Gold Note PSX-5.2
Overview
At Gold Note, the power supply has never been treated as an accessory. The Florentine manufacturer has long considered that power quality determines everything that happens downstream in the audio chain. The PSX-5.2 extends this philosophy by offering an external power supply dedicated to Series 5.2 devices, with one notable feature: the ability to connect two components simultaneously.
Evolution of the PSU-5 with a new purpose
The PSX-5.2 retains the DNA of Gold Note external power supplies in terms of silence and stability, but sets itself apart with several structural developments. The chassis adopts a sandblasted black anodized aluminum finish, identical to that of the other Series 5.2 components. This choice is not cosmetic: anodized aluminum reduces interactions with surrounding magnetic fields, limiting micro-interference that can alter the signal in sensitive stages.
The linear power supply is based on a four-rail isolated topology, coupled with two ultra-low-noise voltage regulators. Maximum output voltage variation reaches 0.05%, while mains noise rejection exceeds 80 dB, both in differential mode and common mode. Full-power response time remains below 2.5 microseconds, reflecting an ability to instantly deliver the current demanded during transients.
Two outputs for two compatible devices
The main new feature of the PSX-5.2 lies in its dual connectivity. The rear panel has two separate PSU outputs. The upper output is reserved for the PH-5 and PH-5.2 phono preamplifiers. The lower output accepts source components from the range: CD player CD-5 or CD-5.2, DS-5.2 streamer, headphone amplifier HP-5.2.
This configuration makes it possible to wire two devices at the same time to a single external power supply. However, the PSX-5.2 powers only one device at a time. To switch from one device to the other, simply turn off the first and turn on the second: the power supply switches automatically thanks to the integrated Master-Slave mode. This operation avoids having to use the main switch each time the source is changed.
Ground management and ground loops
The rear panel incorporates a Ground/Lift selector that allows the signal ground to be connected or disconnected. In the Ground position, the earth connection remains active. In the Lift position, the signal ground is disconnected, which can eliminate hum caused by ground loops in certain installations.
An additional GND terminal makes it possible to connect the power supply to other devices in the system if electromagnetic or radio-frequency interference persists. This flexibility in ground management addresses the varied configurations encountered from one system to another, depending on the electrical wiring and the equipment present.
Installation and placement
Gold Note recommends placing the PSX-5.2 to the left of the powered device, with a spacing of 10 to 20 centimeters between the two units. Stacking the units is not recommended: the separation helps limit interactions between the transformers and the sensitive circuits of the main electronics.
Installation comes down to four steps: turn off the device to be powered, connect the PSX-5.2 to the mains, link the two units using the supplied PSU cable, then activate the main switch on the rear. A front-panel LED indicates the operating status (red in standby, green when the powered device is active).
The PSX-5.2 automatically detects mains voltage (100-120 V or 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz). Its nominal power consumption reaches 40 W, with available dynamic power above 60 W. In standby, power consumption drops below 1 W.
Documentation
Technical Specifications
Power Supply
- 3-rail audio-grade power supply
- 3 ultra-low-noise voltage regulators
- Maximum output voltage variation: 0.05%
- Mains noise rejection: > 80 dB
- Common-mode noise rejection: > 80 dB
- Full-power response time: < 2.5 µs
- Supply voltage: 100-120 V / 220-240 V with automatic detection, 50 / 60 Hz
- Power consumption: 40 W
- Dynamic power: > 60 W
- Standby power consumption: < 1 W
- Fuse: 2 A T
Architecture and Connectivity
- Dual-output architecture, only one active at a time
- Output 1: PH-5, PH-5.2
- Output 2: CD-5, CD-5.2, DS-5.2, HP-5.2
- Ground management: Ground / Lift switch, GND terminal
Control and Indicators
- Master-Slave control with Gold Note devices
- Status LED
- Red: standby
- Green: on
Construction and Dimensions
- Finish: black painted steel and aluminium
- Dimensions: 20 × 8 × 26 cm (w × h × d)
- Net weight: 2 kg
- Packaged weight: 3 kg
Box Contents
- 1 mains cable
- 2 PSU cables
- 1 manual
Manufacturing
- Hand-assembled in Florence, Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the PSX-5.2 power two devices at the same time?
It can be connected to two devices simultaneously, but only one operates at a time. When you turn one device on and the other off, the power supply switches automatically thanks to Master-Slave mode.
What is the difference compared with the previous-generation PSU-5?
The PSX-5.2 adds a second output to power two devices (versus only one for the PSU-5), adopts the new Series 5.2 black anodized aluminum chassis, and benefits from improvements to the power supply section and usage versatility.
Can the PSX-5.2 be used with Gold Note devices from other series?
No, the PSX-5.2 is designed specifically for devices in the 5 and 5.2 series: PH-5, PH-5.2, CD-5, CD-5.2, DS-5.2 and HP-5.2. The connectors are not compatible with the 10 or 1000 series.
What is the Ground/Lift selector for?
It allows the signal ground to be disconnected if a hum appears in the system because of a ground loop. In case of persistent noise, trying the Lift position may solve the problem.
Should the PSX-5.2 be left on all the time?
Standby consumption is below 1 W. Master-Slave mode automatically manages the power supply status according to the connected device, with no manual intervention required.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
