Teac TN-5BB Three-Speed Semi-Automatic Turntable

Experience exquisite vinyl record playback with the TN-5BB Three-Speed Turntable from TEAC. The TN-5BB features a high-quality, multimaterial chassis that combines synthetic marble, washi paper, and MDF materials for incredible damping and vibration reduction. An acrylic platter and S-shaped tonearm, developed in collaboration with SAEC, further add to the accuracy of sound reproduction. The tonearm comes with a cast-aluminum headshell and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge preinstalled. This all-analog system supports MM and MC cartridge output with RCA or balanced XLR connections.

The chassis has a multilayer structure combining a heavy 36mm MDF baseplate with high internal loss and a 12mm synthetic marble plinth with outstanding rigidity. Great feedback resistance has been realized with this excellent rigidity and vibration suppression. The tone arm and platter are mounted on the synthetic marble top plate while the motor, which causes vibration, is mounted to the MDF base plate. These separate structures using these materials as dampers isolate the tone arm and motor from each other.

Based on TEAC's experience using Japanese washi paper turntable sheets, and after repeated listening tests, TEAC determined that washi paper, of the appropriate thickness, is the best material to use as a washer between the synthetic marble and the MDF for achieving optimal sound balance. By using washi rather than rubber or metal, the original vitality of the sound can be drawn out when records are played back.

The TN-5BB uses the belt-drive method with a flat belt that transmits the power of the DC motor to the outer circumference of the platter. An optical sensor in the bottom of the platter detects the platter rotation speed, and an automatic rotation adjustment mechanism applies a servo to the motor in response. This Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System (PRS3) realizes high rotation precision that would be difficult to achieve with just inertia and a motor. Supporting three speeds, 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm, this turntable can play back old records as well as 78 rpm records with high audio quality.

Acrylic, a material with excellent levelness and internal loss, is used for the platter. The 20mm thick acrylic has a 3.75 lb weight and realizes high inertial momentum. It provides consistency on playback speed and reduces unwanted noise and static compared to other platter options.

The polyvinyl material used in records easily takes on negative electrical charges. Acrylic has this same property, but these materials are relatively close in triboelectric series. Materials that are close in a triboelectric series do not easily develop electric charges even when directly rubbing together. This provides the advantage of making electrification difficult even if they directly rub against each other. Records can be placed directly on the platter without using a turntable sheet, allowing enjoyment of their clear sound.

The Ortofon 2M RED MM cartridge included with this model has an established reputation. Since it is already installed and aligned with the headshell, records can be enjoyed soon after getting the turntable out and setting it up.

This knife-edge tonearm was created in collaboration with SAEC, a Japanese brand with 40 years of tonearm design experience. Using a stainless-steel knife-edge bearing for the vertical movable part, TEAC revolutionized record tracking, so your sound experience is clearer.

Furthermore, for the lateral movable part, a conventional structure that has a ball bearing at one point for support has been replaced with a structure that uses Japanese-made high-precision ball bearings at two points for support. The height of the tonearm base can be adjusted. The Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) can be adjusted in a 6mm range and optimized for cartridges of various heights. The tonearm geometry adheres to the Baerwald alignment recommended by the IEC.

Automatic Arm Lifting When Playback Ends

Using a powered arm lifter enables raising and lowering the arm with a single button and also employs a function that automatically lifts the arm by a contact-less optical sensor after playback ends. The automatic arm lifting function can be canceled when playing records that do not conform to standards.

Arm Lead Wire Uses PC-Triple C Material Made by SAEC

Lead wire that uses PC-Triple C conductor made by SAEC is employed for the wiring inside the tone arm. With outstanding conductive performance, this conductor transmits even weak signals from analog records.

In addition to ordinary RCA connectors, XLR connectors are also available for analog output. A variety of commercially available cables can be used to connect with a TEAC PE-505 or other external phono equalizer that supports balanced XLR input.

The fundamental theme of this design is the contrast between black and silver. The MDF used in the cabinet has a piano black luster finish. In addition, the synthetic marble that comprises the top panel appears to be jet black when viewed from a distance, but it sparkles at points in pearl black when seen closer up. This appearance also changes depending on the viewing angle. Moreover, TEAC incorporated extruded aluminum components with a luxurious feel for the operation knobs and the arm lift switch, as well as the feet.

Additional Features

• VTA adjustment function (+6mm)
• Antiskating function
• Powered arm lifter
• Noncontact detection automatic arm lift function
• Acrylic dust cover
• Cast aluminum headshell included
• Supports cartridge weights of 15 to 23g including headshell

Inputs / Outputs

Power

Environmental

Physical