TEAC TN-3B-SE Manual Belt Drive Analog Turntable Owner’s Manual

TEAC TN-3B-SE Manual Belt Drive Analog Turntable

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION

• DO NOT REMOVE THE EXTERNAL CASES OR CABINETS TO
  EXPOSE THE ELECTRONICS. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE.

• IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PRODUCT, CONTACT THE STORE WHERE YOU PURCHASED THE UNIT FOR A SERVICE REFERRAL. DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED.

• USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
    • The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON position.
    • The mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
    • Caution should be taken when using earphones or headphones with the product because excessive sound pressure (volume) from earphones or headphones can cause hearing loss.

CAUTION

• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet so that you can easily reach the power cord plug at any time.

Before use

Included items

Check to be sure the box includes all the supplied accessories shown below. Please contact the store where you purchased this unit if any of these accessories are missing or have been damaged during transportation.

• Felt mat × 1

• 45 RPM adapter × 1

• Counterweight × 1

• Headshell × 1
  Audio-Technica VM type (dual magnet) stereo cartridge (AT-VM95E) preinstalled

• Platter × 1

• Flat belt × 1

• Pulley cover × 1

• RCA audio cable with grounding terminal × 1

• AC adapter (GPE053A-V120050) × 1

• Owner’s manual (this document) × 1

• See the back of this document for warranty information.

Precautions for use

• Do not place anything on the dust cover. Objects on the cover might cause noise due to vibrations or fall off, especially during playback.
• Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight, close to a source of heat or in other similar conditions. Do not place the unit on top of an amplifier or other equipment that might generate heat that exceeds the operating temperature range of this unit. Doing so could cause discoloration, deformation or malfunction.
• As the unit could become warm during operation, always leave sufficient space around it for ventilation. When installing this unit, leave a little space (at least 20 cm (8″)) between it and other devices and walls to allow good heat dissipation. When placing it in a rack, for example, leave at least 35 cm (13  3/4″) open above it and 10  cm (4″) open behind it. Failure to provide these gaps could cause heat to build up inside and result in fire.
• DO NOT MOVE THE UNIT DURING PLAYBACK. During playback, the record rotates. Do not lift or move the unit during playback. Doing so may damage the record, the stylus, the cartridge or the unit.
• Always remove the record before relocating or moving this unit. Moving the unit with a record on the platter could damage the record, the stylus and the cartridge or could cause a malfunction.
• The voltage supplied to the unit should match the voltage as printed on the rear panel. If you are in any doubt regarding this matter, consult an electrician.

Maintenance

If the surface of the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a soft cloth or use diluted mild liquid soap. Allow the surface of the unit to dry completely before using.

• Do not use chemical cleaning cloths, thinner or similar substances as they could damage the surface of the unit.

CAUTION
For safety, disconnect the power cord from the socket before cleaning.

Using the TEAC International Site

You can download updates for this unit from the TEAC International Site: https://teac.jp/int/
Click Language at the top right of the page and select the desired country or region to access a page in the corresponding language.

Handling records

When holding a record or removing it from its sleeve, avoid touching the grooves by holding the record by its label and edge with one hand or by holding it by its edge with both hands.

Cleaning

• Fingerprints and dust on a record can cause noise and the sound to skip, as well as damage the record itself and the stylus. Use a commercially-available record cleaner to clean records. Do not use thinner or anything other than a record cleaner. Such chemicals could harm the surface of the record.
• When using a record cleaner, wipe the surface of the record in a circular motion, following the grooves.

Precautions for use

• Do not leave records in places that are exposed to direct sunlight or are very hot or very humid. Leaving a record in such a condition for a long time could result in warping, mold growth or other damage.
• Do not stack multiple records or place heavy objects on top of them. Do not leave records at an angle for long amounts of time, either. Doing so could result in warping or other damage.
• Do not allow hard objects to directly touch the audio grooves. Doing so could cause scratches.
• After you finish playing a record, always put it back into its sleeve for storage. Leaving a record unprotected could result in warping or scratching.
• Do not use cracked records.

