Not too many Acoustic Signature owners here?

[DasguteOhr]

Maybe it's time for a more modern table that sounds better and requires less to set up and maintain? Just a thought.

There is a large fan community that loves the LP 12, I must honestly admit that I am not one of them. But I accept it.
I also prefer to listen to good old things, modern does not always mean progress

 

[sbo6]

I also prefer to listen to good old things, modern does not always mean progress

Well, modernizing, especially in technology actually does. In fact, Linn does too, hence the Linn Majik LP12.

Do you drive a car from the 1980s as a daily driver? Or do you enjoy the modern conveniences, better handling and safety features that modernizing via technological advances bring? ;-)

 

[A-Line]

Well, modernizing, especially in technology actually does. In fact, Linn does too, hence the Linn Majik LP12.

Do you drive a car from the 1980s as a daily driver? Or do you enjoy the modern conveniences, better handling and safety features that modernizing via technological advances bring? ;-)

My current LP12 Klimax SE looks dated but the sound most certainly isn't. The LP12 is still a reference table for more than 5 decades.

 

[gds7368]

Still very quiet from Acoustic Signature owners on this thread…

Here is a few pics of my three armed Ascona Neo, enjoy !

/ Jk

View attachment 146348View attachment 146349View attachment 146350View attachment 146351View attachment 146352View attachment 146353View attachment 146354View attachment 146355View attachment 146356View attachment 146357

Gorgeous! What tonearm cable are you using? I'm stock and wondering if there's better sound out there ....

 

[sbo6]

My current LP12 Klimax SE looks dated but the sound most certainly isn't. The LP12 is still a reference table for more than 5 decades.

I guess "reference" is subjective.

IME the Linn LP12 was a groundbreaking design and certainly held its own. However, there are many TTs significantly better including Linn's latest. As such, it may have been reference - level from the 70s into the 90s (maybe a bit longer), but certainly not compared to most 5 and 6 figure designs of the past ~20 years. Technology moves on and Linn agrees.

Doesn't mean you can't still enjoy it, and that's what counts.

 

[A-Line]

I guess "reference" is subjective.

IME the Linn LP12 was a groundbreaking design and certainly held its own. However, there are many TTs significantly better including Linn's latest. As such, it may have been reference - level from the 70s into the 90s (maybe a bit longer), but certainly not compared to most 5 and 6 figure designs of the past ~20 years. Technology moves on and Linn agrees.

Doesn't mean you can't still enjoy it, and that's what counts.

Well that's your opinion and you're certainly allowed your opinion. Don't forget to update the glossy mags regarding your opinion...

 

[sbo6]

Well that's your opinion and you're certainly allowed your opinion. Don't forget to update the glossy mags regarding your opinion...

As are you. I'll wait for your glossy mags opinion update first based on your continuing reference turntable from the Vietnam war era ;-)

 

[Johan K]

Gorgeous! What tonearm cable are you using? I'm stock and wondering if there's better sound out there ....

Thank you @gds7368 !

In my phono setup I use the Nordost Valhalla V2+ Din to XLR, on two of my arms, and a Nordost Blue Heaven + Din to RCA, on the third arm. I did choose Nordost cables due to their phenomenal grounding performance, making an excellent silent background, but also due to the sound and match with the rest of my system. They simply do magic here.

/ Jk

 

[DasguteOhr]

Well, modernizing, especially in technology actually does. In fact, Linn does too, hence the Linn Majik LP12.

Do you drive a car from the 1980s as a daily driver? Or do you enjoy the modern conveniences, better handling and safety features that modernizing via technological advances bring? ;-)

Yes, of course, you can upgrade almost any old Linn, sub-chassis, motor control, base plate, etc. If you have a lot of money, you can do it, Linn fans have been doing it for decades. I prefer driving old cars, they convey more emotion when driving. There is nothing better than an old naturally aspirated engine with a Weber carburettor and sharp camshafts. The sound is indescribably beautiful, of course it is not as fast as a modern car, but it does need to go fast with the traffic on the roads today.

