This record player makes the hearts of mechanical engineers, precision mechanics and analogue freaks smile. Here‘s a little story about unpacking, setting up, listening and marvelling.

THERE’S THAT WORD AGAIN—“NEW.” Probably the most overworked adjective in high-end audio and merchandizing in general, you see it everywhere and constantly—in advertisements, in manufacturer copy, in showroom banners (and salesmen’s mouths), and, God knows, in equipment reviews (including this one).

The Montana NEO combination broadcasts multiple opposing elements accurately at the same time, and there is no need to choose one or the other, which is an expression of quality.

It’s a well-built machine that’s dead-quiet, fast off the mark, super-resolving, and uber-lively. In short, it’s a maximally great turntable well worth checking out. Gut gemacht!

A remarkable achievement. Acoustic Signature’s Maximus Neo Turntable, TA-1000 Tonearm, and MCX3 Cartridge.

Yesterday, I spoke at length on the phone with Robert Hagemann of Acoustic Signature, the notable German manufacturer of top-tier turntables, tonearms, cartridges, phono preamps, record clamps, and other related accessories.

Anyone who has ever wondered how a tuba and hip- hop can go together should seriously give this a listen. And the Tornado ensured that it never sounded like clumsy, cumbersome oompah music.

In the eye of the hurricane, utmost peace and quiet are known to be found. With the Hurricane Neo from Acoustic Signature, we encountered a turntable whose bulletproof housing shrugs off any onslaught. The true refinement, however, lies in its bright solutions.

Acoustic Signature is not an overnight sensation, nor are its turntables driven by dental floss. If you’re not a Frank Zappa fan, you probably have no idea what any of that means, so please Google it.

Acoustic Signature has been updating its turntables, and its Torando Neo proves that analog excellence is achieved not by casting magic spells, but by deploying sophisticated technology.

I’ll just say that during my time with the Acoustic Signature Typhoon NEO turntable, TA-5000 arm, and that little number by Acoustical Systems called the Palladian cartridge, I frequently questioned my sanity—it was THAT good.

The Acoustic Signatures Double X is a joy for the eyes: perfect engineering meets first-class finish and (optionally) macassar wood.

The Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo with the TA-2000 Neo and the MCX3 is an analog dream team..One of the best players we’ve ever had for review.

One thing should be obvious with the turntables made by Acoustic Signature: they are not exactly fragile.

About three years ago I reviewed what was then the best record player I’d heard – the $105k Acoustic Signature Invictus.