Preparing the record player

Keep the unit in standby while setting it up ( E on page 5).

1. Cushions are attached to the tonearm for use during transportation. Remove them in the directions of the arrows.

2. Place the unit on a flat surface. Place it on a flat surface so that the record can be accurately traced.

3. Install the platter. Align the platter with the center shaft and install it. Place the large side of the hole down.

4. Loop the belt around the motor pulley. Loop the included flat belt around the outside of the platter, and then loop the belt around the motor pulley.

   • Be careful not to let the rubber become twisted.
   • Rotate the platter several times to make sure that the flat belt is secure.

5. Install the pulley cover.
   Align the small cutout in the pulley cover with the small protuberance on the pulley, as shown in the illustration below. If these are not aligned, the pulley cover will slant.

6. Place the felt mat on the platter. Place the included felt mat on the platter before using it.

7. Install the counterweight. Place the counterweight over the end of the tonearm, and press it gently as you turn it right to attach it. When the counterweight can be moved toward the bearing, installation is complete.

8. Install the headshell. Insert the headshell on the end of the tonearm and turn the nut to secure it in place.

Balancing the tonearm and adjusting  the tracking force

1. Set the anti-skating dial to zero.
2. Move the tonearm clasp to the right to release the tonearm.
3. Raise the tonearm lifter lever and shift the tonearm to the left slightly.
4. Lower the tonearm lifter lever.
5. Turn the counterweight and adjust so that the tonearm is level.
   • Remove the protective cap from the cartridge stylus before adjusting.
   • Be careful not to let the cartridge stylus touch the unit.
6. Return the tonearm to its original posi-tion, and use the clasp to lock it.
7. Turn the tracking force adjustment ring so that the center line aligns with 0 on the scale.
   • Only turn the ring. Be careful not to let the counter-weight turn.
8. Turn the counterweight so that the tracking force adjustment ring scale matches the tracking force specified for the cartridge.
   • The tracking force of the included cartridge is 2.0 g. So, turn it to 2 on the counterweight scale when using the included cartridge.
   • Turn it in the direction of the arrow in the illustration above so that the value changes from 0 to 1 to 2.
9. Adjust the anti-skating dial. Start with it set at 2 and adjust it during record playback (page 6) to the position where the left and right volumes are balanced.

ATTENTION

• Depending on the condition of a record, the left-right volume balance could become uneven and skipping could occur.
• In such cases, try making the following adjustments.
• If the sound jumps backward (stylus skips backward) Slightly lower the anti-skating dial setting.
• If the sound jumps forward (stylus skips forward) Slightly increase the anti-skating dial setting.

Connections

• A Grounding terminal

  • Use the grounding wire of the included RCA audio cable to connect this connector to the grounding terminal of the amplifier, for example. This is NOT an electrical safety ground.
  • If noise from speakers is conspicuous
    If connecting the grounding wire of the audio cable to the grounding terminal of this unit does not reduce noise, disconnect the grounding wire and check the sound again. Use the method (connected/disconnected) that has the least noise.

• B Analog audio output connectors (L/R)

  • These output analog audio signals.
  • The PHONO EQ switch setting changes the type of output signal.
  • Use the included audio cable (or commercially-available ones) to connect other equipment to the output connectors of this unit.

• C PHONO EQ (audio output setting) switch

  • ON
    Signals that have been amplified by the built-in equalizer amp are output from the analog audio output connectors (L/R).

  • THRU
    The MC or MM cartridge signal is output directly through the analog audio output connectors (L/R). Connect to a device with phono inputs, such as a phono equalization preamplifier or an amplifier with phono input connectors. When shipped new from the factory, this is set to ON.
    CAUTION
    When set to ON, if connected to the PHONO inputs of an amplifier, for example, the output from speakers and headphones will be very loud, which could damage equipment or harm hearing.

