Flagship TEAC Belt-Drive Turntable Includes SAEC Nine-Inch Knife-Edge Tonearm, Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge, Auto-Lift Functionality: TN-5BB Plays LPs with Involving Passion

Synthetic marble, Japanese washi paper, and MDF materials combine to form the hybrid chassis and foundation of a belt-drive turntable like none other in the TEAC TN-5BB. Complete with balanced XLR outputs and a reference-grade nine-inch knife-edge tonearm – the result of a collaboration between TEAC and SAEC – TN-5BB plays vinyl LPs with involving passion, faithfulness, and presence. A pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Red MM phono cartridge, automatic arm lift functionality, height-adjustable aluminum feet, and acrylic dust cover add to the value and ease of use.

Designed to maintain outstanding rigidity and dampening properties, TN-5BB utilizes a combination of a 36mm-thick baseplate and 12mm-thick synthetic marble to suppress vibration, foster isolation, and take advantage of separate structures. When it comes to platter rotation, a flat belt transmits the power of the DC motor while an optical sensor in the bottom of the 20mm-thick acrylic platter detects speed and an auto-rotation adjustment mechanism applies servo in response. Deemed the Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System (PRS3), the method achieves stunning precision and allows for the selection of 33, 45, and 78RPM.

TEAC invested similar thought in its static-balanced S-shaped tonearm, constructed by SAEC. In addition to PC-Triple C conductor-based wiring, it employs a stainless-steel knife-edge bearing for the vertical movable part, while the lateral movable part relies on Japanese-made high-precision ball bearings at two points for support. An adjustable base and adjustable VTA allow for endless cartridge options. Single-button raising and lowering augments the user-defeatable auto-lift convenience.

From up close or a distance, TN-5BB looks gorgeous and changes appearance depending on the viewing angle. Extruded aluminum knobs and feet contribute to the luxurious appearance. The inclusion of a 45RPM adapter, cables, alignment gauge, and all necessary tools complete a 23.2-pound 'table that promises to make analog magic for years to come. 100% Music Direct Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Hybrid Multi-Material Chassis
The chassis has a multilayer structure combining a heavy 36mm MDF baseplate with high internal loss and a 12mm synthetic marble with outstanding rigidity. (The weight of the cabinet is 8.8kg.) Great feedback resistance has been realized with this 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. An overall structure with outstanding stillness has been realized that reduces the transmission of vibrations from the motor to the tone arm. Japanese washi paper 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.

20mm-Thick Acrylic 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.

Knife-Edge Tonearm by TEAC and SAEC
This knife-edge tone arm 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, it realizes record groove tracking that is highly sensitive and reliable. 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 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.

Pearl Black, Piano Black, and Silver
The fundamental theme of the 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, extruded aluminum components for the operation knobs and the arm lift switch, as well as the feet, add to the appearance.