wow factor as a whole.
Not sure if that makes any sense?
Please comment honestly especially if you feel it is another area that may reap larger benefits. Or if should just leave well alone....lol.
Oh btw I am fairly sure it is setup correctly in regards to vta etc, at least to the best of my abilities right now. And yes setting it up correctly from initial purchase did make considerable gains in sq.
Present analog front end consists of.
Nottingham Analog Spacedeck with Spacearm.
Shelter 501 mk3 cartridge with maybe 250 hours on it, regularly treated with Lyra.
Dynavector P75 mk3 phono stage.
Feeds into Lyngdorf 2170 via Nordost Red Dawn RCA cables.
My thoughts were that possibly the Dynavector is the weakest link and would pay most dividend on an upgrade but.....
What do I perceive I am lacking right now?
Really hard to say as this is highest quality analog front end ever owned.
Possibly lacking a little in sheer scale and dynamics? Bass is very very good, instruments are well separated and defined.
Just as an overall presentation I feel it lacks that final wow factor as a whole.
Not sure if that makes any sense?
Please comment honestly especially if you feel it is another area that may reap larger benefits. Or if should just leave well alone....lol.
Oh btw I am fairly sure it is setup correctly in regards to vta etc, at least to the best of my abilities right now. And yes setting it up correctly from initial purchase did make considerable gains in sq.
Showing 46 responses by robelvick
uberwaltz All I could find from the manual: GOLD NOTE PH-10 "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] Signal to noise ratio: -102dB Dynamic response: 122dB Output impedance: 500Ω Phase response: linear phase, absolute phase inverted " That is probably what you’ve already read though.. |
Another option that I considered when I was using my first 2170 but never tried... Using a phono preamp that has a built-in ADC like the PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter or the McIntosh MP100. Instead of having the Lyngdorf doing the ADC from it's own analog inputs, you would run digital out of the two phono amps mentioned above, using their ADCs that are meant solely for a phono analog signal straight into the Lyngdorf's optical/coax inputs, which sound best in my experience. I have previously used the PS Audio NuWave for about six months, and used it's analog out most of the time which I thought was phenomenal, but was also impressed using it's coax and I2s output into a Wyred4Sound DAC2se. Just food for thought...or at least an experiment. |
Uberwaltz, I purchased mine from canuckaudio mart. I really wanted one in red, and found a lightly used unit there. Try out https://www.toskaaudio.com/ out of Illinois. They have them listed her on Agon too. |
Uberwaltz, Congratulations! What color did you go with? My PH-10 had approx 10hrs of use when purchased, and it sounded great right off the bat. Once I hit the 30hr mark it really started to shine. No changes I could hear after that, now at approx 200hrs. Quick break in time, if you believe in that sort of thing... |
Good to know. Approx 72% of the cost of the PH-10 seems a little steep for a power supply, but I'll most likely get it anyways. Ha. I did replace the stock fuse and power cable on my PH-10, with Syner. Blue and AQ NRg 4. That was a pretty decent improvement, considering it sounded great out of the box. Looking forward to your thoughts when your PH-10 arrives. Best, Robert |
Uberwaltz, It is definitely a looker for sure! My MC cart is .47mv so I use -3db for gain, 220 loading, and RIAA Enhanced curve. Cartridge dependant, personal preference of course. Have fun! Give it at least 20 hours of play, and I would leave it on throughout the weekend, before any critical listening. Mine hit it's peak at approx 30hrs, give or take. |
Uberwaltz, About a week ago I installed the back-up to my back-up cart, an Ortofon 2M Bronze -- I fricken love it! I probably only have 50 hours tops on it, but the sound is so lush, detailed, & inviting! Dead quiet too. It’s staying on for the time being.. For reference, my main cart is a Sound Smith modded Ortofon Kontrapunkt B (Boron Cant, Ruby Fine Line) and the back-up is a Clearaudio Maestro V2. These are fantastic as well, but different sound signatures. I’m always fidgeting with my system, but I love to have choices. When my mood changes, the cart changes. Have you thought about trying a couple out, that are less expensive? You may be surprised how many great options there are without emptying your pocket. I really love Ortofon as you can tell, and I’ve had two Clearaudio MM, the other being a Virtuoso, very nice sound. I’ve had both Dynavector 10x5 and 20x2h. Equally impressive. |
Uberwaltz, Just wanted to give you a quick update: The Lyngdorf is gone, and now I'm using a MicroMega M100. No more A/D conversion for my analog device, which is of course the PH-10. I had a minor WOW moment right off the bat playing vinyl. I always had concerns playing records through the 2170, even though this last time with the 2170 was very, very good. But...now without any digital in the path, and switching from Class D to A/B in the amp, I've hit the sweet spot with the PH-10. Everything sounds so alive and exciting. I've tried to find the input specs for the M100's line/balanced inputs to see if they're a better match with the PH-10, but nothing yet.. I almost thought about selling the PH-10 too, because the M100 has it's own phono stage, but a quick A/B test, made the PH-10 the clear winner. This preamp still amazes me. |
PH-10 owners: Do you ever turn your PH-10 off? I don't think I've turned mine off for at least three weeks, even though there has been a day or two during that span that I did not use it. Definitely sounds better after it's been on a few hours, but I'm curious if any of you believe it's good to give it a rest every now and again? I do usually have the display turned off, as I do with all my components. The PH-10's screen does get quite bright, and I feel I'm at the least saving some power, but can say there's any SQ improvement with it on or off. I look forward to reading your opinions. Robert |
