Bellagio Reference manual V3 2015 ENG

OWNER’S MANUAL

Bellagio Reference

OWNER’S MANUAL page 1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel.Please record the model and serial numbee and retain them for

your records.

Serial Number: Model:

WARNINGTO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAINOR MOISTURE

Do not disassemble any part of the product.

Do not use any part of the product for other purposes.

For service and problems of any kind, contact qualified Gold Note personnel.

Protect the product from rain and humidity and keep away from heat sources, electric and electronic motors etc.

The power Chord supplied must be used only on this unit.

Gold Note does not have responsibility for any improper use of this unit


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.

4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near to any water.

6 Clean only with dry cloth.

7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or ground-ing-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provid-ed for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufac-turer.

12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate

normally, or has been dropped.

• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit.

• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON position.

• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power cord plug at any time.

• The main plug is used as the disconnect device, the discon-nect device shall remain readily operable.

• If the product uses batteries (including a battery pack or installed batteries), they should not be exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat.

• Caution should be taken when using earphones or head-phones with the product because excessive sound pressure (volume) from earphones or head- phones can cause hearing loss.


INTRODUCTION

Five Different Curved PlinthsThe Bellagio Reference features five each other different curved plinths enabling maximum stiffness and indeforma-bility and allowing the best resonance feedback control. Plinths are interfaced with different thickness titanium spacers joined each other with specially curved machined solid block aluminium and extra-large feet.

The Platter Bearing/SpindleThe Bellagio Reference features one of the best platter bearing/spindle ever made for a turntable. The spindle is made of the hardest carbon steel hardened with a boiling oil process than rectified and polished to guarantee a perfect working fluidity. The bearing is made of polished bronze with a total tolerance of 1/100 millimeter.

The Turntable Power ControlThe Bellagio Reference is the only turntable that features a power control generator based on PWM technology – Pulse Width Modulation. The PWM power drive generates the power AC-DC-AC enabling the best coupling of the two AC semi-wave for a perfect coupling literally annulling any motor resistance or vibration and allowing the highest motor torque at the same time.

High-End Turntable With Remote Control – OPTIONALThe Bellagio Reference features optionally a remote control allows the control of all the main functions: ON/OFF, speed change, speed control and power control of the unit.

A Power Control System for Your Music – OPTION-ALThe Bellagio Reference features optionally an unique “power control system” allowing to control the torque of the motor to finely adjust the turntable “musical charac-ter”. Powering the motor with a lower torque is indicated to play, for instance, ancient or chamber string music where details strongly matter, while the maximum torque is indicated for rock or symphonic music enabling more dynamic. The power control system is conveniently performed by the remote control to let the listener adjust the way to play the turntable directly from his listening point.

All Gold Note products are proudly designed, manufactured and assembled in Italy 100%


CONTENT OF PACKAGING: Layer A1

1) 110mm thick Platter made of Sustarin Acetamide and 16 peripheral counterweights (1x)2) Platter Clamp (1x)3) Turntable foot (3x)4) Platter Spindle Tip that clamps the platter (1x)5) Motor Cylinder completed with motor Pulley (1x)6) Motor Pulley Cover (1x)7) Tone Arm Bottom Flange (1x)8) Tone Arm Flange Conical Spacers (6x)9) Tone Arm Board (2x) 10) Gold Note Arm Flange Adapter (Rega compatible) (1x)11) Covers for Threaded Bar (3x)

A1

10 3 3

3

2

6

1

11

11

5

4

87

9



A2

1

2

5 3

6

4

1) Top three layer black acrylic plinth (1x)2) Threaded Stainless Steel bar (3x)3) Delrin Top Plinth Conical Support (3x)4) Tone Arm Flange Bottom Support (3x)5) Front Aluminium Conical Support Cover (2x)6) Rear Conical Support Cover (1x)



A3

1

1) CPU black acrylic double plinth with display and keyboard to control the turntable (1x)



1

2

3

1) Rectangular Box area- O-ring for CPU plinth spacer (3x)- Motor cable with mini XLR connector (1x)- Belt (1x)- Grease vessel for tunrtable legs threading (1x)- Oil vessel for Platter Spindle/Bearing (1x)-13mm Wrench for blocking brass threaded bar nuts (1x)- 10mm L shape Titanium Wrench for top plinth height adjusting (1x)- 2mm Allen wrench with handle (1x)- 3mm Allen wrench for Flanges fixing screws (1x)- 5mm Allen wrench for Motor fixing screws (1x)- 6x60mm Motor Allen Screws (2x)- Arm Board Flange Screws (3x)- Brass Threaded Bar Nut & Nnylon Washer (3x)- 4x40mm Arm Board Allen Screws (3x)

