Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO – Flagship Phono Stage

Acoustic Signature has introduced the Tango Apex NEO phono stage, designed for use with top-class vinyl record players and now heading the company’s range of phono stages. The new model is aimed at High End audio systems and is built with a fully balanced circuit topology featuring a “dual mono” architecture, where the left and right channels have separate amplification stages and independent power supplies.

According to the developers, the key objective during the design of the new product was the most accurate amplification of the extremely weak cartridge signal without introducing noise or distortion. To achieve this, the phono stage employs a sophisticated power supply system and carefully isolates the digital and analog circuits. This approach should ensure high sonic detail and stable operation even with the most sensitive MC cartridges.

The Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO phono stage is equipped with three inputs – one balanced XLR and two unbalanced RCA. This allows several tonearms or turntables to be connected simultaneously and easily switched between. For each input, the gain can be set individually, selecting values of 40, 50, 60 or 70 dB, making the unit compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. Flexible input loading adjustment is also provided. One of several resistance values can be selected – 47, 100, 220, 470 Ohms, 1 kOhm or 47 kOhm – while additional values can be obtained via parallel connection. For the unbalanced inputs, capacitance adjustment of 100 or 220 pF is available.

Each channel uses its own 25 VA power supply, while another supply is dedicated to the microprocessor control section. The digital section is fully galvanically isolated from the analog signal path, helping to reduce interference and preserve signal purity.

The Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO phono stage is equipped with a subsonic filter with a cutoff frequency of around 20 Hz and a slope of −24 dB, which suppresses infrasonic vibrations caused by record warps or turntable resonance. Input switching is handled by high-quality signal relays.

For connection to an amplifier, the phono stage offers a wide range of analog outputs, including unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR. A built-in headphone amplifier is also included. The maximum output voltage reaches 8.5 V RMS, and volume adjustment is carried out in 100 steps, allowing the unit to be used as a preamplifier, connecting it directly to a power amplifier or active speakers.

According to the manufacturer, the RIAA equalization accuracy of the Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO phono stage is ±0.13 dB, harmonic distortion is around 0.06%, and channel separation exceeds −90 dB. Such specifications, according to the company, allow the dynamics and nuances of analog recordings to be reproduced with maximum precision.

The chassis of the Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO phono stage is made from massive metal panels, and the total weight of the unit reaches an impressive 34 kg. This construction is intended to ensure high mechanical stability and additional shielding for the sensitive electronic circuitry. The new model occupies the position of one of the most advanced phono stages in the Acoustic Signature lineup and is aimed at owners of top-tier vinyl systems. According to preliminary estimates, the recommended retail price of the Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO phono stage in Europe may be around 25,000 euros.