Gold Note Diana II black (pack of 2)

Two mid-bass drivers framing a silk-dome tweeter, a cabinet wrapped in recycled fabric sourced from car seats, a system that lets you turn the speaker into a floorstander: the Diana II embodies the distinctive approach of Florentine manufacturer Gold Note. It sits at the top of the Diana range alongside its smaller sibling Diana I, the Diana III-F extension module, and the Diana Center center speaker.

A D’Appolito configuration for a coherent soundstage

The Diana II adopts a three-driver, two-way architecture in a D’Appolito layout, where the 25 mm central silk-dome tweeter is flanked by two 165 mm mid-bass drivers with fiberglass cones. This vertical symmetry promotes even sound dispersion and helps reduce interference at the listening position. The crossover frequency is set at 2,900 Hz, placing the transition in a zone where both types of drivers can operate without excessive stress.

In front of the tweeter, Gold Note has placed a metal grille phase plug. This mechanical element is designed to improve off-axis high-frequency behavior and smooth the response depending on the listening angle. Three finishes are available for this visible front element (gold, silver, or black), allowing the speaker’s aesthetics to be matched to its surroundings.

Mechanical resonators to control vibrations

Four semi-elliptical resonators are positioned along the axis of the mid-bass drivers. These elements absorb unwanted vibrations generated by the movement of the cones and help stiffen the cabinet. This mechanical approach, rather than relying solely on internal damping, aims to clarify reproduction in the midrange, where the ear is particularly sensitive to coloration.

The cabinet also incorporates damping foam that complements the work of the resonators. The rear-firing bass-reflex port allows low-frequency extension down to 45 Hz and offers a certain flexibility in placement: Gold Note states that the speaker can be used close to a rear wall without the bass becoming boomy.

Fabric derived from motorsport

The exterior finish of the Diana II stands out from traditional wood or lacquer. Gold Note has opted for a fabric made in Italy from 90% recycled fibers, inspired by racing car seats. This material offers several practical benefits: total acoustic transparency (sound passes through the fabric without measurable alteration), resistance to tearing and staining, and easy maintenance.

Two colors are available, Black Rebel (black) and Grey Artic (grey), each of which can be combined with any of the three phase plug finishes. This combination provides six distinct aesthetic configurations to adapt the speaker to different interiors.

High sensitivity for low-power amplifiers

With a sensitivity rated at 91 dB, the Diana II is not demanding in terms of amplification. An amplifier delivering 10 watts is enough to achieve a comfortable sound level in a medium-sized living room. This characteristic makes the speaker compatible with low-power tube amplifiers or Class A models, which are often limited to a few dozen watts but prized for their musicality. The recommended power range nonetheless extends up to 120 watts for setups where substantial dynamic headroom is desired.

The nominal impedance of 8 ohms makes life easier for the amplifier and helps avoid voltage drops that can occur with speakers that have a lower impedance or large variations with frequency.

An upgrade path to a floorstanding configuration

Modular design is one of the hallmarks of the Diana range. The Diana II can be paired with the Diana III-F extension, a module equipped with a 165 mm bass driver and a front-firing bass-reflex port. Together they form a floorstanding speaker with bass extension down to 38 Hz.

Assembly relies on neodymium magnets built into both elements, supplemented by the Diana Bridge, a connection bridge linking the rear binding posts. Thanks to this system, a single speaker cable is enough to power the entire setup. The Diana III-F features an automatic recognition system that adapts its operation depending on whether it is paired with a Diana I or a Diana II.

This approach allows you to invest in a pair of bookshelf speakers and upgrade them later without calling the initial purchase into question. It also addresses space constraints: the standalone Diana II is suitable for smaller rooms, while the combination with the Diana III-F is aimed at larger spaces where deeper bass foundation is desired.

Integration into a home cinema system

The Diana range includes a dedicated center channel, the Diana Center, which shares the same aesthetic and sonic identity. This speaker uses the same silk-dome tweeter as the Diana II and two mid-bass drivers, in a sealed cabinet fitted with mechanical resonators. It offers the same 91 dB sensitivity, ensuring level consistency across the different channels.

The Diana II can therefore serve as front speakers in a multichannel setup, complemented by the Diana Center and possibly other Diana I or Diana II speakers as surrounds. This homogeneity within the range facilitates seamless acoustic integration between channels and contributes to a coherent spatial rendering when watching films.

Technical specifications

Transducers

• Tweeter: 1 × 25 mm silk dome tweeter
• Mid-woofer: 2 × 165 mm fiberglass cone mid-woofers
• Configuration: symmetrical T / M (tweeter / midrange)

Acoustic performance

• Frequency response: 45 - 20000 Hz ±3 dB
• Sensitivity: 91 dB SPL
• Crossover frequency: 2900 Hz
• Rear bass-reflex port for low-frequency extension
• Metal grille phase plug on the tweeter to improve off-axis response

Electrical specifications

• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Recommended amplification: 10 - 120 W

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 260 W × 460 H × 375 D mm
• Weight: 22 kg per pair (net)

Configuration and design

• Type: bookshelf speaker
• Architecture: 3 transducers, 2-way
• Mechanical resonators: 4 resonators strategically positioned along the mid-woofer axis to eliminate vibrations
• Finish: high-performance fabric made in Italy from 90% recycled fibers, derived from modified racing car seats to ensure total acoustic transparency
• Integrated damping foam for premium quality
• Gold Note modular design
• Compatibility: can be paired with the Diana III-F to form a floorstanding system

Available finishes

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