The Acoustic Signature Tango Reference Neo phono preamplifier is designed to extract the maximum performance from the finest MC cartridges available on the market.
Acoustic Signature Tango Reference Neo: chassis
The Tango Reference Neo is machined from a block of anti-magnetic aluminum optimized to minimize resonance as much as possible.
The front panel is deliberately minimalist and features only three LEDs indicating the selected cartridge mode, along with a push button used for both power on/off and mode selection (MC, MM or high-output MC).
On the rear panel, two pairs of high-quality gold-plated RCA connectors are provided for turntable input and amplifier output. Positioned between them is a large grounding terminal designed to accept the turntable ground connector.
Underneath the chassis, two dedicated windows provide access to dual DIP8 switch banks used to configure the preamplifier according to the cartridge in use. While not especially intuitive at first glance, setup remains relatively straightforward with the user manual.
Acoustic Signature Tango Reference Neo: technology
The manufacturing and assembly of this phono preamplifier are entirely carried out in Germany according to the highest engineering standards, ensuring exceptional build quality.
The Tango Reference Neo features an oversized power supply built around a toroidal transformer mounted on a separate power supply board to guarantee absolute current stability. The entire assembly is fixed to a dedicated shielded steel plate to prevent any interference with the sensitive phono signal.
The Tango Reference Neo is built using individually selected high-end components. Its semi-active RIAA equalization achieves extreme precision, with a maximum deviation of less than 0.1 dB from the ideal reference curve.
The sophisticated asymmetrical output stage operates entirely in pure Class A, ensuring minimal distortion and an exceptionally low noise floor.
A highly effective switchable subsonic filter is also included, minimizing distortion while significantly reducing background noise and hum.
Thanks to selectable gain settings and DIP-switch adjustable loading impedance, the Tango Reference Neo offers extensive setup flexibility, making it compatible with most low-output MC cartridges as well as all MM cartridges.
Available resistive loading values include 10, 55, 100, 196, 370, 465, 634, 979, 1734 ohms and 47 kOhms. Capacitive loading options are 0, 220, 470 and 690 pF.
Acoustic Signature Tango Reference Neo: sound performance
From the very first tracks, the Acoustic Signature Tango Reference Neo delivers a presentation that is simultaneously neutral, refined and highly transparent.
As with many products from the manufacturer, bass performance is tight, articulate and completely free from excessive coloration or overhang. The midrange is natural and expressive, bringing rich texture to vocals, strings and brass instruments.
The treble range is highly detailed and offers excellent definition without ever becoming aggressive.
Across the entire frequency range, the extremely low noise floor creates remarkable silence between notes while revealing micro-details and the ambience of recording spaces with impressive realism.
The Tango Reference Neo prioritizes realism and sonic truth over an artificially spectacular presentation. Stereo imaging is exceptionally stable and expansive, offering excellent instrument separation along with a convincing three-dimensional soundstage.
The Acoustic Signature Tango Reference Neo allows both the cartridge and turntable to fully express their character while delivering outstanding musicality.
FranckMM gain: 40 dB,
MC gain: 60 dB
Input: RCA
Output: Unbalanced RCA
Resistive loads: 10, 55, 100, 196, 370, 465, 634, 979, 1734, and 47 kΩ
Capacitive loads: 0, 220, 470, 690 pF
Channel separation: > 89 dB (1 kHz)
RIAA accuracy: ±0.2 dB
Weight: 12 kg
