Gold Note MEDITERRANEO User manual

USER MANUAL
MEDITERRANEO
THE ITALIAN TURNTABLE

2
INDEX
PACKAGE CONTENT...............................................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................
DETAILS, DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE...................................................................................................
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
...................................................................................................................
SET-UP INSTRUCTION............................................................................................................................
INSTALLING THE PLATTER.....................................................................................................................
INSTALLING THE BELT AND THE TONEARM CABLE...................................................................................
ANTI-SKATING, AZIMUTH, COUNTERWEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS.....................................................................
VTA SETUP............................................................................................................................................
POWER SUPPLY....................................................................................................................................
POWER ADAPTER AND SPEED CONTROL.................................................................................................
CALIBRATION: CARTRIDGE OVERHANG, ALIGNMENT AND SPEED.............................................................
CARTRIDGE ALIGNMENT.......................................................................................................................
DETACHABLE DUST COVER....................................................................................................................
WARRANTY AND SERVICE......................................................................................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................................................
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.......................................................................................................
P. 3
P. 4
P. 5
P. 6
P. 7
P. 8
P. 10
P. 11
P. 12
P. 13
P. 14
P. 15
P. 16
P. 17
P. 18
P. 19
P. 20

PACKAGE CONTENT
• Mediterraneo turntable
• 1 dust cover (detachable)
•1 18v power supply with cable
•1 B-5.1 tonearm with phono cable already installed
•1 cylindrical counterweight 110 g
•1 additional counterweight 28.5 g
•1 drive belt
•1 turntable clamp
•1 platter spindle tip to clamp the platter
•3 spike washers
•1 oil jar
•1 allen key 2,5mm to block the arm lift board
•1 allen key 2,0mm to remove the din pillar
•1 allen key1,5mm
•1 allen key 0,9mm
•1 protractor/overhang for cartridge alignment with
stroboscope for fine speed adjustments
•1 GN stylus gauge
•1 felt matt
• User manual
3

INTRODUCTION
The beauty and technical innovation of the Mediterraneo
turntable clearly demonstrate Italian flair and distinction
having an evident legacy of strong Tuscan origins where
the traditional emphasis on beauty combines with the
greatest attention to technical perfection.
The Mediterraneo design features a 60mm thick curved
plinth of aged original Italian walnut hardwood (or
lacquered MDF). Such unique woods are well known for
their exceptional elasticity, strength and high density. The
curved plinth is wisely cut on the inner side to achieve the
perfect tuning of the wood that is then interfaced with the
3mm stainless steel board threaded to the massive wooden
curved plinth in 18 strategic points. Finally the structure is
completed with the 20mm black polished acrylic plinth that
carries the recessed electronic boards and lower the fre-
quency resonances as well.
The curved wooden plinth is the result of years of research
at the Gold Note engineering labs in order to replace a big-
ger mass plinth of a more traditional rectangular shape
structure; the extra rigidity given by the curves of the plinth
allow a sophisticated technical design and a great exclusive
look. The turntable lays on three massive aluminium ad-
justable spikes designed specifically for the Mediterraneo in
order to establish a solid and rigid coupling to the shelf.
The Mediterraneo features a new 12Volt synchronous mo-
tor electronically controlled by our proprietary power gen-
erator based on a Quadral-Core micro-controller and
can effectively control vibrations while delivering high
torque for the greatest dynamic and resolution.
The Power Supply electronically controls the 33⅓rpm, the
45rpm modes and the fine speed adjustment storing the
selection permanently in memory even when disconnected
from the power. The new perfectly polished hourglass motor
pulley also allows the turntable belt to spin smoothly thus
reducing the wow&flutter and noise as never before.
The 80mm long platter Spindle/bearing comes directly from
the top quality design of the Bellagio Reference; it is fully
recessed into the acrylic top plinth in order to keep the
thick platter as closest as possible to the turntable struc-
ture to reduce turbulences generated by the rotation and
achieving a vir tual zero vibration point.
The platter is 45mm thick in black Polyvinyl, a very elastic
but deaf material, it features an extraordinary ability to re-
duce vibrations while the high-mass helps the rotational
stability. The platter is designed to operate at only 3mm
from the plinth. Such small platter/plinth interference minim-
ise turbulences for the greatest noiseless functionality..
The Mediterraneo redefines the concept of capturing and
enclosing the essence of “air” and “ground” into an audio
item, two elements that inspired the design and sound of
the turntable. From the outset the special shape not only in-
fluences sound performance but also reminds of the eleg-
ance and impetuous power of sea waves.
The choice of materials shows a dedication to the native
ground that goes beyond the musical dimension of the
product to create a truly unique experience.
4
Every Gold Note product is 100% proudly designed, manufactured and assembled in Italy

