Gold Note Bellagio Reference Turntable Base, Gold Leaf

The Gold Note Bellagio Reference Gold Leaf is a high-end turntable base from Gold Note's limited-edition series — the compact Conquest derivative with five plinths, finished with hand-applied gold leaf and supplied without tonearm and cartridge.

It combines the Reference's technology with Florentine craftsmanship. The gold leaf is real and applied by hand — a statement for the living room that just happens to play records superbly too.

Why the Bellagio Reference Gold Leaf?

The base is the Reference: five curved plinths for maximum rigidity, a 90-millimetre POM platter, a rectified carbon steel spindle in a precision bearing, and a decoupled, externally powered 12-volt synchronous motor with hourglass pulley. The hand-applied gold leaf adds extra stiffness to the chassis while also being the visual crown.

What you get

Conquest construction in a living-room format, plus the aura of real gold. Sonically the Reference delivers an organic, warm tone with a jet-black background (-83 dB, 0.05% wow and flutter); visually it's an object the eye lingers on. Fine treble nuances are preserved because mechanical unrest is kept out by design.

Who is the Reference Gold Leaf suited for?

For anyone who weighs top-class sound and aesthetics equally — without the dimensions of the large Conquest. Plain talk: 32 kg needs a rigid base, and the gold leaf wants to be handled with care (gloves when adjusting aren't a luxury). It, too, comes without tonearm, cartridge and phono stage.

Is the gold prone to scratching or does it oxidise?

Real gold doesn't oxidise and stays lustrous over decades. The layer is, however, wafer-thin — so clean only with a soft, dry cloth and no pressure, and wear the included gloves when handling it.

Our verdict

The Reference Gold Leaf is the choice when the turntable base should not only sound but also shine — literally. Conquest DNA, a compact format, a touch of Florence. Tell us about your room and your system — at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we plan, deliver and adjust your analogue setup so that it fits.

Technical data

• Type: high-end turntable base (limited edition), derived from the Conquest, without tonearm/cartridge
• Chassis: 5 differently shaped, curved plinths (acrylic), finished with real gold leaf
• Finish: real gold leaf, hand-applied
• 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: gold leaf
• Scope of delivery: turntable base, external power supply, drive belt, remote control, gloves, manual

Frequently asked questions

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

No, the technology is identical: five plinths, 90 mm POM platter, decoupled 12 V synchronous motor. The only difference is the hand-applied gold leaf finish.

How do I care for the gold leaf?

With a soft, dry duster or microfibre cloth and no pressure. No harsh cleaners, and wear the included gloves when adjusting it — skin oils are, over time, no friend of precious metal.

Can I keep using my existing tonearm?

Often yes. Thanks to interchangeable armboards, most high-quality 9- and 10-inch tonearms can be fitted. Which one does justice to the turntable base's dynamics is something we work out together.

Why buy the Reference Gold Leaf from HD Zürisee?

Because a turntable base of this class deserves advice, clean setup and a fixed point of contact. We match the whole system, deliver and install on site, and remain there for you as an established specialist team in Wädenswil even after the purchase.

Goes well with: a high-quality tonearm and cartridge, plus a Gold Note PH-10 as phono stage. Further turntable bases under turntables.