The Acoustic Signature Tango MK3 phono preamplifier is the most affordable model offered by the German manufacturer, yet it delivers surprisingly high performance considering its compact size.
Acoustic Signature Tango MK3: chassis
The Tango MK3 features a chassis machined from a block of anti-magnetic aluminum. Its construction is optimized to minimize resonance as much as possible.
The front panel is extremely minimalist and only includes an LED indicating that the unit is powered on. There is no power switch, as the device is designed to remain permanently powered.
On the rear panel, there are two pairs of gold-plated RCA connectors for the turntable input and amplifier output. Positioned between them is a large grounding terminal designed to accept the turntable ground fork connector.
Two rows of DIP8 switches allow the preamplifier to be configured according to the cartridge being used. While this setup method is not especially intuitive, configuration remains relatively straightforward with the help of the user manual.
Acoustic Signature Tango MK3: technology
All components are mounted on a double-sided printed circuit board. Only very high-quality components from renowned manufacturers are used throughout the design. The use of surface-mount components minimizes signal path length.
To guarantee absolute power supply stability and eliminate any interference with the phono signal, Acoustic Signature designed an oversized power supply section.
The Tango MK3’s RIAA equalization offers extremely high precision, with a maximum deviation of less than 0.2 dB from the ideal standard curve.
The sophisticated circuit design also incorporates German-made electrolytic capacitors for voltage stabilization.
A highly effective subsonic filter can be activated to ensure minimal distortion while significantly reducing background noise and hum.
Thanks to selectable gain settings and DIP-switch adjustable loading impedance, the Tango MK3 provides extensive configuration options, making it compatible with most low-output MC cartridges as well as all MM cartridges.
Available resistive loading values are 10, 100 and 1000 ohms, while capacitive loading options include 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 pF.
Acoustic Signature Tango MK3: sound performance
The midrange is energetic, powerful and delivered with great confidence. The Tango MK3 prioritizes musical life and dynamics, making it an excellent cure for dull or uninvolving systems.
It pairs particularly well with cartridges or turntables that sound slightly dark or lacking in rhythmic drive.
Despite its energetic presentation, the Tango remains subtle and nuanced, even if refinement is not its primary focus. It delivers a highly transparent and detailed sound with excellent clarity and readability.
Bass performance is tight, fast and very well controlled. The Tango also offers an impressively low noise floor, helping reveal a large amount of micro-detail.
It is sufficiently neutral and transparent to clearly highlight the differences between turntables, tonearms and cartridges.
If you are looking for a very high-quality phono preamplifier that is precise, fast and highly musical, the Acoustic Signature Tango MK3 is an excellent choice.
FranckMM gain: 40 dB,
MC gain: 60 dB
Input: RCA
Output: Unbalanced RCA
Resistive loads: 10, 100 and 1000 ohms
Capacitive loads: 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 pF
Channel separation: > 89 dB (1 kHz)
RIAA accuracy: ±0.2 dB
MM signal-to-noise ratio: 83 dB,
MC signal-to-noise ratio: 65 dB
Subsonic filter: yes
External power supply: 24 V DC
Dimensions: 162 x 98 x 57 mm
Weight: 2.1 kg
