Gold Note Diana I Bookshelf Speaker, Black/Gold (Pair)

The Gold Note Diana I is a compact two-way bookshelf speaker from Italy that comes alive even on small amplifiers thanks to its 88 dB sensitivity, and can later be turned into a floorstander with the Diana III-F.

This version pairs the black Black Rebel fabric with a gold phaser in front of the tweeter – a calm base with a deliberate accent. Supplied as a pair.

Why the Diana I?

Because it does a few things differently from the usual veneered wooden box. The cabinet is fully wrapped in an acoustically transparent fabric made in Italy from recycled fibres – tear-resistant, stain-repellent and easy to clean. The inspiration comes from racing car seats, and you can see it without it ever looking loud. In front of the 1.1-inch silk dome tweeter sits a mechanical phaser that cleanly extends the top end and at the same time gives the speaker its face. Two semi-elliptical resonators on the axis of the 6.5-inch glass fibre mid-woofer stiffen the cabinet, and damping foam inside calms the rest.

And then there is the modularity: if more space or more budget comes along later, you simply place the Diana I on the Diana III-F. Magnets align the modules, the Diana Bridge connects the terminals – and the bookshelf speaker becomes a floorstander without you having to sell your first pair. Upgrading can hardly be planned more sustainably.

What you hear

According to Gold Note, the Diana I reaches down to 48 Hz (–3 dB) – an honest figure for twelve litres of cabinet volume. Voices and acoustic instruments stand clearly in the room, and the 2900 Hz crossover point makes the transition between the two drivers inconspicuous. The bass reflex port sits at the back: it gives the bass body, but asks for a little air to the wall. Thanks to 88 dB sensitivity, even a small tube or Class A amplifier from 10 watts is enough, and it handles up to 100 watts.

Who is the Diana I for?

For small to medium living rooms, studies and anyone looking for a system with character that doesn't look like a studio monitor. And for everyone who wants to start small today and expand tomorrow. Straight talk: if you expect party levels in a 40-square-metre loft or want to push the speaker flush into a shelf compartment, you are better served by the Diana II or a model with a front bass reflex port. The rear port likes a few centimetres of space – that's not a weakness, it's physics.

Our verdict

The Diana I convinces with design and a well-thought-out concept rather than brochure figures. Being able to turn it into a floorstander later is more than a gimmick – it protects your investment. Hand on heart: how many speakers actually grow with your living room? If you want to know which amplifier suits it or whether the Diana II is the better choice for your room, call us, write to us or get in touch via WhatsApp with HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical specifications

• Type: two-way bookshelf speaker, passive, rear bass reflex
• Tweeter: 1× 1.1" silk dome with phaser
• Mid-woofer: 1× 6.5" glass fibre
• Frequency response: 48 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB)
• Sensitivity: 88 dB
• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Crossover frequency: 2900 Hz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–100 W
• Cabinet volume: 12 litres
• Upgradeable: to a floorstander with the Diana III-F
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 260 × 290 × 375 mm (per speaker)
• Weight: 14 kg (pair, net)
• Finish: Black Rebel fabric (black), tweeter phaser gold
• Origin: Made in Italy
• Scope of delivery: 1 pair of speakers

Frequently asked questions

Can I upgrade the Diana I to a floorstander later?

Yes. The Diana III-F is a passive bass module with its own 6.5-inch woofer on which you simply place the Diana I. Magnets align both modules and the Diana Bridge connects the terminals, so you still connect just one speaker cable per side. According to Gold Note, the bass then reaches down to 38 Hz.

Which amplifier suits the Gold Note Diana I?

With 88 dB sensitivity and 8 ohms, the Diana I is an easy-going partner. Gold Note recommends 10 to 100 watts, so lower-powered tube or Class A amplifiers work too. More important than the pure wattage is an amplifier that keeps the bass under clean control – we're happy to advise you with concrete combinations.

How close to the wall can the Diana I stand?

A little distance helps, because the bass reflex port faces backwards. Start with 20 to 40 centimetres from the rear wall and then fine-tune by ear: closer to the wall the bass becomes fuller but less precise. That's why the Diana I doesn't belong in a closed shelf compartment – a sturdy stand is ideal.

Why buy the Gold Note Diana I from HD Zürisee?

Because a speaker only convinces when everything works together. We help you choose between Diana I and II, find the right amplifier and set it up in your room. On top of that you get our own technician for installation and support, plus delivery to your home, with on-site setup if you wish.

Goes well with

Integrated amplifiers with a calm bass, sturdy speaker stands for the right height and matching speaker cables. If you are turning your living room into a cinema, you'll find the matching Diana Center among the centre speakers.