Gold Note PA-10 EVO silver

The PA-10 EVO from Gold Note adopts a miniaturization-oriented approach by integrating amplification technology into a chassis only 200 millimeters wide. This power amplifier, usable in stereo or mono mode, delivers 140 watts per channel into 8 or 4 ohms and up to 280 watts in monoblock configuration. It features a specified total harmonic distortion of 0.01%. Its adjustable damping factor and hybrid class AD architecture are designed to ensure compatibility with different types of speakers.

Hybrid class AD: combining efficiency and musicality

The core innovation of the PA-10 EVO lies in its hybrid class AD amplification, a topology that combines a class A preamplification stage with a class D power stage. Class A operates by biasing the transistors so that they remain constantly active, even in the absence of a signal. This configuration guarantees high linearity and low distortion, at the cost of modest efficiency and significant heat dissipation. Class D, by contrast, relies on rapid switching of the transistors operating in an on/off mode, which maximizes energy efficiency (often above 90%) and reduces heat generation.

By combining the two approaches, class AD seeks to exploit the respective advantages of each technology. The class A input stage preserves the harmonic richness and precision of the signal, while the class D output stage provides the necessary power with minimal losses. This hybrid design allows the PA-10 EVO to deliver 140 watts per channel in stereo into 8 or 4 ohms, and up to 280 watts in mono mode into the same load. The high efficiency limits heat build-up and allows for a compact power supply, consistent with the small dimensions of the enclosure.

For the output stage, Gold Note uses latest-generation MOSFET transistors, some of which incorporate gallium nitride (GaN). This wide bandgap semiconductor material stands out for its very fast switching speed (on the order of 1 MHz), reduced conduction and switching losses, and ability to operate at high temperatures and voltages. In the context of audio amplification, GaN transistors make it possible to push switching noise outside the audible band, improve the linearity of the power stage, and reduce thermal stress. The PA-10 EVO thus benefits from an architecture capable of doubling the power output when the load impedance decreases, behavior close to that of a pure class A amplifier but with much higher efficiency.

Fully balanced design and monoblock mode

The PA-10 EVO is based on a fully balanced design, which means that the audio signal path is symmetrical from end to end. This approach aims to cancel out noise and interference that might enter along the signal chain. In a balanced circuit, the signal is transmitted on two lines of opposite polarity; any external disturbance affects both lines in the same way and can be eliminated by subtraction. The result: increased immunity to electromagnetic noise and better channel separation.

The amplifier offers two distinct operating modes: stereo and mono. In standard stereo mode, each channel of the PA-10 EVO delivers 140 watts into 8 or 4 ohms. In mono mode, Bridge-Tied Load (BTL) technology comes into play: the two output stages are configured in bridge mode to drive a single speaker with double the power, i.e. 280 watts into 8 or 4 ohms. Switching is carried out via a DIP micro switch located on the rear of the chassis, with no internal modifications required.

Using the units as monoblocks naturally requires two PA-10 EVOs for stereo playback. This configuration offers several advantages: it eliminates any residual crosstalk between channels, improves instantaneous dynamics thanks to two independent power supplies, and makes it easier to drive demanding or low-sensitivity speakers. For bi-amped systems, where the bass and mid/high sections of the same speaker are powered separately, monoblock mode offers appreciable flexibility.

Adjustable damping factor: adapting to each speaker

The damping factor measures an amplifier’s ability to control the movement of a loudspeaker’s diaphragm, particularly in the low frequencies. It is calculated as the ratio between the speaker’s nominal impedance and the amplifier’s output impedance. A high damping factor (above 200) means the amplifier imposes minimal resistance on the circuit and can quickly brake the diaphragm after a sound peak. This results in tight, precise bass with little overhang. A lower damping factor (around 25) allows more inertia in the diaphragm, which may suit very sensitive speakers or certain listening preferences that favor a warmer presentation.

The PA-10 EVO features an adjustable damping factor, switchable between two values: 250 (High position) and 25 (Low position). This adjustment is also made by a DIP micro switch on the rear panel. The High position is recommended for three-way floorstanding speakers or models that are difficult to drive, which benefit from tight load control. The Low position is better suited to high-sensitivity mini-monitors or setups where a slightly softer bass response is desired.

This versatility allows the PA-10 EVO to be adapted to different speaker topologies without having to change amplifiers. It reflects Gold Note’s philosophy of favoring ease of integration rather than imposing a fixed sonic signature. The damping factor also affects the frequency response of the speaker-amplifier system: tight control flattens the loudspeaker’s resonance peaks, while looser control can emphasize certain frequencies. The choice between High and Low thus becomes a tuning tool for harmonizing the amplifier with the acoustics of the listening room.

Connectivity and system integration

At the rear of the PA-10 EVO, all connections are arranged in a single row to preserve overall compactness. There is a pair of unbalanced stereo RCA inputs (input impedance of 3600 ohms) and a pair of balanced XLR inputs (input impedance of 7200 ohms. Input sensitivity is identical for both connection types: 2.5 Vrms. These two options allow the amplifier to be connected to a preamplifier, a home cinema processor, or a source with an integrated volume control such as Gold Note’s network player DS-10 EVO.

