TEAC TN-280BT-A3 turntable: Bluetooth, Built-In Preamp, Stylish Design

The TEAC TN-280BT-A3 turntable combines the nostalgia of vinyl records with modern convenience. With its built-in Bluetooth capability, you can easily stream your favorite music to compatible speakers or headphones, making it a versatile addition to your audio setup.

One standout feature of this turntable is the built-in switchable phono preamplifier for moving magnet cartridges. This allows you to connect the turntable directly to a standard line input when the switch is set to “ON” (labeled AUX, CD, or TAPE). Alternatively, when set to “THRU,” the turntable can be connected to an external phono preamp or dedicated phono input. This flexibility ensures compatibility with various audio systems and amplifiers.

The straight tonearm with a universal headshell provides precise tracking and reliable performance. The included Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge offers excellent sound reproduction and comes pre-mounted, allowing you to start enjoying your vinyl collection right away.

The TN-280BT-A3 features a 12″ die-cast aluminum platter with a felt mat that protects your records from scratches. It supports both 33-1/3 and 45 rpm speeds, accommodating a wide range of vinyl formats. The high-torque DC motor ensures smooth and consistent playback.

The turntable’s high-density MDF base with vibration-resistant feet minimizes unwanted resonance, resulting in a cleaner sound reproduction. Additionally, the chrome-plated RCA audio jacks provide a secure and reliable connection to your audio system.

Included with the turntable is a detachable dust cover, which helps protect your vinyl collection from dust and debris when not in use. This thoughtful addition ensures that your records remain in pristine condition for years to come.

In terms of performance, the TEAC TN-280BT-A3 delivers a frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz with the included cartridge. This range covers the full spectrum of audio frequencies, allowing you to enjoy the rich nuances of your favorite records. The wow and flutter specification of 0.2% ensures stable and accurate playback, while the signal-to-noise ratio of 67 dB guarantees a low noise floor, allowing the music to shine through.

The TEAC TN-280BT-A3 turntable is a reliable and well-built option for vinyl enthusiasts. Its versatility shines through with the inclusion of a built-in phono preamp, allowing you to connect it directly to various amplifiers or receivers you may own. Additionally, the built-in Bluetooth feature enables easy streaming to compatible speakers or headphones, adding a modern touch to your listening experience.

Beneath its sleek exterior, the TN-280BT-A3 boasts a sturdy MDF base that resists external vibrations, ensuring optimal sound quality. The dense die-cast aluminum platter provides smooth and silent rotation, while the variable-speed belt-drive system isolates motor vibration, accommodating both 33-1/3 and 45 rpm discs. The straight tonearm, complete with a pre-mounted moving-magnet cartridge, guarantees precise tracking and delivers rich tonal accuracy for a satisfying listening session.

Setting up your turntable shouldn’t be a hassle, and TEAC understands that. The TN-280BT-A3 comes nearly ready to play right out of the box. The pre-matched and factory-mounted phono cartridge and tonearm eliminate any guesswork during installation, providing optimized sound quality with minimal effort. A few simple steps to adjust settings like tracking force and anti-skating are all that’s needed to get this turntable primed and ready for your enjoyment. Spend less time setting up and more time immersed in the joy of listening with the TN-280BT-A3.

Setting up the TEAC TN-280BT-A3 turntable is a breeze, even for beginners. If you’re unsure, be sure to read the manual carefully for detailed instructions. To get started, remove the plinth and the mat, then place the belt around the platter and position it back on top of the plinth while ensuring the belt is properly placed over the pulley.

One of the great advantages of this turntable is that the cartridge comes pre-mounted and calibrated, right out of the box. This is excellent news, as the cartridge is a delicate component that requires precision. However, you will need to balance the tonearm by adjusting its position until the cartridge and counterweight are in perfect balance. Additionally, you’ll need to set the counter-weight and anti-skating features to the correct levels, which can be found in the manual. Overall, these steps are relatively easy and not overly technical.

In terms of sound quality, the TEAC TN-280BT-A3 delivers decent performance for its price range. The included moving magnet (MM) cartridge provides a warm and transparent sound that many vinyl enthusiasts seek. While it may not reach the audiophile level, achieving that would require a significant increase in budget. If you’re looking to upgrade anything, we suggest focusing on the cartridge.

Regardless of the connectivity option you choose, the TN-280BT offers good sound quality. The Bluetooth connection works seamlessly without any interruptions, and you can even enjoy your vinyl in different rooms, although there are limitations to the range. Audiophiles may prefer an external preamp to fully optimize their audio setup and enhance the sound quality. However, for the average consumer, the built-in preamp will suffice. Simply use the RCA jacks on the back of the device to connect it to your active speakers or amplifier/receiver. It’s worth noting that the TN-280BT has a convenient button on the back to bypass the built-in preamp if you choose to upgrade your setup in the future.

In conclusion, the TEAC TN-280BT-A3 turntable offers a complete package with a quality cartridge, reliable preamp, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its solid and modern build makes it an ideal choice for vinyl beginners or those looking to upgrade from budget suitcase turntables. The user-friendly setup process and true vinyl experience it provides make it a standout option.

The standout feature of Bluetooth connectivity sets this turntable apart, as it allows you to connect it to various devices, including preamps, amplifiers, or Bluetooth speakers. This feature is not just a gimmick; it brings vinyl into the 21st century. For instance, you can effortlessly connect it to a Bluetooth speaker or the latest AirPods Pro, enjoying your records from anywhere in your house without disturbing others. The future of vinyl is here.

Lastly, the potential for future upgrades makes the TN-280BT-A3 perfect for individuals who want to explore vinyl further. They can easily upgrade the cartridge or add an external preamp, expanding their vinyl setup as their passion grows.

TEAC TN-280BT-A3 turntable specs:

Motor	DC Motor
Speed	33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM RPM
Wow and Flutter	0.2%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	67dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF) 60dB (unweighted, 20kHz, LPF)
Platter	Aluminum Die-cast
Diameter of Platter	12″, 30cm
Tonearm section
Type	Static Balance, Straight
Effective Arm Length	8.8″, 223mm
Stylus Pressure Range	0 to 5g
Compatible Cartridge Range	2.5 to 5.5g
Anti-skating Adjustment	Supported
Cartridge section
Type	VM-type
Stylus Shape	Conical
Frequency Response	20Hz to 20kHz
Channel Separation	24dB at 1kHz, 15dB at 10kHz
Channel Balance	1.5dB
Tracking Forcee	3.5g±0.5 g
Output Impedance	47k ohms
Output Voltage	3.5mV
Cartridge Weight	5.0g±0.3 g
Head-shell Weight	11g (including nuts, screws and wires)
Stylus Replacement	audio-technica ATN3600L
Analog Output section
Connectors	RCA Pin x 1 pair (Chrome-plated)
Output Voltage
PHONO	4.2mV
LINE	120mV (–13dBV)
Bluetooth® section
Range	Approx. 30ft. / 10 meters
Supported Codec	SBC
General
Power	AC 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption	< 1.5W (< 0.5W at Standby)
Overall Dimensions (W x H x D)	16.5″ x 4.6″ x 14.0″ 420 x 117 x 356 mm
Weight	Approx. 10.8 lbs.  4.9 kg