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TEAC- USA TEAC TN-3B-SE Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
The TN-3B-SE is a stylish, sleek-looking belt-driven turntable with a built-in MM-type PHONO EQ amplifier.
It employs a new tonearm with a knife-edge, pivot-point bearings, collaborated with SAEC, the high-end tonearm manufacturer, for superlative stability and resolution. The belt-drive mechanism, meanwhile, helps mitigate any unwanted cogging effects (i.e. fine pulsing) from the operation of the motor, to ensure a precise and smooth platter rotation. The TN-3B-SE also employs a VM-type cartridge the AT-VM95E manufactured by Audio-Technica and a high-precision NJM8080 op-amp in its in-built Phono EQ amplifier, allowing the user to enjoy the sound of their vinyl records with low distortion and in high quality.
The TN-3B-SE delivers natural and well-balanced sound quality and is quick and easy to set up and start enjoying. We believe it sets a new standard that will satisfy the needs of both audiophiles and ardent record collectors.
The TN-3B-SE's tone-arm from SAEC employs a knife-edge, pivot-point bearing. Unlike the case for tonearms with conventional bearings, any fine vertical movements that take place in this tone-arm actually help in delivering a more dynamic sound with excellent resolution. The S-shaped tone-arm also employs a universal head-shell fitting, allowing users to quickly and easily swap cartridges/head-shells, and supports a wide range of cartridge weights (from 14 - 23g / 0.5 - 0.8 oz.) 。
The static-balanced, S-shape tone-arm is equipped with a counterweight for precise stylus-pressure adjustment, as well as an anti-skating mechanism for accurate tracking force adjustment, allowing the cartridge to accurately play any quality vinyl disc.
A VM-type cartridge the AT-VM95E manufactured by audio-Technica with an elliptical-shaped stylus tip comes pre-installed on the head-shell for convenience. After you’ve opened the box, set up the platter, and mounted the head-shell on the tonearm, you'll be ready to enjoy your records.
* Replacement styli should be available at the retail store where you purchased the unit, or via the TEAC Online store. (TEAC On-line store is available in selected countries.)* The VM-series cartridge is a MM (Moving Magnet) type design and is compatible with all conventional MM-type phono EQ amplifiers.
The TN-3B-SE incorporates an MM-type phono EQ amplifier, allowing you to connect the turntable to a conventional amplifier/hi-fi system that lacks a PHONO input. A low distortion, hi-fi-grade op-amp, the NJM8080, is employed to boost the low-level signals from the phono cartridge up to LINE level.
A belt-drive arrangement is employed in order to minimize any motor cogging effects by driving the outer rim of the platter (which has a larger diameter, mass, and surface area).
All internal components are mounted on a robust and high-density MDF plinth for rigidity and vibration-deadening. Thanks to its sleek and stylish design, the TN-3B-SE looks at home in most domestic environments, creating the perfect setting for listening to vinyl records.
The TN-3B-SE supports 33-⅓ and 45 rpm for LP and EP records. Our insistence on quality engineering can even be seen in the construction of the rotary control for start-up/speed selection, formed of machined aluminum.
The insulating feet comprise a machined aluminum shell, topped with a rubber cushion that is fixed to the high-density MDF plinth. Thanks to their excellent shock absorption characteristics, the TN-3B-SE is very resistant to acoustic feedback.
In order to achieve a sleek cabinet design without compromising rigidity, the bottom panel is imprinted with a honeycomb pattern that minimizes unwanted vibrations.
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Usability
87/100
Value for Money
87/100
The TN-3B-SE pairs pinpoint speed stability with a remarkably fluid knife-edge tonearm, bringing uncommon poise to an approachable belt-drive deck. Old Guy Hifi found its VM95E cartridge and built-in phono stage notably capable, while the vibration-isolating feet, aluminium platter, and upgrade-friendly removable headshell make this a polished, engaging vinyl platform.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally accurate 33⅓ and 45rpm speed regulation supports stable, composed playback.
Low-friction knife-edge tonearm bearing delivers unusually smooth movement and performance beyond typical expectations at this level.
Supplied Audio-Technica VM95E cartridge and built-in moving-magnet phono stage perform strongly, with scope to upgrade cartridges and phono amplification.
Machined isolation feet effectively reduce vibration, complementing the well-made MDF plinth and aluminium platter.
&
Cons
No auto-stop at the record runout, so the platter continues spinning unless manually switched off.
No automatic start when the tonearm is cued; operation requires using the physical power switch.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
The review describes a pleasing, capable presentation across a wide range of music, with particular praise for the supplied Audio-Technica VM95E cartridge and the unexpectedly strong built-in phono stage. Accurate speed, a notably refined arm, and effective vibration control support a composed and engaging result.
Overall Sound
89/100
After several weeks and a varied listening selection, the reviewer found the TN-3B-SE performed very well and was pleasing to hear. The supplied VM95E elliptical cartridge was preferred to Ortofon OM Red and Blue alternatives, while the internal phono stage also exceeded expectations.
Speed Stability
92/100
Testing with an RPM-meter app found 33⅓rpm dead on and 45rpm reading 45.1rpm straight from the box. The reviewer characterises this regulation as about as accurate as one could reasonably expect.
Tonearm Performance
93/100
The knife-edge bearing receives especially strong praise for its extremely low-contact, low-friction movement. The reviewer says it rides very smoothly and performs far beyond what is normally expected at this price point.
Noise Isolation
90/100
The machined aluminium feet use a compliant rubber or silicone interface, which the reviewer says does a very good job isolating the deck from vibration. The review does not report motor, bearing, or rumble concerns.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
The TN-3B-SE is described as both attractive and well made, with a finish the reviewer considers audio jewellery. Its aluminium platter and machined isolation feet further suggest thoughtful execution, though the review offers little detail on long-term durability.
Features Usability
87/100
Useful inclusions include an internal phono preamp and the VM95E elliptical cartridge, allowing a more straightforward route into vinyl playback. The reviewer found the phono stage better than expected, and speed checks indicate the deck is ready to use without adjustment.
Value for Money
87/100
At its stated $529 price, the reviewer focuses more on performance than direct rival comparisons. At the $399 Black Friday price, however, they repeatedly call it a compelling purchase and good value, particularly as a gift or a self-contained vinyl setup.
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Authorized dealers for TEAC- USA TEAC TN-3B-SE Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
- 138 Quaiduson — online and in-store — Lille, Hauts-de-France, France (website)
- 2C Stereo — in-store — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (website)
- Absolute Sound (SG) — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analog Matters — online and in-store — Ormond Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
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