TEAC TN-5BB

The chassis has a multi-layer structure combining a heavy 36 mm MDF base plate with high internal loss and a 12 mm synthetic marble with exceptional rigidity. (The weight of the cabinet is 8.8 kg.) Excellent feedback resistance has been achieved with this excellent rigidity and vibration suppression. The tonearm and platter are mounted on the synthetic marble top plate while the motor, which causes vibrations, is mounted on the MDF base plate. These separate structures using these materials as dampers isolate the tonearm and motor from each other. An overall structure with exceptional stillness has been achieved that reduces the transmission of vibrations from the motor to the tonearm.

Based on our experience using Japanese washi paper platter sheets and after repeated listening tests; we have determined that the appropriate thickness, washi paper is the best material to use as a washer between the synthetic marble and MDF to achieve optimal sound balance. By using washi rather than rubber or metal, the original vitality of the sound can be drawn out when playing records.

The PRS3 belt drive structure supports precise and stable platter rotation

Ideally, once started, the platter rotation would continue under its own weight and inertia, but this is of course impossible. The TN-5BB uses the belt drive method with a flat belt that transmits power from the DC motor to the outer circumference of the platter. An optical sensor in the bottom of the platter detects the rotational speed of the platter, and an automatic rotation adjustment mechanism applies a servo to the motor in response. This platter rotation sensing servo system (PRS3) achieves high rotational accuracy 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 old records as well as 78 rpm records with high audio quality.

20 mm thick acrylic platter

Acrylic with excellent flatness and internal loss is used for the platter. The 20 mm thick acrylic weighs 1.7 kg and achieves high inertia 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 the triboelectric series. This has the advantage of making electrification difficult even if they rub directly against each other. Records can be placed directly on the platter without using a turntable mat, allowing you to enjoy their clear sound.

Reliable tracking achieved with a knife-edge tonearm that is a SAEC × TEAC collaboration

This knife-edge tonearm was created in collaboration with SAEC, a Japanese brand with 40 years of experience designing tonearms. By using a stainless steel knife-edge bearing for the vertical moving part, we have achieved record groove tracking that is highly sensitive and reliable. In addition, for the lateral moving part, a conventional structure that has a ball bearing at one point for the support has been replaced by a structure that uses high-precision ball bearings made in Japan at two points for the support. The height of the tonearm base can be adjusted. The vertical tracking angle (VTA) can be adjusted within a range of 6 mm and optimized for cartridges of different heights. The tonearm geometry adheres to the Baerwald alignment recommended by the IEC.

Automatic arm lift at the end of play

The use of a motorized arm lifter allows the arm to be raised and lowered with a single button and also uses a function that automatically lifts the arm by a non-contact optical sensor once playback is finished. The automatic arm lift function can be canceled when playing discs that do not conform to standards.

Technical Specifications

Turntable

• High-precision belt drive with rotation detection
• Direct current (DC) motor
• Rotation speeds: 33, 45, 78 revolutions per minute
• Wow and flutter: 0.1% or less
• 30 cm diameter acrylic platter

Tonearm

• S-shaped static balance tonearm
• Effective length: 223 mm
• Compatible cartridge weight: 4.0 to 13.0 g (14 to 23 g with headshell)
• Overhang: 18 mm
• Height adjustment range: approximately 6 mm

Cartridge

• Type: Ortofon 2M Red
• Output voltage: 5.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm / s)
• Tracking force: 1.8 g
• Cartridge weight: 7.2 g
• Weight with headshell: 10 g (including screws, nuts, and wires)

Connectivity

• Balanced: 1 pair of XLR connectors
• Unbalanced: 1 pair of RCA connectors

General Specifications

• Power supply: 100-240 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz (power adapter)
• Power consumption: 2.0 W max. (0.3 W in standby)
• Dimensions (W × H × D):
  • 450 × 148 × 351 mm (lid closed)
  • 450 × 420 × 410 mm (lid open)
  • 450 × 135 × 351 mm (without lid)
• Weight: approximately 10.5 kg

Included Accessories

• 45 RPM adapter
• Counterweight
• Headshell (with Ortofon 2M Red installed)
• Platter
• Drive belt
• Pulley cover
• Dust cover
• Hinges (× 2)
• Foot adjustment washers (× 4)
• Hex key for tonearm height adjustment
• RCA cable
• Ground cable
• Power adapter (GPE018S-120100-Z)
• Cartridge alignment template
• User manual