Turntables — TechDAS Air Force One

The Air Force One is a belt-driven turntable from TechDAS, the Japanese maker of high-end record players. It combines a floating air suspension with a choice of platter materials and belongs to the Air Force family, which also includes the Air Force IV and the Air Force V Premium.

Key specs that matter

Playback speeds are 33 and 45 rpm, and the deck is driven by an AC motor. Wow and flutter is rated at a very low 0.03%. The platter is forged from SUS316L non-magnetic stainless steel, with A7075 aluminium alloy offered as the alternative material. The main unit measures 680 x 480 mm and weighs 79 kg, and the separate power supply chassis measures 430 x 175 x 370 mm and weighs 14 kg.

Engineering and use context

Instead of conventional springs, the suspension uses air pressure to float the platter and arm assembly and isolate them from external vibration. A separate 14 kg chassis houses the power supply, away from the turntable itself.

Pairing

TechDAS supplies the Air Force One as a base platform without a tonearm or cartridge, so the arm and cartridge are chosen and configured around it separately.

Alternatives

The Air Force One Premium is the upgraded version of this turntable in the TechDAS range.