Gold Note PIANOSA User manual

USERʼS MANUAL
PIANOSA
THE ITALIAN TURNTABLE

INDEX
2
PACKAGE CONTENT................................................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................
KEY FEATURES......................................................................................................................................
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................................
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS...........................................................................................................................
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
3
•1 Turntable Pianosa
• 1 Dust Cover (detachable)
•1 Power adapter with 12V cable
•1 B-5.1 tonearm with the cable already installed
•1 Counterweight
•1 Drive Belt
•1 Turntable Clamp
•1 Platter Spindle tip to clamp the platter
•3 Spike Washers
•1 Oil Vessel
•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
To Adjust the VTA of the tonearm,
To Remove the lift Cueing
To Adjust the anti skate cylinder
•1 Allen Key 0,9mm to Adjust the Tonearm Shell Azimuth
•1 Protractor/Overhang for Cartridge Alignment with Stroboscope
for Fine Speed Adjustments
•1 Gn Stylus Gauge
•1 Felt Matt
•1 User’s Manual

INTRODUCTION
4
The Pianosa follows the beauty and technical innovation
of the new generation of turntable designed by Gold Note
featuring unique musical qualities and the legacy of
strong Tuscan origins.
The Pianosa features a 50mm curved plinth made of
lacquered MDF or Harwood Walnut, quality materials
chosen for their exceptional elasticity, strength and high
density, being at the same time evocative of Tuscany
landscape, one of the most recognisable places in the
world, creating a strong union between the finished
product and the skilful local craftsmen who made it by
hand.
The curved plinth is precisely cut in the inner side to find
the perfect tuning of the wood that is interfaced with a
3mm stainless steel board. The structure is completed
with a 20mm thick black lacquered MDF top plinth, where
the electronic board of the turntable is installed, thus
lowering the frequency resonance.
The curved wooden plinth is the result of years of
research at the Gold Note engineering labs in order to
replace a bigger 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.
Thanks to our proprietary power control generator
based on a Quadral-Core micro-controller, Pianosa
can effectively control vibrations and deliver high
torque for the greatest dynamic and resolution.
The Pianosa features the same 12Volt synchronous
motor developed for Mediterraneo.
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 60mm long platter Spindle/bearing comes directly
from the top quality design of the Mediterraneo; it is fully
recessed into the Black Lacquered MDF top plinth in
order to keep the thick platter as closest as possible to
the turntable structure to reduce turbulences generated
by the rotation and achieving a vir tual zero vibration
point.
The platter is 23mm thick in black Polyvinyl, a very elastic
but deaf material, it features an extraordinary ability to
reduce 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 minimise
turbulences for the greatest noiseless functionality..
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.
Every Gold Note product is 100% proudly designed, manufactured and assembled in Italy

KEY FEATURES
5
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
This section describes the special features of the Pianosa
turntable, the construction details, the reasons for the
technical choices and the originality of the design.
• The Pianosa is a rigid turntable that uses a 50mm thick
plinth made of Hardwood or MDF interfaced with a 3mm
stainless steel and a 20mm Black Lacquered MDF plinth.
• The plinth bears three adjustable aluminium feet to
ensure high insensitivity to vibrations.
• The turntable platter is made of 23mm thick Polyvinyl, a
particularly deaf polymer.
• The recessed Spindle allows the platter to spin very
close to the turntable plinth in order to reduce the
turbulence caused by rotation.
• The spindle is a high quality machined stainless steel
piece that clamps the platter with its conical shape named
Split-Spindle™, it's 60mm long to ensure a top class
performance. A large longitudinal groove is located on its
axis to allow the lubricating oil to run constantly. The
longer spindle eradicates any pendulum effect and
distributes the inertial energy along its entire axis,
completely annulling any type of lateral friction.
• The bronze bearing is rectified to guarantee a smooth
spindle rotational stability while a customised bottom
platter bearing enables very low noise.
• The platter bearing is threaded outside in order to be
tightly blocked to the plinth of the turntable on its own
axis allowing a precise coupling.
• The custom AC 12 Volt micro-controlled motor
allows 33⅓rpm & 45rpm electronic speed control and
pitch adjustment. Besides the special motor
guarantees a perfect rotation stability and great
torque in complete silence.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
6
MAIN FEATURES
Wow & flutter: 0,1%
Rumble: -77dB
Speed: 33⅓rpm and 45rpm ±0,1%
Speed Changing: electronic with fine pitch control
Transmission: 70 shores rectified black NBR belt
Motor: 12 Volt High Torque synchronous
Platter: 23mm Dampened Poly-Vinyl
Platter Spindle: Split-Spindle™ clamping design
Platter Bearing: Chromed Steel 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 20W
100-240V, 50/60Hz
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Dimensions: 425 W x 200 H x 360 D mm
Weight: Kg. 13.5 net - Kg. 18 boxed
FINISHES
Lower Plinth: Italian Walnut or Black Lacquered MDF
Upper Plinth: Black Lacquered MDF
Metal parts: Black anodized aluminium (opt. Silver)
Platter: Black

SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS
7
FIRST OPERATION
1. Please remove carefully all the protecting foam and
check if all the listed items are supplied.
2. Place the Pianosa deck 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 PIANOSA
Your PIANOSA 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 Pianosa 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.14 for images.
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.

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

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
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 center 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

INSTALLING THE BELT AND THE TONEARM CABLE
10
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.
The Male DIN plug and the female
DIN plug must be connected as
shown in the picture below.
REAR

1
2
3
4
1
2
3
+_
ANTI-SKATING, AZIMUTH, COUNTERWEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
11
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
5. 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

VTA SETUP
VTA SETUP
Loose the Hex-bolt indicated by the arrow on the collar using
the 1,5mm Allen Wrench supplied to lift up or down the arm
correctly adjusting the VTA as necessary.
Allen key 1,5 mm
Arm board
AZIMUTH
After the cartridge has been properly installed on the tone
arm, adjust the Azimuth of the shell with the supplied
0,9mm Allen Wrench.
Setting a correct Azimuth will provide a better audio
performance.
Allen key 0,9 mm
12

POWER SUPPLY
C
1
13
POWER SUPPLY ADAPTER
Is necessary to use the correct AC plug based on your local area.
Size: 67.3 x 43.5 x 37.5 mm
43.5 mm
67.5 mm
37.5 mm
PLEASE NOTE: Before plugging the AC adapter plug the round connector indicated here.

POWER ADAPTER AND SPEED CONTROL
14
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 Pianosa 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.
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.
INNER BUTTON
OUTER BUTTON

CALIBRATION: CARTRIDGE OVERHANG, ALIGNMENT AND SPEED
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
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
allignment 66 mm. allignment 120,9 mm.
Stroboscope 50Hz
51015
20
Overhang
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.

DETACHABLE DUST COVER
17
PICTURE 1
PICTURE 3
PICTURE 2
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°.

WARRANTY AND SERVICE
18
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
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.