gold note ph-5.2
gold note ph-5.2
Gold Note Logo

PH-5.2

£999 inc VAT

The PH-5.2 is not a revision of the PH-5 but more a redesign from the ground up. Drawing directly on the engineering principles behind the PH-1000 and PH-10, Gold Note’s newest phono stage delivers the brand’s acclaimed equalisation curve technology, a fully analogue signal path and a refined touchscreen interface, all housed in a new low-interaction aluminium chassis. With MM and MC compatibility, selectable EQ curves including Enhanced variants, and both RCA and XLR outputs, the PH-5.2 offers serious analogue performance at a genuinely accessible price point.

Reference principles, accessible form

Gold Note’s approach to phono stage design has always centred on a single idea: the role of a phono preamplifier is to faithfully reconstruct what was captured in the recording, not to impose a character of its own. The PH-5.2 is the most accessible expression of that philosophy to date.

At its core, the PH-5.2 is built around a fully analogue signal path using discrete audio-grade components, with the circuit layout optimised to minimise distances and reduce potential interference. Settings selected via the touchscreen are applied through high-quality relays rather than digital circuitry, keeping the audio path entirely in the analogue domain. The result is a phono stage that preserves signal integrity from cartridge to output, extracting fine detail without adding noise or coloration.

The new chassis is a key part of the design. Machined from black anodised sandblasted aluminium, it was chosen specifically for its extremely low interaction with magnetic fields. An important consideration when amplifying the tiny signals produced by phono cartridges. The practical benefit is a quieter, more stable electrical and mechanical environment: lower background noise, improved micro-detail retrieval and a more natural overall presentation.

Underpinning the circuit is a new, enhanced power supply engineered to deliver greater stability under real-world listening conditions. A well-controlled power supply allows the amplification stages to operate without stress, maintaining composure through dynamically demanding passages. In practice, this translates to firmer bass control, a cleaner high-frequency range and a more effortless sense of musical flow.

The PH-5.2’s colour touchscreen interface has been redesigned for clarity and speed. The layout is cleaner, navigation is faster and all parameters; load, gain, EQ curve, MM/MC selection, are accessible in real time without interrupting playback. A new dual-cartridge memory function allows the PH-5.2 to store settings for one MM and one MC cartridge simultaneously; switching between them is as simple as selecting MM or MC in the Settings menu. In an analogue system, correct setup is not an afterthought — it is integral to sound quality, and the PH-5.2 makes precise adjustment genuinely straightforward.

The equalisation section is where the PH-5.2 draws most directly on its more expensive siblings. Three selectable curves — RIAA, Decca London and American Columbia — cover the vast majority of vinyl pressings, from modern audiophile releases to vintage and historical recordings. Each curve is also available in an Enhanced variant, extending frequency response to 50 kHz using Gold Note’s proprietary technology inspired by the research of Georg Neumann. The Enhanced option increases dynamics, bandwidth and spatial realism when the recording warrants it, without altering the fundamental tonal balance.
Applying the correct equalisation curve matters. Many historical recordings were mastered using curves other than RIAA, and playing them back with the wrong curve alters tonal balance, dynamics and the character of the performance. The PH-5.2 makes it easy to match the curve to the record, letting each pressing sound as its engineers intended.

A single stereo RCA input accepts both MM and MC cartridges, with nine selectable load impedance options ranging from 10 Ω to 47 kΩ and gain settings of 40 dB (MM) or 60 dB (MC) with four adjustment steps. Outputs include both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR connections, providing flexible integration into a wide range of systems. The 10 Hz / 36 dB-per-octave infrasonic filter can be engaged when needed to manage low-frequency rumble without compromising musical content.

The PH-5.2 is the direct descendant of the PH-1000 and PH-10, the phono stages that established Gold Note as a reference in the field. It shares their philosophy and core technology, translated into a more compact chassis and a more accessible price point, without compromising on what matters most: letting the music on the record come through intact.

Specification

Specification
Equalisation Curves3 EQ curves (RIAA, Decca London, American Columbia), all with Enhanced option
Infrasonic Filter10 Hz / 36 dB per octave
Frequency Response20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.3 dB
Enhanced: 20 Hz – 50 kHz ± 0.3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)<0.05% @ 1 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio89 dB
Dynamic Response105 dB
Inputs & Outputs
Analogue Input1× stereo RCA (MM/MC)
Input Sensitivity0.1 mV (MC) up to 10.0 mV (MM)
Input Impedance9 options: 10 Ω, 22 Ω, 47 Ω, 100 Ω, 220 Ω, 470 Ω, 1 kΩ, 22 kΩ, 47 kΩ
GainMM: 40 dB  |  MC: 60 dB
4 adjustment options: 0 dB, +3 dB, ±6 dB
Capacitance (MM only)220 pF
Audio Outputs1× unbalanced RCA
1× balanced XLR
Output Impedance50 Ω
Power
Power Consumption10 W
Standby Consumption<0.5 W
Power Supply100–120 V or 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz
Fuse2A T
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions200 W × 80 H × 260 D mm
Boxed: 290 W × 180 H × 390 D mm
Weight1.2 kg (net)
2.2 kg (boxed)
Finish
BlackBlack anodised sandblasted aluminium

Downloads

PH-5.2 User Manual

Our Gold Note partners

Join the Airt Mailing List

Keep up to date with new product launches, exclusive deals and the latest news in the realm of high-end audio.

"*" indicates required fields

Marketing Permissions*

Keep up to speed

Our team keep up to speed with all the latest developments in the world of high-end audio. We share our passion for exceptional products daily on Instagram and invite you to follow us.

Follow us on Instagram