Acoustic Signature Storm MKII

The Acoustic Signature Storm MKII is a high-mass, precision-engineered belt-drive turntable designed for audiophiles seeking exceptional stability, low resonance, and refined sound reproduction.

Technical Overview

Chassis and Platter:

• The chassis is a resonance-optimized 45 mm thick alloy mass with three adjustable feet made from a very soft aluminum alloy to minimize resonance.

• The platter is a high-precision machined aluminum alloy, 50 mm thick and weighing approximately 11 kg, featuring eight brass "Silencer" inserts around its perimeter that dampen resonances by more than 80 dB, especially near the 15 kHz range.

• The underside of the platter is coated with a damping material to further reduce residual vibrations.

Bearing:

• Utilizes Acoustic Signature’s proprietary DTD® (Duraturn Diamond®) bearing, made from a unique composite called Tidorfolon (a mixture of vanadium, ferrite, Teflon, and titanium), which is self-lubricating, noiseless, and wear-free, providing extremely low friction and long-term stability.

Drive and Motor:

• The platter is driven by an external 12V AC synchronous motor housed in a separate pod, connected via a belt around the platter’s edge.

• The motor is controlled by the Beta DIG digital motor controller integrated into the plinth, which generates a pure 12V AC sine wave, ensuring stable speed unaffected by mains voltage fluctuations or noise.

• Speeds supported: 33⅓ and 45 rpm, selectable via two pushbuttons on the control panel.

Suspension and Isolation:

• The Storm MKII is a mass-loaded design without a traditional sprung sub-chassis or soft suspension elements.

• It relies on its heavy chassis and platter mass combined with three large adjustable feet with embedded spikes for vibration isolation and leveling.

• The design minimizes resonance and vibration transmission through mass and damping rather than suspension.

Dimensions and Weight:

• The turntable weighs approximately 28 kg (around 61.7 lbs)237.

• The chassis diameter is slightly larger than the 50 mm thick platter, with a 45 mm thick base.

Tonearm Compatibility:

• Can accommodate multiple tonearms (up to three on some models).

• Often paired with Acoustic Signature’s TA-1000 or TA-2000 tonearms but compatible with other high-end arms.

Performance and Sound Characteristics:

• The Storm MKII delivers a highly controlled, authoritative sound with excellent bass grip, refined detail, and focused imaging.

• It emphasizes mid-bass presence and a slightly dark treble, contributing to a natural and musical presentation.

• Pops, clicks, and background noise are minimized due to the precise motor control and heavy damping.

• The turntable’s resonance decay time is less than 20 ms, about one-tenth that of an undamped platter, ensuring quick settling of vibrations and clarity in playback.

Additional Features:

• The control panel is designed to avoid physical contact with the chassis, preventing vibration transmission.

• The platter features aesthetically pleasing golden discs (the Silencers) visible through optional leather mats.

• Acoustic Signature offers a 10-year warranty on the bearing system, underscoring its durability and quality.