Turntables — TEAC TN-4D-SE

The TN-4D-SE is a direct-drive turntable from TEAC, sharing chassis dimensions with the TN-3B-SE while offering direct-drive operation and a factory-fitted SUMIKO Oyster cartridge. The TN-4D-SE brings TEAC's more accomplished current engineering to a comprehensive, ready-to-play analogue package.

Key specs that matter

Two speeds are supported - 33 and 45rpm - via direct-drive using a DC motor, providing stable long-term speed consistency compared with the belt-drive TN-3B-SE. The aluminium die-cast platter is chosen for favourable dimensional stability. The factory-installed SUMIKO Oyster MM cartridge is a well-regarded accessible moving-magnet design. Wow and flutter is 0.1%, with signal-to-noise at 67dB, matching the TN-3B-SE. At 420 x 117 x 356mm and 6.1kg, the TN-4D-SE shares identical chassis dimensions with the TN-3B-SE at a somewhat greater weight reflecting the direct-drive motor.

Sound and use context

Expect stable, precise rotational speed reflecting the direct-drive mechanism's inherent advantages, combined with the well-regarded factory-fitted SUMIKO Oyster cartridge's capable performance straight out of the box.

Pairing

Because the SUMIKO Oyster cartridge ships pre-installed, the TN-4D-SE arrives ready to play directly with any amplifier offering a phono input.

Alternatives

TEAC's own TN-3B-SE offers a belt-drive alternative with a different factory-fitted cartridge within the same broader turntable catalogue.