2) Power Supply Unit- Stroboscope (1x)- Gold Note Gel Mat (1x)- Special anti scratch super grip gloves (1pr.)3) Power chord (1x)


STEP 1

Threaded Titanium bar (3x) located in layer A2 position 2

Brass Threaded Bar Nut & Nnylon Washer (3x ea.) available inside the bagmarked SL01 located in layer A4 position 1

For the STEP 13 you need these parts:

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE TOP PLINTH [Threaded Bars]

STEP 13-1 COMPLETED

10mm55mm

60mm

O-Ring (premounted)

Threaded Titanium bar

Brass Nut Nylon Washer

+

STEP 1-1 Thread the Brass threaded bar Nuts and white Nylon Washers as shown in the picture below


STEP 2


STEP 2-1Thread the Stainless Steel Threaded Bars with the Nuts/Washers facing down into the CPU plinth till legs as swhon in the picture aside

STEP 2-3Thighten the Stainless Steel Threaded Bar’s nutwith the 13mm Wrench supplied, to block the structure firmly. Be sure to position the Nylon

STEP 2-2Thread the Stainless Steel Threaded Bars from the bottom side 15mm out

Feet to lock on the S/Steel Threaded Bar (3x) located in A1 position 12



STEP 3


STEP 3Firmly thread the feet on the S/Steel Threaded Bars as shown in the picture below.


STEP 4

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE TOP PLINTH [Threaded Bar Covers]

STEP 4Insert the Covers on the S/Steel Threaded Bar as shown in the pictures aside and below

Bottom

Top(this side UP)

Covers for Threaded Bar (3x) located in A1 position 11



STEP 5

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE TOP PLINTH [Top Plinth Conical Supports]

STEP 5Thread the Delrin Top Plinth Conical Supports in the titanium Threaded Bars till circa 5mm close to the Threaded Bar Covers.

Delrin Top Plinth Conical Supports (3x) located in A2 position 3



STEP 6

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE TOP PLINTH [Triple Plinth]

Top three layer black acrylic plinth (1x) located in A2 position 1


If you need to install a 12” Tone Arm Please go first to the OPTION MOUNTING INSTRUCTION pag.48

OWNER’S MANUAL

STEP 7

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE TOP PLINTH [Motor]

STEP 7-1Insert the Motor cable with mini XLR connectorsinto the Cable Pipe as shown in the picture aside

Motor Cylinder completed with motor Pulley (1x) located in A1 position 3


Motor Allen Screws with Nylon Washers (2x ea.) availableinside the bag marked SL02 located in A4 position 1

Motor cable with mini XLR connectors (1x) available inside the bag marked SL02 located in A4 position 1

+

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OWNER’S MANUAL

STEP 7


STEP 7-2Plug the other side of the Motor cable Mini XLR connector into the bottom of Motor as shown in the picture aside

STEP 7-3Lay the Motor Xinto the hole as shown in the picture aside.

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OWNER’S MANUAL

STEP 7


STEP 7-4With the help of the 5mm Allen wrench located in the layer B6 position 6, thread the Motor Allen Screws with Nylon Washers into the slots as shown in the picture aside.

STEP 7-5The Motor Allen Screws must be thigtened for blocking the Motor Cylinder firmly.

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OWNER’S MANUAL

STEP 8

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE TOP PLINTH [Platter]

110mm thick Platter made of Sustarin Acetamide and 16 peripheral counterweights (1x) located in A1 position 1


Platter Spindle Tip that clamps the platter (1x) located in A1 position 4

STEP 8-1Lay down the Platter of the turntable as shown in the picture taking care it perfectly fits thespindle flat surface.