Uberwaltz, I have tried singled ended with both the 2170 & Micromega, but prefer balanced outs feeding both. The S/N ratio on the Micromega’s balanced inputs are about +3db quieter than the singled ended inputs, and the extra gain using balanced outputs allows me to set the PH-10 at -3db gain which has a much quieter noise floor. Using singled ended outputs, I have to set the PH-10 to 0db or +3db to get the same dynamics, but can’t stand the extra noise that goes with it. The balanced combo has sounded the best everytime, no matter which cart I’m using. |
Uber, Just got a slight itch to try something new with the PH-10 - A tube buffer. I know there is a GoldNote tube buffer supposed to be released, who knows when? along with the PSU, but in the meantime I just grabbed an iFi iTube2 from Amazon. Very excited to try this reasonably inexpensive addition. Whether or not it integrates with the rest of my system, we'll have to see. But, if it does...I can't think of a single other "tube" phono stage with the flexibility of the PH-10. I should have it in two days, and will report back. https://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-itube2/ |
Well.. This little gadget is very cool. On my 3rd record so far. I haven't played around with all the settings which include: -3 types of tube sound signatures: classic tube, set, and push-pull -3 sound stage signatures: normal, enhanced, and 30* enhanced -3 Bass signatures: none, +6db, and +12b I've been using classic tube, enhanced soundstage, and no bass boost. There is no loss in detail, but much better warmth, air, and soundstage. I guess this thing does exactly what its supposed to do. Build quality is excellent, and placement is easy since it's so small. I've used iFi products before, but placement was always a PITA, because the inputs & outputs were on opposite sides of the unit. Not the case here. More listening to do, but I'm very happy with my initial impressions, and highly recommend the iTube2. So much fun, for so little $$$ Now I wish I could try it with a 2170 - Room Perfect and tube goodness. Might be a very cool match. |
@rsf507 Should start shipping the first week of June. On another note, as is very common (stupid, crazy?) with me, I am switching up my system again, and moving on to another phono preamp. Listed the PH10 yesterday. We'll see what comes up next, and I'll probably start by looking at the start of this thread more closely to see what else was initially recommended for starters. so it goes.. |
@rsf507 $2000 used/new. I've heard the following: Pro-Ject Tube Box S, iFi iPhono2, Parasound JC3 Jr, PS Audio NuWave Phono, GN PH10 - for stand alone units. Used the built in phono stages in the following: Emotiva TA-100, Marantz PM6006, Parasound Halo Int, Mytek Brookly DAC+, and Micromega M100. The top 4 best sounding to me, in order: PH10, NuWave Phono, Mytek, and Micromega. The difference between the PH10 & Micromega isn't much, and hence another reason I've parted ways (maybe temporarily with the PH10). I have ordered another PS Audio unit, but I plan on using that as more of a utility device - to archive, use ADC, and as a phono stage. I feel I might have to wait until my budget can increase to really step it up. I'm in no hurry though. |
Short list: EAR 834P deluxe Lehmann Silver Cube Manley Chinook Parasound JC3+ Rega Aria All but the Rega, I would need to purchase used, but I see them listed pretty often. I really enjoyed the PH10 used with the iFi iTube2, but that was make-shift (half-assed), so that's why i've included a few true tube preamps on the list. Of course, I'm going to be using the PS Audio NuWave shortly, and I'm curious to see how it integrates with my new system. It's been almost a year, and two systems later, since the first time I owned one. I remember loving it, so we'll see.. |
Uber, Still undecided on the iFi. I'm using it with my CD player right now, and like what i'm hearing. I find that I'm listening to albums that are easily accessible through Tidal, but now with a "tube" sound and it's a blast. That being said, if I return it, that's an extra $399 towards a new phono preamp. |
amgradmd, Thanks for the update. Makes me wish I would've held out a little longer so I could have tried the PSU-10. I also did test the NPC and PH-10 side by side, and in my system, the PS Audio outperformed the PH10 with just about everything I threw at it. I don't use the ADC, just the phono stage. Just my opinion of course, and my choice of music. I'm sure the PH10 and PSU-10 combo sounds fantastic though, as I did love the PH10 when I was using it. You can find the NPC used for under $700 now, and in my case it was a no-brainer since I was trying to fund other items. |
@rsf507 amgradmd (above) is the only one who has given any thought about the PSU, at least on this forum. He had good results. Uberwaltz - I think the whole idea of the PSU is to not to have to use the internal power supply in the PH10, have all those duties in a separate unit. I don't doubt using the Equicore is an improvement, but i'm sure the PH10 could get even better with the PSU too. |
A member I know got a great deal on a lightly used ph10 and psu10 together. They had owned just the ph10 previously so had some baseline to compare. Their thoughts were it helped a little but might not be worth an $1100 purchase as an upgrade. Hey, I think that's me!! I bought my PH-10 and PSU from Canada. Corby's audio?, or something like that. When I did the quick A/B with and without the PSU, I had about 75 hours on both units. There was a difference, but it was not huge. However, this was about a month ago, and have since put at least another 50 hours on them. I did test it again this past weekend, but only to test noise: PH-10 setting was for MC, and without playing anything, I would turn the volume up on my PS Audio preamp, gradually until I was able to hear any audible hiss from my speakers at my listening position (7 feet away). PS Audio preamp (0 -100 volume is displayed) it took to 48 to hear hiss with the PSU, and only 31 without the PSU. Nothing extraordinary technical about this test, but found it very interesting nonetheless. |