Gold Note A3 EVO II gloss walnut (pack of 2)
Overview
Behind the diamond-cut lines of this bookshelf speaker lies the work of Italian cabinetmakers based in the Tuscan hills, just a few kilometers from Florence. The A3 EVO II follows in the footsteps of the A3 EVO with an enlarged bass driver and a refined crossover, two evolutions that reflect Gold Note’s desire to extract more foundation and coherence from a compact format.
A sculpted cabinet to control vibrations
The diamond-shaped cabinet is not just an aesthetic choice. This angular geometry helps minimize internal standing waves and avoid parallel faces, which are a common source of unwanted 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 in the Montespertoli factory, where Gold Note has been designing all of its products since 2012. This proximity between design offices and manufacturing workshops ensures tight quality control, from the first prototype through to final packaging. At the rear, the bass-reflex port takes the form of an anodized aluminum tube whose cross-section and length are calibrated to avoid air turbulence at high speaker excursions.
A combination of custom-designed drivers
The 2.8 cm silk dome tweeter benefits from ferrofluid cooling and a rigid aluminum faceplate that keeps the diaphragm perfectly centered. Silk gives the treble an organic texture, slightly smoother than metallic tweeters, without sacrificing definition or extension beyond 20 kHz.
The 15 cm mid-bass driver is manufactured by Norwegian specialist SEAS to a specification exclusive to Gold Note. Its treated paper cone combines lightness and rigidity, two qualities required to reproduce both fast transients and solid fundamentals. Compared to the previous generation, which used a 12 cm driver, this increase in radiating surface improves power handling and low-frequency performance.
The crossover operates at 2,000 Hz with a 12 dB per octave slope. This moderate crossover frequency preserves coherence between the two ways in the sensitive midrange zone, where the ear is most accurate at detecting phase shifts.
Integration and positioning in the listening room
At 24 cm wide and 35 cm high, the A3 EVO II fits easily on a shelf or piece of furniture, but its rear port does require a minimum of space behind it to avoid uncontrolled bass reflections. A distance of 15 to 30 cm from the wall will be sufficient in most setups.
The weight of 10 kg per speaker (20 kg per pair) is proof of the cabinet’s density. This inherent mass limits the transmission of vibrations to the stand and stabilizes the whole. A slight inward toe-in of around 10 to 15 degrees helps focus the stereo image at the listening position.
On the amplification side, the 87 dB sensitivity and 6-ohm impedance make the A3 EVO II compatible with modestly powered 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 headroom.
The EVO stand: an acoustic as well as aesthetic extension
Gold Note offers a dedicated stand whose 8 mm thick aluminum top plate extends the cabinet’s rigidity. The painted MDF column sits on a stable 29 by 44 cm base, and the total height is 76 cm, which generally places the tweeter at ear level when seated. The stand also weighs 20 kg per pair, providing extra stability. The supplied decoupling spikes allow fine tuning of the contact with the floor.
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 diaphragm
- Crossover: 2000 Hz at 12 dB / octave
Electrical characteristics
- Maximum admissible power: 100 W RMS
- Recommended amplifier: 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 packaged
Finishes
- Cabinet: black
- Side panels: Italian walnut, 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 be used with a low-power tube amplifier?
Yes. With its 87 dB sensitivity and 6-ohm impedance, you can achieve a comfortable listening level with around ten watts. A tube amplifier delivering 15 to 30 watts per channel will bring out the speaker’s tonal qualities without strain. Above 80–85 dB of sound pressure at the listening position, a more powerful amplifier will provide additional headroom.
Is the rear port a problem if the speaker is placed close to a wall?
A wall that is too close (less than 10 cm) will emphasize low frequencies and may cause a hump in the upper bass. A distance of 20 to 30 cm will reduce this effect. If the room forces you to place the speaker against the wall, slightly and partially blocking the port with acoustic foam can help tame excessive bass.
What are the differences compared to the first-generation A3 EVO?
The A3 EVO II uses a 15 cm mid-bass driver instead of the 12 cm unit found in the A3 EVO, increasing the radiating surface and improving power handling. The crossover frequency has been changed from 2,300 Hz to 2,000 Hz for better integration between 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 rules out bi-wiring and bi-amping. This choice simplifies hookup and avoids wiring errors.
Are protective grilles included?
Yes. Each speaker comes with a removable magnetic grille that protects the drivers from dust and accidental impact. For critical listening, removing the grilles allows the tweeter to radiate without obstruction.
- Eco-contribution of €1.67 included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: PF-CASSE-A3-002-WG