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Rega Aria or Gold Note PH-10 to match P8/Apheta?

I am looking to upgrade my system to the P8/Apheta 3 combo. I was all but set on the Aria preamp and have been advised that it is a good idea to keep things streamlined with Rega components for synergy, and then I discovered the Gold Note PH-10 at around the same price point. I am not sure which direction to go.

I have consistently read that the PH-10 considerably outperforms its price point and then there is the possible upgrade with the PSU. I have also consistently read that the Aria is made to pair with the P8/Apheta. I want to move forward in my purchase, but this decision has had me hung up for the past week.

In the end, I am sure I'd be happy with either unit, but are there any thoughts on which might be the better choice?


dcalarco
dcalarco OP
9 posts
 
Any help on this decision?
gestalt's avatar
gestalt
190 posts
 
@dcalarco in my experience you need to hear these things for yourself to really discover the answer. If you're interested, I'm happy to ship you a Gold Note PH-10 to audition and you'll know instead of wondering.

- Colin

https://gestalt.audio
dcalarco OP
9 posts
 
@gestalt Really? Wow. That would be amazing. I am in the process of upgrading my system so I would need to acquire my new table first, but that would be incredibly helpful. Let me send you a message.
gestalt's avatar
gestalt
190 posts
 
The newly released May/June 2020 issue of The Absolute Sound has a review of the Gold Note PH-10 and PSU-10 you may find interesting:

If I had approximately $1600 to $2000 to spend on a phonostage, I’d get the PH-10. It’s that good. I’d open a nice pinot noir, put an LP on the turntable, sit back, and enjoy the music.

Some phonostages pursue "absolute technical objectivity" as their goal. The PH-10 is not that kind of product. It’s all about the music. If you’re a "truth-seeker", there are other phonostages to choose from, but you’re a "pleasure-seeker," then the PH-10 is for you. Like a fine wine or a fine car, the PH-10 satisfies, both in the moment and as a lasting memory.

And a bit about the author’s experience with the PSU-10:

My recommendation would be to audition the PSU-10 along with the PH-10, if possible. The PH-10 is a very fine-sounding phonostage when used as a standalone; using the PSU-10 makes it into an excellent one.

The full review goes in to loads of additional detail; please consider picking up a copy of The Absolute Sound to read the rest.
dcalarco OP
9 posts
 
Hmm. Truth vs. pleasure. Interesting dichotomy. Does that mean it is more enhancing and not really true to the recording? If so, not totally sure how I feel about that. Perhaps I’m over-interpreting the comment.
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