Gold Note Bellagio Reference Turntable Base, Black

The Gold Note Bellagio Reference is a high-end turntable base from Gold Note's limited-edition series — the more compact derivative of the flagship Conquest with five curved plinths, supplied without tonearm and cartridge.

It inherits the Conquest genes but drops the refrigerator factor. Instead of a 125-centimetre monolith, you get the same design philosophy in a format that fits on a serious rack.

Why the Bellagio Reference?

The Reference is a direct descendant of the Conquest and adopts its core ideas: five differently shaped, curved acrylic plinths for maximum rigidity, the anti-resonant hourglass pulley, a 90-millimetre-thick, ultra-damped POM platter and a rectified carbon steel spindle in a precision-machined bearing. The externally powered 12-volt high-torque synchronous motor decouples the drive from the chassis — no motor hum reaches the stylus.

What you hear

Spaciousness you'd otherwise look for a price bracket higher. The Reference sounds organic and warm without swallowing detail, with a jet-black background (-83 dB rumble, 0.05% wow and flutter). Voices and piano attacks stand solidly in the room — mass does the work, not gimmickry.

Who is the Bellagio Reference suited for?

For ambitious vinyl listeners who want Conquest DNA but need realistic dimensions. Plain talk: 32 kg is still a statement — the Reference wants a rigid, low-vibration base, ideally a good audio rack or a wall mount. On a springy wooden floor without decoupling you're leaving potential on the table. And it, too, comes without tonearm, cartridge and phono stage.

Which tonearms fit the Reference?

From the factory it's tuned for Gold Note tonearms, but interchangeable armboards let you mount most common 9- and 10-inch arms from other manufacturers. We'll work out together which one suits your system.

Our verdict

The Reference is the sensible way into the Bellagio universe: most of what makes the Conquest special, in a format for a real living room. If you're looking for an analogue source for the next few decades, this is exactly right. Tell us which speakers and amplifier you're running — at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we build the matching analogue setup around them.

Technical data

• Type: high-end turntable base (limited edition), derived from the Conquest, without tonearm/cartridge
• Chassis: 5 differently shaped, curved plinths (black acrylic), aluminium spacers and blocks
• Platter: 90 mm ultra-damped POM
• Spindle/bearing: rectified carbon steel spindle, polished precision bearing
• Drive: belt drive (deluxe EPDM belt), hourglass pulley
• Motor: 12 V high-torque synchronous motor, external, PWM control
• Control: electronic switching, fine pitch, remote control; "Power Control System"
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm, ±0.1%
• Wow and flutter: 0.05% · Rumble: -83 dB
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 530 × 350 × 500 mm
• Weight: 32 kg
• Finish: black (acrylic)
• Scope of delivery: turntable base, external power supply, drive belt, remote control, gloves, manual

Frequently asked questions

How does the Reference differ from the Conquest?

The Reference is a direct descendant of the Conquest but uses five plinths instead of thirteen and is noticeably more compact (about 35 cm tall, 32 kg, versus 125 cm and 100 kg). The design concept and sound philosophy remain the same.

Is the Reference supplied with a tonearm?

No. Like all Bellagio turntable bases, it comes without tonearm, cartridge and phono stage. Interchangeable armboards let you mount a matching tonearm — we help with the choice.

What kind of support does the Reference need?

A rigid, low-vibration base. 32 kg needs to stand securely, ideally on a solid audio rack or a wall mount. On a springy wooden floor we recommend decoupling.

Why buy the Bellagio Reference from HD Zürisee?

Because two-thirds of a turntable base's sound comes from the right combination and clean setup. We match tonearm, cartridge and phono stage to your system, deliver and install on site, and remain your point of contact as a specialist shop in Wädenswil — with our own technician.

Goes well with: a matching tonearm and cartridge, plus a phono stage such as the Gold Note PH-10. You'll find further turntable bases under turntables.