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OWNER’S MANUAL

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE TOP PLINTH [Platter]

STEP 8-2Thread the Platter Spindle Tip as show in the picture

STEP 8-3The conical shape of the Platter Spindle Tip once frimly threaded perfectly clamps the Turntable platter

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OWNER’S MANUAL

STEP 9

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE TOP PLINTH [Arm Board]

Tone Arm Flange Bottom Support (6x) located in A2 position 4

Tone Arm Flange Conical Spacers (6x) located in A1 position 8

Tone Arm Board (2x) located in A1 position 9

Gold Note Arm Flange Adapter (Rega compatible) (2x) located

in A1 position 10

4x40 Arm Board Allen Screws (6x) inside the bag marked as SL03 located in A4 position 1


Tone arm Bottom Flange (2x) located in A1 position 7

The step 23 shows you how to assemble the two standard 9” Tone Arm Board

If you wish to install the 12” Tone Arm Please go first to the OPTION MOUNTING INSTRUCTION pag.48

page 19

STEP 9-1Thread the Tone Arm Flange Bottom Support as shown in the picture aside

STEP 9-2Lay down the Tone arm Bottom Flangeas shown in the picture aside

OWNER’S MANUAL


page 20

STEP 9-3Lay down the Tone Arm Flange Conical Spacers as shown in the picture aside

STEP 9-4Lay down the Tone Arm Board and block all the structure firmly with the 4x40mm Arm Board Allen Screws with the help of the 3mm Allen wrench located in B5 position 6

OWNER’S MANUAL


page 21

STEP 9-5Insert the Gold Note Arm Flange Adapter intothe Arm Board as shown in the picture aside

STEP 9-6The Gold Note Arm Flange Adapter is drilled out of axis enabling various 9” arm brand set-up.To block the Gold Note Arm Flange Adapter, tightenthe two Hex-Bolt of the Arm Board with the helpof the 2mm Allen wrench with the handle located in A4 position.See the picture aside

OWNER’S MANUAL


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OWNER’S MANUAL

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE [Belt]

STEP 10

- Belt (1x) located in A4 position 1


STEP 10Wrap the belt around the puelly and the Platter asshown in the picture.

PLEASE NOTE: In case the platter is made of two different pieces the belt must be positioned in the lower platter close to the peripheral counterweight part not in any groove at all.

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OWNER’S MANUAL

SET-UP THE TURNTABLE [Platter Levelling]

STEP 11

LEVELLING

STEP 11With the help of a spirit level rotate clockwise or anti.clockwise the three Delrin Top Plinth Conical Supports front and rear levelling the platter side only, as shown in the picture below

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OWNER’S MANUAL

ASSEMBLING TURNTABLE [Aluminium Covers]

STEP 25

Motor Pulley Cover (1x) located in A1 position 6

Front aluminium conical support cover (2x) located in A2 position 5

Rear conical support cover (1x) located in A2 position 6


STEP 25-1Push down the Motor Pulley Cover into the Motor Cylinder flange taking care the belts freely pass through the twoMotor Pulley Cover slolts.As shown in the picture aside taking care not touchingthe turntable belt.

STEP 25-2Insert the two Front Aluminium Conical Support Covers as shown in the picture aside.

STEP 25-3Install the Rear Conical Support Cover as shown in the picture aside with the Red Arrow.

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OWNER’S MANUAL

OPTIONAL PARTS [SME Tone Arm Board]

STEP 22-3If necessary install the double spacers supplied to raise up the height of the arm board collars as shown in the picture below. Longer screws and extra conical spacers are supplied available in then the layer A4 position 1

See picture below

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OWNER’S MANUAL

OPTIONAL PARTS [9” or 12” Tone Arm Plinth]

Left 12” Tone Arm Board Mounting Instruction

12” Aluminium Arm plinth (1x) located in layer A2 position 7

you need these parts:

STEP OPT.1-1Before installing the Top three layer black acrylic plinth it is possible installing the supplied second arm 12” Aluminium ArmPlinth

STEP OPT.1-2Remove the Platter Flange as indicated in the main manual.

page 27

3

4

6

5

OWNER’S MANUAL


STEP OPT.1-3Rotate the installing the Top three layer black acrylic plinth as indicated in pictures 3, 4 and 5

STEP OPT.1-4Remove the Allen screws indicated in the picture 6 aside with the 5mm Allen Wrenchsupplied

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OWNER’S MANUAL


9

10

8

7

STEP OPT.1-5Remove the bottom layer of the Top three layer black acrylic plinth then remove the 10mm spacers.

STEP OPT.1-6Remove the middle layer of the Top three layer black acrylic plinth then remove the 20mm spacers.

STEP OPT.1-7Remove the 9” Aluminium Arm plinth.

STEP OPT.1-8Install the 19” Aluminium Arm plinth.

