Acoustic Signature Tornado NEO Turntable

The Acoustic Signature Tornado is the most affordable model in the German manufacturer's "Tripod" line. However, it is already a highly accomplished model that incorporates the majority of the innovations from the Hurricane Neo and offers remarkable performance in this price range.

Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo: plinth and platter

The Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo is shaped like a three-pointed star. Despite its fairly compact and easily accommodated size, it tips the scales at over 26 kg. The solid aluminium plinth, 45 mm thick, is available in black or natural aluminium. This new chassis is 30% more massive than previous versions, giving it a rigidity and weight that minimise resonance and vibration as much as possible.

This plinth rests on three feet damped with sorbothane-based gel. Height adjustment is available, and is both precise and very simple to perform.

The platter is made of solid aluminium 50 mm thick, giving it a mass of 11 kg. It features 4 Silencers, which increase inertia and reduce internal platter resonances. It is covered with a fairly rigid damping composite mat (carbon-style). This platter sits on a sub-platter fitted with an ultra-precise, extremely rigid and robust DTD® spindle, which fits into a diamond bearing (Dura Turn Diamond® bearing). This ultra-rigid and virtually indestructible bearing creates optimal conditions for outstanding sonic reproduction and sets a new benchmark in terms of maintenance, low noise and lifespan, all backed by a 15-year warranty. The sub-platter is driven via a belt by an AC motor.

Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo: electronics and drive

Acoustic Signature has developed a silent AC motor with an ultra-stable external multi-voltage power supply. This is paired with a digital motor controller that integrates Level 1 AVC technology (Automatic Vibration Control), one of the new features of the Neo range. The AC motor is built around 2 coils and 24 poles. To drive the coils, a sinusoidal signal phase-shifted by 90° is applied to them. Like all synchronous AC motors, it has manufacturing tolerances that prevent perfectly accurate positioning of the poles and coils — one of the main causes of vibration. To eliminate these vibrations, it is essential to compensate for these manufacturing tolerances by other means. This is where AVC technology comes in: it measures and automatically corrects motor signal phase shifts in real time, fully autonomously. These digitally applied corrections deliver a drastic reduction in vibration.

It should be noted that depending on the drive system and the number of motors used, AVC technology is applied at three different configuration levels. Level 3 represents maximum efficiency, using dedicated software and components. From Level 2 onwards, motors are rigorously selected and matched to optimise performance.

The Tornado Neo features Level 1 AVC paired with belt drive and an AC motor. It is also controlled by an electronic oscillator that allows the choice between the two speeds, 33 and 45 rpm.

Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo: power supply

A control box, separate from the chassis, allows the turntable to be started and the speed to be selected. The Tornado Neo therefore allows playback of both 33 rpm and 45 rpm records.

This control box is connected to the Acoustic Signature DMC-20 power supply via an RJ45 control cable. The DMC-20 is connected to the mains via an IEC13 cable. This power supply is fitted with three D-Sub outputs that allow up to three motors to be powered. In the case of the Tornado, only one is used, since it is fitted with a single motor.

Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo: choosing the tonearm

Like all Acoustic Signature turntables, the Tornado Neo is sold without a tonearm. However, after several tests and trials, we recommend pairing it with an Acoustic Signature TA-1000 Neo or an Acoustic Signature TA-2000 Neo, in either 9-inch or — our personal preference — 12-inch versions.

Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo: listening impressions

We chose to carry out our listening using the 12-inch Acoustic Signature TA-1000 tonearm and the TA-2000, which of course offers even greater precision, transparency and dynamics.

We also selected three very different cartridges: a Dynavector 20X2 L, an Ortofon Cadenza Blue and a Hana Umami Blue. The Tornado Neo fully exploited the qualities and musicality of all three. The differences in timbre and interpretation that distinguish these cartridges were clearly perceptible from the moment we used the TA-1000.

The dynamics are remarkable across the entire spectrum, and at times genuinely impressive on more physical passages.

The reproduction is particularly holographic and offers remarkable clarity and transparency. On large orchestral works, the Tornado Neo reveals its full capacity to analyse, focus and transparently render the intensity and subtlety of the different instruments, while still delivering the emotion needed for total immersion.

You also find a warmth that is characteristic of the brand, underpinned by deeper bass than on competing turntables.

Yet this never becomes dull or heavy. The Tornado offers great speed on transients and a surprising sense of openness.

The pairing of the Tornado Neo with the TA-2000 Neo offers a neutrality that makes it possible to render the unique character of each vinyl record, while remaining faithful to the original recording.

Thanks to its optimised construction and technology, and the Neo improvements introduced by the manufacturer, the Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo delivers exceptional performance in this price range. Paired with the 9-inch TA-2000 tonearm, it currently seems to be in a class of its own.

FAQ - Your questions about the Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo turntable:

What colors are available?

The 45 mm solid aluminum plinth is available in black or natural aluminum.

Which tonearm is recommended for the Tornado Neo?

The Tornado Neo is shipped without a tonearm. We recommend pairing it with an Acoustic Signature TA-1000 Neo or TA-2000 Neo tonearm, available in 9-inch or 12-inch models; we prefer the 12-inch version.

Is the control box integrated into the turntable?

No, a control box separate from the chassis allows for power-up and speed selection (33 and 45 RPM). This box is connected to the Acoustic Signature DMC-20 power supply via an RJ45 cable, which is itself connected to the mains via an IEC13 cable.

How much does it weigh?

Despite its fairly compact size and easy-to-store design, the Tornado Neo tips the scales at over 26 kg.