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Flagship Turntable that combines style with excellent performance,
including a Dual-material Chassis and “PRS3”.
The TN-550 is a flagship 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, and entry-level users who have just begun to have a real interest.
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.
Possibilities include experiencing how the sound differs according to the connected PHONO Amplifier, the TN-550 have been made in the design of the fundamental performance of the analog components without compromises.
The TN550B 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-570 achieved both sleek design and cogging-free rotation precision that compares to a Direct-drive.
What is PRS3?
PRS3 (Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System) is a non-contact type servo system that monitors rotation speed of the platter. By reading the encoder pattern on a circular plate that is directly connected to the axis of the platter with an optical sensor, the TN-570's servo computer with unique algorithm controls the DC motor to maintain accurate rotation speed of the platter where a vinyl disc is located, while conventional servo system monitors/controls rotation speed of the motor that may not be exactly the same as that of platter due to slip or deflection of the belt, unless an over-weight platter is employed for inertia moment. With the PRS3, the TN-570 achieved both low-profile cabinet and high precision rotation speed with <0.1% of wow-and-flutters and <±0.2% of rotating speed deviation.
Electrical-controlled Speed Selector
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.
Clear Acrylic Platter that merges elegance with silence
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.
High-precision Spindle and Anti-static Carbon-coated Base
By applying carbon coating to the spindle bearing, hardness is increased and electrification is controlled, providing excellent static electricity performance.
Large Torque Motor with a floating structure
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.
Flat-type Belt
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.
Chassis with Dual Layer structure realizes both weight and style.
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.
Newly designed Tone-arm with Anti-skating Mechanism
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.
MM-type Cartridges by audio-technica
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.
Honeycomb-shaped Bottom Case
The 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.
Height Adjustable Feet
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.
Detachable Dust Cover
By removing the dust cover from the unit, you and your guests will enjoy to see how music revives from vinyl record.
Optional Turntable sheet made of Japanese "WASHI" paper sold separately
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. (Sold separately)。
Features at a glance
45 and 33-1/3 rpm 2-speed Cogging-free Belt Drive Turntable
“PRS3” Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System for Precise Rotate Speed
Sleek Resonance-free Dual Material Compound by Marble Stone and High-density MDF
Crystal Clear Acrylic Platter with Perimeter Belt Drive
High-precision Spindle with Anti-static Carbon-coated base
Height Adjustable Anti-skating Tone-arm with PC-Triple C Wiring
Universal Head-shell with PC-Triple C Wiring
MM Cartridge supplied from audio-technica
PHONO output
Honeycomb-shaped Bottom Case
Height Adjustable Feet
Machined Aluminum EP Adapter
Optional Reversible Static-free "WASHI" Turntable Sheet (SKU: TA-TS30UN-BW, Sold separately)
Spec description
| Turntable section |
|
| Type |
Belt-drive |
| Motor |
DC Motor with RPS3 (Platter Rotation Speed Servo System) technology |
| Rotation speed |
33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm |
| Rotation speed deviation |
±0.05% (33 1/3 rpm) |
| Wow-and-Flutters |
0.1% |
| Signal-to-Noise ratio |
67dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF) |
| Platter material |
Clear Acrylic |
| Platter dimensions |
Diameter: 300mm, Thickness: 16mm |
| Platter weight |
approx. 1.4kg / 3.1 lbs. |
| Tone-arm section |
|
| Type |
Static-balanced S-shaped, Height adjustable |
| Effective arm length |
223mm |
| Overhang |
18mm |
| Tracking Error |
3° or less |
| Needle pressure range |
0 to 5g |
| Compatible cartridge weight |
15 to 23g (incl. Head-shell) |
| Anti-skating adjustment |
Yes |
| Cartridge section |
|
| Type |
MM-type (autio-technica AT100E equivalent, factory installed) |
| Output voltage |
4.5mV (±3dB) |
| Suggested needle pressure |
1.4g ±0.4g |
| Cartridge weight |
6.5g ±0.2g |
| Head-shell weight |
10g (incl. screws, nuts, and wires) |
| Compatible stylus |
audio-technical ATN100 |
| Audio Output section |
|
| Phono output |
|
| Connector |
RCA Pin × 1 pair (gold-plated) |
| Output voltage |
4.5mV (±3dB) |
| Power |
AC 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz |
| Power consumption |
1.5W (0.5W at standby) |
| Overall dimensions (W×H×D) |
420 × 131.5 × 355mm / 16.9" × 5.2" × 14.0" |
| Weight |
Approx. 9.0kg / 19.9 lbs. |
| Accessories |
Dust Cover, Hinges × 2, EP Adapter, Counter Weight,
Platter, Flat Belt, Pulley Cover, Washers × 4, Hex Screw Driver, AC
Adapter (GPE053A-120050-Z), Power Cord, RCA Audio Cable with GND
connector, Turntable Sheet (TA-TS30UN-BW), Head-shell (except Canada
version), Cartridge (except Canada version), Owner’s manual (incl.
Warranty Card) |
* RoHS complied.
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