Gold Note Diana I black (pack of 2)

Clad in a recycled fabric sourced from the world of motorsports, the DIANA I breaks away from the usual bookshelf speaker design codes. This compact 14 kg two-way speaker is the entry-level model in the Diana range, a modular system conceived by Gold Note in its Tuscan workshops. Its 88 dB efficiency allows it to work with low-power amplifiers, starting from just 10 watts.

A cabinet covered with Italian technical fabric

The DIANA I abandons the usual lacquered or wood veneer finishes in favor of a textile covering made in Italy, composed of 90% recycled fibers. This material is adapted from fabrics used for racing car seats: resistant to tears and stains, it is easy to clean while letting sound pass through without measurable alteration. Gold Note combines it with damping foam integrated into the cabinet to reduce unwanted vibrations.

Two fabric finishes are available. Black Rebel offers a sober and assertive look, while Grey Artic provides a more discreet touch and blends easily into bright interiors. The phase plug located in front of the tweeter comes in three colors (gold, silver, black), bringing the total number of possible combinations to six.

Carefully selected transducers

The 2.5 cm silk dome tweeter is protected by a dome-shaped metal mesh phase plug. This mechanical device improves high-frequency dispersion off the listening axis, thus widening the sweet spot in the room. The 2,900 Hz crossover point ensures a smooth transition to the mid-bass.

The 16.5 cm driver uses a fiberglass cone, a rigid and lightweight material that promotes good low-frequency control and solid definition in the midrange. The rear-firing bass-reflex port extends the response down to 48 Hz, which is respectable for a bookshelf speaker of this size.

Vibration control through integrated resonators

Gold Note has developed a system of semi-elliptical mechanical resonators placed on the mid-bass axis. Two of these elements are strategically positioned inside the DIANA I cabinet to absorb vibrations generated by the driver and to stiffen the structure. The goal is to deliver a more defined sound with less coloration from cabinet resonances.

This approach is inspired by damping techniques used in other models from the brand, notably the A6 EVO II range, whose front panel adopts a diamond-like shape to control vibrations.

Compatible with modest amplifiers

With a sensitivity of 88 dB at 2.83 V/1 m and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, the DIANA I is easy to drive. A 10-watt amplifier is enough to reach comfortable listening levels in a medium-sized room. This makes it suitable for low-power tube amplifiers or class A integrated amps with limited wattage, while still accepting amplifiers up to 100 watts for larger rooms or higher listening levels.

An upgradable system thanks to the Diana III-F module

The hallmark of the Diana range lies in its modular architecture. The DIANA I can remain a standalone bookshelf speaker, placed on furniture or stands, but it can also be combined with the Diana III-F module to turn it into a floorstanding speaker.

The Diana III-F is an amplified base equipped with a downward-firing 16.5 cm fiberglass-cone woofer, complemented by a front bass-reflex port that extends down to 38 Hz. Integrated neodymium micro-magnets in both elements facilitate mechanical alignment, while the Diana Bridge, a proprietary rear connector, provides the electrical link. An automatic recognition system adapts the module’s behavior depending on whether it is paired with a DIANA I or a DIANA II. Only the lower module needs to be wired, which simplifies installation.

This approach allows for gradual investment: start with a pair of DIANA I, then later add the III-F modules to obtain full-fledged floorstanders without replacing the original speakers.

Positioning and integration

Despite its compact dimensions (260 x 290 x 375 mm), the DIANA I weighs in at 7 kg per speaker, a sign of careful construction. The rear port requires a bit of space from the wall—typically around fifteen centimeters—so that the bass can develop properly without sounding boomy.

The Diana range also includes a center channel, the Diana Center, which uses the same textile covering and technologies. This aesthetic and acoustic consistency makes it easy to build a coherent home theater system.

Technical specifications

Transducers

• Tweeter: 1 x 2.5 cm silk dome tweeter
  • Equipped with a metal mesh dome phase plug
  • Improved off-axis response
• Mid-woofer: 1 x 16.5 cm fiberglass driver
• Configuration: 2-way, 2 drivers

Acoustic response

• Frequency response: 48 - 20000 Hz ±3 dB
• Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL 2.83 V / 1 m
• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Crossover: 2900 Hz
• True efficiency of 88 dB allowing ideal pairing even with low-power amplifiers
• Rear bass reflex port for extended low-frequency response

Recommended amplification

• Power: 10 - 100 W

Construction and design

• Optimized cabinet with 2 mechanical resonators positioned strategically on the mid-woofer axis to eliminate vibrations
• High-performance fabric covering made in Italy
  • Composed of 90% recycled fibers
  • Derived from specially modified racing car seats
  • Total acoustic transparency
• Coupling with damping foam for optimal quality
• Innovative modular Gold Note design
• Can be combined with Diana III-F to create a floorstanding system

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 260 (W) x 290 (H) x 375 (D) mm
• Weight: 14 kg net per pair

Available finishes

• Fabric: Black Rebel, Grey Artic
• Phase plug: gold, silver, black