Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Acoustic Signature Samba Turntables by tlea

Model:	Samba
Category:	Turntables
Suggested Retail Price:	$1700
Description:	Aluminum platter and plinth w/ outboard power supply
Manufacturer URL:	Acoustic Signature
Model Picture:	View

Review by tlea on October 08, 2006 at 09:55:39
IP Address: 70.156.125.183

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Surprisingly little has been written about the Acoustic Signature Samba, an entry-level turntable from the German company that produces the well-reviewed Final Tool. There is stiff competition at this price point, which apparently has come to define the next step in quality and cost for Rega P3 owners who catch the upgrade bug (myself included). We're talking Basis/Clearaudio/Michell/VPI territory here, and from my experience the Samba clearly measures up at that level. It is a non-suspension type, designed around the Rega geometry and philosophy, with some unique features. The plinth is 25mm thick solid aluminum, and the platter bearing, according to the mfg, uses a high-tech Teflon-like material that requires no lubrication. It has adjustable cone feet decoupled from the plinth by dense rubber doughnuts recessed into the base. The platter also is solid aluminum, and the Alpha power supply is in a separate outboard box, resulting in a handsome, minimalist appearance. There is a very nice clamp with a screw tensioner for those who use them. No mat was provided, so I tried it with my Herbie's, the felt mat from the P3, and a borrowed Ringmat. My unit came with a stock RB250, which I changed out for my own Incognito modded RB300. Setup was simple and straightforward although the arm mount and VTA adjustment did require three different sized metric hex keys. There was no manual and not much info on the website, but everything is quite logical in a classically Germanic way. The machining tolerances are tight and true, and the overall impression is one of solidness and precision. Even the packing is substantial and well-designed.
Of course the obvious question is "How bright and ringy is all that metal going to be?" The answer is "Not as much as you might think." I find the presentation to be warm and neutral, considerably less bright than my P3. Of the competitors referenced above, I was able to audition only the VPI Scout and the Basis 1400, and those were in separate showrooms, not in my system. So I will not attempt to make comparisons, other than to say that when it came time to lay down the cash I walked away with the Samba. Compared to the Rega P3 using the same arm and cartridges in my system, the Samba is audibly clearer and less muddy, with a more distinct soundstage. It especially shines on live recordings and on music with complex instrumentation like dense orchestal, big-band jazz, or prog-rock. The presence and separation among instruments in the mix is so clear and distinct, you can close your eyes and imagine one of the guys in the sax section standing up to lean a little closer to the mike during his solo. The Herbie's mat warmed things up over either the Rega felt or the Ringmat, and I preferred it without the clamp, though the clamp did work well to flatten out a couple of slightly wavy records.
In conclusion, the Samba is engineered like a Porche and sounds as beautiful as it looks. The only thing I can imagine that has kept it off the buzz list is that, like many of the European products, there appear to be issues with availability. Mine was purchased from Needledoctor, but they have informed me that they no longer carry the line and that US distribution is "still being worked out". However, Chris at Needledoctor was very complementary and responded to questions about warranty and parts by saying "it is so well built that you are not going to have any issues"
One point of clarification: my Samba is the original model, not the MkII. The MSRP for the new model has gone up, and the clamp is not included.
Highly recommended.
P.S. The URL link for Acoustic Signature is incorrect in the AA header.
It should be http://www.acoustic-signature.com

Product Weakness: No dustcover; uncertain US distribution possibly may cause parts/warranty issues
Product Strengths: Solid build quality; precise fit and finish; smooth, quiet operation; easy setup w/ adjustable VTA; clear, neutral sound presentation; excellent imaging and soundstage; outboard PSU switchable from 33 to 45

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	PS Audio HCA-2 biamp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	PS Audio PCA-2 / Rogue Stealth
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	AS Samba / RB300 / Scheu Benz LO/ ZYX RS20
Speakers:	Silverline Sonata II
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas / HT / Zu / XLO
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Eclectic; from string quartets to electronica to bebop to power pop and everything between
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 15 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Carpet / bookshelves / upholstered furniture
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Balanced Power Tech PLC
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No dustcover; uncertain US distribution possibly may cause parts/warranty issues
Product Strengths:	Solid build quality; precise fit and finish; smooth, quiet operation; easy setup w/ adjustable VTA; clear, neutral sound presentation; excellent imaging and soundstage; outboard PSU switchable from 33 to 45