DETAILS, DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE
The sound delivered by our turntables is the result of the
synergy of a large number of factors and your Mediterraneo
features refined details and technical solutions developed
to play your vinyl records to perfection.
• The main plinth made of Italian Walnut hardwood or Black
Lacquered MDF is 60mm thick and reinforced with a 3mm
stainless steel plate and a 20mm acrylic plinth to provide an
extremely rigid structure, offering high stability and mass to
prevent any unwanted vibrations.
• Using wood, stainless steel and acrylic for the plinth
offers unique advantages in terms of energy dissipation to
dampen vibrations as well as leveraging the unique
structural characteristics of these high-quality materials.
• Three adjustable aluminium feet contribute to the
insulation of the structure eliminating external vibrations
while allowing perfect levelling of the Mediterraneo.
• Contributing to the stability of the Mediterraneo, the
platter is 45mm thick and made of Ultra-Dampened POM, a
particularly deaf polymer we chose to guarantee the ideal
balance between mass, speed control and insulation.
• The spindle is made of high-quality stainless steel, a solid
piece machined with the utmost precision to clamp the
platter with the special conical shape Split-Spindle™ that
we developed.
The spindle is 80mm long to ensure top-class performance
and features a large longitudinal groove on its axis for the
lubricating oil to run constantly. With its unique design and
the perfect spindle/housing ratio, the spindle distributes the
inertial energy along its entire axis completely cancelling
lateral friction and preventing the pendulum effect of the
platter.
• Particular attention and care went into designing the
spindle housing, which is recessed to allow the platter to be
located as close as possible to the turntable plinth in order
to minimise potential air turbulence and guarantee perfectly
controlled rotation and speed.
• The bronze bearing is finely machined and rectified to
guarantee smooth rotation and stability to the spindle,
along with the custom platter bearing that is designed to
reduce potential noise.
• The platter bearing is threaded on the outside in order to
be tightly locked into the plinth on its own axis achieving
extremely precise coupling.
• Our engineers have developed a custom AC 12V micro-
controlled motor fine-tuned for accuracy, with 33⅓rpm &
45rpm electronic speed control and pitch adjustment. It
delivers a flawless balance of power and torque while
operating in complete silence.
5

6
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
MAIN FEATURES
Wow & flutter 0,1%
Rumble -80db
Speed 33⅓rpm and 45 rpm ±0,1%
Speed changing electronic with fine pitch control
Transmission 70 shores rectified epdm belt
Motor 12 volt high torque synchronous
Platter 45mm thick ultra-dampened pom
Platter spindle split-spindle™ clamping design
Platter bearing tungsten 5mm ball bearing
Tonearm gold note b-5.1 (or opt. b-7 ceramic)
Dust cover transparent acrylic with hinges
POWER
Power supply: 18V output
Power consumption: max 27W
100-240V, 50/60Hz
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Dimensions: 470 W x 210 H x 360 D mm
Weight: Kg. 20 net – Kg. 26 boxed
FINISHES
Lower Plinth: Italian Walnut, Black Lacquered MDF and Real Gold Leaf
Upper Plinth: Black Polished Acrylic
Metal Parts: Black anodized aluminium (opt. Silver)
Platter: Black

