TEAC Audio TN-5BB Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

Product Description

The TEAC TN-5BB is a high-performance belt-drive analog turntable designed for audiophiles seeking authentic vinyl sound with cutting-edge engineering. Featuring a hybrid chassis combining synthetic marble, Japanese washi paper, and MDF, it suppresses unwanted vibrations for exceptional clarity. The 9-inch S-shaped tonearm, developed with SAEC, uses knife-edge bearings for precise tracking and a vivid soundstage. With balanced XLR outputs for moving coil (MC) cartridges, it maximizes signal purity when paired with a compatible phono preamp like the TEAC PE-505. The 20mm-thick acrylic platter, driven by the Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System (PRS3), ensures high-precision rotation at 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM. Equipped with an Ortofon 2M RED MM cartridge, the TN-5BB delivers rich, detailed sound, reflecting TEAC’s 70-year legacy of audio excellence.  

Key Features  

• Hybrid Chassis: Combines 12mm synthetic marble, Japanese washi paper, and 36mm MDF (8.8kg cabinet) for superior vibration suppression and optimal sound balance.  
  
• PRS3 Belt-Drive System: DC motor with flat belt and optical sensor ensures high-precision rotation (wow-and-flutter <0.1%), supporting 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM for LPs, EPs, and vintage records (78 RPM requires compatible stylus, e.g., Ortofon 2M 78, sold separately).  
  
• SAEC Knife-Edge Tonearm: 9-inch S-shaped, static-balanced arm with stainless-steel knife-edge bearings and dual high-precision ball bearings for sensitive tracking; adjustable VTA (±6mm) and Baerwald alignment.  
  
• Ortofon 2M RED Cartridge: Pre-installed MM cartridge (5.5 mV, 1.8g tracking force, ~1,000-hour stylus life) delivers dynamic, high-fidelity sound; universal headshell supports 4.0–13.0g cartridges (14–23g with headshell).  
  
• Balanced XLR Outputs: Supports MC balanced transmission for low-noise signal transfer, plus unbalanced RCA outputs and ground terminal for versatile connectivity.  
  
• Automatic Arm Lift: Contactless optical sensor lifts the tonearm at record’s end (can be disabled for non-standard records); powered arm lifter simplifies operation.  
  
• PC-Triple C Lead Wire: SAEC’s high-conductivity wire in the tonearm preserves weak analog signals for enhanced clarity.  
  
• Vibration Control: Synthetic marble top plate isolates the tonearm and platter from the motor (mounted on MDF base), with height-adjustable aluminum feet for stability.  
  
• Acrylic Platter: 20mm-thick, 1.7kg acrylic platter minimizes static buildup and enhances inertial momentum for stable playback.  
  
• Elegant Design: Jet-black synthetic marble and piano-black MDF with silver aluminum knobs and feet create a luxurious, modern aesthetic.  

Why Choose the TEAC TN-5BB?

The TN-5BB delivers a vibrant, detailed soundstage ideal for jazz, classical, rock, and vintage 78 RPM records, with the Ortofon 2M RED providing excellent fidelity. Its balanced XLR outputs and SAEC tonearm elevate performance for MC cartridge users, while the PRS3 system ensures precise rotation. Compared to the TEAC TN-3B-SE or TN-4D-SE, the TN-5BB offers superior vibration control, balanced outputs, and VTA adjustment, making it a flagship choice for high-end setups. The hybrid chassis and compact design (17.1" W x 5.8" H x 13.8" D with dust cover) blend functionality with elegance, perfect for audiophiles seeking both performance and upgradability.  

Product Specifications  

• Drive System: Belt-drive, rotation-detection-type high-precision control, DC motor 
  
• Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM (78 RPM requires compatible stylus, not included)  
  
• Wow and Flutter: <0.1%  
  
• Platter: 20mm-thick acrylic, 30cm diameter, 1.7kg  
  
• Tonearm: Static-balanced, S-shaped, 223mm effective length, 18mm overhang, knife-edge bearing, ±6mm VTA adjustment  
  
• Cartridge: Ortofon 2M RED MM (5.5 mV, 1 kHz, 1.8g tracking force, 7.2g weight, ~1,000-hour stylus life)  
  
• Compatible Cartridge Weight: 4.0–13.0g (14–23g with 10g headshell)  
  
• Outputs: Balanced: XLR pair (MC, gold-plated)  
  
• Unbalanced: RCA pair (MM/MC, gold-plated)  
  Ground terminal
  
• Power Supply: AC 100–240V, 50/60 Hz (AC adapter, GPE018S-120100-Z)  
  
• Power Consumption: <2.0W (operating), <0.3W (standby)  
  
• Dimensions (W x H x D):  17.1" x 5.8" x 13.8" (450 x 148 x 351 mm, dust cover closed)  
  17.1" x 16.5" x 16.1" (450 x 420 x 410 mm, dust cover open)  
  17.1" x 5.3" x 13.8" (450 x 135 x 351 mm, dust cover removed)
  
• Weight: 23.2 lbs (10.5 kg)  
  
• Finish: Black Marble (synthetic marble top, piano black MDF)  
  
• Warranty: Contact authorized dealer for details  
  

What’s Included  

• TEAC TN-5BB Manual Belt-Drive Turntable  
  
• 45 RPM adapter  
  
• Counterweight  
  
• Headshell (Ortofon 2M RED pre-installed)  
  
• Acrylic platter  
  
• Flat belt  
  
• Pulley cover  
  
• Detachable acrylic dust cover  
  
• 2 hinges  
  
• 4 foot height adjustment washers  
  
• Hex wrench (arm height adjustment)  
  
• RCA audio cable  
  
• Ground wire  
  
• AC adapter (GPE018S-120100-Z)  
  
• Cartridge alignment gauge  
  
• User manual  

Perfect For

• Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity vinyl playback with balanced MC output  
  
• Vinyl enthusiasts wanting precise tracking and vintage 78 RPM compatibility  
  
• Music lovers valuing TEAC’s craftsmanship and luxurious, high-performance design