Gold Note Diana black
Overview
With the Diana range, the Florentine manufacturer is entering the home cinema arena. The Diana Center adopts the acoustic architecture developed for the Diana I and Diana II bookshelf speakers, transposed into a horizontal format suited to the center channel. This first foray by Gold Note into the multichannel world reflects a desire to offer total sonic coherence within a complete, Made in Italy system.
A proven configuration serving dialogue
The Diana Center uses a 2-way sealed-box topology, a technical choice that favors precision and control in the midrange, where the majority of voices and dialogue reside. The 1.1-inch silk-dome tweeter delivers high frequencies with finesse, while the two 6.5-inch treated paper woofers, positioned on either side of the tweeter, ensure even dispersion and a stable soundstage at any listening angle.
The 2,900 Hz crossover frequency places the transition between the drivers in a range that is favorable to vocal intelligibility. The frequency response extends from 60 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB), allowing the Diana Center to handle a wide portion of the spectrum without overtaxing the subwoofer.
Mechanical solutions against unwanted vibrations
Gold Note has integrated several devices designed to control resonances. Four semi-elliptical resonators, strategically positioned around the woofers, reinforce the cabinet and absorb unwanted vibrations. This technique, already used on other Diana models, helps refine the sound by limiting colorations caused by the speaker’s own movements.
The metal phase plug placed in front of the tweeter serves a dual purpose: it protects the fragile silk-dome diaphragm and optimizes high-frequency dispersion by widening the sweet spot. The 91 dB sensitivity and 8 Ω nominal impedance make the Diana Center compatible with a wide variety of amplifiers, including low-power models (from 10 W).
A textile finish inspired by the automotive world
The cabinet dispenses with traditional lacquered or wood veneer finishes in favor of a technical fabric developed specifically for the Diana range. This fabric, made in Italy from recycled fibers sourced from the automotive industry (racing car seats), offers total acoustic transparency while providing notable resistance to stains, tears, and everyday wear.
Beneath the fabric, a damping foam helps reduce unwanted vibrations and contributes to controlling internal resonances. This choice of materials gives the Diana Center a distinctive look, far removed from the usual aesthetic codes of the hi-fi sector.
Consistency within a Diana system
The Diana Center has been designed to work in tandem with the Diana I and Diana II bookshelf speakers, ensuring tonal consistency between channels. Adding the Diana III-F module transforms the bookshelf speakers into floorstanding models, creating an evolving, modular system. This step-by-step approach allows the system to be built up over time without compromising sonic coherence.
Documentation
Technical Specifications
Acoustic characteristics
- Type: 2-way center speaker, sealed design
- Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB
- Sensitivity: 91 dB SPL
- Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
- Recommended power: 10 – 120 W
- Crossover frequency: 2.9 kHz
- F-3 frequency: 60 Hz
- Internal volume: 23 dm³
Drivers
- Tweeter: 1.1-inch silk dome, metal phase plug optimizing high-frequency extension
- Mid / Bass: 2 × 6.5-inch treated paper cones, four semi-elliptical resonators reducing vibrations and increasing cabinet rigidity
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 460 × 260 × 375 mm
- Weight: 11 kg (each)
Compatibility and placement
The Diana Center is designed to complement the Diana I and Diana II:
- Can be used alone in a home cinema system
- Compatible with Diana III-F, the module that turns Diana I / II into floorstanding speakers
- Creates an immersive soundstage, true to the Made in Italy spirit and Gold Note quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Diana Center be used as a main speaker for stereo listening?
No, it is a speaker specifically designed for the center channel of a home cinema system. Its horizontal configuration and tonal balance are optimized for reproducing dialogue and central action, not for traditional stereophonic listening.
What placement requirements need to be observed?
The sealed-box design allows some flexibility when positioning near a wall or TV cabinet. The absence of a bass-reflex port prevents excessive bass reinforcement caused by proximity to surfaces. However, positioning it at ear height, facing the listening area, remains preferable.
Is the speaker’s fabric washable or replaceable?
The fabric is stain-resistant and can be easily cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. Gold Note offers fabrics and phase plugs as interchangeable elements, allowing the appearance of the speaker to be updated over time.
What amplifier power is recommended for this model?
With a sensitivity of 91 dB, the Diana Center is not very demanding. A quality home cinema amplifier delivering 50 to 80 W per channel will provide comfortable listening levels in most rooms. The manufacturer’s recommended range is from 10 to 120 W.
Can the Diana Center be paired with speakers from other brands?
Technically, yes, but tonal consistency will be better with the other models in the Diana range. In a multichannel system, uniformity between the front speakers contributes to smooth sound panning and a more convincing soundstage.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: PF-CASSE-DNC-001-B