GOLD NOTE T-5 TURNTABLE

The Gold Note T-5 turntable represents a remarkable achievement by the Italian manufacturer, offering exceptionally high-quality vinyl playback at an unparalleled price point. It incorporates the innovative approach of the 425 Lite while maintaining original and effective technical choices.

GOLD NOTE T-5: CHASSIS

The presentation remains tasteful and understated! For cost-saving reasons, the T-5 is only available in a single satin black finish.

The chassis is crafted from 23mm thick MDF (medium-density fiberboard), optimized to minimize coloration. Circular cutouts around the bearing and motor break up mechanical vibrations. The turntable rests on three unique feet, distinct from typical cones. The Gold Note T-5 also comes with an acrylic cover equipped with hinges.

GOLD NOTE T-5: PLATTER AND DRIVE

The 15mm thick platter is carved from ultra-translucent silica (glass). This high-quality material offers excellent density and inertia, minimizing noise. It is paired with a wool felt mat. The platter utilizes an inverted bearing, an elegant solution for stability and frictionless rotation.

Gold Note has minimized the gap between the platter and the turntable base to cancel turbulence from rotating masses, optimizing platter stability. The platter is driven at its periphery by a rectified EPDM polyvinyl belt. The motor, developed in collaboration with Mechtex, is a 12V AC synchronous model. It is electronically regulated to reduce vibrational behavior. Speed changes are manual, achieved by positioning the belt on the appropriate pulley.

GOLD NOTE T-5: TONEARM

The Gold Note T5 is equipped with the new Gold Note B-5.2 tonearm. This 9-inch model is a slightly more economical variant of the renowned B-5.1. It allows for pairing with numerous MM and high/low output MC cartridges.

The B-5.2 is an elegant and high-performance tonearm, handcrafted in Italy using the finest materials and machinery. Behind its user-friendly design, the B-5.2 incorporates sophisticated technical solutions to achieve excellent sound results at a very affordable price. Equipped with 4 precision micro-bearings produced in Germany by GRW to Gold Note's precise technical specifications, the tonearm minimizes noise and friction while extracting every musical detail from the vinyl groove. It is paired with an excellent phono cable equipped with RCA connectors.

Like all Gold Note products, this turntable is entirely handcrafted in Italy using top-quality materials.

GOLD NOTE T-5: TESTING AND LISTENING

We tested the Gold Note T-5 with two reference MM and MC cartridges. This turntable provides instruments and voices with remarkable definition, imparting a very "analog" texture that ensures top-tier musicality.

The playback achieves a perfect balance of transparency, dynamics, nuance, and expansiveness. The soundstage is surprisingly spacious for a turntable in this price range, offering precision that enhances realism.

The bass is well-defined and particularly dynamic, reflecting the manufacturer's signature. It epitomizes analog playback, providing a very "organic" presence. Female voices are rendered with grace and emotion, while the texture of strings and winds is faithfully reproduced.

The Gold Note T-5 is a delightful surprise! It easily ranks among the top 2 or 3 turntables in its price range, delivering astonishing musicality and performance for its price.

Our top pick!