Are you in the market for a really nice entry level turntable for under $2000? You may have just landed at the right spot. I have been living with this little gem for about 2 months now, and it has found favor with me for the quality, the features, and the sound that this little guy produces. Perhaps lack of sound and coloration would be a better statement....
Without further ado and fanfare....Ladies and Gentlemen gather round! Here at Big Gary's Hotzy Totzy show, where excitement is always on the ticket, where the wonderful and amazing are never in short supply, and the magical is a normal everyday delight, I give you the Gold Note Valore 25 Plus turntable.
The Valore 25 Plus review sample came in the lovely walnut finish, and was also provided with the Donatello Red MC cartridge (optional) installed and setup. It also included the standard clear acrylic hinged dust cover.
The Valore comes with a nice sized 30mm platter shaped, according to Gold Note, to wisely reduce vibrations. "Valore 425 Plus guarantees audiophile sound in a smart and elegant solution. Despite its compact size, it comes with the 9" B-5 Gold Note tone arm and our 4mm thick high mass hinged Dust Cover. Valore 425 Plus is the most complete and musically satisfying turntable of its category with a 23mm thick platter in high dampening PTE, extra-long platter spindle, minimum platter/plinth distance and high-quality platter bearing—every single feature is in fact directly derived from our flagship series."
The 60mm long platter bearing and spindle are designed to be as close as possible to the plinth, with a gap of only 3mm to best reduce turbulences. This turntable spins smoothly and silently with noiseless rotational stability. The bearing spindle is definitely overbuilt for a table at this level, and I think that is a very good thing. It certainly adds to that stability and noiseless operation.
Powered by a new proprietary design, the D/A Converter micro-controlled motor guarantees high precision speed, and allows a perfect phase, controlling even the power in order to achieve high torque force at the start, and then smartly reducing the intensity once the speed is stabilized to minimize vibrations. The 12V synchronous motor starts right up and spins the platter very effectively. It is also exceptionally quiet. Gold Note builds motors for specific levels of tables, and they are all more powerful than they might need to be, but this provides durability and a robust performance, and leads to incredible stability. They exclusively use Hirschmann connectors in the tonearm. These are high grade Austrian parts and you can upgrade to their higher end cables if you desire.
The outboard controller offers two speeds—33 1/3 and 45rpm—that are electronically controlled, and can be finely adjusted. Gold Note has equipped the motor with a new highly polished hourglass pulley that allows the turntable's belt to spin smoothly, and reduces the wow&flutter and noise to the lowest levels.
Unboxing the table was a breeze. It was also very easy to set up. I found the turntable plinth rather light, and was concerned about vibrational transfer when I first unboxed it. This is a minimalist designed plinth. Not to worry though, because when I hauled out the platter and bearing, that was obviously where the focus and mass were. Aside from setting the platter into the plinth and installing the belt, the only thing I had to do was untie the tonearm, and plug in the outboard power supply and controller box. It took all of ten minutes, and the Valore 25 plus was ready to play.
Extremely reliable and easy to use, Valore 425 Plus can be set up in any High-End Audio system, and will satisfy music enthusiasts looking for performances and efficiency in beautiful elegant shape and quality materials. Valore 425 Plus is available in a number of finishes. Black, a very interesting and chic special silver foil finish, walnut real veneer, and ultra-transparent acrylic, combining stunning looks and even higher performances due to the better dampening effect.
As I stated above, the "minimalist approach and attention to details are behind the modern beauty of Valore 425 Plus: "its design is sober and yet stylish, with luxurious finishes.
"Sophisticated craftsmanship is everywhere, even in the plinth, precisely shaped to enhance control."
The bundled 9" tonearm directly derived from their B-5.1 tonearm is a breeze to set up and operate. I found it very reminiscent of my Audioquest PT9 tonearm. Simple, easy, and effective. When it comes to tables of this level, that is precisely what you want. The Gold Note is a modern version with better fit and finish, but that simplicity is still there, and I give that high marks.