The speaker outputs use binding post terminals, compatible with banana plugs, spades, or bare wire. This choice ensures good contact area and secure cable fastening. In stereo mode, both pairs of terminals are active; in mono mode, only the main pair is used. Three DIP micro switches allow you to switch between stereo and mono modes, select unbalanced or balanced input, and set the damping factor. These settings are indicated by blue LEDs that show the status of each function.

The PA-10 EVO also incorporates GN Link technology, Gold Note’s proprietary system that allows automatic power-up of multiple compatible devices. When a source equipped with GN Link (such as the DS-10 EVO) is switched on, it sends a trigger signal to the connected amplifiers, which then power up in turn. Conversely, switching off the source puts the entire system into standby. This feature simplifies everyday use by avoiding the need to operate several power switches, especially since the PA-10 EVO’s power button is located on the rear of the chassis.

Recommended pairings and compatibility

Gold Note suggests pairing the PA-10 EVO with the DS-10 EVO network player to create a compact, coherent system. The DS-10 EVO incorporates an AKM AK4493 DAC, a line preamplifier, and a headphone amplifier, while offering network streaming functions via Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth. It supports high-resolution PCM formats up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512, as well as Roon Ready services, AirPlay, MQA, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect, Tidal and vTuner. This combination of two Series 10 components forms a complete stereo system, ideal for a contemporary setup where footprint and aesthetics are as important as performance.

For speakers, Gold Note recommends the A3 EVO II or A6 EVO II models, also from the brand’s range. The A3 EVO II are compact bookshelf speakers, while the A6 EVO II are three-way floorstanding models. However, the PA-10 EVO is sufficiently versatile to work well with a wide variety of passive speakers, whether compact or large, high or low sensitivity. The adjustable damping factor further broadens this compatibility by allowing the amplifier’s behavior to be tailored to the connected load.

It is crucial to note that the PA-10 EVO cannot be paired with the older PA-10 model, which was marketed before the EVO version appeared. The two amplifiers have different architectures (the older PA-10 used a traditional class AB design) and different connectivity, which prevents them from being combined in a mixed system. By contrast, the PA-10 EVO is fully compatible with all Gold Note preamplifiers, processors, and tube output stages, making it possible to assemble varied configurations according to individual sonic preferences.

For those wishing to push optimization further, Gold Note offers the external power supply PSU-10 EVO, designed to power Series 10 components such as the DS-10 EVO, CD-10 or HP-10. This linear power supply with four transformers and dual isolation circuit (Dual Choke Hybrid architecture) stabilizes current and drastically reduces electrical noise. Although it is mainly intended for sources and preamplifiers, it illustrates the care Gold Note devotes to the entire power chain to maximize sonic performance.

Technical specifications

Amplification and power

• Amplifier class: Hybrid Class AD
• Operating mode: Stereo / Mono (Monoblock)
  • Can be used on its own in stereo or as a pair in mono for enhanced performance
• Design: Fully balanced
  • Contributes to optimal sound quality and noise reduction
• Output power in stereo mode: 2 × 140 W into 8 Ω or 4 Ω
  • Adequate power in a compact form factor
• Output power in mono mode: 1 × 280 W into 8 Ω or 4 Ω
  • Power is doubled in monoblock mode

Audio performance

• Damping factor: Adjustable
  • High = 250 or Low = 25
  • Allows precise adjustment for different types of speakers (floorstanders or mini-monitors)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.01% (1 kHz @ 1 W)
  • Low distortion level for clear sound reproduction
• Frequency response: 5 Hz - 50 kHz (@ -3 dB)
  • The bandwidth covers audible frequencies and beyond

Connectivity

• Audio inputs
  • 1 × stereo RCA (unbalanced)
  • 1 × stereo XLR (balanced)
  • Input sensitivity: 2.5 Vrms (RCA / XLR)
  • RCA input impedance: 3600 Ω
  • XLR input impedance: 7200 Ω
• Audio outputs
  • Speaker terminals: binding post type
• GN Link technology
  • Allows the amplifier to be switched on / off from the source in master-slave mode

Power supply

• Standby consumption: < 1 W
• Idle consumption: < 6 W
• Mains supply: 100-240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Fuse: 5 A T5

Design and construction

• Chassis: Solid Series 10 aluminum
• Style: Inspired by Italian design and our modular philosophy
• Assembly: Hand-assembled and tested with selected components

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 200 mm × 80 mm × 260 mm
• Net weight: 3 kg
• Shipping weight: 4 kg

General information

The PA-10 EVO is a power amplifier equipped with flexible inputs and outputs for optimal integration into your audio system. It is compatible with our other electronics, preamplifiers, and tube (valve) output stages.

Compatibility note: The PA-10 EVO cannot be paired with the previous PA-10 model.

Recommended pairing: For a compact and high-performance system, we suggest pairing it with the DS-10 EVO network player and the A3 EVO II or A6 EVO II speakers.