TEAC TN-4D

amazon TEAC TN-4D reviews

TEAC has officially released a turntable model called TN-4D. The TN-4D is TEAC’s first direct-drive turntable to feature a brushless motor and use a knife-edge bearing arm designed by SAEC.

Turntable Overview TEAC TN-4D

1. Using the S-shaped Tonearm

The machine uses an S-shaped tonearm produced in cooperation with SAEC – a very famous brand with the SAEC WE-4700 model. During the heyday of analog audio, SAEC used to have infamous tonearms such as the SAEC 407/23, 308SX, and 506/30.

Compared to tonearms that use axial bearings, the pivot end of the shaft exerts pressure on the bearing at all times. If the bearing is not good or used for too long without maintenance, there will be a lot of friction. That makes the tonearm movement no longer fast, clean and precise.

Knife-edge bearing Tonearm uses two small blades as support for axial movement. This blade is made of very strong steel. The blade is honed and calculated so that the blade contact is as small as possible, resulting in the smooth movement for the Tonearm.

The sound of the knife-edge bearing levers is outstanding, with a clear, airy sound with good depth. The TN-4D will not allow VTA customization. However, other necessary features such as anti-slip, counterweight are still fully present.

2. Sumiko Oyster, Plinth, and Platter

The needle that comes with the rod is Sumiko Oyster; this is a good needle in the entry-level segment with a sweet and thick sound, soft mids and treble, warm bass, and quite-good dynamics.

The plinth of TN-4D and platter is not much different from TN-400BT. Still, the MDF board covered with real wood veneer looks elegant and modern. Large metal anti-vibration feet make the wheel stand out, attracting more eyes.

TN-4D supports two speeds of 33 and 45 rounds. Acceleration and speed compensation is quite fast. The motor has low torque, so it works smoothly and quietly without making any noise.

3. Design and Features

The headshell of the TEAC TN-4D turntable uses a detachable SME socket. Suitable for those who need to upgrade later.

Another good point is that the needle-lowering mechanism is extremely safe, taking less than 5 seconds for the needle tip to touch the plate. TN-4D is a direct drive wheel, does not use a belt to drive.

4. Integrated phono

TEAC equips TN-4D with phono circuit compatible with MM cartridge. Actual testing with the Dali Callisto 6C speaker shows that TN-4D has a warm, sweet, thick sound, moderate space, and is especially easy to listen. The included Sumiko Oyster needle has a force of 2.3g. The output voltage is up to 4mV and the phono integrated into the tray uses the NJM8080 Op-amp, so the volume is very strong, loud, and clear.

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TEAC TN-4D Turntable Sound Review

For a closer test, the tray was played with a sound system including Amplifier Moon 340iX, Totem Forest Signature speakers, ZMF Eikon headphones. The two phonos used in the lesson are the built-in phono of the TN-4D and the Moon 310LP phono.

The discs tested were Idle Moments by Grant Green and Quiet Nights by Diana Krall. When listening on the TEAC TN-4D, these two discs are extremely impressed by the quiet background and deep and wide space.

Idle Moments

Idle Moments is played with a slow and gentle Blues style. Grant Green’s guitar solos are highly detailed with dense harmonics. Besides, this tray also shows Joe Henderson’s characteristic husky, thick and warm sax voice in an attractive way. Most importantly, it always gives the recording a good sound field, clear space. However, the timbre of this ‘integrated’ combo is a bit lacking in terms of tonal clarity. Sumiko Oyster is a dark MM needle, emphasizing the mids and lows.

Disc Quiet Nights

Diana Krall’s Quiet Nights, It Could Happen To You version feels right. Diana Krall’s characteristically powerful, husky, and warm voice is conveyed with good clarity. Also, in Quiet Nights, while mid and treble are both bright spots, the bass is quite slow and a bit tired. If you switch to Moon 310LP, the result is an improved bass in dynamics, power, and force. The tighter the mids and treble become, the more dynamics increase significantly.

In addition, the details in the high range, such as the drum kit or the piano fly, are more glittering. That is also an acoustic feature of Moon by Simaudio’s audio products. Those who like bright, detailed sound can refer to Project’s Phono Box S2 or iPhono 3 Black Label.

Goodbye

It can be temporarily concluded that the integrated phono circuit on the TN-4D is only popular. To take advantage of the Tonearm and accompanying needle effectively, you should upgrade the phono stage. In addition, replacing the heavy, higher-quality headshell will also improve the sound significantly. Because the Tonearm uses knife-edge bearing, it prefers headshells and heavy needles.

The TEAC TN-4D is a very serious competitor in the VND 20,000,000 segment, which can be considered the best option in the price range. The direct-drive design allows the TN-4D to work extremely stably and comes with a fine tonearm and included needle. TEAC TN-4D possesses good sound quality and has an elegant and attractive design, which can be placed as a display object to add elegance to the listening space.