Gold Note Donatello Gold MC cartridge

The Gold Note Donatello Gold MC cartridge proposes an innovative design partly performed by computer modelling. The objective of the Italian manufacturer is to offer a high-performance low output MC cartridge  at still an affordable price…

Therefore, Gold Note spent two years researching and testing to optimise the MC technology, using their expertise during every part of the process.

GOLD NOTE DONATELLO GOLD: CHARACTERISTICS

The cartridge has a machined solid duraluminium body. It provides perfect mechanical resistance and optimum damping while limiting the formation of resonance or vibration.

The Micro Elliptical stylus on this version is more complex than most Elliptical styli from this range. It’s mounted on a hardened aluminium cantilever.

The generator is designed around copper coils and samarium-cobalt magnets. Contrary to the Donatello Red high output MC cartridge , the generator was under coiled allowing the stylus/cantilever assembly to be lighter. And, of course, it also helped to make the internal impedance drop, and thus the output level as well.

A 60-dB gain MC phono preamplifier is required due to its 0.5 mV output level. This phono preamplifier also requires an adjustable load impedance because the conventional 100 ohms are too low. We recommend a load impedance superior to 400 ohms.

The weight and tracking force associated with its compliance make this Donatello Gold pretty versatile; it’s compatible with most modern and older 9-inch tonearms.

GOLD NOTE DONATELLO GOLD: TESTING AND LISTENING

The Donatello Gold provides a reproduction favouring the timbre and substance of the instruments.

It may not be the most dynamic and surgical of MC cartridges. However, its very neutral balance, wide bandwidth and superb transparency make it a reference in the genre!

The Gold Note Donatello Gold shows precise tracking capability without any surface noise. Midrange is particularly impressive through its presence and “organic” side. This cartridge keeps a completely low profile! Few phono cartridges around 1,000 euros provide as much quality and musical pleasure.

This easiness to reproduce music with its entire harmonic richness is its main asset. Not to mention that it works wonders in terms of tempo and swing.

The Gold Note Donatello Gold MC cartridge is a “true” favourite! Highly recommended.