Gold Note Vasari Gold MM cartridge

The Gold Note Vasari Gold MM cartridge offers an innovative design partly performed by computer modelling. The objective of the Italian manufacturer is to offer a high-performance moving magnet cartridge at an affordable price.

GOLD NOTE VASARI GOLD: CHARACTERISTICS

To do that, Gold Note optimised the MM technology using their expertise during every part of the process. The brand started from its best-selling product, the Vasari Red MM cartridge (More information on the Gold Note Vasari Red MM cartridge), and improved the elements worth improving.

The photopolymer resin body was replaced by a solid machined duralumin body. It provides perfect mechanical resistance and optimum damping by limiting the formation of resonance or vibration.

This version is provided with a more complex and precise elliptical diamond (7.5 × 15.5 μm) than the Vasari Red’s. It’s mounted on a hardened aluminium cantilever.

The generator is designed around copper coils and Alnico magnets specific to the Vasari Gold. It delivers a reasonable and comfortable output level of 4 mV. It’s perfectly compatible with all MM phono inputs provided with integrated amplifiers and all quality MM phono preamplifiers.

The weight, tracking force associated with its compliance make this Vasari Gold cartridge pretty versatile and compatible with most modern and older 9-inch tonearms.

GOLD NOTE VASARI GOLD: TESTING AND LISTENING

The Vasari Gold provides a more physical and open reproduction than its little sister the Vasari Red. We also notice a clear improvement in terms of transparency, clarity and definition. We can hear the Gold Note’s improvements on all registers.

Dynamics are excellent and particularly demonstrative across the low end of the spectrum. However, it focuses on the emotional qualities of music.

The Gold Note Vasari Gold takes the side of warmth rather than over definition. The low surface noise allows to not hide any detail however, and most of the signal is perfectly reproduced!

The Gold Note Vasari Gold MM cartridge provides the best out of MM cartridges and proves that this technology is still relevant, especially considering the price. Excellent value for money!

AWARDS:

Tone audio - Exceptional Value Award - 2017