GOLD NOTE DONATELLO

Italian high-end manufacturer Gold Note has released a new movingcoil cartridge, available in both high-output and low-output versions, called the Donatello. The Donatello Gold is the low-output (0.5mV) version, which retails for ($1,790 RRP), while the high-output (1.8mV) model is the Donatello Red ($1,190 RRP). Both models have bodies machined from duralumin, as well as aluminium cantilevers and micro-elliptical diamond styluses that Gold Note says were developed exclusively for the company by Adamant-Namiki. They also have copper coils and samarium-cobalt magnets. ‘ The idea was to bring some of the premium features introduced on our flagship lines into a lighter, smaller body in order to create a cartridge compatible with a wide range of tonearms, without compromising the design and the build quality,’ said Maurizio Aterini, of Gold Note. ‘ For instance, to ensure structural perfection the diamond tip is locked in a stiffened aluminium cantilever that is supported by a titanium telescopic pipe.’ Boris Granovsky, of Absolute HiEnd, which distributes Gold Note in Australia, told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine: ‘ Following so closely on the release of the Vasari, it’s easy to see that Gold Note is increasing its commitment to the analogue domain by offering vinyl lovers a wider choice of cartridges, all with great audio performance, superior build quality and irresistible aesthetic appeal.’ The Donatello Gold claims a frequency response of 10Hz–40kHz and an impedance of 40Ω. The Donatello Red claims a frequency response of 10Hz–35kHz and an impedance of 140Ω. Both models are available in Australia now. For further information, please contact Absolute HiEnd on (04) 8877 7999 or visit www.absolutehiend.com