Gold Note Mediterraneo X Turntable

The Gold Note Mediterraneo X is the definitive expression of a decade of continuous analogue engineering development in Gold Note's Florence atelier — a turntable of extraordinary ambition that marks the tenth anniversary of the original Mediterraneo with a design that does not merely refine its predecessor but fundamentally redefines what a turntable at this level can achieve. Built around a plinth architecture of exceptional structural integrity, a 7 kg dual-material platter of outstanding rotational stability, and Gold Note's proprietary Quadral-Core microcontroller and audio converter system, the Mediterraneo X sets a new standard for precision, control, and musical authority in high-end analogue replay.

Catenary Curve Plinth — Solid Aluminium and Italian Hardwood

The Mediterraneo X's plinth is a structural achievement of genuine originality — a catenary curve design that draws its engineering inspiration from the geometry of a hanging chain under gravity, one of the most efficient load-distributing forms in structural mechanics. The upper plinth is machined from solid aluminium with a matt black varnished finish; the lower plinth is crafted from solid Italian walnut hardwood, chosen for its natural acoustic damping properties and its ability to absorb and dissipate resonant energy that lesser materials would transmit directly into the playing surface. The result is a foundation of extraordinary rigidity and stability — one in which the platter bearing, tonearm, and motor operate in conditions of near-ideal isolation from external vibration, acoustic feedback, and structural resonance.

7 kg Dual-Material Platter

The Mediterraneo X's platter is machined from solid aluminium and high-density POM — a combination of materials chosen for their complementary mechanical properties and their shared characteristic of exceptional dimensional stability under rotational load. At 7 kg, the platter's rotational inertia is sufficient to maintain speed stability through even the most demanding stylus drag variations, absorbing groove-induced perturbations that lighter platters would transmit directly to the cartridge as speed instability and wow. The result is a rotational platform of extraordinary consistency — one that holds 33⅓ and 45 rpm to within ±0.1%, and whose wow and flutter performance of less than 0.1% and rumble figure of −82 dB place it among the finest platters available at any price.

Proprietary Quadral-Core Microcontroller and Motor Drive

The Mediterraneo X's belt-driven motor system is governed by Gold Note's proprietary Quadral-Core microcontroller and audio converter — a purpose-designed electronic brain that manages the operation of the ultra-precise 12V synchronous motor with a thoroughness and granularity that conventional motor drive circuits cannot approach. Speed accuracy, torque delivery, and motor vibration are all controlled in real time by the Quadral-Core system, which stores fine speed adjustment settings in its own memory for consistent, repeatable performance across every listening session. The EPDM rectified belt transmits drive from motor to platter with exceptional smoothness, free from the speed variations and micro-vibrations that belt-driven systems of lesser engineering precision introduce into the signal retrieved from the groove.

Touchscreen Display and Electronic Fine Pitch Control

Every operational function of the Mediterraneo X is managed through a precision touchscreen display — an interface of immediacy and elegance that allows speed selection, fine pitch adjustment, torque control, and cartridge use monitoring to be accomplished with the same directness and confidence as any other high-quality audio component. The electronic fine pitch control is continuously variable and stores its settings in the Quadral-Core's memory — ensuring that any adjustment made during a listening session is preserved for the next, and that the Mediterraneo X's speed accuracy is never dependent on the listener's memory or manual intervention. The cartridge use timer provides a practical and invaluable record of stylus hours — a facility that allows the listener to monitor stylus condition with precision and plan for replacement at the optimal time.

B-7 Ceramic Tonearm

The Mediterraneo X is fitted as standard with the Gold Note B-7 Ceramic tonearm — Gold Note's flagship handmade tonearm, built with high-precision ceramic ball-bearings manufactured exclusively by GRW in Germany. It is an extraordinary specification for a turntable at this price point, and its presence ensures that the Mediterraneo X is ready from the outset to partner any cartridge in Gold Note's range — from the Gold Note Vasari to the flagship Gold Note Tuscany — without compromise or qualification.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Mediterraneo X is for the serious analogue enthusiast who demands a turntable of complete, uncompromising capability — one that arrives with Gold Note's finest tonearm already fitted, and that is ready to partner a high-quality moving coil cartridge and phono stage from the moment it is installed. It is the natural summit of the Gold Note turntable range above the Gold Note Mediterraneo and the Gold Note Pianosa, and pairs with exceptional coherence alongside the Gold Note PH-10 phono stage as the foundation of a full Gold Note analogue system of world-class ambition.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. We can demonstrate the Mediterraneo X in our Norwich showroom, fitted with a suitable cartridge and connected to a high-quality phono stage, so you can hear precisely what this turntable is capable of at its best. When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris and Tim — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system.

Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.