Gold Note Mediterraneo Turntable, Walnut Black Gloss

The Gold Note Mediterraneo is a belt-driven high-end turntable from Italy that draws its smooth running from a curved, three-layer damped solid-wood chassis.

This version comes in glossy lacquered walnut with a matte black acrylic top plate, black anodized metal parts and a black platter. The high-gloss walnut plays with the light without ever shouting – Italian elegance that works in a living room, not just in a glossy brochure.

Why the Mediterraneo?

The 60mm thick, curved base follows the catenary curve, a shape that distributes loads with particular efficiency. It's reinforced by 20mm of polished acrylic and a 3mm stainless steel plate. This layering of materials has one simple job: swallow vibration before it lands as disturbance in the groove. The Italian walnut brings exactly the mix of elasticity and density you want in a deck.

A high-torque 12V synchronous motor drives the 45mm thick POM platter via a precision belt. The external control unit reshapes the mains voltage and holds speed remarkably constant – audible as deep noise floors and a calm, stable sound.

What you get

Included are the Gold Note B-7 ceramic tonearm, the external PST-1 power supply and a transparent hinged acrylic cover. Only the cartridge is missing – you choose one to match your taste and your phono stage. For even more calm, the inductive PST-10 power supply can be added later.

Who is the Mediterraneo for?

For vinyl listeners looking for a deck for life who value material, build quality and sound equally. Bottom line: as an occasional spinner for two records a year, it's too good for that – and without a proper cartridge plus phono stage, you're giving away exactly what you're paying for.

Does glossy walnut suit any interior?

High-gloss walnut looks warmer and more inviting than piano-black lacquer and suits both modern and classic interiors. The black acrylic top plate does love fingerprints and dust, though – a microfiber cloth will become your friend. We're happy to help you decide which version suits your room.

Our verdict

The Mediterraneo in glossy walnut is the version for anyone who wants high-end without the black tech look. It combines a mechanically outstanding deck with looks you'll still enjoy in ten years. It's rare that beauty and substance belong together quite this closely.

Technical data

• Type: belt-driven high-end turntable
• Finish: glossy walnut, matte black acrylic top plate, black metal parts and black platter
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45rpm, ±0.1%, electronic with fine adjustment
• Wow & flutter: 0.1%
• Rumble: -80dB
• Drive: 70-Shore EPDM belt, high-torque 12V synchronous motor
• Platter: 45mm, high-density POM
• Platter bearing: 5mm tungsten ball bearing, split-spindle clamping design
• Bearing/spindle: 80mm, hardened carbon steel, bronze bearing
• Tonearm: Gold Note B-7 (ceramic/titanium), included
• Plinth: 60mm curved catenary plinth, 20mm acrylic + 3mm stainless steel
• Power supply: PST-1 (18V DC, 100–240V / 50–60Hz), PST-10 upgrade available
• Power consumption: max. 27W
• Included: B-7 tonearm, PST-1 power supply, acrylic cover (cartridge separate)
• Dimensions: 470 × 210 × 360mm (W × H × D)
• Weight: 20kg

Frequently asked questions

Is a cartridge included?

No, the cartridge is chosen separately. Included are the Gold Note B-7 tonearm, the PST-1 power supply and the acrylic cover. That way the system – MM or MC – can be tuned precisely to your system and your sonic taste.

Does the Mediterraneo need a separate phono preamp?

Yes. Like any pure turntable it needs a phono stage, such as the Gold Note PH-10 or PH-1000. Only that lifts the delicate cartridge signal up to listening level and equalizes it correctly. We'll discuss with you which one suits your system.

Why buy the Gold Note Mediterraneo at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just put the Mediterraneo in a box – we think of it as a system: cartridge, phono stage, placement and fine alignment. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get advice from years of practical experience with analog playback – and your own technician who sets the deck up properly.

Goes well with: a cartridge for the B-7 arm, and a look at other turntables if you want to compare.