Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage – Affordable High-end

It is the third phono preamplifier that Akamai s.r.l. now presents with the new Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage under the Gold Note brand. The new solution joins the range of the Italian high-end hi-fi manufacturer, which so far includes the Gold Note PH-1000 Phono Stage and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage. What is interesting here is that the new Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage was developed on the basis of its bigger sister, the Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage.

Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage – Made to rediscover vinyl

Once again, the new Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage sets the bar very high, according to the manufacturer’s promise, because this new phono preamplifier was developed with the intention of rediscovering vinyl. One promises thus a solution, which can also meet high expectations.

For this purpose, the basis of the circuit technology of the Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage has been used, but it has been further developed.

Suitable for MM and MC cartridges

It should be explicitly mentioned that this is a phono preamplifier that can be used for both MM and MC cartridges.

For this purpose, an input in the form of a pair of RCA jacks is available, signals are also initially output via a pair of RCA jacks unbalanced, but also via a pair of XLR connectors balanced if required.

Flexibly adjustable

In order to always achieve optimal signal processing with a wide variety of pickup systems, the new Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage allows for particularly versatile adjustment.

For example, the input impedance can be set in nine steps, between 10, 22, 47, 100, 220, 470 ohms or 1, 22 and 47 kOhms. Likewise, the gain factor can be adjusted between 34 and 66 dB in eight steps.

The new Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage also offers three equalization curves, namely RIAA, Decca London as well as American Columbia, in order to also be able to make an optimal adjustment to the different records. By the way, all three options are supplemented by a so-called Enhanced mode.

The new Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage offers a generously dimensioned, graphics-capable touchscreen color display on the front so that the adjustment is also very convenient and simple.

High-quality components for clean signal processing

The manufacturer explicitly emphasizes that the new Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage relies solely on high-quality, selected components and that the circuitry has been designed in Class A to be extremely low-noise.

Integrated power supply with upgrade option

The Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage relies on an integrated power supply, but also offers the option to take over this task by an external solution. The rear panel provides a PSU connector for this purpose.

The new Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage measures only 200 mm in width, 80 mm in height, and 280 mm in depth, but still weighs around 1.2 kg. This is of course also due to the solid aluminum housing, which presents itself here, however, only in black anodizing, the usual Gold Note gold finish is not offered.

Prices and availability

The new phono preamplifier Gold Note PH-5 Phono Stage is to be found immediately in specialized trade. The manufacturer gives a recommended retail price of € 890,- for this.

Getting to the point

It is already the third phono preamplifier, which offers the Italian High-end HiFi smithy Akamai s.r.l. under the mark gold note. Although it ranks below the previously available Gold Note PH-1000 Phono Stage and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage models, it is supposed to be characterized by flexibility, impeccable signal processing, and last but not least, particularly easy operation. Gold Note speaks here of an analog heart with digital interface and a high-end solution, which is offered at an attractive price.