High audio performance. Unparalleled ease of use. The Gold Note ES-78 is an MM phono cartridge designed for those beginning their journey into audiophile analogue sound — with a 4mV output, aluminium cantilever, conical diamond stylus, and Alnico magnet, built to the quality standards that define the Gold Note name.

The Perfect Starting Point for Serious Listening

Every audiophile's journey begins with a first step — a moment when a record plays and something shifts. The Gold Note ES-78 is designed to be that moment. A moving magnet phono cartridge that combines high audio performance with unparalleled ease of use, the ES-78 is the ideal choice for those who are just starting their journey into the world of analogue audio and want to discover what high-quality vinyl playback truly sounds like.

Built by Gold Note in Florence, Italy — a brand with a reputation for analogue expertise earned across decades and dozens of acclaimed cartridge designs — the ES-78 brings genuine craftsmanship and considered engineering to the entry point of the range. Its 4mV output level adapts perfectly to any standard MM phono stage, making setup straightforward and the path to great sound shorter than you might expect.

Designed for the Modern Vinyl Enthusiast

The ES-78's design is rooted in simplicity without sacrifice. An aluminium cantilever provides rigidity and low mass for accurate groove tracing. A conical diamond stylus offers reliable, consistent contact with the groove walls for faithful, musical playback. An Alnico magnet — chosen by Gold Note for its warm, musical character — generates the signal with a naturalness that synthetic alternatives rarely match. Copper coil wire completes a signal path built from materials selected for their sonic contribution, not their cost.

The body is machined from black POM (polyoxymethylene) — a precision engineering plastic known for its dimensional stability, low resonance, and vibration-damping properties. At 6g, the ES-78 is lightweight enough to suit a wide range of tonearms and headshells, and its 9mm mounting hole-to-diamond distance ensures straightforward alignment on most turntable setups.

Performance That Exceeds Expectations

The ES-78 measures 4mV output, 15–25,000Hz frequency response, >20dB channel separation, 1,000Ω impedance, and 10×10⁻⁶cm/dyne compliance — a set of figures that underlines Gold Note's commitment to genuine performance at every level of the range. These are not entry-level specifications dressed up with marketing language; they are the measurements of a cartridge that will genuinely reveal the depth and warmth of a well-pressed record, and reward careful setup with a sound that surprises.

Feature Cards

🎵 4mV Output — Universal MM Compatibility

A 4mV output level adapts perfectly to any standard MM phono stage, making the ES-78 immediately compatible with virtually any turntable, preamplifier, or integrated amplifier with an MM phono input — with no loading concerns and no matching complexity.

💎 Conical Diamond Stylus & Aluminium Cantilever

A conical diamond stylus provides reliable, consistent groove contact for faithful playback across your entire record collection. The lightweight aluminium cantilever delivers the rigidity and low resonance needed for accurate groove tracing and musical detail retrieval.

🧲 Alnico Magnet & Copper Coil

An Alnico magnet — prized for its warm, natural character — paired with copper coil wire, generates a signal with the musicality and tonal depth that defines the Gold Note analogue philosophy.

🇮🇹 Gold Note Craftsmanship — Florence, Italy

Built to the quality standards of Gold Note's Florence workshop — a brand with decades of analogue expertise and a reputation for cartridges that punch well above their price point. The ES-78 is where that tradition begins.

Editorial Blockquote

"The ES-78 MM phono cartridge offers high audio performance and unparalleled ease of use — the ideal choice for those who want to discover high-quality analogue sound." — Gold Note

At-a-Glance Bullets

• MM phono cartridge — 4mV output, universal MM phono stage compatibility
• Frequency response: 15–25,000Hz
• Channel separation: > 20dB
• Impedance: 1,000Ω — Suggested load: 47kΩ
• Compliance: 10×10⁻⁶cm/dyne
• Suggested tracking weight: 2g
• Aluminium cantilever
• Conical diamond stylus
• Alnico magnet
• Copper coil wire
• Body: black POM — precision-engineered, low resonance
• Mounting hole to diamond distance: 9mm
• Weight: 6g
• Designed and built in Florence, Italy

Finish / Colour Options

• Black

Specifications

Closing Quote

"High performance. Unmatched ease of use. The Gold Note ES-78 is where the journey into serious analogue listening begins — built with the craftsmanship of Florence, and the conviction that great sound should be accessible from the very first listen."