Acoustic Signature Double X Neo Makassar Turntable Package + TA-1000 Neo 9-inch Tonearm

The warm grain of Makassar wood and the German precision of a perfectly proportioned 9-inch tonearm: a meeting of cabinetmaking elegance and technical ambition. A turntable that integrates into its furniture as a matter of course.

This pairing is built around a carefully judged balance. Makassar wood dresses the Double X Neo with a cabinetmaker’s presence that brings it closer to the finest examples of audio furniture design. The 9-inch TA-1000 Neo adds a sober, well-proportioned technical line to this warm aesthetic, matching exactly the silhouette dictated by the turntable’s format. It is the meeting of precious wood and carbon fiber, of artisanal craftsmanship and precision engineering. maPlatine.com delivers the complete system assembled, wired, and aligned in our workshop, ready to accept the cartridge of your choice.

The Double X Neo Makassar: precious wood as a design statement

Makassar is one of the most highly prized woods in high-end cabinetmaking: its pronounced grain and warm tones alternating between amber, brown, and deep black make it instantly recognizable. On the Double X Neo, the finish is applied with great care to fully enhance the material, and each turntable features a unique grain pattern. No two Double X Makassar units are identical.

But the Double X Neo is not just a beautiful piece of cabinetry. Beneath the veneer, the multilayer chassis combines three layers of MDF, steel, and plywood bonded under pressure with a specialized flexible adhesive. This construction effectively suppresses structural resonances in a way that no single-material chassis can achieve. Dimensions: 44 x 35 cm, weight: 24 kg.

The 50 mm solid aluminum platter weighs 10.3 kg and accommodates eight polished brass Silencer modules for maximum internal damping. At the heart of the system is the ultra-precise DTD® spindle housed in the Dura Turn Diamond® bearing, guaranteed for 15 years. Drive is provided by a 2-coil, 24-pole AC motor, controlled by Level 1 AVC technology, which digitally corrects motor signal phase deviations in real time. Sorbothane feet, side-mounted 33/45 rpm control panel, DMC-20 power supply.

The TA-1000 Neo 9-inch: precision without overhang

Acoustic Signature refuses to offer a tonearm that would compromise the performance of its turntables. The TA-1000 Neo is the second tonearm in the range, built according to the same principles as the higher-end models. It is the first catalogue reference that truly unlocks the capabilities of a turntable like the Double X Neo. In its 9-inch version, it features an effective length of 239.3 mm and an effective mass of 9.3 g—a geometry that matches the chassis dimensions exactly and preserves a balanced silhouette with no overhang.

The dual-layer carbon tube combines high rigidity with structural damping, reducing the tonearm’s self-resonance to a remarkably low level. High-precision miniature ball bearings, completely free of play, are mounted on a machined stainless-steel axle. The solid brass counterweight provides the necessary mass with natural damping, while the enclosed lateral-weight anti-skating system offers precise and durable adjustment, protected from accidental handling. The solid aluminum headshell accommodates the majority of cartridges on the market.

Internal wiring is handled by Japanese Mogami studio-grade copper, with 24k gold-plated cartridge connectors. The tonearm is supplied with an AudioQuest PSC copper DIN 5-pin to RCA cable. REGA 3-point and SME mounts are included, both with precise VTA adjustment.

Listening experience: warmth, definition, and presence

The Double X Neo delivers exactly what one expects from a heavy multilayer chassis: deep, well-articulated bass foundation, an extremely low noise floor that reveals buried groove details, and generous dynamics across the entire spectrum. The multilayer construction imparts a subtle organic warmth to the sound, consistent with the Makassar finish—a signature that is as audible as it is visible.

The 9-inch TA-1000 Neo extends this character with remarkable clarity and fluidity. With no added coloration, it keeps the cartridge perfectly stable in the groove and allows the Double X to fully express its qualities. The music breathes naturally, transitions flow effortlessly, and listening remains engaging over long sessions.

This is a pairing designed to last: the warmth of wood, the neutrality of the tonearm, and the precision of the diamond bearing form a coherent whole, both visually and sonically.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Double X Neo Makassar pack + TA-1000 Neo 9-inch tonearm

What does the Makassar finish look like?

Makassar is one of the most highly prized woods in fine cabinetry, featuring a strong grain pattern and warm tones blending amber, brown, and deep black. Each turntable has a unique grain pattern—no two Double X Makassar units are identical.

Why choose a 9-inch tonearm for this turntable?

In its 9-inch version, the TA-1000 Neo has an effective length of 239.3 mm and an effective mass of 9.3 g. This geometry is perfectly matched to the dimensions of the Double X chassis and maintains a balanced, clean silhouette without overhang.

Is the cartridge included?

No. The system is delivered ready to accommodate the cartridge of your choice.