TechDAS Air Force IV turntable
Designed and built in Japan, Air Force turntables by TechDAS are extraordinary high-end decks that harness the power of air to elevate sound quality to remarkable heights. The latest model, the Air Force IV, uses a silent electric pump to float its high-mass, one-piece platter on a high-pressure ‘air bearing’ for ultra-stable, frictionless, vibration-free rotation, while vinyl is vacuum-clamped perfectly flat.
Up to three tonearms and cartridges can be installed, facilitating different sonic flavours as the turntable’s owner desires. Truly, this is an awesome feat of precision audio engineering, delivering exceptional sound quality for collectors of vinyl records who demand the very best.
The new Air Force IV slots in directly above the ‘entry-level’ Air Force V Premium in the current TechDAS turntable hierarchy. Then, in ascending order, come the Air Force III Premium, Air Force III Premium S, Air Force One, Air Force One Premium and mighty Air Force Zero, the latter costing just shy of half a million pounds. The Air Force IV incorporates key features from the company’s top-tier turntables in a more compact form factor and at a lower – although still distinctly high-end – price.
Price and availability
First previewed at last year’s High End audio show in Munich, the Air Force IV turntable is now ready to ship to the UK – brought to these shores by Absolute Sounds. The Air Force IV turntable’s UK RRP is £19,998 inc. VAT.
To this, the customer adds their choice of tonearm and phono cartridge. Reed’s exceptional tonearms are an excellent match; or the TechDAS Air Force 10 tonearm, complete with air bearing technology for the full TechDAS effect. Moving-coil cartridges by Analog Relax, another specialist from Japan, are an ideal choice to complete a spellbinding vinyl experience.
The TechDAS Air Force turntables feature unique pneumatic technologies including air bearing that absolutely isolates the rotating platter and the record from any vibration. Additionally, our vacuum LP hold-down system clamps an LP onto the platter. With these “air” technologies, the Air Force turntables achieve an unparalleled sound quality, compared to conventional analogue turntables.
Today we believe analogue sound must evolve beyond its past forms, after more than 30 years of the digital era. Our pursuit of superior analogue sound seeks to push the boundaries of sound-to-noise ratio, drawing inspiration from advancements in modern digital audio. TechDAS technologies deliver cutting-edge analogue sound, redefining performance with precision and innovation.
Elevating the entry-level experience
The Air Force IV is a model uniquely packaged for a higher level of listening experience compared to the popular entry model, Air Force V Premium. While minimizing increase in footprint, Air Force IV has a low vibration, 2-phase 4-pole AC synchronous motor, which is separated and isolated from the main chassis as in the upper models. The drive belt is a 4mm flat belt in width; the same one used in the upper models. Made of surface polished polyester fiber, this belt ensures stable rotation and quickly brings the heavy platter to a rated speed. By driving the platter with a separated motor unit, it realizes an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio.
The Air Force IV sits on four suspension feet incorporating specialized damping materials as the Air Force III Premium S, so that it optimally blocks external vibrations and provides an excellent vibration proof property. Despite its compact body, it can accommodate up to three tonearms.
Benefitting from various technologies developed for its upper models, the Air Force IV realizes high-resolution sound imaging and enhanced sound quality while remaining compact in size.