Gold Note Diana II Bookshelf Speaker, Black (Pair)

The Gold Note Diana II is a two-way bookshelf speaker in a D'Appolito layout that reaches down to 45 Hz with two 6.5-inch mid-woofers and can be expanded into a floorstander with the Diana III-F.

This version is all black: Black Rebel fabric and a black phaser in front of the tweeter – the Diana II blends into the room as discreetly as possible. It comes as a pair.

Why the Diana II?

Because it is the big brother on the shelf – with twice the cone area and almost twice the cabinet volume of the Diana I. The two treated paper mid-woofers sit symmetrically above and below the tweeter. This D'Appolito arrangement focuses the sound vertically and keeps ceiling and floor reflections in check, which makes the imaging noticeably calmer. In front of the 1.1-inch silk dome, a mechanical phaser provides precise treble extension. Four semi-elliptical resonators stiffen the cabinet, and damping foam curbs unwanted vibrations.

The Diana II is dressed in a fabric made from recycled fibres, produced in Italy and inspired by racing car seats – tear-resistant, stain-repellent and easy to care for. Sounds like a fashion brochure, but above all it's practical when children or cats share your home.

What you hear

More foundation and more headroom than the smaller Diana I. With 91 dB sensitivity, the Diana II plays astonishingly lively even on 10 watts and handles up to 120 watts. According to Gold Note, the bass reaches down to 45 Hz (–3 dB) – enough for double bass and organ pedal to have substance without immediately needing a subwoofer. The rear bass reflex port provides volume; a little distance to the wall is rewarded with precision.

Who is the Diana II for?

For medium to larger living spaces, for people looking for a compact speaker with a grown-up sound, and for everyone who wants to grow into floorstander format later with the Diana III-F. Straight talk: at 46 centimetres tall and 11 kilos per box, the Diana II is no shelf dwarf any more – for narrow bookcases or the desk, the Diana I is the more sensible choice. And if you want to do without stands altogether, it's best to plan the upgrade with the III-F right away.

Our verdict

The Diana II is the sweet spot of the series: enough volume for real music, enough sensitivity for fine amplifiers and a design you won't want to hide behind the sofa. Honestly – when did a bookshelf speaker last surprise you visually too? Tell us about your room and we'll tell you openly whether the Diana II fits. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is there for you by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical specifications

• Type: two-way bookshelf speaker, passive, rear bass reflex
• Tweeter: 1× 1.1" silk dome with phaser
• Mid-woofers: 2× 6.5" treated paper, symmetrical arrangement (D'Appolito)
• Frequency response: 45 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB)
• Sensitivity: 91 dB
• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Crossover frequency: 2900 Hz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–120 W
• Cabinet volume: 23 litres
• Upgradeable: to a floorstander with the Diana III-F
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 260 × 460 × 375 mm (per speaker)
• Weight: 22 kg (pair, net)
• Finish: Black Rebel fabric (black), tweeter phaser black
• Origin: Made in Italy
• Scope of delivery: 1 pair of speakers

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Diana I and Diana II?

The Diana II has two 6.5-inch mid-woofers instead of one, almost twice the cabinet volume and 91 instead of 88 dB sensitivity. It reaches down to 45 Hz instead of 48 Hz and handles more power. The Diana I fits small rooms and shelves better, while the Diana II plays more confidently and maturely in larger living rooms.

Do I need a subwoofer with the Diana II?

For music in most living rooms, no. With 45 Hz extension, the Diana II provides a solid foundation for jazz, classical and pop. If you want more punch in the deep bass, add the passive Diana III-F bass module, which turns it into a floorstander. For home cinema with effects, a subwoofer still remains a sensible option.

Which amplifier suits the Gold Note Diana II?

With 91 dB and 8 ohms, the Diana II is very amplifier-friendly. Gold Note specifies 10 to 120 watts, so tube and Class A amplifiers are suitable too. What matters is tonal character and bass control, not the last watt. We're happy to suggest matching combinations, including from the Gold Note range.

Why buy the Gold Note Diana II from HD Zürisee?

Because we help you turn a good speaker into a great one: with advice on room, placement and amplifier, with a team that has lived hi-fi for decades, and with our own technician for delivery, installation and support. An honest assessment included, even if a smaller model turns out to be enough.

Goes well with

Powerful integrated amplifiers, solid speaker stands and high-quality speaker cables. For a home cinema with the Diana look, take a look at the centre speakers.