Acoustic Signature PRIMUS turntable with TA-500 tonearm

In the wake of the success of the 'WOW' model, Acoustic Signature has developed a more affordable turntable, without compromising on build and playback quality.
To guarantee perfect reliability and easy operation, Acoustic Signature has removed any unnecessary features, focusing on the part machining process to deliver a high-end playback quality.

The design of the Primus TA-500 vinyl turntable relies on a very rigid MDF and multi-layer wood base. The surface has a glossy black PVC plate. In addition to being elegant, this sandwich adds rigidity and neutrality to the system. The bearing is embedded in the centre. It is of the 'Tidorfolon' type. It has two oil-saturated brass rings. This principle was invented and designed by Acoustic Signature and machined with the greatest precision possible. The bearing and ball-bearing are adjusted to perfection! The rotational movement is silent and generates no friction whatsoever. This mechanical part is covered by a 10-year warranty!

The bearing holds the beautiful high-precision machined aluminium platter. It is milled digitally from a 24 mm thick single piece of aluminium. To improve its vibratory behaviour and minimise resonance, its underside has a material with damping properties. It weighs 4.5 kg, which is unprecedented in this price range! It is topped by a leather platter mat with 20 round holes.

It is driven by a DC motor via a rubber belt. According to Gunther Frohnhöfer, a vinyl turntable motor should have enough energy to drive the platter and keep it rotating without affecting it during rotation. Therefore, Acoustic Signature uses a direct current motor specifically developed according to specifications by the leading German motor manufacturer. It is associated with a control circuit that provides perfect speed stability. Playback speed (33 and 45 RPM) can be adjusted electronically. Acoustic Signature specifically opted for the external DC power supply unit for its reliability and build quality. 

The amazing TA-500 tonearm takes care of playback! It is the first model entirely developed and built by Acoustic Signature. Despite its competitive price, it has a high-end tonearm. As its name suggests, the Dual Carbon tube consists of two hollow carbon tubes (one inside the other). This provides excellent internal damping and great stiffness, without affecting the weight. It accommodates a perfectly machined aluminium headshell. The horizontal and vertical bearings use SKF's miniature precision roller bearings. Despite their cost, their build quality guarantees optimum quality and precision. They are encapsulated at a very accurate pressure to prevent play and friction. The anti-skate is adjusted using a small weight with a nylon thread. The system is simple, efficient and reliable.

The internal and external wiring is a single 6N copper cable harness. It is continuous from the cartridge pins to the RCA plugs. This minimises signal loss and optimises transparency.

We tried this Acoustic Signature Primus TA-500 turntable just after the PRIMUS with the RB202 tonearm. Without a doubt, the test has revealed the essential role of this tonearm! Naturally, it has retained all the best features of the Primus. But reproduction seems improved on all accounts! It has stepped up in terms of transparency and subtleness. It has the same level of presence and texture, but seems to have less colouration than with the RB202 tonearm. The bass is superb and perfectly articulate. It also exhibits a very precise and perfectly consistent soundstage. The dynamics are amazing and on a par with leading models like Rega's RP8 turntable. The product is perfectly well balanced and consistent, which makes this turntable suitable for all musical styles, without any frustration. It does justice to the music!

This is a great turntable, perfectly designed and built with amazing capabilities! Couldn't recommend it enough!