TEAC TN-550 Belt-drive audio turntable Black audio turntable

33-1/3 / 45 rpm, 67dB, 9kg, Black <b>High-grade turntable that combines style with excellent performance,
including a Dual-material Chassis and “PRS3”.</b>

The TN-550 is an upper-class turntable designed with the concept of combining high style with excellent performance as an analog turntable. The TN-550 provides virtue of analog sound in the highest standard for audiophile who have loved it for decades.

The cabinet combines artificial marble with high-density MDF in a two-layer sandwich structure (Dual-material Chassis). In addition to assuring a high feedback margin, this design realizes clear sound by abating the inherent resonant frequencies of different materials by combining them. The power train employs a belt drive with an automatic rotation adjustment mechanism (Platter Rotation Speed Servo System, or "PRS3") designed by TEAC. Changes in the platter rotation speed are immediately detected by an optical sensor and used as feedback for the motor speed. This allows high-precision rotation speed that can compete with heavyweight-class belt drive and direct drive systems, while allowing a sleek and stylish cabinet design.

No compromises, however, the TN-550 have been made in the design of the basic performance of the analog components for matured audiophie.

<b>High-precision Rotation Speed that compares to Direct-drive</b>
<b>Cogging-free Belt-drive with Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System (PRS3)</b>
This drive system employs a new PRS3 (Platter Rotation Speed Servo System) that detects insensible changes of the platter rotation speed by a contactless optical sensor settled at the spindle base, and controls motor speed after calculation by an on-board microcomputer. It realizes a Belt-drive mechanism with higher precision that is not outdone by Direct-drive turntables. The TN-550 achieved both sleek design and cogging-free rotation precision that compares to a Direct-drive.

<b>Electrical-controlled Speed Selector</b>
The speed selector employs an electronically-controlled speed changing mechanism between 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, which does not require bothersome processes of changing the pulley to another one with different diameter.

Not only speed selector knob, an EP adapter employs a machined aluminum knob for prestigious feeling.

<b>Clear Acrylic Platter that merges elegance with silence</b>
The 16mm-thick full-size platter made of acrylic resin with high transparency, shines beautifully, reflecting the surroundings according to the light level suppresses unwanted sympathetic vibrations. Together with the pattern of the artificial marble, it presents a unique elegance.

<b>High-precision Spindle and Anti-static Carbon-coated Base</b>
By applying carbon coating to the spindle bearing, hardness is increased and electrification is controlled, providing excellent static electricity performance.

<b>Large Torque Motor with a floating structure</b>
Employing a rubber cushion, a large torque motor is settled to float when attached to the chassis. This suppresses the transmission of vibrations from the motor to the chassis.

<b>Flat-type Belt</b>
A flat belt is employed to reliably transmit energy to the motor drive. A urethane flat belt that has little stretch is employed to reliably drive the acrylic platter. It is also very quiet and provides excellent durability.

<b>Chassis with Dual Layer structure realizes both weight and style</b>
The cabinet employs artificial marble with high-density MDF. By combining different materials in a two-layer structure, this design abates their inherent resonant frequencies and realizes a clear sound, allowing the artists voices, which are inscribed in the grooves of the record, to come out vividly.
The artificial marble not only contributes to the elegant appearance, it is also excellent in terms of weight, allowing the turntable to realize a heaviness of about 9 kg while retaining a slim and stylish form. While it has a rigid structure, it is also able to assure a high feedback margin.

<b>Honeycomb-shaped Bottom Case</b>
he bottom cover employs a honeycomb pattern that prevents unwanted sympathetic vibrations. The thin bottom cover, which melds into the stylish design, uses a honeycomb structure for the interior to prevent unwanted sympathetic vibrations.

<b>Height Adjustable Feet</b>
The four machined aluminum feet can have their heights adjusted independently. This allows the turntable to be set up on surfaces that are not flat. In addition, rubber with excellent cushioning is used between where the feet are installed and the body of the unit to suppress the feedback of sound to the cabinet.

<b>Newly designed Tone-arm with Anti-skating Mechanism</b>
The static-balanced S-shaped tone-arm features high flexibility. You can adjust the tone-arm height optimally for the shell and cartridge you are using. Also, a high-quality PC-Triple C* conductor cables are employed for the tone-arm cable, so that the phono signal captured by the needle from the delicate vinyl record is transmitted with pure quality.

<b>Gold-plated RCA Pin jacks for Phono Audio Output</b>
A pair of RCA Pin jacks are employed on the back panel to deliver Phono level output.

<b>MM-type Cartridges by audio-technica (except TN-550-CA)</b>
An MM-type cartridge equivalent to audio-technica AT100E is already installed at the factory, as the universal type head-shell employs PC-Triple C wiring for pure signal travel.

<b>Detachable Dust Cover</b>
By removing the dust cover from the unit, you and your guests will enjoy to see how music revives from vinyl record.

<b>Optional Turntable sheet made of Japanese "WASHI" paper sold separately</b>
Turntable sheets are typically made of silicon rubber, felt or cork, for example. As result of investigating various materials, however, we concluded that Japanese paper "WASHI" is suitable in terms of both design and performance. This is the first time that WASHI, which has good vibration suppression and static electricity resistance as well as great style, has been employed for turntable sheets.
SKU: TA-TS30UN-BW (Sold separately)