Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO Phono Preamplifier

Acoustic Signature has introduced the Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO, a balanced phono preamplifier built around a strict double mono construction. Each channel gets its own housing, its own dedicated power supply and its own phono amplifier, and every function of the Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO is remote controlled.

Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO: double mono from the ground up

Rather than splitting a shared circuit board into two channels, Acoustic Signature separates the Tango Apex NEO into two complete, independent amplifier sections, each in its own enclosure with its own 25 VA shunt power supply. A third, separate 25 VA supply feeds the microprocessor control circuitry, which is digitally and galvanically isolated from the analog signal path. Acoustic Signature quotes crosstalk attenuation better than -90 dB and channel separation above 89 dB at 1 kHz as a direct result of the layout.

Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO double mono chassis detail — The Tango Apex NEO splits each channel into its own housing and power supply.

Flexible inputs for MM and MC cartridges

The Tango Apex NEO offers three inputs: one balanced XLR and two unbalanced RCA. Gain is individually adjustable per input across 40, 50, 60 and 70 dB, and input impedance can be set per input from 47 ohms up to 47 kilohms, with additional values available through parallel combinations. Input capacitance starts at roughly 100 pF and can be switched between 100 pF and 220 pF, or combined for a third value. All switching runs through miniature signal relays rather than mechanical contacts, and a -24 dB subsonic filter is built in to control rumble from warped records.

Built-in headphone amp and remote-controlled outputs

Two outputs, one XLR and one RCA, deliver up to 8.5 V RMS and can be switched between a fixed level or a remote-adjustable output with 100 volume steps. A built-in headphone amplifier, rated at up to 900 mW into 30 to 250 ohms, lets the Tango Apex NEO double as a dedicated vinyl headphone system. Acoustic Signature previously applied a similarly uncompromising approach to balanced phono amplification with its own product line, a philosophy shared by other double-balanced designs such as the EAT E-Glo SB and CB.

Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO rear panel inputs and outputs — Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs on the Tango Apex NEO’s rear panel.

Precision-milled chassis

Like the rest of Acoustic Signature’s turntable and tonearm range, the Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO’s chassis and top cover are milled in-house on the brand’s own precision machines rather than outsourced. Acoustic Signature has published behind-the-scenes videos of that production process alongside a full product walkthrough on its official YouTube channel, giving buyers a look at the machining that goes into the 34.5kg enclosure before it ever reaches a listening room.

Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO milled chassis top view — The Tango Apex NEO’s milled chassis alongside an Acoustic Signature turntable.

Pricing and availability

In the United States, the Acoustic Signature Tango Apex NEO is listed at $36,995 through Acoustic Signature’s North American distributor, positioning it firmly as a reference-level phono preamplifier rather than an entry-level upgrade. The preamplifier ships in black, silver, or two-tone black-and-silver anodized finishes, and pricing in other regions should be confirmed with local Acoustic Signature dealers.