Specifications
- Dimensions - 425mmW, 170mm H, 360mm D /17.5" W, 7"H, 14.75" D
- Weight - 9kg/ 19.8lb
- Wow & Flutter - 0.2%
- Rumble - minus 75db
- Speed - 33 1/3, 45 rpm +/- 0.1%
- Power - Power supply: 18V output
- Power consumption: max 20W 100-240V, 50/60Hz
One of the features that I really enjoyed about this turntable was the external controller. At this price point it is a nice touch. No need to take the belt from one part of the motor spindle and move it up or down to a slightly smaller groove. Nope. Just touch the 33 1/3 or 45 button on the outboard box and there you go. How many times have you made the change on the spindle and the belt or thread drops off, and you have to line it all back up and make sure it is set properly around the platter? With the Valore 25 Plus those days are gone. I believe this feature is straight across the Gold Note turntable line. Very much appreciated! Cannot praise these thoughtful touches enough.
Once set up, it required no run in time. I strobed the turntable at both 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, and they were dead on, and stayed that way throughout the time in my system.
At 19.8 pounds it is not a heavy weight by any stretch. My reference table weighs approximately 70 pounds, and during the review another table showed up for review that weighs 125 pounds. Since the Valore 25 Plus' weight is primarily in the platter, motor, and bearing, moving it about and setting up is what I refer to as very "back friendly." To compare the two tables beyond that is grossly unfair, but I didn't need more back surgery as a result of moving the Valore 25 Plus! The other, well let's just say I still have some residual pain. While Mass has always been the friend of turntables and resonance control, not every turntable has to require Sampson or Hercules to install it for you. This is a lightweight sports car rather than a heavier and higher powered GT. Think Lotus Elan versus an Aston Martin DB9. Both will get you from point a to point b and put a big mile on your face, but the Lotus will do it in a more simplistic and efficient manner than the ever lustful Aston. (I have had experience in owning a Lotus, but never the Aston, although I continue to wish.)
Once set up, I found the table incredibly easy and delightful to use. The Gold Note tonearm is very solidly built, very easy to set up and adjust with a high quality feel. The cue drops a bit faster than I am used to, but it doesn't slam down on the LP. You simply have a very short wait time for music to begin. In all honesty, it was more of a perceptual issue than a problem and I quickly found it to cue up and down with creamy smoothness.
Everything I played on the Valore 25 Plus came through with minimal coloration, if any at all. It does not posses the absolute blackness of delivery that many of the top-of-the-line tables, but it was barely perceptible. Every album I played on it was delivered with neutrality, and nothing added from the turntable. It never faltered on its speed either, and once the arm was set there was no need to do anything the entire time besides placing an album on it and play away.
During the time here I played albums with and without a record weight. I found the sound benefited from the use of a Furutech puck. Low profile and of medium weight was the perfect match for the Valore 25 Plus, and I would recommend a record stabilizing disc/clamp. The Furutech s a pricey piece of kit at $390 (and exceptionally effective), but there are many that start in the $30 range and up.
In typical reviewer fashion, I will now resort to flowery and vague speak about how the delivery tightened up, became more transparent, and much more detailed. In essence it just sounded a bit better.
The Valore 25 Plus provided a solid partner and always delivered solid performance from every album I played. It would not solve problems with poorly engineered or poorly recorded, warped, or scratched LPs. Other than that, there was never a moment in which it disappointed. Most turntables in this price point settle into a few different categories. They are rhythmic and do not have over bloated or bouncy bass. Some settle into the detailed range and are somewhat edgy and bright, or they may end up settling for a warm and slow delivery. This table finds itself combining enough of each to reach an exceptionally balanced delivery. This is a sign of the best of tables. The better the table, the more dimension it provides. (Something VPI as always been stellar at.) There is nothing in the way of notable excess or emphasis in any area. In my opinion, that is precisely what you want in any turntable.
Where the Valore 25 Plus seems to excel is in the areas of quiet running while maintaining dead on speed control. It also does a very admirable job in giving a very musically coherent delivery. What it lacks in ultimate slam or the pitch black background of a black hole it makes up in a very smooth, balanced, and relaxed delivery. You find yourself listening to the music, and not the turntable. Perhaps that is the best statement about the Gold Note Valore 25 Plus. At its price point, that is exceptionally high praise indeed.
