TEAC TN-5BB Turntable

TEAC TN-5BB is an authentic belt drive analogue turntable with XLR Balanced Output and PRS3 belt drive structure to support accurate and stable platter rotation

Hybrid Chassis

This analogue turntable, which supports MC balanced output, features a hybrid chassis that combines synthetic marble, washi paper and MDF materials along with a 9" S-shaped universal arm that utilises a knife-edge bearing. The chassis has a multilayer structure combining a heavy 36mm MDF baseplate for high internal loss and a 12mm synthetic marble for outstanding rigidity.

Great feedback resistance is acheived due to excellent rigidity and vibration suppression. The tonearm 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 tonearm and motor from each other. The result is an overall structure with outstanding isolation that reduces the transmission of vibrations from the motor to the tone arm.

Platter Rotation

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) acheives high rotation precision that would be difficult to achieve with just inertia and a motor. Supporting three speeds, 33-⅓, 45 and 78 rpm, this turntable can play back old records as well as 78rpm records with high audio quality.

20mm thick acrylic platter

Acrylic with excellent levelness and internal loss is used for the platter. The 20mm-thick acrylic has 1.7kg weight and realizes high inertial momentum. 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. 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.

Reliable tracking tonearm

The 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, the record groove tracking is highly sensitive and reliable.

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

Automatic arm lifting

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.

Components

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. PC-Triple C realizes outstanding conductor performance using unique continuous forge extrusion technologies. Crystal grain boundaries that obstruct signal transmission are reduced as much as possible, and crystals are linked in the lengthwise direction.

Ortofon 2M RED

Ortofon 2M RED MM cartridges included with this model have an established reputation. Since it is already installed and aligned with the head-shell, records can be enjoyed soon after getting the turntable out and setting it up.

Balanced MC transmission

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 PE-505 or other external phono equalizer that supports balanced XLR input.

Attractive contrasting design

The fundamental theme of this design is the contrast between black and silver. The MDF used in the cabinet has a piano black finish with a beautiful luster. 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. Although simple, this design inspires aesthetic joy to the eye. Moreover, we incorporated extruded aluminum components with a luxurious feel for the operation knobs and the arm lift switch, as well as the feet.

TEAC TN-5BB Key Features

- Rotation speeds of 33-⅓, 45 and 78 RPM supported
- Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System (PRS3)
- Static-balanced knife-edge-bearing tone arm
- VTA adjustment (tone arm height adjustment) function (+6 mm)
- Cabinet weight of 10.6kg and platter weight of 1.7kg (20mm acrylic)
- Anti-skating function and powered arm lifter
- Non-contact detection automatic arm lift function
- XLR balanced output connectors
- Unbalanced RCA output connectors
- GND connector
- Height-adjustable machined aluminum feet at four points
- Acrylic dust cover
- Cast aluminum head shell (lead wire) included
- Supports cartridge weights of 15–23 g (including head-shell)
- RCA and ground cables included
- L wrench for arm lifter height adjustment
- L wrench for VTA adjustment
- Cartridge alignment gauge