Acoustic Signature TA-1000 NEO Tonearm

The quality of a turntable always depends on its weakest link. For this reason, Acoustic Signature refuses to offer entry-level tonearms whose mediocrity would significantly limit the performance of its turntables. The TA-1000 Neo is the second tonearm offered by the German manufacturer, yet it delivers incredible performance and musicality given its price. It is also available in two lengths: 9 and 12 inches.

Acoustic Signature TA-1000 Neo: armtube and pivots

The Acoustic Signature TA-1000 Neo is a 9- or 12-inch tonearm with an effective length of 239.3 mm or 370 mm respectively. It features a double-layer carbon armtube that delivers excellent rigidity and very low resonance. Its effective mass of 9.3 g rises to 12.3 g in the 12-inch version. This allows it to be paired with a wide range of MM and MC cartridges, although the latter are more highly recommended on a tonearm of this quality.

The TA-1000 provides excellent groove tracking thanks to extremely precise miniature ball bearings. To offer outstanding robustness while maintaining perfect fluidity, the manufacturer has machined a stainless steel axle.

The counterweight that applies the tracking force is fully machined from a block of high-purity brass. Anti-skating correction is managed by a lateral weight housed in an enclosure that provides better guidance and full protection. An effective and precise method.

The headshell is made of solid aluminium. It allows precise adjustment of alignment and overhang, and is compatible with the vast majority of cartridges on the market.

The TA-1000 is also fitted with a fully machined cueing lever that provides remarkable precision and ease of use.

Acoustic Signature TA-1000 Neo: wiring

The tonearm's internal wiring is made of studio-grade copper and entrusted to Japanese manufacturer Mogami. It is fitted with 24k gold-plated cartridge connectors.

The TA-1000 is supplied with a superb 5-pin DIN/RCA cable in PSC copper from American manufacturer Audioquest.

Acoustic Signature TA-1000 Neo: mounting

The TA-1000 is supplied with a 3-point Rega mount which, in addition to making it compatible with Rega turntables, allows for a very precise and highly effective VTA (height) adjustment. An SME-type mount is also included, offering the same vertical tracking angle (VTA) adjustments.

Acoustic Signature TA-1000 Neo: performance

The Acoustic Signature TA-1000 Neo is a genuine pleasure to handle. It holds the cartridge perfectly in the groove without adding any coloration. Precision and definition are remarkable, and the sonic result is undeniable. The play-free machined bearings allow the cartridge to effortlessly follow every detail of the record, with very low background and surface noise. It also fully reveals the quality of the cartridge and its stylus.

The Acoustic Signature TA-1000 delivers a clear yet never clinical reproduction. It appears to "sound" more neutral than competing tonearms. The dynamics are exceptional, accompanied by beautiful nuance and remarkable fluidity. The sound image is generously broad and surprisingly precise.

The TA-1000 stands out in particular for its excellent value for money (especially in the 12-inch version), where many competitors cost twice as much. The musicality is exceptional for a tonearm in this range. A fully justified investment!

A reference!