AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Audio Note IO Gold is a premium moving coil phono cartridge designed for superior linearity and musicality. It uses the moving coil principle for electrical output, chosen for its superior linearity over other systems. The cartridge body is engineered to minimize resonance and standing waves, with a large mounting surface and up to six bolts for secure attachment to the tonearm. The magnetic circuit employs AlNiCo magnets combined with Permadure, a super low-loss magnetic alloy shaped to focus the magnetic field precisely. The coil wire is custom-made 99.99% pure silver, extending directly to the output terminals to minimize electrical connections and preserve signal purity. The cantilever is made of titanium, and the stylus is an AN Type 1 diamond, cut and polished to a natural octagon shape with surgical precision. The cartridge weighs 20 grams and requires a stylus pressure of 2-3 grams (2.5g optimal). It offers an output voltage of 0.04mV at 5cm/sec, an internal impedance of 1 Ohm, and a matching impedance of 3-4 Ohms. Frequency response ranges from 10Hz to 50kHz with +/-2dB variation, and channel separation exceeds 30dB at 1kHz. The IO Gold is noted for its musicality, detail, and emotional engagement, making it one of the most musical cartridges available. It is the top permanent magnet model in the IO range, only surpassed by the electromagnet-powered IO Limited model. Due to its copper housing, it is relatively heavy, requiring a tonearm with a suitable counterweight. Pricing is available on request, and the product is typically made to order with an approximate 8-week build time. Specifications are subject to change due to ongoing R&D by Audio Note (UK).
Phono cartridge specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Tiger Eye Platinum's output is 0.3 mV against the IO Gold's 0.0 mV and its tracking force 1.9 g against 2.5 g. Both share compliance (5 cu) and cartridge type (MC).
The Urushi Sky Blue's output is 0.4 mV against the IO Gold's 0.0 mV and its tracking force 1.9 g against 2.5 g. Both share compliance (5 cu) and cartridge type (MC).
The IO II's weight is 0.018 kg (0 lbs) against the IO Gold's 0.02 kg (0 lbs). Both share output (0.0 mV), tracking force (2.5 g), and cartridge type (MC).
The JSD 5's compliance is 12 cu against the IO Gold's 5 cu, its output 1.1 mV against 0.0 mV, and its tracking force 2.4 g against 2.5 g. Both share cartridge type (MC).
The specs and the pairings above are open to everyone. Sign up and you get the system builder, the assistant, a compatibility check against the gear you already own, and a watch on this product so a price or pairing change reaches you.
Sign up free