Gold Note Pianosa Turntable, Walnut incl. Vasari Shibata

The Gold Note Pianosa set is a completely ready-to-play vinyl package from Italy: the high-quality Pianosa turntable in walnut, combined with the pre-matched Gold Note Vasari Shibata cartridge. Unbox, set up, drop the needle.

You save yourself the search for a matching system – the deck, the 9-inch tonearm and the cartridge are matched to each other. The curved plinth in Italian walnut also makes the set a visual eye-catcher.

Why the Pianosa set?

Because everything here comes from a single source and fits together. The Pianosa brings a lot of flagship technology: the electronics of the 12-volt synchronous motor come from Gold Note's top models, and the “Quadral-Core” microcontroller suppresses vibrations and delivers clean torque. Then there's the Vasari Shibata – a cartridge with a fine Shibata cut that pulls more detail out of the groove than a simple elliptical cut. You choose the speed (33⅓ and 45) electronically, and the setting stays saved.

What you get

The Pianosa turntable with the 9-inch B-5.1 tonearm already fitted and wired, the Vasari Shibata cartridge, a transparent dust cover with removable hinges, plus a record clamp, belt and counterweight. In short: everything you need to get started – except a phono stage and a few good records.

Who it's for

For anyone who wants a first-class turntable without sifting through cartridge tables for hours. Bottom line: if you already have a favourite cartridge in mind or want to run a pricier MC, you're better off buying the Pianosa alone and combining freely. The set is for anyone who values a coherent, ready-made solution.

What does the Vasari's Shibata cut bring?

The Shibata diamond has a larger contact area with the groove than an elliptical cut. That means finer highs, better tracking and generally less wear – ideal for getting the most out of the Pianosa's potential.

Our verdict

The Pianosa set is the convenient route to grown-up Italian vinyl sound: a first-class deck with a matching cartridge, matched and ready to go. Come by in Wädenswil and listen for yourself – we'll set up the set on site down to the millimetre.

Technical data

• Type: turntable set (belt drive) with fitted tonearm and cartridge
• Cartridge: Gold Note Vasari Shibata (moving magnet, Shibata cut) – included in the set
• Tonearm: Gold Note B-5.1, 9 inches, gimbal-mounted, cable included
• Motor: 12-volt synchronous motor with high torque, decoupled
• Drive: Quadral-Core microcontroller power supply (external), rectified NBR belt (70 Shore)
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm, electronic, ±0.1%, with fine adjustment
• Platter: 23 mm damped poly-vinyl platter
• Bearing/spindle: split-spindle clamping system, hardened chrome-steel spindle, 5 mm chrome-steel ball bearing
• Plinth: curved Catenary construction, Italian walnut, 20 mm MDF + 3 mm stainless-steel plate
• Wow & flutter: 0.1%
• Rumble: –77 dB
• Scope of delivery: turntable, Vasari Shibata cartridge, tonearm fitted, dust cover, record clamp, belt, counterweight
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 425 × 200 × 360 mm
• Weight: 13.5 kg (deck)
• Finish: Walnut (Italian walnut)

Frequently asked questions

Is the cartridge already fitted?

On request, we mount and align the Vasari Shibata fully ready for you before you collect the set or have it delivered – including tracking force, anti-skate and azimuth. That way the Pianosa plays correctly from the very first moment.

Do I additionally need a phono stage?

Yes. The Vasari is an MM cartridge and needs a phono input – either built into the amplifier or as a separate phono stage such as the Gold Note PH-10. Ask us what suits your system.

Why buy the Gold Note Pianosa set at HD Zürisee?

Because a turntable only sounds good when the cartridge and tonearm are set up exactly right. With the set, we take care of exactly that for you, and we're there for you in Wädenswil even after the purchase. From CHF 190 we ship free of charge throughout Switzerland.

Goes well with: further cartridges, tonearms and turntables.