Gold Note PA-10 EVO gold

The PA-10 EVO from Gold Note takes a miniaturization-focused approach by integrating amplification technology into a chassis that is 200 millimetres 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 aim to provide 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 ensures high linearity and low distortion, at the cost of modest efficiency and significant heat dissipation. Class D, by contrast, relies on fast switching of 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 leverage the respective strengths 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 hybridization 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 reduced 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 is characterized by a very fast switching speed (on the order of 1 MHz), reduced conduction and switching losses, and the 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 its output power as the load impedance decreases, a behaviour 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 the audio signal path is symmetrical from end to end. This approach is intended to cancel out noise and interference that could creep in along the processing 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 is greater immunity to electromagnetic noise and better channel separation.

The amplifier offers two distinct operating modes: stereo and mono. In conventional 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 doubled power, i.e. 280 watts into 8 or 4 ohms. This switching is done via a DIP micro-switch located on the back of the chassis, without any internal modifications.

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-frequency range. It is calculated as the ratio between the nominal impedance of the speaker and the output impedance of the amplifier. A high damping factor (above 200) means the amplifier imposes minimal resistance on the circuit and can quickly brake the diaphragm after a signal peak. This results in tight, precise bass with little overhang. A lower damping factor (around 25) allows more inertia in the diaphragm’s motion, which can suit very sensitive speakers or certain listening preferences that favour a warmer presentation.

The PA-10 EVO features an adjustable damping factor, switchable between two values: 250 (High position) and 25 (Low position). This setting is also made via 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 control of the load. The Low position is better suited to high-sensitivity mini-monitors or setups where you want to slightly soften the bass range.

This versatility allows the PA-10 EVO to be adapted to different speaker topologies without changing amplifier. It reflects Gold Note’s philosophy, which favours integration flexibility rather than imposing a fixed sonic signature. The damping factor also influences the frequency response of the speaker–amplifier system: tight control flattens the loudspeaker’s resonance peaks, while looser control can accentuate certain frequencies. The choice between High and Low thus becomes a tuning tool to harmonize the amplifier with the acoustics of the listening room.

Connectivity and system integration

On the rear of the PA-10 EVO, connectivity is arranged in a single row to preserve overall compactness. There is a pair of unbalanced stereo RCA inputs (input impedance 3,600 ohms) and a pair of balanced XLR inputs (input impedance 7,200 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 a good contact surface and stable cable clamping. 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 the unbalanced or balanced input, and choose 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, a Gold Note proprietary system that enables automatic power-on of several 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 daily use by avoiding the need to operate multiple 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 integrates an AKM AK4493 DAC, a line preamplifier, and a headphone amplifier, while offering network streaming features 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, AirPlay, MQA, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect, Tidal, and vTuner services. This combination of two Series 10 units forms a complete stereo system, ideal for a contemporary setup where footprint and aesthetics matter as much 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 versatile enough to work with a wide variety of passive speakers, whether compact or large, and of high or low sensitivity. The adjustable damping factor further broadens this compatibility by allowing the amplifier’s behaviour to be tailored to the connected load.

It is important to note that the PA-10 EVO cannot be paired with the older PA-10 model, sold before the EVO version was introduced. The two amplifiers differ in architecture (the original PA-10 used traditional class AB) and connectivity, which prevents them from being used together in a mixed system. The PA-10 EVO is, however, fully compatible with all Gold Note preamplifiers, processors, and tube output stages, allowing for 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 units 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 attention Gold Note pays to the entire power chain in order 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 reduced noise
• Output power in stereo mode: 2 × 140 W at 8 Ω or 4 Ω
  • Adequate power in a compact format
• Output power in mono mode: 1 × 280 W at 8 Ω or 4 Ω
  • Power is doubled in monoblock mode

Audio performance

• Damping factor: adjustable
  • High = 250 or Low = 25
  • Allows precise matching with different types of speakers (floorstanding 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 power: 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
• Packaged 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.