An Authentic Belt Drive Analog Turntable with XLR Balanced Output
Hybrid chassis with multi-material makeup suppresses unwanted vibrations
The chassis has a multilayer structure combining a heavy 36mm MDF baseplate with high internal loss and a 12mm synthetic marble with outstanding rigidity. (The weight of the cabinet is 8.8kg.) Great feedback resistance has been realized with this excellent rigidity and vibration suppression. The tone arm and platter are mounted on the synthetic marble top plate while the motor, which causes vibration, is mounted to the MDF base plate. These separate structures using these materials as dampers isolate the tone arm and motor from each other. An overall structure with outstanding stillness has been realized that reduces the transmission of vibrations from the motor to the tone arm.

Based on our experience using Japanese washi paper turntable sheets and after repeated listening tests; we determined that the appropriate thickness, washi paper is the best material to use as a washer between the synthetic marble and the MDF for achieving optimal sound balance. By using washi rather than rubber or metal, the original vitality of the sound can be drawn out when records are played back.
PRS3 belt drive structure supports accurate and stable platter rotation
Ideally, once started, platter rotation would continue by its own weight and inertia, but this is impossible, of course. The TN-5BB uses the belt drive method with a flat belt that transmits the power of the DC motor to the outer circumference of the platter. An optical sensor in the bottom of the platter detects the platter rotation speed, and an automatic rotation adjustment mechanism applies a servo to the motor in response. This Platter Rotation Sensing Servo System (PRS3) realizes high rotation precision that would be difficult to achieve with just inertia and a motor. Supporting three speeds, 33-⅓, 45 and 78 rpm, this turntable can play back old records as well as 78rpm records with high audio quality.