Table of Contents
Introduction
Since its release, the TN-300 has become the benchmark of high quality, which is not only due to its high quality sound but also the fact that it looks so elegant that it is more of a decorative piece in your lounge than a turntable.
The Teac TN-300 works right out of the box and we are glad to tell you that, in terms of performance, this record player will be worth your money. Before you purchase this turntable, you should know its specifications, advantages, and disadvantages over other products so that you can make a more informed decision.
Features
Size
The size of this turntable is 13.4 x 16.5 x 7.1 inches and it weighs about 11 pounds, which is great since it will be a good choice for your living area.
Color Variations
You will find the TN-300 in four unique colors that are eye candy to customers. This way, it will be easy for you to choose and match the color according to your décor.
Amplifier
The integrated amp ensures that you get the highest possible sound quality with clear and crisp overtones.
Connectivity
The TN-300 features the latest USB connection so you can transfer your records in a digital format to your PC or tablet. That way, it is much easier to have your vinyl collection secured and keep a backup of them.
Cartridge
This turntable comes with a high quality AT95E VM cartridge that is very easy to install and immediately allows you to listen to the music after a simple installation procedure. It is composed of a platter that is made from aluminum diecast; it pairs with it to give a crisp sound.
Gold-Plated RCA Ports
The TN-300 features RCA connectors that are gold plated to ensure maximum conductivity to produce clear and crisp sounds.
Elegant Design
The design is pleasing to the eyes yet it is also a high powered machine. The platter moves with the help of a high powered DC motor that is fine-tuned to provide stable rotations.
Performance and Sound Quality
The Teac TN-300 will reveal every single small tone and overtones so clearly that you will have a guaranteed whole new experience with it. Normally it works on phono mode but you also get the provision to work it with line output. You will have no problem using any kind of amplifier with this turntable as it has an integrated preamplifier. Although it doesn’t have a phone equalizer, it still plays all the records marvelously.
The platter is highly stable and is tuned for stable rotations. It is made of aluminum and powered by a high power DC motor. What gives it its smooth and stable rotations is the Neoprene rubber. The sound it produces is more than what you would expect for the price. There is a slightly warm touch to the sound and it is very rich. Overall, it won’t disappoint you in terms of playback.
If we talk about quality and aesthetics, it has a very elegant design. It has a minimalistic look and a very sleek and simple design; the type that used to be common in the 80s. It also looks quite solid and sturdy and we can tell you that it is not fragile. Available in six color tones, it allows you to choose the most suitable color that matches your setting. They have also made the base with wood and you will see a massive difference if you compare it with the ones that have a plastic base.
What we really liked about this product is that it just works right out of the box and sounds great. You don’t necessarily need any kind of upgrade and you will have sound with the highest quality and precision.
For an entry-level turntable, you cannot ask more from it. It has a polished steel body that allows accurate performance. It gives some well-defined highs and very pronounced lows and mids. It doesn’t give you a muffled sound and the sound projection is very open.
Setup and Usability
As mentioned before, the TEAC TN-300 works right out of the box. It is beginner-friendly and can be safely said to be one of the best rookie-friendly turntables out there. If you are just getting into this unique hobby, then this will be the most appropriate choice for you. If you compare it with other models, the TN-300 has overall better usability. The ON/OFF switch is placed right above the deck, which is a great placement point since it is more convenient than to reach out to the behind or the sides just to turn it on.
Pros
Connectivity and Backup
As it offers a USB port, it essentially allows you to backup all your data to your PC and tablet. Other models come with the option to attach thumb drives, but this model allows you to directly connect this to your PC and transfer all the records you need.
Appealing Design
The design is elegant and sleek. It will easily fit any kind of living room as it has got those traditional black and brown hues. It is truly a functioning decorative piece for your living room.
Integrated Phono Amplifier
Most of the record players you will come across do not feature any kind of integrated amplification. TEAC was generous enough to include that in the TN-300 model, which is quite surprising at this price range. This means that you can save the money that you would have had to spend for a separate amplifier.
Works Out of the Box
You don’t need to go through any kind of hefty setup with this model. Setting it up and turning it on is a breeze and you will have a nice experience while operating it.
Cons
Manual Operation
This is what some people may not like so much. This turntable is fully manual and requires you to move the tonearm yourself before playing any record. You will also have to remove the tonearm manually when the record stops playing.
Port Position
If you are obsessed with cable management, then this may be an issue for you. All the ports that need to plug in are at the front side; this means that all the wires will be visible.
