TEAC TN-4D-SE Turntable Review
The Japanese manufacturer TEAC is an important part of audio and hi-fi history. To this day, innovations regularly come from the Far East. In this test, we take a look at the TEAC TN-4D-SE turntable. A direct-drive model with an integrated phono stage.
The Japanese manufacturer TEAC is probably well known to every hi-fi enthusiast. Just think of the iconic tape machines or hi-fi components like the legendary VRDS-25X CD player. Since 1953, TEAC has played an important role in the audio world, repeatedly hitting the mark with various innovations.
In 1979, TEAC launched the 144, the first four-track recorder, which had a lasting impact on the music industry. For the first time, it was possible to record music at home with relatively simple means: the starting shot for the independent scene.
But TEAC has always looked beyond the horizon. For the 1964 Olympic Games, they developed the first slow-motion video recorder. Nowadays, TEAC focuses on home audio, while its subsidiary TASCAM is dedicated to studio technology.
Enough of the excursion through the exciting innovations of the Japanese manufacturer. For this test, we welcome the TEAC TN-4D-SE into our editorial office. Thus, it is the second-largest turntable in the Japanese manufacturer’s lineup. The flagship model TN-5BB-M/B – tested by us as “excellent” – costs nearly triple and also features a balanced MC output. Our test object is more modest in comparison. The TEAC TN-4D-SE is a direct-drive turntable with an integrated phono stage, ideal for the ambitious vinyl (re)beginner who wants to call a competent, modern turntable their own.
Construction
The TEAC TN-4D-SE turntable is stylishly designed and appears relatively flat compared to the other turntables in our test field after unboxing. But before we can take a closer look, we first need to set it up. This step is quite straightforward and can be done easily even by novices. Since this is a direct-drive turntable, we only need to put on the platter and adjust the tonearm. First, it must be balanced and then adjusted to the correct tracking force using the counterweight scale. This is done in just a few minutes. We then attach the acrylic dust cover, which is also used on many other models. However, as with many hi-fi devices, the devil is in the details for turntables, and we will get to that directly.
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Details
The TEAC turntable has an unusually thin plinth. The chassis is only a few centimeters thick and made of MDF and plastic. The surface is veneered and available in black piano lacquer or walnut finish. The turntable looks quite chic, especially since all other elements are made of aluminum, creating a beautiful interplay of black lacquer or walnut and metal. The TEAC stands on four feet.
Each consists of a milled aluminum shell, which is attached to the MDF base and fitted with a thick rubber cushion. This effectively decouples the TN-4D-SE. The area from the tonearm to the control knob is covered with a thin aluminum plate. This not only serves as a stylish accent, but unlike the rest of the piano lacquer version, fingerprints are not an issue here. The rotary knob is also milled from aluminum and feels very good to operate. Its lever shape unmistakably carries the TEAC DNA. The platter is made of die-cast aluminum.
It is quite light, which reduces its inertia and thus contributes to stable rotational speed. Equally important for speed stability is the motor. Without it, a record would not move. TEAC uses a brushless DC motor here, developed specifically for direct-drive turntables. It is also regulated by a computer-controlled feedback circuit, resulting in a low wow and flutter level. This naturally benefits the turntable’s sound quality.
SAEC Tonearm
The tonearm of the TN-4D-SE comes from SAEC – also a Japanese manufacturer that produces tonearms in the high-end segment. Much of this expertise flows into our TEAC turntable’s tonearm. It features a knife-edge pivot point bearing. This means the tonearm rests on a knife-edge, allowing even the smallest vertical movements to be excellently resolved. Otherwise, the tonearm is quite classic. It is S-shaped, and the cartridge is attached using an SME headshell.
This makes exchanging and maintaining it quite easy. Simply remove the headshell, and you have good access to everything. The tonearm supports cartridge weights from 14 to 23 grams. The anti-skating force is adjusted using a dial. Otherwise, nothing else can be adjusted at the tonearm. It is fixed at the base. TEAC supplies a Sumiko Oyster MM cartridge with this unit. This cartridge is handmade in Japan and usually costs around $80. It is therefore a solid and good cartridge that will initially satisfy beginners, so they don’t have to think about upgrading right away.
Phono Preamp
On the back of the TEAC TN-4D, we find all the turntable’s connections. In addition to a simple on/off switch, there is also an input for the 24-volt power supply and the usual connections via RCA and ground. To activate the already mentioned integrated phono preamp, there is a toggle switch labeled “Phono EQ,” which essentially means the same thing. TEAC does not just install any operational amplifier for the pre-amplification, but an NJM8080 from New Japan Radio Corporation. This is often referred to as an industry standard, and it amplifies the phono signal directly to line level. Thus, we can connect the turntable directly to the line input of an amplifier.
