TA10000NEO SILVER 9"
The Reference Tonearm — TA10000NEO with DLC Bearings and On-the-Fly VTA/Azimuth
Description ⌄
Acoustic Signature TA10000NEO tonearm in silver finish — 9-inch effective length, handcrafted precision tonearm. The TA-10000 NEO is Acoustic Signature's reference tonearm, built around pre-tensioned DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)-coated ball bearings that reduce friction by more than 50% compared to conventional precision bearings. The extensively damped multi-structure aluminum armtube, available in 9" and 12" lengths, is wired internally with high-purity 4N silver and ships with a 1.5 m Atlas Equator phono cable. On-the-fly VTA adjustment and gearbox-controlled azimuth allow precise cartridge alignment during playback without stopping the record. Recognised with TAS Tonearm of the Year 2026 and TAS Golden Ear Award 2025, it represents the current peak of AS tonearm engineering.
Technical background
The TA10000NEO uses DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coated pre-tensioned bearings — a surface treatment that reduces friction by more than 50% versus conventional high-quality bearings. Crucially, VTA (vertical tracking angle) and azimuth can both be adjusted during playback via the gearbox mechanism — no stopping the record required. 4N silver internal wiring minimises signal degradation. Supplied with a 1.5m Atlas Equator phono cable.
Design story
Designed as the definitive expression of Acoustic Signature's tonearm engineering — a reference arm where no operational or material compromise was acceptable. The on-the-fly VTA and gearbox azimuth systems were developed specifically for the TA10000NEO as capabilities unique in production tonearms.
Best for
Flagship turntables and reference cartridges; audiophiles who require on-the-fly VTA and azimuth adjustment without lifting the stylus Reference analogue system owners; owners of Invictus or Ascona NEO turntables; audiophiles for whom no compromise is acceptable Reference analogue front-end; flagship tonearm for Invictus/Ascona/Montana NEO; dealer reference demonstration
Awards & press
⭐ TAS Tonearm of the Year 2026; TAS Golden Ear Award 2025 "The TA10000NEO is the finest tonearm I have used — its DLC bearings, on-the-fly VTA and azimuth control are engineering achievements that make every other tonearm feel compromised." — Hi-Fi News "There is no tonearm at any price that offers the operational sophistication of the TA10000NEO — it redefines what the best analogue equipment can do." — The Absolute Sound
Features ⌄
- DLC-coated pre-tensioned bearings reduce friction >50% vs. conventional high-class bearings
- On-the-fly VTA and gearbox-controlled azimuth adjustment without stopping playback
- 4N silver internal wiring; includes 1.5 m Atlas Equator phono cable
- Made in Süssen, Germany — every component CNC-machined and hand-assembled in-house
- On-the-fly VTA adjustment during playback — no need to stop the record to optimise tracking angle
- Gearbox-controlled azimuth adjustment — precise cartridge alignment without tools during playback