Gold Note Bellagio Conquest Turntable Base, Gold Leaf

The Gold Note Bellagio Conquest Gold Leaf is a turntable base from the limited-edition series whose plinths are finished in real gold leaf instead of black acrylic — mechanically identical to the black version and likewise supplied without tonearm and cartridge.

Gold Note manufactures near Florence, in Tuscany, right in a region where gilding has been a craft for centuries, not a marketing term. That's exactly where this version comes from: the same machine, a different skin.

Why the gold leaf version?

Because gold leaf isn't a lacquer, it's a technique. Wafer-thin gold foil is laid down and pressed on strip by strip; the fine seams between the strips aren't a flaw but the signature of genuine craftsmanship. Gold Note specifies two positions in gold leaf for this version: the suspended plinth and the five-layer main plinth, the latter combined with titanium. Metal parts stay black and chromed, the platter stays black — it's the plinth that's gilded, not the whole unit. Underneath, the Conquest mechanics remain unchanged: thirteen curved plinths, a 270-millimetre spindle in C40 carbon steel, ceramic ball bearing in a polished bronze housing, and an externally fed 12-volt synchronous motor with PWM power stage.

What you get

Sonically, exactly what the black version delivers: 100 kilograms of mass that take all nervousness out of the sound, minus 85 decibels of rumble and 0.05 percent wow and flutter. On top of that comes a surface that reacts to light instead of absorbing it, and one that won't change over the years, because gold simply doesn't oxidise. Via the remote control you set speed, fine pitch and motor power — the rest is physics.

Who is the Conquest Gold Leaf suited for – and who isn't it for?

For vinyl listeners for whom the unit's appearance matters just as much as its behaviour in the groove. Plain talk: if you only want the technology, the black version is cheaper and you won't hear a difference — the two are, measurement for measurement, the same turntable base. And the gold finish wants to be treated with respect: no wiping with a kitchen towel, no moving it single-handedly. If you can live with that, you get a piece you don't replace, you pass down.

Our verdict

The gold leaf version isn't a better decision, it's a different one: the same substance, a different demand on the room it stands in. If you want that, plan it properly. Tell us about your room and your dream setup — at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we put together arm, cartridge and phono stage, deliver, and set it up on site.

Technical data

• Type: turntable base from the limited-edition series, without tonearm and cartridge
• Finish: real gold leaf on the plinths
• Chassis: 13 differently curved plinths; suspended plinth in gold leaf, main plinth in five layers of gold leaf and titanium
• Metal parts: black and chrome, black platter
• Drive: belt drive, rectified deluxe EPDM belt (70 Shore), hourglass-shaped pulley
• Motor: 12 V high-torque synchronous motor, externally powered
• Motor control: PWM power stage with triple AC-DC-AC conversion, adjustable motor power
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm, ±0.1%, electronically switchable with fine pitch
• Remote control: on/off, speed change, fine pitch, motor power
• Platter: Sustarin (POM), 110 mm height
• Spindle: 270 mm, hardened C40 carbon steel, with platter clamp
• Bearing: 4.7 mm ceramic ball bearing, polished bronze bearing housing, manufacturing tolerance 1/100 mm
• Wow and flutter: 0.05%
• Rumble: −85 dB
• Power supply: 100–240 V, 50 or 60 Hz depending on market, non-switchable, 20 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 530 × 1250 × 500 mm
• Weight: 100 kg
• Scope of delivery: turntable base with external motor supply and control unit plus remote control; without tonearm, cartridge and phono stage

Frequently asked questions

Is the Conquest Gold Leaf technically different from the black version?

No. Chassis construction, 270-millimetre spindle, ceramic bearing, Sustarin platter, motor and control unit are identical, as are the measured values of 0.05 percent wow and flutter and minus 85 decibels of rumble. The only difference lies in the finish of the plinths. Listen to both side by side and you're hearing the same turntable base twice.

Which parts of the turntable base are gilded?

The plinths. For this version, Gold Note executes the suspended plinth in gold leaf and the five-layer main plinth in gold leaf with titanium. Metal parts stay black and chromed, the platter stays black. So it's the visible plinth that's gilded, not the entire unit.

How do I care for a gold leaf surface?

Dry and without pressure. Gold doesn't oxidise and therefore won't tarnish, but the layer is wafer-thin. A soft duster or a dry microfibre cloth is enough — cleaning agents and polish have no place on gold leaf. Gloves are advisable when adjusting the turntable base.

Is the Conquest Gold Leaf supplied with a tonearm?

No. The gilded version, too, is a pure turntable base and comes without tonearm, cartridge and phono stage. You choose these parts separately, which is exactly what makes this class of device appealing: you determine the sound character yourself instead of taking over a ready-made combination.

How much space does the Bellagio Conquest need in the room?

It measures 530 millimetres in width, 500 in depth and 1250 in height, and stands freely in the room rather than on a rack. Around it you need freedom of movement for placing records and adjusting it, plus a surface that can safely carry 100 kilograms.

Why buy the Conquest Gold Leaf from HD Zürisee?

Because a hand-gilded turntable base without a tonearm needs planning, not an order button. We match arm, cartridge and phono stage to your system, clarify the tonearm mount with Gold Note in advance, and take care of delivery and setup. As an established specialist team in Wädenswil, we remain available afterwards too.

Goes well with

First the tonearm, then the cartridge and a phono stage from the phono amplifier category. You'll find brushes, mats and record weights under turntable accessories, and further turntable bases under turntables.