• DC input connector

  • After completing all other connections, connect the included AC adapter to this connector.
  • Confirm that the power plug of the AC adapter is plugged into a power outlet.
  • Do not use any AC adapter other than the one included.
  • The included AC adapter has plugs that can be changed. Attach the plug that suits the region where it is being used.
  • Warning
  • Be sure to connect the power cord to an AC outlet that supplies the correct voltage. Connection to an outlet that supplies incorrect voltage could cause fire or electric shock.
  • Hold the power plug when plugging it into an outlet or unplugging it. Never pull or yank on the power cord.
  • Unplug the power cord from the outlet when you are not planning to use the unit for an extended period of time.

• E STANDBY/ON button

  • Press the STANDBY/ON button to turn the unit on or put it in standby.

Dust cover

Attaching the dust cover

1. Insert the hinges completely into the hinge holders at the left and right ends of the back of the main unit.
2. Align the tops of the hinges with the dust cover hinge holders and insert them.
   • Close the dust cover during playback. Since doing this pre- vents skipping caused by unintended contact and blocks external sound pressure, it makes noise less likely to occur.
   • Do not open or close it when a record is playing. Doing so could, for example, cause the stylus to skip.
   • Keep it closed whenever possible to keep dust out.

Removing the dust cover
Hold both edges of the dust cover and lift it slowly to remove it along with the hinges from the unit. Then, remove the hinges from the dust cover.

Opening and closing the dust cover

• Opening
  Hold the front edge of the dust cover and gently lift it open completely until it stops. The dust cover will stay open in this position.

• Closing
  Gently lower the dust cover until it is closed.

WARNING
Be careful not to pinch your fingers, for example, when opening and closing the dust cover.

Names and functions of parts

• a Platter
  Place records centered on the platter.

• b Counterweight

• c Tracking force adjustment ring

• d Anti-skating dial

• e Tonearm lifter lever
  Use to raise and lower the tonearm. We recommend using the tonearm lifter lever to avoid damaging records and styluses because it is safer and more certain than using a finger to do so.

• f Tonearm holder
  This is a rest for the tonearm. Move the clasp to the right to release the tonearm before playing a record.

• g Tonearm

• h Rotation speed setting knob
  Select the rotation speed indicated on the record to be played. Rotation will stop when this is set to 0.

• i Headshell
  This is a universal type that allows the cartridge to be changed easily.

Basic operation

Playing records
Remove the protective cap from the cartridge stylus before using the turntable.

1. Press the STANDBY/ON button on the back of the unit to turn it on.

2. Open the dust cover slowly.
   Be careful not to pinch your hand, for example, when opening and closing the dust cover.

3. Place a record on the platter.
   When playing a 45 RPM large-hole single record, use the included adapter.

4. Select the rotation speed indicated on the record.
   The rotation speed can be set to 33 1/3 or 45 RPM.

5. Move the tonearm clasp to the right to release the tonearm.

6. Raise the tonearm lifter lever.
   This raises the tonearm lifter, keeping the tonearm up, so the stylus will not contact the record even if the tonearm is moved over it.

   • You can also manually move the tonearm to above the record without raising the tonearm lifter lever and then slowly lower the tonearm to start playback.

7. Move the tonearm to the track where you want to start playback.

8. Lower the tonearm lifter lever.
   The tonearm lowers slowly until the stylus touches the record and playback begins.

   • Close the dust cover during playback. Since doing this prevents skipping caused by unintended contact and blocks external sound pressure, it makes noise less likely to occur.
     WARNING: V Do not place anything on the dust cover.

ATTENTION

• During playback, do not touch the tonearm or the record. Doing so could damage the stylus tip and cause scratches on the record.
• Do not forcibly stop platter rotation during playback. Since this product is not a turntable designed for DJs (direct drive), doing something like this could cause malfunction.

During record playback, feedback could occur if the volume is too loud. If this happens, lower the volume of the amplifier.

