Overview
Behind the diamond-cut lines of this bookshelf speaker lies the work of Italian cabinetmakers based in the Tuscan hills, a few kilometers from Florence. The A3 EVO II continues the path laid out by the A3 EVO with an enlarged bass driver and a refined crossover filter, two developments that reflect Gold Note’s determination to extract greater foundation and coherence from a compact format.
A sculpted cabinet to control vibrations
The diamond-shaped cabinet is not merely an aesthetic choice. This angular geometry minimizes internal standing waves and avoids parallel surfaces, the usual sources of parasitic resonances. The enclosure is built on a reinforced HDF (high-density fiberboard) structure, clad with genuine Italian walnut side panels, available in matte or gloss finish.
Each cabinet is hand-assembled at the Montespertoli factory, where Gold Note has designed all its products since 2012. This proximity between design offices and manufacturing workshops ensures strict quality control, from the first prototype to the final packaging. At the rear, the bass-reflex port takes the form of an anodized aluminum tube whose section and length have been calibrated to avoid air turbulence during high speaker excursions.
A custom driver combination
The 2.8 cm silk dome tweeter benefits from ferrofluid cooling and a rigid aluminum flange that keeps the diaphragm perfectly centered. The silk gives the treble an organic texture, slightly softened compared to metal tweeters, without sacrificing definition or extension beyond 20 kHz.
The 15 cm midrange-bass driver is manufactured by Norwegian specialist SEAS according to specifications exclusive to Gold Note. Its treated paper cone combines lightness and rigidity, two qualities necessary to reproduce both fast transients and well-grounded fundamentals. Compared to the previous generation which featured a 12 cm driver, this gain in radiating surface improves power handling and rendering in the lower spectrum.
The crossover filter operates at 2,000 Hz with a slope of 12 dB per octave. This moderate crossover frequency preserves coherence between the two ways in the sensitive midrange area, where the ear most acutely perceives phase shifts.
Integration and positioning in the listening space
With its 24 cm width and 35 cm height, the A3 EVO II fits easily on a shelf or cabinet, but its rear port requires a minimum of space behind it to avoid uncontrolled bass reflections. A gap of 15 to 30 cm from the wall will suffice in most configurations.
The weight of 10 kg per speaker (20 kg per pair) reflects the density of the construction. This natural ballast limits the transmission of vibrations to the support and stabilizes the assembly. A slight toe-in, around 10 to 15 degrees, helps focus the stereo image at the listening position.
Regarding amplification, the sensitivity of 87 dB and impedance of 6 ohms make the A3 EVO II compatible with modest power amplifiers. A model delivering around thirty watts per channel is suitable for listening at reasonable levels. Beyond 50 watts, orchestral peaks or energetic percussion will be reproduced with greater ease and dynamic reserve.
The EVO stand: an acoustic extension as much as an aesthetic one
Gold Note offers a dedicated stand whose 8 mm thick aluminum top plate extends the rigidity of the cabinet. The painted MDF column rests on a stable base measuring 29 cm by 44 cm, and the assembly reaches 76 cm in height, which generally places the tweeter at ear level in a seated position. This support also weighs 20 kg per pair, an additional guarantee of stability. The supplied decoupling spikes allow fine adjustment of the floor contact.
Documentation
Technical specifications
Acoustic characteristics
- Frequency response: 45 – 20,000 Hz ±3 dB
- Sensitivity: 87 dB SPL at 2.83 V / 1 m
- Nominal impedance: 6 Ω
Transducers
- Tweeter: 2.8 cm silk dome
- Mid-bass driver: 15 cm treated paper cone membrane
- Crossover: 2000 Hz at 12 dB / octave
Electrical characteristics
- Maximum admissible power: 100 W RMS
- Recommended amplifier power: minimum 10 W
Connectivity
- Gold Note nickel-free gold-plated connectors
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions: 24 cm wide, 35 cm high, 29.5 cm deep
- Weight: 20 kg per pair net, 25 kg per pair boxed
Finishes
- Cabinet: black
- Side panels: Italian walnut, high gloss or matte
Options and accessories
- Dedicated EVO stand in painted MDF and aluminium
- Stand dimensions: 29 cm wide, 76 cm high, 44 cm deep
- Stand weight: 20 kg per pair
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the A3 EVO II work with a low-power tube amplifier?
Yes. The sensitivity of 87 dB and impedance of 6 ohms allow comfortable sound levels with around ten watts. A tube amplifier of 15 to 30 watts per channel will bring out the speaker’s timbral qualities without strain. Beyond 80-85 dB of sound pressure at the listening position, a more powerful amplifier will offer greater headroom.
Does the rear port pose a problem if the speaker is placed near a wall?
A wall that is too close (less than 10 cm) accentuates bass frequencies and can cause a bulge in the lower midrange. A gap of 20 to 30 cm mitigates this phenomenon. If the room requires placement against the wall, partial obstruction of the port with acoustic foam can reduce excess bass.
What are the differences compared to the first-generation A3 EVO?
The A3 EVO II features a 15 cm midrange-bass driver versus 12 cm on the A3 EVO, which increases the radiating surface and improves power handling. The crossover frequency moves from 2,300 Hz to 2,000 Hz for better integration of the two ways. The overall design and finishes remain similar.
Is bi-amping possible?
No. The A3 EVO II has a single pair of binding posts, which excludes bi-wiring and bi-amping. This choice simplifies connection and avoids wiring errors.
Are protective grilles provided?
Yes. Each speaker is supplied with a removable magnetic grille that protects the drivers from dust and accidental impacts. For critical listening, removing the grilles allows the tweeter to radiate without obstruction.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: PF-CASSE-A3-002-W







