Meant to say internal. Dam autocorrect 🙄
Acoustic Signature turntables
I do not see a lot written about these turntables by end users. Can anyone share experiences or opinions on reliability, use, and design considerations?
Some of my observations or questions (keep in mind these are naive as I have never heard these models and I may be wrong about assumptions made).
1. Why the multiple motors? This is the one I struggle in understanding. Is the AVC (motor vibration reduction) that they provide somehow enhanced when working across more than one motor? How is this different than other motor vibration reduction methods such as the Rega method? Whether additional noise or reduced drive capability, who knows (?). How long to get up to speed?
2. Standard bearing vs inverted vs magnetic. I suppose there will never be consensus but noticed AS steadfastly implements standard bearings that focus on the materials used.
3. Platter dampening. Their method seems to work well. However, I noticed comments about earlier models being overly damped. The dampening increases up the product line.
4. Very heavy platters compared to some competition. Even the lower models have very heavy platters so they seem to think this is important.
5. Subplatter vs no subplatter. AS seems to have moved to subplatter design for models that can take multiple arms. Did they always think this method was superior?
6. Tonearms. Not much out there about the tonearms. Seems once again standard design but focus on materials…carbon fiber and bearings.
7. Back to motors. AS uses AC motors. Kuzma insists on DC. I guess I can try to read up on the differences and why manufacturers prefer different types. Any thoughts here? I am probably not be smart enough to understand the finer points about turntable motors (lol).
8. Warranty. AS seems to offer the longest warranty. As with other warranties, what good is it if no design specs and performance tolerances are published? Seems few turntable manufacturers publish relevant specs these days. On one hand, I understand why in dealing with picky audiophiles and on the other hand, unfortunate.
Would appreciate additional thoughts. Thanks!
Showing 4 responses by audiosaurusrex
@plinko I have an older Acoustic Signature Triple X which is my end table. I actually bought it from a dealer here on Agon. It weighs in at 100 lbs and to me is the epitome of art and engineering. I can jump up and down near it on wooden floors or rap my knuckles on it and it doesn't skip a beat. 12" TS1000 carbon fiber tracks beautifully and is a thing of beauty. The build is rock solid and I have had no issues. Gunther has evolved these tables to a point where IMO they set a standard for performance. I'm not sure why there are not more write-ups on them but a few users have chimed in occasionally. Customer Service is good from his dealers so if you have a chance to demo one I would.
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@lewm Aluminum, Steel and two layers of wood. Mine has a high gloss white finish that looks like multiple layers of paint. The platter alone is 24lbs. It's a Beautiful Beast 😊 |
I think the initial Acoustic Signature Company was plagued with some internet issues that certainly tarnished their name. That said the company rebounded and I can say from personal experience their tables now are rock solid, incredible engineering and build quality and pricey to boot. If I had the $$ I wouldn’t hesitate purchasing one. Customer Service in the US has certainly improved as well. |