Gold Note Vasari Shibata MM Cartridge

The Gold Note Vasari Shibata is the top of the Vasari MM series: a moving-magnet cartridge made in Italy with a duralumin body, an aluminium cantilever and a high-resolution Shibata diamond.

The Shibata cut is the most demanding stylus shape in the series – it sits in the groove with a larger, more precise contact area and so extracts more fine resolution, space and clean highs than elliptical or conical cuts.

Why the Vasari Shibata?

The rigid, well-damped duralumin body keeps the generator system calm, while the Shibata diamond tracks the finest groove information that simpler cuts miss. This shows above all in the top end and in the spatial imaging. The extended frequency response up to 30,000 Hz and the high channel separation of over 25 dB underline the ambition.

With 4 mV output voltage, the Shibata remains an uncomplicated MM and fits any MM phono input – a high-end cut without the hassle of MC.

What you hear

The highest resolution in the series: deep, controlled bass, an open soundstage and fine, cleanly drawn highs. On a resolving system, the Shibata plays out its strengths in full. Recommended tracking force 2 g, recommended load 47 kΩ.

Who is the Vasari Shibata for?

For demanding listeners and resolving systems where the very last bit of fine detail counts. Bottom line: on a simple entry-level deck it's overkill – its added value only comes into its own with a well-adjustable tonearm and a clean phono stage.

What does the Shibata cut offer over elliptical?

The Shibata stylus has a larger contact area with the groove wall. That improves tracking of high frequencies, lowers distortion and, with correct alignment, is gentler on the record. In return it reacts more sensitively to precise setup – exactly where we come in.

Our verdict

The Vasari Shibata is the crowning achievement of the series: a high-end cut with uncomplicated MM handling. If you want to get the maximum out of a moving magnet, this is the one.

Technical data

• Type: MM cartridge (moving magnet)
• Output voltage: 4 mV
• Frequency response: 10–30,000 Hz
• Impedance: 500 Ω
• Recommended load: 47 kΩ
• Channel separation: > 25 dB
• Recommended tracking force: 2 g
• Cantilever: aluminium
• Diamond: Shibata
• Coil wire: copper
• Magnet: Alnico
• Mounting hole spacing: 9 mm
• Weight: approx. 9.5 g
• Body: duralumin

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Vasari Shibata sit in the series?

It's the top tier above the Vasari Red (conical) and Vasari Gold (elliptical). The Shibata cut resolves more finely and separates the channels better, yet remains an easy-to-run MM with 4 mV on any MM input.

Why buy the Gold Note Vasari Shibata at HD Zürisee?

Because a Shibata cut in particular thrives on precise alignment. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorised Gold Note dealer; we fit the Vasari Shibata exactly, set tracking force, azimuth, VTA and anti-skate, and advise you on the right phono stage. Free shipping from CHF 190.

Goes well with: the matching turntable and its tonearm.