Gold Note T-5 black

Eight turntables make up the Gold Note catalogue, an Italian brand whose workshops are based in Florence. The T-5 occupies the entry-level position, a demanding spot where every technical choice weighs in the balance between cost and performance. The engineers focused their budget on the mechanics rather than on ease of use: no automation, no frills. A 23 mm HDF one-piece plinth, an ultra-clear glass platter, a B-5.2 tonearm directly derived from higher-end models, all assembled by hand in Tuscany.

A sculpted plinth to break up vibrations

The 23 mm one-piece chassis is carved from satin black lacquered HDF, a high-density composite chosen for its combination of rigidity and lightness. Its shape is no accident. Gold Note has removed material through half-moon cutouts around the motor, the bearing, and the edges. The idea: cut off resonance paths before any vibration can travel up to the stylus. Three elliptical NBR rubber feet complete the assembly. They form a semi-floating suspension, which the brand presents as unique within its current lineup.

Glass platter and inverted bearing

The 15 mm ultra-clear glass platter weighs just enough to maintain stable inertia without generating edge effects. Glass offers homogeneous density and neutral acoustic behaviour, two qualities sought after for extracting detail from a groove without adding its own coloration. It rests on an inverted bearing: the 5 mm chrome steel ball sits at the top of the spindle, placing the friction point above the centre of gravity and promoting silent rotation. The spindle clamping relies on the in-house Split-Spindle design.

The B-5.2 tonearm, an in-house component

The B-5.2 tonearm is directly derived from the B-5.1 that equips higher-end models. Straight tube, 9-inch effective length (230 mm), low effective mass (around 10 g): it accepts both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, high and low output. Its pivot uses four micro ball bearings manufactured in Germany by GRW to Gold Note specifications, with the aim of reducing friction and mechanical noise. Anti-skating is managed by a suspended counterweight with five graduation levels. Tonearm height (VTA) and azimuth remain adjustable to align the cartridge to the record. The connection to the amplifier is made via a DIN/RCA phono cable integrated into the turntable.

Synchronous motor and manual speed control

Speed changes are entirely manual. To switch from 33⅓ to 45 rpm, you need to lift the platter and move the belt from one groove to the other on the pulley. No button, no servo motor, no regulation circuit to pass through. Drive is via a rectified 70 Shore EPDM belt, driven by a high-torque 12 V synchronous motor whose power supply runs through an external box. The stated wow and flutter figure is 0.3%, and the signal-to-noise ratio is -72 dB. Power consumption does not exceed 3 W. To start a side, press the start button, bring the tonearm over the record, and lower the cueing lever.

Before placing a record

The T-5 is supplied without a cartridge. The choice depends on budget and desired sonic character, as the turntable accepts both MM and MC types. Gold Note offers its own cartridges (Vasari in MM, Donatello in MC) for a coherent pairing with the rest of the in-house analogue system. Since the DIN/RCA phono cable is integrated, it cannot be replaced in normal use. Connection is made to a phono input on an amplifier or to an external phono preamplifier (the T-5 does not include one). The transparent acrylic dust cover detaches via removable hinges, freeing access to the tonearm during listening or adjustment. The feet are adjustable for levelling.

Technical Specifications

Construction

• Plinth with a 23 mm thick monoblock base
• Ultra-clear glass platter, 15 mm thick
• Ground ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) belt

Audio Performance

• Wow and flutter: 0.3%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: -72 dB
• Speeds: 33 rpm, 45 rpm
• Speed change: manual
• High-torque 12 V synchronous motor

Power Supply

• Power adapter: 12 V AC
• Supported voltages: 100-120 V / 60 Hz, 220-240 V / 50 Hz
• Power consumption: max. 3 W

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 425 × 140 × 360 mm
• Net weight: 7.5 kg
• Gross weight: 12.5 kg

Equipment

• Supplied without cartridge
• Removable transparent acrylic cover
• B-5.2 tonearm (230 mm)
• Power supply compatible with 100-245 V available on request