Teac TS-80

[audiozinzin]

Posts sur AUDIOASYLUM, mais pas de schéma ou photo de l'intérieur


I found a Teac turntable, model TS-85 "Magnefloat". I bought the unit because it was so intriguing (read below) and the price was right...
I found a few references to "Magnefloat" but they mention a direct-drive system with a similar magnetic repulsion platter "suspension", apparently similar to Verdier.
The TS-85 is a belt-drive table, switchable between 110/220V and between 50/60 Hz. Dimensions are about 22x16x7 inches and weight is close to 30 lbs, so it's not a toy!
The platter is 12" dia. and the main bearing shaft is about 9/16" dia. - nothing flimsy whatsoever. The tonearm is 12" and is nicely machined.
The unit includes a built-in MC transformer, just like the other "MagneFloat" units I read about.
I haven't had a chance to set it up and listen. Looks like the tonearm is complete but not set up right, so that will take some time to resolve.
If you're familiar with this unit then I'd appreciate your comments and any information you can add.


Here are some more details. The belt is original (its small plastic case actually says "Magnefloat"), and it's about 1/4" wide. The cartridge is a Shure V15-II, but the stylus has seen better days. It is "salvaged" vintage, so can't complain too much about minor imperfections...
The power switch and 33/45 buttons are linked mechanically, unlike the TN400, which apparently used capacitive "touch" buttons.
There wasn't much of a choice for the design of the speed selection. The unit does not use electronic speed control, like the direct-drive TN400. Instead, it relies on an accurate line frequency. What's interesting is that you can select the line frequency (by means of an internal switch) between 50 and 60 Hz.
The 33/45 speed change is mechanical, by moving the belt up or down on the belt shaft, similar to many belt-driven turntables. It's intereting to note that the cover of those buttons (on the left side) is attached to the cabinet with three small magnets and is easily removable. This seems to be original from the factory, so I wonder if the belt required frequent manual adjustments.
The removable armboard is made of hard composite (i.e. plastic...) and is secured by two large screws and clamped down by the weight of the whole assembly. Attached to it is a small grounded metal box, which contains the low-level signal wires, a pair of MC transformers and the RCA jacks and ground terminal (on the back side of the unit).
Also interesting to note that the wood cabinet stands on four massive feet, which extend into a "hockey puck" inside the cabinet. And I thought that this kind of vibration damping is a recent concept!