TANGO MK3
Compact Entry Phono Stage — Tango MK3 with External PSU and SMD Precision Circuit
Description ⌄
Acoustic Signature Tango MK3 — phono preamplifier. The Tango MK3 distills Acoustic Signature's phono stage expertise into the smallest and most affordable package in the Tango lineup. A double-sided SMD circuit board minimises signal path length within a compact 162 × 98 mm solid aluminum chassis weighing just 2.1 kg. An external 24V DC power supply separates the noise-generating transformer entirely from the sensitive phono circuit. DIP-switch load impedance adjustment supports MM, MI, and MC cartridges without tools, and a 40 dB / 60 dB gain switch covers the full range from high-output MM to low-output MC. RIAA accuracy is ±0.2 dB with channel separation exceeding 89 dB at 1 kHz.
Technical background
The Tango MK3 uses an SMD (Surface Mount Device) circuit design on a precision board for minimal signal path length. The external power supply keeps the transformer physically separated from the sensitive phono circuit, eliminating transformer-induced hum. DIP switch impedance adjustment on the base panel requires no tools.
Design story
The Tango MK3 was designed as the entry member of the AS phono stage range — providing the same in-house German manufacturing as the Tango Reference Neo at an accessible price. The external PSU design was retained despite the entry price because it meaningfully improves the noise floor.
Best for
Maximus NEO, Double X Neo, and Tornado NEO owners seeking a matching AS phono stage; any system needing a compact, no-compromise entry-level phono preamplifier Entry analogue buyers pairing with Maximus NEO, Double X Neo or Tornado NEO; buyers wanting an AS-manufactured phono stage at an accessible price Entry phono stage for Maximus NEO or Tornado NEO system; first phono stage upgrade from a built-in stage
Awards & press
"The Tango MK3 is a very good entry phono stage — its external PSU and solid aluminium chassis give it a quality foundation that budget competitors lack." — Hi-Fi Choice "A compact, capable phono stage that is the obvious pairing for the Tornado NEO or Double X Neo — the Tango MK3 completes the entry AS system." — What Hi-Fi?
Features ⌄
- Ultra-compact 2.1 kg solid aluminum chassis with SMD circuit design for minimal signal path
- Supports MM, MI, and MC cartridges; DIP-adjustable load impedance — no tools required
- External power supply keeps transformer away from the sensitive phono circuit
- Made in Süssen, Germany — ultra-compact solid aluminium chassis, hand-assembled
- External power supply isolates transformer from the phono circuit — reduces hum and noise floor
- DIP-adjustable load impedance — no tools required, no external loading plugs needed