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OWNER’S MANUAL


13

14

12

11

NO!

YES!

YES!

X 5

X 5

STEP OPT.1-9Be sure to center the 12” Aluminium Arm plinthwell as inicated in the picture 11 aside.

STEP OPT.1-10Lay the 20mm spacers as indicated in the picture 12 here aside.

STEP OPT.1-11Reposition the middle layer of the Top three layer black acrylic plinth and the 10mm spacers as shown in the picture 13 here aside.

STEP OPT.1-12Reposition the bottom layer of the Top three layer black acrylic plinth and threading back firmly the five Allen blocking screws.

page 30

OWNER’S MANUAL


15

17

16

STEP OPT.1-13Rotate the Top three layer black acrylic plinth and Re-install the Platter Flange back as original.

page 31


POWER ADAPTER & SPEED CONTROL

TURNTABLE SPEED CONTROL ADJUSTMENT:

• LEFT BUTTON Select 33⅓ & 45rpm. Only when the turntable is in STOP mode.

• RIGHT BUTTON Start and Stop the 33⅓rpm and the 45rpm speed.

PITCH CONTROL MODE

While the turtable plays 33⅓ or 45rpm, enter the PITCH CONTROL MODE pressing and holding for 3/4 seconds the LEFT BUTTON and the RIGHT BUTTON buttons together while the display shows PITCH. With the help of the supplied stroboscope the unit is ready to adjust the fine speed both 33⅓ or 45rpm.

• PITCH – pressing in sequence the LEFT BUTTON button to slowly decrease the speed.

• PITCH + pressing in sequence the RIGHT BUTTON button to slowly increase the speed.

To get out the PITCH CONTROL MODE press and hold for 3/4 seconds both the LEFT BUTTON and the RIGHT BUTTON buttons together while the display will show back the selected speed.

PLEASE NOTE: the fine speed is stored into the turtable flash memory, permanently, even without power.

SPEED 33PLAY

LEFT BUTTON RIGHT BUTTON

Power Cord IEC plugPlug the Power Cord via the IEC plug of the power supply of the turntable

Motor and CPU cablesPlug the Motor mini XLR plug and the CPU plug to the indicated connectors shown here in the picture aside.


DISPLAY MODE

DISPLAY OPTIONS and EXAMPLES:

STOP mode shows the selected speed 33 or 45 as shown here

PLAY mode shows the selected speed 33 or 45 as shown here

Once the Pitch mode is sleceted pressing in sequence the RIGHT BUTTON the speed slowly raise up

Once the Pitch mode is sleceted pressing in sequence the LEFT BUTTON the speed slowly goes down

PLAY mode 45rpm

SPEED 33 SPEED 33 SPEED 45STOP

PITCH UP

PITCH DOWN

PLAY PLAY


Loose the indicated Hex-bolt of the arm collar with the 1,5mm Allen Wrench supplied in the tone-arm accessories, to lift up and down the arm correctly adjusting the VTA as necessary.

VTA SETUP AND SME ARM BOARD ADAPTER

SME TONE ARM BOARDRemoving or not installing the Gold Note Arm Flange Adapater to installcorrectly the SME tone arms use the 4mm supplied screws or 3mm nut to bloc the SME tone arm properly on the supplied collar as shown in the picture below.

NO!

CALIBRATION: CARTRIDGE OVERHANG, ALIGNMENT & SPEED


allignment 66 mm. allignment 120,9 mm.

Stroboscope 50Hz

510

1520

Ove

rhan

g

Stroboscope 50Hz

5101520

Overhang

Stroboscope 50Hz

5101520

Overhang

All GOLD NOTE Turntables and Tonearms are supplied with the Gold Note Calibration Tool allowscalibrating correctly the:A) Phono Cartridge alignmentB) OverhangC) 45 and 331/3 rpm speed lines for which is necessary a strobo light to check

B

CA

OVERHANG:To get the right Overhang it is necessary to insert the Gold Note Calibration Tool into the turntable record Pin and position the cartridge Tip on the indicated overhang of the phono cartridge manufacturer as well indicated in the picture below.

SPEED ADJUSTMENT:To verify the right speed use a strobo light (eventually a home NEON works the same).The right speed would let you see the sequence of black rectangular signs being stably stopped whilethe turntable is playing.The Outer line is for checking the 33 1/3rpmThe Inner line is for checking the 45rpm

allignment 66 mm.

allignment 120,9 mm.

