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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!

 

plinko
audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
316 posts
 

@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.

 

lewm
12,543 posts
 

What's that plinth made of?  Corian?  Very pretty anyway.

audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
316 posts
 

@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 😊

vinylvin
145 posts
 

I have a WOW with a TA-700 arm. Zero problems, I've had it 5 years. I think it sounds great, a big step up from a Rega RP3.  It came with  a Rega arm, I didn't think the TA-700 was a huge improvement over the Rega RB-202. Love the looks, mine is the gloss white.

Not sure if I want to do a few upgrades or buy a Sota Sapphire.

plinko OP
254 posts
 

Thanks for the comments everyone!

I do have a chance to listen Acoustic Signature and will be doing this tomorrow (either Hurricane or Tornado). Always a leap of faith, though as the tables are in a different system than mine. That is why I am focused on design, reliability, stability of the company, etc…lots to consider.

I will also be listening to a system with a Kuzma Stabi R. What is so confounding are, in some cases, the diametrically opposed design principles. Some examples would be AC (Acoustic Signature) vs DC (Kuzma) motors, standard (Acoustic Signature) vs inverted bearings (Kuzma), multiple vs single motors, etc…. Much more has been written online about Kuzma vs Acoustic Signature.

I guess I should also consider Technics SP10 system. I am not attracted to huge wooden plinths or huge plinths in general and so won’t be going that direction.

Bob Graham is near me (TechDas) but not sure how I feel about air compressors and such and don’t know much about their tables either and where to see in person. I do really love the diminutive size of the TechDas V, which may be an option at the limit for me or perhaps even beyond my limit or needs.

 

 

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