Goldnote Donatello Red high output MC Cartridge
The Goldnote cartridges have always represented a rather good value at the price point. Not always the case for anything Italian. The Goldnote Donatello Red is no exception. The Donatello range of cartridges is comprised of the Red, which has a 1.8mv output, and the slightly more expensive Gold that has a lower .5mv output.
According to Gold Note the main design of the new Donatello range was to engineer the best sounding cartridge in its category. Employing a solid machined aluminum body that was light enough to be handled by any available tonearm on the market today. Gold Note spent two years of research time and money to devise the computer designed aluminum body. The results exceeded their expectations. I have to say the body is beautiful. Anodized and very stout, it does eliminate resonance. A much better choice than a plastic body. Which is not unheard of at this price point.
The body weighs a mere 7 grams. Gold Note felt this was the perfect weight, and achieved the right damping to to assure the cantilever the best tracking possible. It is equipped with an ultra rigid aluminum cantilever sporting a Micro Elliptical diamond stylus. The diamond stylus is inserted into the cantilever and blocked. Then that is seated in a titanium telescopic seat. This assures the ultimate structural rigidity. This system was designed in collaboration with Adman-Nanking to achieve top tier audio performance.
Gold Note likens it to their top tier cartridges. As on all Gold Note cartridges it features long gold-plated pin connectors "designed to connect perfectly with arm cinches, reducing energy dispersion and improving grounding for an ideal music background that will let you enjoy even the smaller details of your music."
Donatello Red features high internal impedance and gain levels so that it can be easily matched with MM phono preamps, while the Donatello Gold can be driven correctly by MC phono preamps, without the need of any Step-Up transformers.
Specifications
- MC High Output
- Output: 1.8mv
- Frequency Response: 10-35kHz
- Compliance: -12×10-6cm/dyne
- Channel separation: > 24dB
- Channel balance: < 1dB
- Suggested tracking weight: 1.8 to 2.1g
- Cantilever: Aluminum
- Diamond: Micro Elliptical
- Coil Wire: Copper
- Magnet: Samarium-Cobalt
- Mounting hole diamond distance: 9mm
- Total weight: 7g
As a side note Gold Note offers the Donatello Gold with a 40Ω high internal impedance, and 0.5mV output level to easily match with MC phono preamps set-up without Step-Up transformers.
I have owned a Gold Note Tuscany M cartridge and a Blacknote DSS 30 music streamer (made by Gold Note but marketed under the Blacknote name), and both were exceptionally well built, dynamic, and wonderfully musical pieces. (I still have the DSS30).
The Donatello Red is a very easy cartridge to set up and is an ideal match to the Valore 25 Plus. With its 1.8mv output it can even be run with a MM phono amp. This means for the budding audiophile on a budget you are taking about $2698 for the pair with no need to replace a MM phono stage for a dedicated MC unit. If you are getting into vinyl, or back into vinyl after a lay off, and you do not have any phono preamp you can acquire a MM unit that will work well, and at a lot less expenditure than a similar MC unit.
How does it sound? In its "sub $1000" category, I rate it top tier for sure. I have owned and tested a number of cartridges in this range. The Donatello Red can run with any cartridge in this category and out run most of them.
On Steely Dan's "Aja," from the album of the same name (ABC Records AA 1006) I was struck by how well the Donatello delivered the overall performance with a smooth, effortless, and well integrated presentation. Soundstage was precise in depth, width, and height. Steve Gadd's drums were well balanced and impactful. The Gold Note Tuscany was an absolute killer in the delivery of the bottom end, and of course the Donatello does not quite match that cartridge, but you are paying roughly $3300 less for the cartridge. Comparison my be unfair, but it shows how far Gold Note has come with their cartridges. You get 80% of the Tuscany at less than 1/4 the price. With the Donatello Red, the bass is deep and well defined, great tracking, and the transients are spot on. The midrange was smooth and creamy and that has been something of a hallmark with Gold Note cartridges, at least in my experience (reviewing both the Tuscany and the lower priced Baldinoti). Also, the high frequency presentation was minus grain and edginess unless that was in the source material. Sparkling cymbals and bells were exactly that. They were precise, crisp and the decay was superb.