Sound Test
Now let’s move on to practice and the listening test. While listening, we switch back and forth between an external and the integrated phono stage. For this, of course, the amplifier input must be changed. In comparison, the TN-4D-SE’s phono preamp does quite well. It cannot keep up with the high-class phono stage of the amplifier, but that’s a comparison between completely different price ranges. Even when using the integrated phono stage, the TEAC’s sound image is detailed and quite good for the price level. It outperforms the phono stages of some inexpensive amplifiers, and that’s really all you want from an integrated stage. You either want to save on an external phono preamp because you don’t have one, or bypass the suboptimal stage of your amplifier. For that, the TEAC TN-4D-SE is definitely well equipped.
Our Japanese turntable has a soft, warm character, probably due to the included Sumiko Oyster cartridge. This suits the turntable very well, as we can confirm with our first listening example. We start with soulful instrumental jazz and are greeted by present, formal keystrokes of the piano. The gentle drums also sound wonderfully tangible. The turntable creates a natural space that is pleasantly wide. Its warm sound character benefits the double bass in the jazz piece. It plucks dynamically and richly along. We enjoy the uncomplicated, well-rounded analog pleasure and continue with the next track. We are met with lively funk from French producer Dabeull and his record “Analog Love.” Talkbox vocals, synth bass lines, and a cowbell – all the clichés are served here. Nevertheless – or precisely because of this – the record is fun, and here too the TEAC is detail-oriented and playful. We notice a slight focus on the lower midrange, which suits the funk record well.
Next, we put on “Hotel California” by The Eagles. An absolute classic, played in every second room at hi-fi shows – you either love it or hate it – so please forgive our music choice. Even though the mixing of our pressing is rather unusual, as the vocals are a bit too low in volume, the TN-4D-SE shows here how wide it can draw its soundstage. The instrumental is crisp, the guitars smooth – simply uncomplicated and coherent. The turntable especially portrays the transients of the drums well. They are nicely prominent and cleanly defined. To finish, we listen to the French house duo Daft Punk, now disbanded, along with US producer, rapper, and singer Pharrell Williams. On “Get Lucky,” 1980s-style drums and an agile electric guitar fire away together with Williams’ vocals from our test speakers – in this case, the brand-new Piega Premium 701 Gen2 (you will find the test report starting from page 88). Here too, the TEAC proves its dynamics. A wide stage, full bass, soft highs, everything comes together. Only the slight emphasis in the lower midrange stands out, which accentuates male vocals a bit too strongly. When connected to the external phono stage, this is less noticeable than with the integrated variant. Nevertheless, TEAC has succeeded with the TN-4D-SE in delivering a very good turntable in the mid-entry class that offers a nice complete package for uncomplicated vinyl enjoyment at a fair price. Thanks to its warm sound image, it provides a nice alternative to digital music streaming.
Specs
General
- Device Class: Turntable
- Price Category: Mid-range
- Manufacturer: TEAC
- Model: TN-4D-SE
- Dimensions (W/H/D): 42 x 11.7 x 35.6 cm
- Weight: 8.3 kg
- Information: www.eu.teac-audio.com
Technical Data (according to the manufacturer)
- Cartridge (mounted): Yes, Sumiko Oyster (MM)
- Motor: DC servo motor
- Drive: Direct
- Operation: Manual
- Connections: RCA, Ground
- Integrated Phono Preamp: Yes
- Integrated DAC: No
- Bluetooth: No
Converted Rating Example:
If originally rated as “very good” (86%) = 8.6/10
CONCLUSION
The TEAC TN-4D-SE is a well-thought-out turntable aimed primarily at ambitious vinyl beginners or those rediscovering analog audio. With direct drive, an integrated phono stage, and a high-quality cartridge, it offers a solid overall package that enables uncomplicated analog enjoyment. Its sound is characterized by a pleasant warmth, detailed presentation, and a wide soundstage. The high-quality construction with materials such as aluminum and the chic look in piano lacquer or walnut also make it an eye-catcher. While the integrated phono stage cannot compete with high-end devices, it surpasses many entry-level solutions. Overall, TEAC delivers with the TN-4D-SE a turntable that impresses with quality, sound, and design – and at a fair price. Perfect for everyone who wants to enjoy the charm of vinyl without complicated technology.
SPECIAL FEATURES
• SAEC tonearm
• Sumiko Oyster MM cartridge
• integrated phono stage
Advantages
Disadvantages
+ great price-performance ratio
+ good equipment features
+ gentle, warm sound
– male vocals sound slightly overemphasized
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