TEAC Audio TN-5BB Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

TEAC Audio TN-5BB Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

Experience studio-grade vinyl playback with the TEAC Audio TN-5BB — a precision belt-drive turntable built for audiophiles and serious vinyl aficionados.

Product Description

The TEAC Audio TN-5BB is a high-performance manual belt-drive turntable designed to bring out the full nuance and detail of your vinyl collection. Its hybrid chassis of synthetic marble, Japanese washi paper and MDF is engineered to suppress unwanted vibration and resonance for clearer sound. 

Equipped with a 20 mm thick acrylic platter and a DC motor with an optical servo system (PRS3), the TN-5BB delivers highly stable rotation across three speeds: 33⅓ rpm, 45 rpm and 78 rpm.

The tonearm is a static-balanced S-shaped design in collaboration with SAEC, featuring a knife-edge bearing and full height (VTA) adjustment for optimal cartridge alignment. 

For connectivity, the TN-5BB offers both unbalanced RCA outputs and true professional-grade XLR balanced outputs — a rare feature at this level — allowing you to integrate with high-end phono preamps or balanced studio gear for cleaner signal paths. 

 The model comes pre-fitted with an Ortofon 2M RED moving-magnet cartridge, so you can begin playback right out of the box while retaining upgrade potential. 

Key Specifications

• Drive system: Rotation-detection type high-precision control belt drive 
  
• Speeds: 33⅓ rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm 
  
• Wow & flutter: 0.1% or less 
  
• Platter: Acrylic 30 cm diameter, 20 mm thick 
  
• Tonearm: Static-balanced S-shaped, effective length 223 mm 
  
• Cartridge: Pre-installed Ortofon 2M RED (MM type) 
  
• Outputs: XLR balanced ×1 pair, RCA unbalanced ×1 pair 
  
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 450 × 148 × 351 mm (with dust cover closed) 
  
• Weight: Approx. 10.5 kg (23.2 lbs) 
  

Top 20 Questions About TEAC Audio TN-5BB

What cartridge comes with the TEAC Audio TN-5BB?
The TN-5BB ships with the Ortofon 2M RED moving-magnet cartridge pre-installed, allowing immediate playback.

Does the TEAC Audio TN-5BB include a built-in phono preamp?
No. The TN-5BB does not include an internal phono equaliser; you’ll need an external phono stage or integrated amplifier with a phono input to use this turntable.

What speeds does the TEAC Audio TN-5BB support?
The TN-5BB supports 33⅓ rpm, 45 rpm and 78 rpm, covering most LPs, EPs and vintage 78s.

Can I upgrade the cartridge on the TEAC Audio TN-5BB?
Yes. The tonearm supports typical moving-magnet and some moving-coil cartridges within the specified weight range and uses a standard headshell mount, so you can upgrade in the future.

What drive system does the TEAC Audio TN-5BB use?
It uses a precision belt-drive system with optical platter rotation sensing and servo control (PRS3) for tight speed stability.

How does the TEAC Audio TN-5BB manage vibration and resonance?
The TN-5BB deploys a hybrid chassis using synthetic marble, washi paper and MDF to isolate motor vibration from the tonearm and platter for quieter backgrounds.

What wow & flutter performance does the TEAC Audio TN-5BB achieve?
The manufacturer specifies wow & flutter of 0.1% or less on the TN-5BB.

Can I connect the TEAC Audio TN-5BB to a high-end balanced phono stage?
Yes — it offers XLR balanced outputs in addition to RCA, enabling connection to phono stages or amplifiers that accept balanced input for reduced noise and improved signal integrity.

What power specification does the TEAC Audio TN-5BB use?
The unit is powered via an external AC adapter and supports AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, consuming 2.0 W or less in playback.

Is the tonearm height adjustable on the TEAC Audio TN-5BB?
Yes. The height of the tonearm base (VTA) can be adjusted over a range of approximately 6 mm to optimise cartridge alignment.

What is the effective tonearm length on the TEAC Audio TN-5BB?
The effective arm length is 223 mm.

Does the TEAC Audio TN-5BB include automatic tonearm lift or end-of-side stop?
Yes. It includes a powered arm-lifter and automatic arm lift at the end of playback if enabled.

What is the recommended cartridge weight for the TEAC Audio TN-5BB?
Suitable cartridge weight is approximately 4.0 g to 13.0 g (14 g to 23 g including headshell) on the tonearm.

Is the TEAC Audio TN-5BB suitable for vintage 78 rpm records?
Yes — the TN-5BB supports 78 rpm speed, making it suitable for many vintage 78-rpm discs.

Does the TEAC Audio TN-5BB come with a dust cover?
Yes — the unit comes with an acrylic dust cover included.

What is the warranty on the TEAC Audio TN-5BB?
The manufacturer warranty is typically one year from the date of purchase. (Please confirm exact terms with your retailer.)

What finish options are available for the TEAC Audio TN-5BB?
The TN-5BB is available in finishes such as “Black Marble” or “Macassar Ebony” depending on region and retailer.

Is the TEAC Audio TN-5BB ready to play out of the box?
Yes — it includes the cartridge, headshell, belt, dust cover and cabling (RCA audio cable, ground wire and AC adapter) so you can set it up and start playing with minimal additional purchases.

What kind of audio systems pair well with the TEAC Audio TN-5BB?
The TN-5BB pairs well with high-quality phono preamps (especially balanced types), premium amplifiers and quality speakers, enabling you to maximise its high-fidelity potential. For full benefit use a solid support shelf and proper setup.

For assistance or product questions regarding the TEAC Audio TN-5BB…
For assistance or product questions, call 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to reach our team at All Elite Audio, your authorized Maryland dealer with a full home audio showroom.