The Challenger turntable weighs in at 23kg, to offer you our statement entry level high mass turntable. With this Challenger design, we bring together one of the most sophisticated external drive and power supply drive systems, with a massive high mass 50mm thick platter, supported by a solid 40mm thick chassis. The Challenger is incredibly simple to set up, very versatile and sonically its performance is outstanding, making many other brand turntables costing up to three times the price sound poor in comparison. The Challenger design offers a remarkable and consistent performance at a highly competitive price, and has real visual appeal.

 

• A 50mm solid turntable platter made of aluminium. The platter is made of a very soft alloy to optimize its periodic resonance, and is coated on the rear side with resonance-reducing material.

• The bearing is the heart of every turntable. Through fundamental research and development, we have invented a bearing with the ideal performance characteristics of exact fit, extremely low noise, very low friction and long term stability.

• The bearing is the heart of every turntable. Through fundamental research and development, we have invented a bearing with the ideal performance characteristics of exact fit, extremely low noise, very low friction and long term stability. The platter bearing component is manufactured from special hardened and polished steel, with an extremely hard tungsten carbide ball at its base. The bearing housing uses perfectly matched and ‘aged’ sinter bronze inserts which are self-lubricating; and therefore maintenance free. At the base of the bearing, we use our specially developed ‘high-tech’ material TIDORFOLON. Our bearing runs dry - without oil.

• The external drive motor of the turntable is run by its own electronic controller, called the small Alpha. Like his big brother the Alpha it converts the AC mains voltage to DC current and a precision oscillator then produces a perfect sine wave at 12VAC to run the motor, resulting in a perfectly steady and constant platter rotation. The small Alpha is impervious to the negative effects of mains voltage fluctuations and household appliances that produce ‘noisy’ mains that can have a very great detrimental effect on AC motors and therefore the turntable performance and ultimately the sound. The small Alpha control is the perfect design solution and but can supply one motor only.

• The tone arm mounting plates are adjustable. The mounting of any desired tone arm is possible, with a maximum of 3 tone arm mounting plates on one turntable

• Three adjustable feet for simple macro and micro adjustments to level the turntable.

• The high mass platter (with its inertia) is an integral part of the turntable concept. Very low bearing friction, perfect motor drive control and large platter inertia guarantee perfect synchronization and the best sound. Highest precision manufacturing in Germany guarantees reliability of this turntable. To make sure that every Calypso is exactly the same we produce nearly every part on high precision computer controlled machines.
  
   

You are looking at Acoustic Signature's entry level high mass turntable. Yes folks you all heard right. I repeat; Entry Level! Although the company offers a full range of Turntables from their baby 'Barzetti' model all the way up to the awe inspiring Ascona, the Challenger MK.II is the starting point for where things start to get serious. Very serious.

New to the Australian market. The initial response has been overwhelming. Customer's are finally gaining access to something that has previously been priced beyond their reach. The level of performance and sophistication the Challenger MK.II offers is staggering.

The Challenger MK.II design philosophy incorporates an external Power Supply module and an external Motor Drive module based around a central Chassis, Platter and Armboard assembly. This three piece high mass juggernaut design is one of the most popular and successful engineering accomplishments that continue to feature at the very forefront of cutting edge World Class Turntable construction today. 

 

Built from fully CNC precision machined aluminium, the Challenger MK.II offers it's owners the very best in raw materials to use as it's starting point. From there you are blessed with a 40mm thick chassis base platform which is then topped with a 300mm x 50mm solid aluminium Platter. This adds up to a total of 23kg's of vibration busting, resonance crushing vinyl Heaven.

Compare that to other offerings form various different Turntable manufacturer's in this price range and make your own decision. You will find if you check the specifications that most will not even come to within half the mass of the Challenger MK.II.

This even outguns SME's very own highly regarded Model 10, coming it at only 16kg. The Challenger MK.II not only costs a fraction of the price but more importantly has approximately 50% more mass which all adds up to improved isolation and mechanical integrity. At this price range, A-S have totally rewritten the rule book when it comes to value packed performance based high mass Turntables.

So while paying less you are actually getting more in real terms. More Mass, More Rigidity and More Performance.

 

Most popular is for our customers to order this Table with the Rega RB700 Tonearm. The Challenger MK.II is a Table that can provide full respect and dedication to any Tonearm you might want to partner it with. The choice is yours.

 

One of the many examples of integrated engineering perfection is the modular Armboard system. In this particular example, I am testing the Rega Armboard with incorporated VTA adjustment! Why fool around with spacers when this very cleverly designed superior alternative works so wonderfully and is infinitely adjustable. once adjusted to the correct height you simply tighten the Hex screw and the precision fitted sleeve is locked rock solid to form a solid structural platform for your Rega Tonearm to mount to.

Any Armboard can be specified when ordering. Armboards for any Tonearm can be provided for by Acoustic Signature. If they do not have it in their extensive catalogue it can be custom made to suit your specific application. Personalized service is ensured for all customers who choose to invest in this revolutionary product.

 

The 23kg Mass Monster with external Motor Drive unit and Power Supply that is fully made in Germany from solid aluminium and machined on the latest CNC machinery.

Do yourself a favour and compare this to the alternatives in this price range and you will be convinced that the Acoustic Signature Challenger MK.II is Choice # 1

300mm x 50mm Platter and 40mm Main Chassis give the Challenger MK.II owners the confidence that all resonance and external vibrations will be nullified.

 

Shown with optional Acoustic Signature Grip MK.II and Rega RB700 Tonearm and Ortofon Rondo Bronze MC Cartridge.

 

Reviews

STEREOPLAY-Germany
At the first view the Acoustic Signature Challenger you think about "ultra solid". This stands also for the sound not only the look. He offers a ultra deep fundament and it is clearly focused. His extraordinary sound, the excellent craftsmanship make it an real Stereoplay Highlight

HiFi World Great Britain 10/2006
"...with the kind of impact you usually associated with 6000EUR US superdecks
not 2500 EUR designs. ...as this deck had the best timing of the group, propelling the music along with incredible energy and drive.

It proved fast, with excellent resolving capabilities, had outstanding transient attack and a huge dynamic range. This was tempered with superb control, sonically it offered virtually no overhang, and could go from a subtle wisher to room shaking volume and back again with ease.
 

The Challenger is is set to make a lot of people reconsider their expectations of a deck at this price point and offer simply phenomenal value for the money".
 

Drive unit	1 Synchronius motor, electronically regulated fully mains decoupled adjustable, small Alpha Motor electronic, external power supply
Bearing	high precision TIDORFOLON Bearing rollerbushed and paired with axle.
Chassis	vibration damped Chassis, 3 height adjustable feets, soft alloy for low resonance.
Platter	high precison platter made of aluminium, 5cm height. 9kg weight.
Speed Range	33 1/3 RPM, 45 UPM with motor electronic.
Dimension	440b x 180h x 350d mm
Weight	21-25Kg weight-depending on extras.