Gold Note Diana I arctic gray (pack of 2)

Dressed in a recycled fabric from the world of motorsports, the DIANA I breaks away from the usual bookshelf speaker codes. This compact two-way, weighing 14 kg, 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, from just 10 watts.

A cabinet covered in 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: tear- and stain-resistant, it is easy to clean while letting sound pass through with no measurable alteration. Gold Note pairs it with damping foam integrated into the cabinet to reduce unwanted vibrations.

Two fabric finishes are available. Black Rebel delivers a sober yet assertive look, while Grey Artic offers a more understated touch that blends easily into bright interiors. The phase plug in front of the tweeter comes in three colors (gold, silver, black), making a total of six possible combinations.

Carefully selected drivers

The 2.5 cm silk-dome tweeter is protected by a dome-shaped metal grille phase plug. This mechanical device improves off-axis treble dispersion, thereby 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 midrange definition. The rear-firing bass-reflex port extends the response down to 48 Hz, which is a respectable figure for a bookshelf speaker of this size.

Vibration control through integrated resonators

Gold Note has developed a system of semi-elliptical mechanical resonators positioned along the mid-bass axis. Two of these elements are strategically placed 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, less colored by cabinet resonances.

This approach is inspired by damping techniques used in other models from the brand, notably the A6 EVO II range, whose front baffle adopts a diamond-shaped profile 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 compatible with low-power tube amplifiers or class A integrated amps with limited wattage, while still accepting amplifiers up to 100 watts for larger rooms or high-volume listening.

An upgradeable 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 transform 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 help with mechanical alignment, while the proprietary Diana Bridge 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 requires cabling, which simplifies installation.

This approach allows for a 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 size (260 x 290 x 375 mm), the DIANA I weighs 7 kg per speaker, a sign of careful construction. The rear port requires a small distance from the wall—typically around 15 centimeters—so 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 coherence makes it easy to build a homogeneous home cinema 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 performance

• Frequency response: 48 - 20000 Hz ±3 dB
• Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL 2.83 V / 1 m
• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Crossover frequency: 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 strategically positioned 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 paired 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 per pair net

Available finishes

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