 

[Johan K]

Guys ☝…

Just remember you all - this thread is about Acoustic Signature turntables, and not about either cars or Linn turntables. Please respect that and please remove what’s not relevant to this thread… Thank you.

Kindest regards

/ Jk

 

[sbo6]

I guess now even analogies aren't allowed, oh boy...

 

[RicardoP]

Hello everyone!
I’ve been reading and consulting this forum for years, and this is the first time I’ve dared to write.
I'm looking for a new turntable to replace my Clearaudio Performance.
My two candidates are:

• AMG Viella with the 12JT tornearm
• Acoustic Signature Montana NEO with the TA-5000 .

AMG has always been my first choice (I find it stunning in design), but a few weeks ago I came across this video and it was love at first sight:

The photos on AS’s website don’t seem to do justice to this turntable.
Has anyone here been able to compare these two turntables?
Any suggestions or help would be more than welcome!
Best regards

 

[Johan K]

Hi @RicardoP ,

I have not compared the AMG with the Montana, side by side, but I have heard them both separately. The Montana I have had at my home, and know by fact, it is a serious turntable. So serious, it made me go one step further and order the Ascona Neo turntable three years ago. I love the design, the looks, and I truly love the sound from the Acoustic Signature turntables. AMG turntables are awesome too, and the sound is stunning. So which one to buy? Well I guess it has to come down to personal taste and preferences, and what in the long term will suit you best.

I wish you the very best of luck in the search for a new turntable. If you choose the A-S Montana, don’t hesitate to ask for some trix ’n’ fix, and I will do my best to support you.

All the best / Jk

 

[RicardoP]

Hello Johan,
Thank you very much for your reply.
Your turntable is truly impressive. In my case, neither my budget nor the weight allows me to go for models above the Montana.


Have you experienced any issues so far with the AS Neo series?


Aesthetics are very important to me, and both models (AMG and AS) get top marks in that regard.
As for the sonic signature, my preferences are dynamics, black background, and 3D imaging.


My musical tastes are quite varied, but I’d be more than happy if I could get the very best out of my entire Neil Young collection

 

[Johan K]

Hello Johan,
Thank you very much for your reply.
Your turntable is truly impressive. In my case, neither my budget nor the weight allows me to go for models above the Montana.


Have you experienced any issues so far with the AS Neo series?


Aesthetics are very important to me, and both models (AMG and AS) get top marks in that regard.
As for the sonic signature, my preferences are dynamics, black background, and 3D imaging.


My musical tastes are quite varied, but I’d be more than happy if I could get the very best out of my entire Neil Young collection

Hi Ricardo,

No I have not experienced any issues or problems with any of the A-S turntables I have had here. They have always delivered a tremendous amount of quality and sheer vinyl power. In the very first beginning, before everything was broken in, and my HRS platform (specifically made for the three armed Ascona) did settle, I did encounter some feedback in the phono setup, but after 3-4 months everything was solid, and it out performed most of my CD collection.

The black Montana I had, had the TA-5000 12” tonearm, and the Ortofon Verismo. That combination was awesome, very detailed, yet very smooth with great bass and bottom end, and a midrange to die for. You can’t go wrong with the Montana Neo, either with a 9” arm or a 12” arm. Only thing, you have to match the arm with prefered cartrigde or vice versa.

A small tip though, which I discovered while having the black Montana Neo at my place. I would say, go for the silver version, as when put on a black vinyl on a black turntable, it feels like the black turntable disappears. A silver turntable, with a black vinyl enhance the appearance into something really special, as shown in the recent picture I showed. (In that case a blue vinyl) Just saying, but YMMV.. .

Hope this helps to start with..

/ Jk

 

[worldtime]

Hello Johan,
Thank you very much for your reply.
Your turntable is truly impressive. In my case, neither my budget nor the weight allows me to go for models above the Montana.


