Maximum input level XLR, Gain 0 dB: +10 dBu
Maximum input level TRS, Gain +0 dB: +21 dBu

Get a XLR to TRS adapter or cable.

Ah ok, you only mentioned XLR

Just curious ... what cartridge are you using in the turntable?  Rated sensitivity?

Hello

Ok

the cartridge I am mainly testing this unit with is an Audio Technica AT440MLB spec as below

Frequency Response    20-25,000 Hz
Channel Separation    28 (dB at 1 kHz)
Tracking Force Range    1.0-1.8 grams (1.4 optimal)
Stylus Construction    0.12 mil Nude
square Micro-Linear
stylus
Recommended Load Impedance    47,000 ohms
Output    4.0 (mV, 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
Channel Balance    1.0 (dB at 1 KHz)
Stylus Shape    MicroLine®
Cantilever    Aluminum Pipe
Mount    Half-inch
Replacement Stylus    ATN440MLb

Coil impedance : 3,200 ohms at 1 kHz
DC resistance : 800
Load Capacitance : 100-200pF
Coil inductance (mH, 1 kHz) : 490
Dynamic compliance (x10-6 cm/dyne) : 10
Static compliance (x10-6 cm/dyne) : 40
Vertical tracking angle : 20-degree
Dimensions (mm) : H 17.3 x W 16.0 x D 28.2
Weight (g) : 6.5

I am considering investing in either the ORTOFON 2M Black or the AT VM760SLC  both at the top end of the moving magnet range of carts.

As for the RME I have tried both sets of front panel inputs, using (Stereo Jacks !! BALANCED CONNECTION !!) I prefer inputs 3&4 as the mixer panel has adition level control. I have even tried the back input connections too, all give the same results.

With the Gold Note connected via XLR balanced and on the LOWEST -3db setting, I can only use LO GAIN input setting on any of the RME input channel as the +4db & -10db is off the scale with clipping.

With PH10 Balanced outputs, even using RME LOW GAIN input SETTING, the RME is still clipping !! with all setting set to zero and there is far to much gain for the RME to handle ???

I can not turn anything more down anywhere? either on the PH10 or RME !!!!

.... the GOLDNOTE is a ravaging beast level wise on the balanced outputs, there is no way the RME can even start to handel the levels coming out these XLRs on the PH10, do Gold Note designer engineers know what they are doing incorporating these crazy output levels ????? I think not! this unit is suppose to be a preamp not.. POWER AMPLIFIER....... I'm thinking I may connect some loud speakers to the XLR outputs of this PH10, i'm sure it will drive them lol.

even the RCA non balanced seems too high,

and if I put on my high end DJ otofon night club 2 pro e cart, forget it, everything is just like a christmas tree, light clipping everywhere.

The levels from the PH10 must be sending the op amps  inside the RME straight to the power supply rails,, clip clip DC DC.

when speaking with the HI FI company this morning who kindly loaned me the PH10, they said they have not noticed any problems connecting up the balanced outputs?

but then again they are not connecting it to an RME sound card?

I may be wrong, but the levels GOLD NOTE are quoting as being standard just see massive and so over the top gainwise

or am I missing something ??

The PH10 is not a terrible sounding RIAA preamp though can only test on the RCA non balanced output, though this is not what! I want to run balanced in to the RME.

But for a £2000 turntable RIAA Phono Stage there seems to be a lot wrong with this unit! Level Wise, Sharp razor edges on the case work that have cut my fingers, the company when contacting are not helpful and don't reply back to various emails I have sent in relation to these issues.

So overall not at all impressed with Italy's Gold Note company so far,

I design electronics for a living, If i was designing this pramp, I would have incorporated variable gain control from, -10db to +10db control in 0.1db increments, it not hard with today's ICs

to have only 4 fixed gain outputs is poor at this grade of Preamp!

Regards

John

the Ortofon DJ NIGHT CLUB PRO II E Cartridge spec

Output voltage at 1000Hz, 5cm/sec.  -  8 mV
Channel balance at 1kHz  -  1,5 dB
Channel separation at 1kHz   - 23 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz  -  15 dB
Frequency range at -3dB -   20-22.000 Hz
Frequency response  -  20-20.000 Hz +/- 1,5 dB
Tracking ability at 315 Hz at recommmended tracking force  -  80 μm
Compliance, dynamic lateral -   7 μm/m N
Stylus type  -  Special Elliptical
Stylus tip radius  -  r/R 13/25 μm
Tracking force range  -  2,0-5,0 g (20-50 mN)
Tracking force recommended  -  3,0 g (30 mN)

Tracking angle  -  20°
Internal impedance, DC resistance  -  1.000 Ohm
Internal inductance  -  580 mH
Recommended load resistance   - 47 kOhm
Recommended load capacitance  -  200-600 pF
Cartridge weight  -  18,5 g
Replacement styli units - Nightclub MkII, Nightclub E, Nightclub S

Thank you for your reply,

I have almost given up with the PH10, not impressed at all, I invested a great deal of money and time in high quality leads and evaluating this phono stage.

Had really high hopes for this phono stage after reading various reviews but something is seriously wrong with the designs when you can't even interface two balanced signals together from the PH10 & RME.

This is the very first unit using Balanced outputs that I have not been able to interface in to the RME, I own a range of pro audio studio equipment most with balanced outputs, all interface with the RME perfectly.

So sadly will be giving up with the PH10 and evaluating other high end phono stages (£1000-£3000) with balanced outputs

Also would like to add goldnote has replied twice to the 5 or 6 emails I sent them regarding this issue, but has just apologized for as they put it my system not being compatible with this rare gade of phono stage. I politely replied saying it's not my system that is not compatible with the PH10, Its every studio in the whole world using RME equipment!

Thank you once again for your valued input

Kind Regards

John