Gold Note – the Italian High-End manufacturer based in Firenze – has announced the release of Donatello, the new MC cartridge available in two models: Donatello Gold (low output level) available at a MSRP of 950€ and Donatello Red (high output level) available at a MSRP of 650€.

Gold Note is increasing its commitment with analogue, as Vasari MM cartridge was also recently announced, and Donatello is aimed at vinyl lovers willing to step into the MC world.

Donatello features a solid body of machined Duraluminum, a rigid Aluminum cantilever and a Micro Elliptical diamond exclusively developed in collaboration with Adamant-Namiki.

“The idea was to bring some of the premium features introduced on our flagship lines into a lighter, smaller body in order to create a cartridge compatible with a wide range of tonearms, without compromising the design and the build quality” – explained Gold Note’s Maurizio Aterini – “for instance, to ensure structural perfection the diamond tip is locked in a stiffened aluminum cantilever that is supported by a titanium telescopic pipe.”

Donatello also features long gold-plated pins for better connection and both models can be matched easily with any MC and MM phono pre-amplifier.

Maurizio added: “I really wish to offer to audiophiles the cartridge they deserve, with great audio performances, superior build quality and irresistible aesthetic appeal.”

Donatello Gold Specs:

Duraluminium machined body

Aluminum cantilever

Copper coil wire

Samarium-Cobalt magnet

Micro Elliptical diamond

Suggested tracking weight: 1.8 – 2.1g

Output Level 5mV
Frequency response: 10-40KHz

Impedance: 40Ohm
Weight: 7g

Donatello Red Specs:

Duraluminium machined body

Aluminum cantilever

Copper coil wire

Samarium-Cobalt magnet

Micro Elliptical diamond

Suggested tracking weight: 1.8 – 2.1g

output level: 1.8mV
frequency response 10-35KHz

impedance: 140Ohm
weight: 7g