When playback finishes

1. Raise the tonearm lifter lever to separate the stylus from the record and return the tonearm to its original position.
2. Turn the rotation speed setting knob to 0 to stop the platter.

Notes about record styluses

• If the stylus becomes bent (damaged), it will no longer be able to accurately trace the groove. Since a bent stylus could also damage records and cause malfunction, handle styluses carefully.
• Always use a commercially-available stylus cleaner to clean a stylus. Use of anything other than a stylus cleaner could damage the stylus.

Replacing the stylus

If the tip of the stylus becomes worn, not only will it worsen the sound quality, it could also damage records. After about 300 hours of playback time, replace the stylus with one that we specify.
Please use an Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E replacement stylus.

• An Audio-Technica AT-VM95E VM Type cartridge is installed in this unit. (The body of the replacement stylus for the installed cartridge is green.)
  NOTE: VM type cartridges have the same characteristics as MM type cartridges.

• Follow the replacement instructions in the manual of the replacement stylus.

ATTENTION

• Since loud noises could suddenly occur, put the unit into standby before changing the stylus.
• Be careful not to hurt your hand or the equipment.
• Be careful not to allow small children to accidentally swallow styluses.
• Be aware that bent styluses, for example, that result from insufficient customer caution or an outside cause are not covered by the warranty.

Changing the cartridge

To change the cartridge, first remove the headshell from the tonearm.

• An Audio-Technica AT-VM95E VM Type cartridge is installed in this unit.
  NOTE: VM type cartridges have the same characteristics as MM type cartridges.

• We recommend that you attach the protective cap to the cartridge stylus before doing this task.

1. Disconnect the shell lead terminals from the cartridge.

2. Loosen the screws and remove the cartridge.

3. Attach the new cartridge and tighten the screws.
   See the illustration below for the position of the screws when attached.

4. Connect the shell lead terminals to the cartridge. The signals and colors of the shell leads are shown below.

5. Balance the tonearm and adjust the tracking force. Follow the procedures in “Balancing the tonearm and adjusting the tracking force” on page 4.

Precautions when changing the cartridge
The weight of cartridges that can be used with this unit is limited. See “Tonearm” on page  9. Also check the acceptable cartridge weight (with the included headshell) shown on the same page when changing the headshell.

Using MC cartridges
The equalizer amplifier built into this unit is for MM cartridges. It does not support MC cartridges. To use an MC cartridge, connect this unit to a phono equalizer amplifier that supports MC cartridges or an amplifier with an MC phono input connector, for example. Then, set this unit’s PHONO EQ (audio output) setting switch to THRU.

Troubleshooting

If you experience a problem with this unit, please check the fol-lowing items before requesting service. Something other than this unit could also be the cause of the problem. Please also check that the connected devices are also being used properly. If it still does not operate correctly, contact the retailer where you purchased the unit.

No power.

• Confirm that the AC adapter is plugged into an outlet. Then, press the STANDBY/ON button to turn the unit on (pages 5 and 6).

The platter will not rotate.

• Press the STANDBY/ON button to turn the unit on (pages 5 and 6).
• Loop the belt around the motor pulley (page 4).
• Adjust the rotation speed setting knob to the rotation speed indicated on the record (page 6).

The platter rotation speed is not right.

• Confirm that the rotation speed setting knob is set to 33 and that it rotates about 100 times in 3 minutes.

The tonearm does not go down even when the tonearm lifter lever is lowered.

• Balance the tonearm and readjust the tracking force (page 4).

Sound is odd or breaks up.

• Check the connectors connected to the amplifier, and set the PHONO EQ (audio output) setting switch (page 5).

The pitch is wrong.

• Select the rotation speed indicated on the record (page 6).

There is no sound.

• When connecting this unit’s analog audio output con-nectors to the audio input connectors of an amplifier or other equipment, set the PHONO EQ (audio output setting) switch to ON (page 5).

