Gold Note T-5 white
Overview
Eight turntables make up the Gold Note catalogue, an Italian brand whose workshops are based in Florence. The T-5 occupies the entry-level position, a demanding spot where every technical choice weighs in the balance between cost and performance. The engineers focused their budget on the mechanics rather than on ease of use: no automation, no frills. A 23 mm HDF one-piece plinth, an ultra-clear glass platter, a B-5.2 tonearm directly derived from higher-end models, all assembled by hand in Tuscany.
A sculpted plinth to break up vibrations
The 23 mm one-piece chassis is machined from satin black lacquered HDF, a high-density composite chosen for its combination of rigidity and lightness. Its shape is no accident. Gold Note has removed material through half-moon cutouts around the motor, the bearing, and the edges. The idea: cut off resonance paths before any vibration can travel up to the stylus. Three elliptical NBR rubber feet complete the assembly. They form a semi-floating suspension, which the brand presents as unique within its current lineup.
Glass platter and inverted bearing
The 15 mm ultra-clear glass platter weighs just enough to maintain stable inertia without generating edge effects. Glass offers homogeneous density and neutral acoustic behaviour, two qualities sought after for extracting detail from a groove without adding its own coloration. It rests on an inverted bearing: the 5 mm chrome steel ball sits at the top of the spindle, placing the friction point above the centre of gravity and promoting silent rotation. The spindle clamping relies on the in-house Split-Spindle design.
The B-5.2 tonearm, an in-house component
The B-5.2 tonearm is directly derived from the B-5.1 that equips higher-end models. Straight tube, 9 inches of effective length (230 mm), low effective mass (around 10 g): it accepts both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, high and low output. Its pivot uses four micro ball bearings manufactured in Germany by GRW to Gold Note’s own specifications, with the aim of reducing friction and mechanical noise. Anti-skating is managed by a suspended counterweight with five graduation levels. Tonearm height (VTA) and azimuth remain adjustable to align the cartridge to the record. The connection to the amplifier is made via a DIN/RCA phono cable integrated with the turntable.
Synchronous motor and manual speed control
Speed changes are entirely manual. To switch from 33⅓ to 45 rpm, you need to lift the platter and move the belt from one groove to the other on the pulley. No button, no servo motor, no regulation circuit to pass through. Drive is via a rectified 70 Shore EPDM belt, driven by a high-torque 12 V synchronous motor whose power supply runs through an external outboard box. The stated wow and flutter figure is 0.3%, and the signal-to-noise ratio is -72 dB. Power consumption does not exceed 3 W. To start a side, press the start button, bring the tonearm over the record, and lower the cueing lever.
Before placing a record
The T-5 is supplied without a cartridge. The choice depends on budget and the desired sonic character, as the turntable accepts both MM and MC cartridges. Gold Note offers its own cartridges (Vasari in MM, Donatello in MC) for a coherent pairing with the rest of the in-house analogue system. Since the DIN/RCA phono cable is integrated, it cannot be replaced in normal use. Connection is made to a phono input on an amplifier or to an external phono preamplifier (the T-5 does not include one). The transparent acrylic dust cover detaches via removable hinges, freeing access to the tonearm during listening or adjustment. The feet are adjustable for levelling.
Documentation
Technical Specifications
Construction
- Turntable with 23 mm thick one-piece plinth
- 15 mm thick ultra-clear glass platter
- Ground ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) belt
Audio Performance
- Wow and flutter: 0.3%
- Signal-to-noise ratio: -72 dB
- Speeds: 33 rpm, 45 rpm
- Speed change: manual
- 12 V high-torque synchronous motor
Power Supply
- Power adapter: 12 V AC
- Supported voltages: 100-120 V / 60 Hz, 220-240 V / 50 Hz
- Power consumption: max. 3 W
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 425 × 140 × 360 mm
- Net weight: 7.5 kg
- Gross weight: 12.5 kg
Equipment
- Supplied without cartridge
- Removable transparent acrylic dust cover
- B-5.2 tonearm (230 mm)
- 100-245 V compatible power supply available on request
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a phono preamplifier to use the T-5?
Yes. The T-5 outputs a phono-level signal, too weak to drive a line input directly, and does not include a preamplifier. If your amplifier has a “Phono” input compatible with your cartridge (MM or MC), that will do the job. Otherwise, an external phono preamplifier is essential. Gold Note’s PH-5 and PH-10 are voiced in the same sonic philosophy, but any phono preamplifier suited to the chosen cartridge type will work.
Which cartridge should be fitted to the B-5.2 tonearm?
The B-5.2 accepts both MM and MC cartridges thanks to its compatible mass range. Its moderate effective mass (around 10 g) makes it compatible with a wide range of compliance values. In the Gold Note catalogue, the Vasari Red (MM) is a coherent starting point, while the Donatello (MC) allows you to step up in resolution. The factory alignment is precise, but a Gold Note alignment tool is available to adjust overhang and alignment if needed.
Can you change speed during playback?
No. Switching from 33 to 45 rpm requires lifting the platter and moving the belt to the other groove on the pulley. This is a deliberate design choice: the absence of an electronic selector eliminates a regulation stage and simplifies the mechanical chain. It is therefore best to group listening sessions by format to avoid repeated adjustments.
Does the T-5 stop automatically at the end of a side?
No. The T-5 is fully manual. At the end of a side, the tonearm remains in the run-out groove and the platter continues to spin until the user lifts the tonearm and switches off the motor. No device detects the end of the record.
- Eco-contribution of €1.67 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 8050054564401