Hi Mikey and welcome to GoY. Acers prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil but will survive in slightly alkaline soil.

Well draining soil is most important. More are lost to winter wet than any soil type.

True Botanic.

Also partial shade preferred and out of the wind.

Absolutely Sera. Wind in particular is a huge problem.

I have lost more than my fair of Japanese maples! All from water (too little in summer or too much the rest of the time)

I gave up after the first one...planted it in sun in a windy spot. Ignorance is a terrible thing... Got a tough red Berberis Helmond pillar there instead - try killing that!