B-5.1

GoldNote B-5.1 tonearm — 9" gimbal-bearing tonearm. 9-inch tonearm constructed from 6000-series aluminium alloy with GRW micro ball-bearings for precise, low-friction tracking. Features 242mm effective length, 10g effective mass, AWG36 Hyper Litz OFC tonearm wire and weighs 195g. Supplied as standard with Gold Note's Giglio, Pianosa, Valore 425 Plus and T-5 turntables.

Technical background

GoldNote tonearms are built around precision-ground GRW bearings — either ceramic ball (B-7) or micro ball (B-5.1) — machined to sub-micron tolerances for near-zero bearing friction. Internal wiring uses AWG36 Hyper Litz 99.9999% OFC (oxygen-free copper) conductors in a twisted-pair geometry that minimises capacitance and shields against RF pickup. The arm wand is tapered in up to six variable-thickness sections to optimise the ratio of rigidity to mass.

Design story

The B-series tonearms were developed in parallel with GoldNote's turntable line to provide a precisely matched analogue front end. The B-7 Ceramic's variable-section titanium arm wand was inspired by aerospace structural engineering — thicker at the pivot, tapering toward the headshell — maximising rigidity while keeping effective mass at the optimal 10g for broad cartridge compatibility. Both arms are wound with Hyper Litz OFC wire and assembled by hand.

Best for

Owners of GoldNote's entry-to-mid turntables (Giglio, Pianosa, Valore 425 Plus) wanting a matched tonearm upgrade; value-conscious analog system builders Owners of GoldNote entry-to-mid turntables wanting a matched tonearm; value-conscious analog builders Analog front end: B-5.1 + Da Vinci or Donatello Gold + GoldNote Giglio or Pianosa + PH-10 phono stage

Awards & press

⭐ N/A "Italian beauty delivers delightful music." — Tom Lyle, Enjoy the Music, May 2016 (reviewed as part of Mediterraneo system)