SET-UP INSTRUCTION
FIRST OPERATION
1.Please remove carefully all the protecting foam and check
if all the listed items are supplied.
2. Place the turntable on a levelled surface, such as a wall
shelf immune to footfall, then level the turntable.
3. Plug the DIN/RCA cable of the arm on the shaft female
connector DIN side, hooking the RCA connectors to the
amplifier phono input.
4. Install the counterweight into the rear arm wand of the
arm selecting the correct cartridge tracking weight with the
help of a precision scale (not supplied).
5. Install the turntable belt surrounding the hourglass motor
pulley and the platter outer perimeter.
6. Plug the Power Adapter cable to the 12V rounded plug
Turntable Speed Control and then plug the AC adapter to the
AC plug once selected the right international plug supplied.
POSITIONING THE MEDITERRANEO
Your Mediterraneo turntable has been designed for Hi-Fi
systems. It must be protected from direct sun and humidity.
Do not place it near heating sources, electrical and electronic
motors, mobile phones etc.
The levelling and positioning on a solid shelf, as explained
in the previous chapter, is fundamental to ensure the best
audio performances.
OPERATING THE 33⅓rpm & 45rpm CONTROL
The turntable is fully controlled by an electronic power
supply.
TURNTABLE SPEED CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
•Inner button starts and stops the 33⅓rpm speed.
Once the 33⅓rpm is playing its red LED light turns on.
• Outer button starts and stops the 45rpm speed.
Once the 45rpm is playing its red LED light will be on.
The Mediterraneo also features a fine speed adjustment
“Pitch Control” function to allow a very fine and precise
speed calibration.
PITCH CONTROL MODE
To enter the PITCH CONTROL MODE press and hold for 4
seconds both 33⅓rpm and 45rpm buttons while the
turntable is spinning.
When the red LED light shuts down, the unit is ready for the
fine speed adjustment.
• PITCH – press repeatedly the 33⅓rpm button until the
correct speed is reached.
The LED light flashes every time the button is pressed.
• PITCH + press repeatedly the 45rpm button until the
correct speed is reached.
The LED light flashes every time the button is pressed.
See pag.12 for images.
7
To switch off of the PITCH CONTROL MODE press and
hold for 4 seconds both the 33⅓rpm and the 45rpm
buttons until the LED light is on and steady again.

PLATTER SPINDLE TIP
PLATTER
PLATTER SPINDLE
BEARING HOUSING
43
2
1
CONTENT OF THE TURNTABLE BOX
1Platter
2Oil Vessel
3Ball bearing
4Platter Spindle Tip + Platter spindle
8
INSTALLING THE PLATTER

INSTALLING THE PLATTER
INSTRUCTIONS
1Remove plug from the middle of the turntable
2Insert the Ball Bearing into the Bearing Housing* of the
turntable taking care to centre it on the bottom seat
3Oil the Platter Spindle as shown in figure 3
4Insert the Platter Spindle into the Bearing Housing
5Lay the Platter on the Platter Spindle
6Secure the Platter Spindle Tip in the threaded hole of
the Platter Spindle
9
2 3 4
5 6
1
*PLEASE NOTE: the Bearing Housing is already installed in the plinth of the turntable. Do not remove it.
3 DROPS2 DROPS

Wrap the belt around the pulley and the platter as shown in the picture:
The tonearm cable should be always connected before the tone arm is installed on the turntable.
Always pay attention to the cable and make sure it is connected before placing the tonearm in position.
10
.INSTALLING THE BELT AND THE TONEARM CABLE
The Male DIN plug and the female
DIN plug must be connected as
shown in the picture below.
REAR SIDE

