Gold Note Vasari Shibata MM

The Gold Note Vasari Shibata is the summit of the Vasari moving magnet cartridge range — a precision analogue instrument machined from a single piece of solid aluminium 7000 alloy and fitted with a Shibata stylus profile that places it in a class of analogue performance previously associated exclusively with moving coil designs. Where the Vasari Red's conical stylus and the Vasari Gold's elliptical profile represent compelling introductions to the Gold Note MM cartridge range, the Vasari Shibata is an instrument of a different order entirely — one whose Shibata diamond geometry, ultra-light aluminium cantilever, and Alnico magnet assembly deliver a precision of groove contact, a retrieval of high-frequency information, and a preservation of vinyl surface integrity that sets a new standard for what a moving magnet cartridge can achieve.

Solid Aluminium 7000 Alloy Body

The Vasari Shibata's body is machined from a single piece of solid aluminium 7000 alloy — a material chosen not for economy but for its exceptional combination of structural rigidity, high damping power, and dimensional stability under the mechanical stresses of vinyl replay. The ultra-light aluminium cantilever is inserted directly into the body — a design that minimises the number of mechanical interfaces in the signal path, reducing the opportunity for resonant coloration and unwanted vibration to contaminate the signal retrieved from the groove. The consequence is a cartridge of extraordinary mechanical integrity: one whose solid body, direct cantilever insertion, and precision-machined tolerances allow the Shibata stylus to track the groove with a composure and accuracy that lesser cartridge bodies, however competently assembled, cannot approach.

Shibata Stylus — Near-Perfect Groove Contact

The Vasari Shibata's defining characteristic is its Shibata stylus profile — a diamond geometry of exceptional sophistication that was originally developed for the playback of CD-4 quadraphonic records, and whose ability to retrieve high-frequency groove information with precision and without distortion makes it one of the finest stylus profiles available for the playback of any vinyl recording. The Shibata profile is an evolution of the elliptical shape, with additional facets that create an asymmetrical profile of extraordinary refinement — increasing the surface area contact between diamond and groove wall while simultaneously and significantly reducing the pressure applied to the vinyl at any given point. The diamond size of 3.5 × 20μm places it firmly in line contact territory — achieving a depth of groove contact and a retrieval of inner groove detail that an elliptical stylus of any quality cannot match. The result is a near-perfect playback geometry: enhanced dynamics and resolution, deeper groove contact, and a measurably and audibly reduced rate of wear on both the vinyl surface and the diamond itself.

Alnico Magnet and Copper Coil

The Vasari Shibata's generator assembly is built around an Alnico magnet — a material chosen for its exceptional magnetic field stability, its low coercive force, and its ability to maintain consistent magnetic flux density across the full dynamic range of musical programme material. Paired with a copper coil wound to an impedance of 500Ω and an inductance of 500mH, the Alnico magnet delivers an output level of 4mV — sufficient to drive any standard MM phono stage to its full performance potential, with a channel separation of greater than 25dB that ensures the stereo image is rendered with precision and spatial integrity. The suggested tracking weight of 2g and suggested load of 47kΩ are the standard parameters of any well-designed MM phono stage — and the Vasari Shibata will reward a quality phono stage such as the Gold Note PH-10 with a level of musical transparency and analogue authority that its moving magnet classification alone does not predict.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Vasari Shibata is for the analogue enthusiast who has reached the limits of what a conventional elliptical moving magnet cartridge can deliver — and who wants to hear what a Shibata stylus profile can retrieve from their vinyl collection without the complexity and system demands of a moving coil design. It is a natural partner for any of Gold Note's turntables — from the Gold Note Pianosa to the Gold Note Mediterraneo — and pairs with outstanding musical coherence alongside the Gold Note PH-10 phono stage. For those ready to take the step into moving coil performance, the Gold Note Donatello represents the natural next progression in the Gold Note cartridge range.

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 Vasari Shibata in our Norwich showroom, mounted on a suitable turntable and connected to a quality phono stage, so you can hear precisely what this cartridge retrieves from a well-pressed record. 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.