No AUX Port
There is no option to attach any kind of AUX cable, so using headphones with this turntable is out of the question.
Pros
- Connectivity and Backup
- Appealing Design
- Integrated Phono Amplifier
- Works Out of the Box
Cons
- Manual Operation
- Port Position
- No AUX Port
Verdict
It doesn’t make all that much sense to go with pricier models when you can get the same features in a much lesser price. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the TEAC TN-300 has become a popular choice for many people. It is affordable, high performing, sleek, and makes playing your records simple enough with an easy setup.
This turntable is made up of high quality materials that make it very durable. In terms of cost, you get much more than you pay for. Furthermore, with its USB backup feature, you can directly backup your records to your PC or tablet. This ability to directly transfer tracks makes it truly unique as it saves your precious degrading vinyl and keeps you close to your favorite music.
Alternatives
Audio Technica AT-LP60X-BK
The Audio Technica AT- LP60X-BK is a high quality vinyl record player that allows you to experience the vintage feel of vinyl audio. The equipment is fully automated as it works with an automatic belt drive with two-speed modes i.e. 33 RPM and 45 RPM.
The platter has an anti-resonance aluminum diecast build which gives it high quality and durability. They have revamped the tonearm design, which now gives an improved track tracing and lesser resonance. The AC adapter conveniently handles the current conversion; therefore, it helps a lot in reducing the noise in the signal, giving you a crisp and clear sound.
Features
- High quality audio projection
- Automatic belt drive with two speed options: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
- Anti-resonance Technology
- Diecast aluminum platter
- Redesigned tonearm that reduces resonance and improves tracking
- High quality AC/DC adapter that converts signals to reduce noise and improves the signal quality
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed
The Victrola Vintage is a 3-speed belt-driven turntable. It comes with a 3-speed option that allows it to rotate the platter at 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM. The player is a suitcase-type record player that has a premium sound quality and sound isolating feet that prevent any kind of vibration.
The briefcase design allows for high portability. You can take this anywhere with you like a suitcase, that has an easy to carry handle. It features a retro design that makes it a great fit to match your décor and is a great choice for those who are committed to vinyl music.
It offers high connectivity. You can easily stream your music from your smartphone to this player’s Bluetooth speaker. With an RCA input, you can easily connect external speakers while the line input allows you to connect wired devices like CD players or your headphones.
You don’t need any sort of extra equipment and it is ready to use right out of the box. The controls are very convenient and allow you to control the player through a selection knob and you can easily change the volume through the volume knob. It is fully automated and stops spinning when the record is finished.
Features
- 3-speed vinyl record player
- Portable briefcase design
- A wide range of connectivity
- Comes fully equipped, no extra equipment needed
- Fully controllable record player with convenient controls
Wockoder Record Player
The Wockoder Record Player is a lightweight and portable vinyl record player that has great functionality and is very durable. It is a great gift to give to your loved ones. With the 3-speed mode and simple setup, it gives you the convenience and satisfaction that you need.
It can spin at 33 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM and will play all your vinyl records, no matter what size. The phonograph is a multifunctional player as you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone to your player. The record player also has a built-in stereo speaker which provides a clear sound.
With its 3.5 mm AUX, it offers a wide range of connectivity and you can easily connect your cd players and your headphones in it.
It comes with a vintage retro wood design that has a great aesthetic appeal and will suit your living room. The surface is polished and has an anti-dust cover. It is stylish yet highly durable and has a removable cover to protect the vinyl from dust while playing.
They have paid special attention to the turntable platter. It is laced with a special spring that provides shock absorption and improves sound quality.
Features
- Portable and lightweight
- 3-speed mode
- Fit for all sizes of vinyl records
- Multi-functioning record player
- Vintage wood design to suit your décor
- Spring turntable to provide stable and smooth rotation
Final Words
The TEAC TN-300 turntable is a good quality product and we have provided this detailed review so that you can see where it has an edge and where it lacks.
Should you want to try out other brands, we have listed down the top three alternatives to the TEAC TN-300 which have more or less the same and somewhat better features. We have given you a wide range of products to select from so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
While other products may seem to provide additional and new features, we would recommend that you go with the TEAC TN-300 if you are a true vinyl lover, simply because of its high quality music production that the other record players don’t have. Since the final decision is yours, we would suggest purchasing whichever turntable fits your budget and needs the best.
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