1
2
1
2
3
4
1.
ANTI-SKATING nylon wire with bullet counterweight
2. ANTI-SKATING adjustment bar
3. TONEARM COUNTERWEIGHT: to set up the correct tracking force depending on the phono cartridge in use
4. SHELL AZIMUTH ADJUSTMENT: to adjust the alignment of the tonearm head-shell (0,9mm Allen Wrench)
INSTALLING THE ANTI-SKATING SYSTEM
1. Slip the loop of the ANTI-SKATING nylon wire over the groove of the ADJUSTMENT BAR
2. Feed the wire through the loop of the SUPPORT HOOP
3. Adjust the ANTI-SKATING force choosing the correct groove on the ADJUSTMENT BAR
11
ANTI-SKATING, AZIMUTH, COUNTERWEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
3
+_

VTA SETUP
VTA SETUP
To up or down the arm by correctly adjusting the VTA, use the
1.5 mm Allen key supplied by Gold Note and insert it in the three
holes on the arm board indicated by the arrows.
Allen-key 1,5 mm
Arm board
AZIMUTH
After the cartridge has been properly installed on the tone arm,
you can adjust the angle of the headshell with the supplied 0,9
mm Allen Wrench.
Setting a correct Azimuth will provide a better audio
performance.
Allen-key 0,9 mm
12

POWER SUPPLY
13
POWER SUPPLY
PLEASE NOTE: Please with the super power supply PST-1 supplied use only the power cord supplied or one strictly
certified for UL, CE, and all local necessary certifications.
1. Dimensions are shown in mm & inch
2. Weight: approx. 265~280g
(Exclude the input cord)
3. Optional output connector.
4. Operating Temperature: 0 to 70°C
5. Derate linearly from 100% load at 40°C
to 50% load at 70°C

POWER ADAPTER & SPEED CONTROL
CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY ADAPTER
Use only the original GOLD NOTE AC adapter to power the turntable to ensure the correct functioning.
PLEASE NOTE: Before plugging the adapter in to the AC make sure the connector is plugged into the turntable.
14
.POWER ADAPTER AND SPEED CONTROL
INNER BUTTON
OUTER BUTTON
TURNTABLE SPEED CONTROL
•INNER BUTTON starts and stops the 33⅓rpm speed. When the 33⅓rpm is playing its red LED light turns on.
• OUTER BUTTON starts and stops the 45rpm speed. When the 45rpm is playing its red LED light turns on.
The Mediterraneo also features a fine speed adjustment “Pitch Control” function to achieve a precise control over the
speed of the turntable.
PITCH CONTROL MODE
To enter the PITCH CONTROL MODE press and hold for 4 seconds both the 33⅓rpm and the 45rpm buttons while the
turntable is spinning at 33⅓rpm or 45rpm until the red LED light shuts down. The unit is now ready to adjust the
speed with the help of the stroboscope.
• PITCH – press in sequence the 33⅓rpm button until the correct speed is reached.
The LED light flashes every time the button is pressed.
• PITCH + press in sequence the 45rpm button until the correct speed is reached.
The LED light flashes every time the button is pressed.
To switch off of the PITCH CONTROL MODE press and hold for 4 seconds both the 33⅓rpm and the 45rpm buttons until the
LED light is on and steady again.

Our turntables and tone arms are always supplied with the Gold Note Calibration Tool to calibrate correctly the
setup. With this tool you will be able to adjust:
A) Phono Cartridge alignment
B) Overhang
C) 45rpm and 331⁄3rpm speed
(requires a strobe light)
SPEED ADJUSTMENTS
Check the speed with the help of a strobe light (eventually a home NEON can also work).120,9 mm.
When the speed is correct you will be able to see the sequence of black rectangular signs as if they were stable and fixed while
the platter is spinning.
The outer line is to check the 33 1/3 rpm
The inner line is to check the 45rpm
OVERHANG
To set the correct overhang the Calibration Tool must be inserted on to the turntable record pin and the cartridge Tip must be
positioned on top of the pin.
Adjust the position of the cartridge until the suggested overhang of the phono cartridge is reached as indicated by the
manufacturer.
15
CALIBRATION: CARTRIDGE OVERHANG, ALIGNMENT AND SPEED
allignment 66 mm. allignment 120,9 mm.
Stroboscope 50Hz
51015
20
Overhang
Stroboscope 50Hz
5101520
Overhang
Stroboscope 50Hz
5101520
Overhang
B
A
C

