Gold Note Mediterraneo X RECORD PLAYER

Though the hotel halls of Capital Audiofest 2023 were not as busy as some exhibitors might have hoped, the event's listening rooms were filled to the brim with choice equipment, practically overflowing. One piece that captured my attention was a turntable that embodies thoughtful design and contemporary Italian style: the Gold Note Mediterraneo X ($12,999). This elegant turntable combines traditional materials with touch-friendly digital technology in arresting fashion.

- KEN MICALLEF

An exploration of the artistry and expertise behind the Mediterraneo X is a journey through Italian craftsmanship.

Gold Note Founder and CEO Maurizio Aterini spearheaded the project, but the creation of the X involved the entire Gold Note team. The turntable design originated with architect Stefano Bonifazi, a consistent contributor to Gold Note products from speakers to electronics. Working with him was Product Designer Marco Attal. Mechanical engineering was handled by audio engineer Flavio Lenzi, electronic hardware by Chief Electrical Engineer David Scandagli and Senior Electrical Engineer Giovanni Rialti. Software Engineer Stefano Bellucci developed the firmware for motor control, speed adjustment, torque control, and user interface (UI).

"The idea behind the Mediterraneo X was to elevate the [original] Mediterraneo turntable in terms of performance, design, materials, and features, pushing that architecture to a new level," Gold Note Product Manager Tom Dolfi told me in an email. "At the same time, the X was the perfect playground to experiment with a new design language, introducing shapes and materials that will cascade on other turntables and are fully leveraged on the flagship model-all of this while preserving the spirit of the original Mediterraneo. Hence the name Mediterraneo X, where X is the Roman number for 10, as in our 10th anniversary as Gold Note."

A major presence in Italian audio, Gold Note has appeared in prior issues of Stereophile-in Jason Victor Serinus's take on Gold Note's DS-10 D/A processor in July 2020, Michael Fremer's review of the PH-1000 phono preamplifier in February 2022, and the same reviewer's take on the Tuscany Gold MC cartridge in February 2017. Fresh from reviewing the Gold Note PH-5 phono stage for AnalogPlanet.com, I was curious to hear more of the big Italian brand's audio offerings.

Gold medal design