Have you experienced any issues so far with the AS Neo series?


Aesthetics are very important to me, and both models (AMG and AS) get top marks in that regard.
As for the sonic signature, my preferences are dynamics, black background, and 3D imaging.


My musical tastes are quite varied, but I’d be more than happy if I could get the very best out of my entire Neil Young collection

Hi, there are some issues you need to consider with AS tables
1, power supply noise issue. Any phonostage that doesn’t have galvanic isolation won’t work with AS tables ( rcm, thoress etc). Phonos with SUT for sure no issues.

2. It doesn’t switch on occasionally (rarely), turn off the power supply main switch then turn on, it will solve the issue.

3. Don’t touch the brass inserts with hands, very easy to leave oil mark and very hard to remove

4. Try to use arms with SME mounting format, much easier to regulate overhang this way. SPU-fix hole arm overhang adjustment is not very friendly.

 

[RicardoP]

Hi!

The black model looks really nice, but if I were to go for the AS, I’d choose the BI-COLOR version. I think it really highlights the different parts of the turntable.

As for a possible power supply malfunction… that’s something that really shouldn’t happen, right?

Once I decide on the turntable, I’ll look for a phono preamp that fits my budget. Could preamps like the Accuphase C47, Brinkmann Edison, or Mola Mola Lupe cause noise in the power supply?

 

[Johan K]

Hi, there are some issues you need to consider with AS tables
1, power supply noise issue. Any phonostage that doesn’t have galvanic isolation won’t work with AS tables ( rcm, thoress etc). Phonos with SUT for sure no issues.

2. It doesn’t switch on occasionally (rarely), turn off the power supply main switch then turn on, it will solve the issue.

3. Don’t touch the brass inserts with hands, very easy to leave oil mark and very hard to remove

4. Try to use arms with SME mounting format, much easier to regulate overhang this way. SPU-fix hole arm overhang adjustment is not very friendly.

Just to be clear from my side:
I haven’t experienced any on the above mentioned issues. And regarding the oil’y marks on the brass silencers if touching them, no problem for me there too. I just use a fine fiber cloth and a nono tech waxing aid that I have for my car, and the brass will look like brand new. I don’t see any reasons for making a big deal out of it.

No noise issues on the power supply either… I use a specially made power cable with a special grounding setup for eliminating any electrical issues… works 100% and more.

Sooo - No problems so far at my end… !

/ Jk

 

[Johan K]

Hi!

The black model looks really nice, but if I were to go for the AS, I’d choose the BI-COLOR version. I think it really highlights the different parts of the turntable.

As for a possible power supply malfunction… that’s something that really shouldn’t happen, right?

Once I decide on the turntable, I’ll look for a phono preamp that fits my budget. Could preamps like the Accuphase C47, Brinkmann Edison, or Mola Mola Lupe cause noise in the power supply?

Then I guess you’ve already found your combination - that sounds awesome !

In my experience you can use any phonostage that suits you well. I have used several different phonostages and NO ONE has ever been a problem. I have had some minor ground issues, but the grounding always needs special attention, and somewhat a little bit of trial and error to get everything right and silent… no big deal there aswell… not for me anyway. One shall ground, but not ”over” ground things… just the right combination is enough and one will be fine. No harder than that!!

No need to make things more complicated for no reasons, that’s my philosophy…

/ Jk

 

[Johan K]

Hey everyone,

Just received an Acoustic Signature - Montana Neo, with a TA-5000 12” tonearm, and an Ortofon Verismo MC cartridge. One of my dealer friends wanted me to help him out, to set it up for a client. The client want a plug and play solution, so I pre-mount everything here, and probably do a final check on site when the client finally have it installed at his place.

So this came a bit by surprise, so needed to improvise a temporary rack, but it actually turned out pretty well. So now I’m right in the middle of the set up, but needed a coffee break so bad - was almost getting crazy.. LOL..! Next up is cartridge mounting and alignment… Here is some pics so far… Enjoy !

/ Jk