CARTRIDGE ALIGNMENT
16
.CARTRIDGE ALIGNMENT
PHONO CARTRIDGE ALIGNMENT
To correctly align the phono cartridge and achieve the best tracking position, point the tip of the phono cartridge into the
white circles as in the picture below.
The body of the phono cartridge must be aligned to the vertical stripes in order to achieve the best position for musical
reproduction.
allignment 66 mm. allignment 120,9 mm.
Stroboscope 50Hz
51015
20
Overhang

DETACHABLE DUST COVER
17
DETACHABLE DUST COVER
The new Gold Note dust cover features detachable hinges, a
new proprietary design developed to let you enjoy your
turntable at the best in any situation.
The new dust cover is incredibly versatile and allows the
usage of the turntable with or without it.
We are proud to offer this new solution to our clients to help
them preserve their turntables in ideal functional and
cosmetic conditions.
The new design also provides a stop point at about 90° to
the dust cover: in this position it automatically stops and the
hinges will hold the dust cover avoiding overturning.
Removing the dust cover is simple and quick:
lift the dust cover until it reaches the 90° stop point
and it's completely opened, then gently slide it
towards LEFT (facing the turntable) to detach it from
the plinth.
Please Note: the dust cover can be removed and
reinserted only when it's in its resting position,
completely opened at 90°.
PICTURE 1
PICTURE 3
PICTURE 2

18
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
WARRANTY
To validate the warranty is necessary to register the unit on the Gold Note internet web site within 15 days from the purchase
on the appropriate area of the web site:
www.goldnote.it/warranty
If the unit is not registered correctly or has been purchased from a different country of the purchaser home address the unit
will not be covered by any warranty and the registration will be refused.
The warranty does not cover in any case: Tubes, Phono Cartridge Styli and Batteries.
SERVICE
Every GOLD NOTE® product is the result of meticulous technological research, and consequently their correct functioning is
guaranteed. In spite of this it is possible that problems may emerge which non-specialist users cannot resolve.
In this case, contact your dealer to be advised on how the fault can be solved.
Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the national distributor or without being authorised to do so.
In such cases both GOLD NOTE® and the distribution agents operating within your territory decline responsibility of any kind.
For more information please visit www.goldnote.it/service
PLEASE NOTE
Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary at any time and without notice.

TROUBLESHOOTING
19
TROUBLESHOOTING
For spare parts visit the official Gold Note store at:
www.akamaiaudio.it
PROBLEM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Levelling the turntable
Cleaning the turntable
Motor heating
Noise on startup
The turntable is not levelled
The turntable is dirty and requires
cleaning
The motor is too hot
The turntable produces a slight
rubbing noise upon startup
With a spirit level, only level the Turntable Platter
through its shelf layer eventually screwing its
feet just for very fine adjustment, take care of
levelling the platter on its vertical and horizontal
lines.
Be sure that the turntable layer is enough solid
and rigid to support the weight of the turntable
Easily.
With EXTREME care use ONLY very soft 100%
cotton cloth to sweep dust and stains out.
Any acid or not extremely soft cloth will
irreversibly damage the turntable fine aesthetic.
Do not use any alcohol to clean the turntable
anodised label, pulley and motor spindle.
Only dry cloth is allowed.
AC synchronous motors as the ones used by
Gold Note may warm up to 50° Celsius without
creating any problem.
It is normal for the belt to produce a slight noise
when starting.