Stroboscope 50Hz

5101520

Overhang

CARTRIDGE ALIGNMENT


allignment 66 mm. allignment 120,9 mm.

Stroboscope 50Hz

510

1520

Ove

rhan

g

PHONO CARTRIDGE ALIGNMENT:To correctly align the phono cartridge having the best tracking position, point the tip of the phono cartridge into the red circle both of the Green and the Blue ones indicated in the picture below.The phono cartridge body must be aligned on the stripes around to have a correct workinggeometry.


WARRANTIES

WARRANTIES REGISTRATION

To validate the warranty is necessary to register the unit on the Gold Note internet web site within 15 days from the purchase on the appropriate area of the web site: http://www.goldnote.it/If the unit is not registered correctly or is been purchased from a different country of the purchaser orig-in/home the unit will not be covered by any warranty and the eventual registration refused.

The warranty does not does not cover in any case: Tubes, Phono Cartridge Styli and Batteries.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

All GOLD NOTE® products are the result of meticulous technological research, and consequently their correct functioning is guaranteed. In spite of this it is possible that problems may emerge which non-special-ist users cannot resolve. In this case, contact your dealer who will advise you on how to resolve the problem. Do not return any object directly to the factory or to the national distributor or without being authorized to do so. In such cases both GOLD NOTE® and the distribution agents operating within your territory decline responsibility of any kind.

Please Note: Descriptions and technical characteristics may vary in any moment without notice.


ADJUSTMENT AND TROBLESHOTING

TROUBLESHOTINGS

ADJUSTMENTACTION DESCRIPTION HOW TO ADJUST IT

LEVELLING THE TURNTABLE

CLEANING THE TURNTABLE

• The Turntable is not levelled

• The Turntable is not levelled

•The Turntable is dirty and needs to be cleaned

• With a spirit level, only level the Turntable Platter through its shelf layer eventually screwing its feet just for very fine adjustment, take care of levelling the platter on its vertical and horizontal lines

• Be sure that the turntable layer is enough solid and rigid to support the weight of the turntable easily

• With EXTREME care use ONLY very soft 100% cotton cloth to sweep dust and stains out. Any acid or not extremely soft cloth will irreversibly damage the turntable fine aesthetic.Do not use any alcohol to clean the turntable anodised label, pulley and motor spindle. Only dry cloth is allowed

SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION CAUSE REMEDY

MOTOR HEATING

MOTOR NOISE

• AC synchronous motors as the ones used by Gold Note may warm up to 50° Celsius without creating any problem

The Motor produces a buzz noise during playing

The Motor warms up too much

The Motor produces a low scraping noise during playing

•The 3 stainless steel screws of the motor cover are too tighten

•Unscrew them enough to let the motor spins without making noise, they need just to be very gently screwed to the motor cover

•The pulley’s shaft slightly touches the motor chromed plated cover

•Gently lift the pulley up a bit

For spare parts visit the official Gold Note store at:

http://www.akamaiaudio.it/

VTA & AZIMUTH ADJUSTMENT • Refer to proper area of this manual for adjusting the VTA & SHELL AZIMUTH correctly

USER NOTE


SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION CAUSE REMEDY

OIL POORED FROM BRONZE BEARING

PLATTER WOBBLING

SPEAKER HUMMING PROBLEMS

• The pressure created by the strict tolerance of the Bearing/Spindle system can let some oil drops come out from the bottom of the Platter Bearing

The speakers hum when the turntable is wired to the system

Oil drops come out the bottom Platter Bearing when the Platter Spindle is inserted

The Platter wobbles on its edges if handled

• Clamp the Split-Spindle tip into the platter threading it using a metal pin to get into the tip hole

• The Turntable CAN NOT makes any noise hearable into the speaker by itself

• Clean it up, the oil will never comes out again once the Platter spindle is perfectly positioned into the Platter Bearing

•Be sure to always use shielded cables for the amp connections.

For spare parts visit the official Gold Note store at:

http://www.akamaiaudio.it/

FAQ AND TROBLESHOTING

• Eventually a tone arm cable problem can occur; please check the ground of the cable carefully


USER NOTE


USER NOTE


USER NOTE

Via della Gora, 6

Montespertoli (Florence) Italy 50025

Tel. + 39 0571 675005

Fax. + 39 0571 675013

www.goldnote.it

Documents

Bellagio Reference manual V3 2015 ENG