Yamaha TT-S303
The TT-S303 brings warm, rich vinyl playback with an open, rhythmically engaging character that lets records flow naturally. TECH REVIEWS found its speed performance impressively steady for the class, while the detachable headshell adds welcome flexibility. Partner it with a quality phono input and this unfussy belt-drive deck reveals its most musical side.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
84/100
Build Quality
79/100
Features Usability
84/100
Value for Money
86/100
Pros
Warm, balanced and rhythmically engaging sound through a quality external phono stage.
Good measured speed stability for its class, with performance reported ahead of the JBL BT Spinner.
Detachable headshell makes stylus or cartridge changes straightforward.
Cons
Built-in phono stage reduces soundstage scale, drive, dynamics and detail compared with a good external phono input.
Dynamic contrast and bass punch fall behind similarly priced rivals such as the Rega Planar 2.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 84/100
With a proper external phono stage, the TT-S303 is described as warm, rich, rhythmically engaging and nicely balanced. Its included phono stage is the clear weak point: the review reports a collapsed soundstage, reduced drive and dynamics, and detail obscured by a woolly character.
Overall Sound
85/100
Used with a good phono input, the Yamaha brings musical rhythm to life and delivers a warm, rich presentation that flows naturally. The reviewer notes some woolliness in guitar tone, while the internal phono stage substantially reduces dynamic contrast, detail and spaciousness.
Speed Stability
86/100
Measured speed was 0.32% slow at 33⅓rpm, with 0.47% wow and flutter. The reviewer calls this a good result at the price and reports better measured performance than the JBL BT Spinner.
Tonearm Performance
82/100
The straight arm and detachable headshell provide useful cartridge-service flexibility. The reviewer considers its quality below Yamaha's TT-N503, but says it is far from the worst arm available in this class.
Noise Isolation
84/100
The TT-S303 is reported to be reasonably resistant to vibration when installed on a flat, stable surface. The review found no noticeable resonances under those conditions, though it does not describe unusually advanced isolation hardware.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
79/100
Construction comprises a lightweight MDF base, a thin die-cast aluminium platter and silicone-belt drive. This is straightforward, competent budget-oriented engineering rather than a particularly substantial or heavily damped platform.
Features Usability
84/100
The switchable built-in phono stage allows connection to line-level inputs, while the detachable headshell makes cartridge changes less awkward. Electronic 33⅓/45rpm operation and an included MM cartridge support straightforward everyday use, although sound quality is markedly better through an external phono stage.
Value for Money
86/100
At the listed $699.95 price, the reviewer calls the TT-S303 a decent budget turntable when partnered with a proper phono stage. Its measured speed result is also reported as better than the JBL BT Spinner, though buyers should allow for an external phono input or phono preamp to hear it at its best.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Drive Method
- Belt drive
- Motor
- DC motor
- Rotation Speed
- 33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm
- Rotation Speed Variation
- ±2%
- Wow And Flutter
- 0.2%
- Platter
- Aluminium die-cast (Diameter 30 cm)
- Output Level
- 140 mV (-17 dBV, with RIAA EQ), 2.5 mV ± 3 dBV (without RIAA EQ, 1 kHz, 3.54 cm / sec)
- Signal To Noise Ratio
- 67 dB or higher (A-weighted, 20 kHz, LPF)
- Tonearm
- Static balance straight tonearm
- Effective Arm Length
- 223.5 mm
- Overhang
- 19 mm
- Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range
- 0-4 g
- Acceptable Cartridge Weight
- 15.5-19 g (including headshell)
- Cartridge Type
- MM type
- Output Voltage
- 2.5 mV (1 kHz, 3.54 cm / sec)
- Stylus Pressure
- 3.5 ± 0.5 g
- Cartridge Weight
- 5.0 ± 0.3 g
- Cartridge Height
- 17.0 ± 0.7 mm
- Headshell Weight
- 10 g (including screws, nuts and wires)
- Output Terminal
- RCA: 1 (PHONO)
- Power Consumption
- 1.5 W
- Standby Power Consumption
- 0.1 W
- Dimension (W×H×D)
- 17-3/4” x 5-3/8” x 14-1/2”
- Weight
- 10.6 lbs.
Manufacturer's Description — Yamaha
TT-S303 Turntable
Create a listening experience with the Yamaha TT-S303 turntable. Yamaha heritage and a modern aesthetic designed to let you hear every detail in your vinyl collection. Pair with other Yamaha Hi-Fi components for exceptional sound and streaming capabilities.
- Static balanced straight tonearm creates accurate stylus pressure for accurate tracking and sound reproduction
- A rigid cabinet with large internal loss suppresses unnecessary vibration
- Belt-driven high inertia platter with DC motor to achieve stable rotation
- Built-in Phono Preamp for line or Phono output
- Yamaha piano black finish that shows off your style and your records
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
DISCOVER TRUE SOUND WITH VINYL
There's nothing like the nostalgic sound of vinyl to connect you with the music. Experts in sound, Yamaha boasts an enviable back-catalogue of Hi-Fi products that have shaped the way we listen to music. Some products have gone on to achieve iconic and even legendary status in Hi-Fi circles - touted for their quality, innovation, and trademark sound.
The TT-S303 signals a return of the Yamaha turntable - drawing inspiration and expertise from the company's unsurpassed musical roots.
There's nothing like the nostalgic sound of vinyl to connect you with the music. Experts in sound, Yamaha boasts an enviable back-catalogue of Hi-Fi products that have shaped the way we listen to music. Some products have gone on to achieve iconic and even legendary status in Hi-Fi circles - touted for their quality, innovation, and trademark sound.
The TT-S303 signals a return of the Yamaha turntable - drawing inspiration and expertise from the company's unsurpassed musical roots.
ICONIC SOUND
Each component of the TT-S303 was carefully chosen to contribute to rich, uncompressed reproduction. Enjoy superior sound thanks to the belt drive, which reduces vibration. The straight tonearm is made for stable tracking, and an external DC power supply cuts electronic interference. The result is unadulterated sound.
DESIGNED FOR HI-FI
The TT-S303 was designed with a sleek, minimalist appeal that elevates the look of your Hi-Fi setup.
Pair the TT-S303 with a MusicCast stereo receiver to add music streaming capabilities.
BUILT-IN PRE-AMP
Head-spinning simplicity. Designed with a built-in phono EQ amplifier, you have the option of connecting to a line input on an amp without a phono stage, or even to active speakers!
Alternatively, if you want to utilize the phono stage of your amplifier, switch the TT-S303 to phono output mode for the perfect pairing with your favorite amp.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Yamaha TT-S303
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 138 Quaiduson — online and in-store — Lille, Hauts-de-France, France (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sound Design — online and in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
and 264 more verified dealers