Playback is not possible; there is noise.

• Remove the protective cap from the cartridge stylus before using the turntable.
• Reconnect RCA audio cables.
• Fingerprints and dust on a record can cause noise and the sound to skip. Use a commercially-available record cleaner to clean records (page 3).
• Clean the stylus (page 7).
• If the stylus is worn-out, replace it (page  7). The need for stylus replacement depends on use conditions, but we recommend replacement after about 300 hours of use.
• Place the unit as far away as possible from TVs, micro-wave ovens and other devices that emit electromagnetic waves.
• Plug the AC adapter into a different outlet.

Noise occurs when a record is playing.

• Noise could occur if the tracking force is higher than car-tridge’s specified value. Readjust the tracking force so that it is the specified value (page 4).

The sound is skipping.

• Vibrations will cause skipping. Place this unit in a stable location.
• Clean the record.
• Do not use scratched records.
• Balance the tonearm and readjust the tracking force (page  4). The stylus and sound might skip if the track-ing force is lower than the cartridge’s specified value.
• If the stylus is bent, replace it.

Specifications

Platter

• Drive system ………………………………….. Belt drive
• Motor ……………………………………….. DC motor
• Rotation speed……………………….. 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm
• Wow and flutter……………………………… 0.1% or less
• SN ratio …………… 67 dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF)
• Platter……………………………….. Aluminum die-cast 30cm (12″) diameter

Tonearm

• Tonearm type ……………Static-balanced S-shaped tonearm
• Effective tonearm length ………………………… 223 mm
• Tracking force variation range ………………………. 0–5 g
• Acceptable cartridge weight …………………….. 3.0–12 g14–23 g (with the included headshell)

Cartridge

• Type ………………………………VM (equivalent to MM)

• Output voltage…………………….. 4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)

• Tracking force ……………… 1.8–2.2 g (2.0 g recommended)

• Cartridge weight …………………………………… 6.1 g

• Included headshell weight 11 g (including screws, nuts and wires)

  • The need for stylus replacement depends on use conditions, but we recommend replacement after about 300 hours of use.

  • An Audio-Technica AT-VM95E VM Type cartridge is installed in this unit. (The body of the replacement stylus for the installed car-tridge is green.)
    Note: VM type cartridges have the same characteristics as MM type cartridges.

  • Replacement stylus model: Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E

Output voltage

• PHONO EQ THRU…………………… 4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• PHONO EQ ON ………………………… 224 mV (−13 dBV)
• Output connectors…………………………………. RCA

General
AC adapter power

• Input……………………. AC 100 V – AC 240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Output………………………………. DC 12 V, 500 mA

Power consumption

• Standby…………………………………. 0.5 W or less

• On (33, 45) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 W or less

• Weight…………………………………. 5.0 kg (11 1/8 lb)

• Operating temperature range …………………. 5°C to 35°C

• Dimensions (W × H × D) (including protrusions)

  • When the dust cover is closed
    420 × 117 × 356 mm (16 5/8″ × 4 5/8″ × 14 1/8″)

  • When the dust cover is open
    420 × 381 × 402 mm (16 5/8″ × 15″ × 15 7/8″)

  • When the dust cover is removed
    420 × 102 × 356 mm (16 5/8″ × 4 1/8″ × 14 1/8″)

• Performance data is specified at 20°C.

Included items

• Felt mat × 1

• 45 RPM adapter × 1

• Counterweight × 1

• Headshell × 1
  Audio-Technica VM type (dual magnet) stereo cartridge (AT-VM95E) preinstalled

• Platter × 1

• Flat belt × 1

• Pulley cover × 1

• RCA audio cable with grounding terminal × 1

• AC adapter (GPE053A-V120050) × 1

• Owner’s manual (this document) × 1

1. See the back of this document for warranty information.
2. Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
3. Weight and dimensions are approximate.
4. Illustrations in this owner’s manual might differ slightly from production models.

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>