On Sara K's "All Your Love Into Passion" from the Water Fall album, her vocals were very palpable and defied the price of the cartridge. The Donatello gives you a very smooth midrange, and is also great at delivering fast, precise transients without edginess and peakiness that moving coil cartridges are often accused of having. Quite the opposite. The Donatello is a very articulate cartridge, and at its price point it offers an exceptional value. Her guitar work is detailed, and even at low levels the detail is excellent. The layer of guitar comes through as distinct and individual instruments, and not a conglomerate. Each has its space and own air around it. I really enjoyed how the Donatello Red captured that aspect. Separating the instruments in space, but keeping the coherence of the overall performance. That kind of cohesiveness is what draws you deeper into the musical performance, and that is precisely what this cartridge did. For 95% of the audio community this cartridge would satisfy their needs indefinitely.
On the Bill Evans Trio track "Detour Ahead" (take 2), from the 1962 album Waltz For Debby (Riverside RPL-399) we get the trio with Bill Evans on piano, Scott LaFaro on bass, and Paul Motian on drums. The trio are in a total symbiotic mode. Recorded live at the Village Vanguard in 1961, the song is a study of the challenge in playing small venues to small crowds. You experience this recording as though you were sitting front and center at a small table, with a glass of scotch and cigar. You cannot help but be drawn into the music while also listening to the tinkling glasses, low voices in conversation, and the hustle and bustle of a small club. The piano keys under Bill's fingers move from a delicate touch to a very percussive touch, and the Donatello on the Valore 25 Plus allowed that to come through with clarity. The decay of the notes, even at low levels, was very distinctive. The late Scott LaFaro on bass was perhaps at his best form at the time of this recording. His bass is melodic and absolutely sings on this track. Just the right amount of subtle bass tracking in support of Bill's piano virtuosity, and yet percussive and forceful enough to help set the rhythm section. He was tragically killed at 25 years old in an auto accident just 10 days after this recording. No telling how good he would have become had he lived on. I thoroughly was brought into the performance with the Valore/Donatello combo, and isn't that what it is all about? Well that and the Hokey Pokey! It is always engaging when you catch little things like the very dainty sneeze from a lad about two tables to my left, and slightly behind me. Wow that is telling about soundstage and focus of this setup. Large, deep and wide, and very detailed. Maybe THAT is the hokey pokey.
Is this cartridge going to replace my Koetsu? No. Could I live with it as my only cartridge? Most likely if circumstances demanded that. If I were making my first foray into MC cartridges I would be most happy with this cartridge! I don't think I can offer a more telling endorsement than that!
I certainly would not be the least bit unhappy. Quite the contrary.
The bottom line here is that this is a cartridge that should be on anyone's list that is looking for a solid entry level MC cartridge. The combination of the Valore 25 Plus and the Donatello is an even better bargain. Easy to set up, easy to live with, and very easy to listen to for a very long time! Check it out. You will not be sorry that you did!
Both of these products taken individually will stand up against any in their price categories, and prices for either being able to do combat with items easily costing $1000 to $2000 more than this duo. Together they seem to make for a setup that would be hard to falter, especially when you are talking about $2698 for the pair. Buy it, set it into your system, and forget about it. Just enjoy the music as I have been for the past two months! Hate to see it go! But if you are looking for a great entry-mid level table and cartridge, you would be missing out. A great loss by not checking it out! Hurry before someone else beats you to it.
Valore 25 Plus turntable and tonearm
Retail: $1899
Donatello Red Moving col Cartridge
Retail: $799
Gold Note Italy
Via della Gora, 6
Via della Gora, 6, 50025 Molino del Ponte FI
Gold Note USA
14 Inverness Drive East, Unit G-108,
Englewood CO 80112
303.872.6285
