DA VINCI
The Ear: 'Excellent Value' — Entry MC with Micro Elliptical Stylus
Description ⌄
GoldNote Da Vinci MC cartridge — entry-level MC with elliptical stylus. Entry-level MC cartridge with aluminium cantilever and Micro Elliptical stylus for natural, musical reproduction. Delivers 0.4mV output at 4Ω internal impedance and weighs 10g, making it an ideal first step into moving-coil playback. Italian-made POM body with neodymium magnet assembly, recommended for use with Gold Note's PH-5 or PH-10.
Technical background
GoldNote cartridges are hand-assembled at the brand's Florence workshop. MC models use Samarium-Cobalt or neodymium magnet assemblies with coils wound from gold-plated silver AWG40 or copper wire at extremely low turns counts to minimise internal impedance. Stylus profiles progress from Conical (Vasari Red) through Elliptical, Micro Elliptical, Line Contact and Micro Ridge (Tuscany Gold), with cantilevers in aluminium, boron or sapphire depending on tier.
Design story
All GoldNote cartridges are assembled by hand in Florence, Italy, where each generator is wound and tested individually. The naming tradition honours Renaissance artists and thinkers born in Tuscany — Tuscany, Machiavelli, Giotto, Da Vinci, Donatello, Vasari — reflecting GoldNote's commitment to Italian cultural heritage and artisanal craft in every product regardless of price point.
Best for
Mid-range analog listeners wanting a highly recommended MC cartridge that punches above its price; buyers between the Donatello Gold and Machiavelli tiers Mid-range analog listeners wanting a highly recommended entry MC; buyers between the Donatello Gold and Machiavelli tiers Mid vinyl: Da Vinci + B-5.1 + Giglio or Pianosa + PH-10 + PSU-5 + IS-10 or IS-1000
Awards & press
⭐ N/A "It is excellent value for money and I highly recommend it." — Chris Frankland, The Ear, October 2024
Features ⌄
- MC cartridge with aluminium cantilever and Micro Elliptical diamond — 10–35,000 Hz, natural and smooth sound with rich detail and tonal balance
- Micro Elliptical diamond stylus provides naturally smooth and detailed playback while reducing wear on both the stylus and vinyl groove
- Compact and lightweight 10g design fits virtually any tonearm; ideal entry point into MC-level analogue performance
- The Ear October 2024: 'It is excellent value for money and I highly recommend it' — entry MC benchmark
- Micro Elliptical diamond delivers smooth, detailed playback while reducing vinyl groove and stylus wear
- 10g compact body fits virtually any tonearm — ideal first step into MC-level analogue performance