TECHDAS AIR FORCE III PREMIUM S

The Air Force III Premium S turntable by TechDAS represents the evolution of the renowned Air Force III Premium, combining technological innovations with meticulous attention to detail. The S model introduces newly designed suspension feet that enhance installation flexibility in different environments and improve sound performance through even more effective vibration isolation.

The turntable’s design is based on the close correlation between weight and sound quality. To achieve a heavier platter without increasing the chassis size, TechDAS selected gunmetal, a copper and tin alloy historically used in high-quality audio equipment. The Premium model’s platter is precision-cast and polished with a solid structure, unlike most traditional gunmetal platters that are hollow. The result is a 29 kg platter, more than three times the weight of the original aluminum platter, and a total main unit weight exceeding 50 kg. This increase in mass extends the dynamic range and enhances transient response while significantly lowering the noise floor, thanks to the air-bearing technology, and adds warmth and depth to the sound through the elastic properties of gunmetal.

The chassis is made from solid CNC-machined aluminum with a high-gloss black anodized finish, providing an elegant contrast to the golden-hued gunmetal platter. Its compact dimensions allow maximum freedom in setup, supporting up to four tonearms, from short 9” models to long 12” models. The attention to construction detail and sophisticated aesthetics reflect the highest standards of Japanese craftsmanship.

Platter rotation is handled by air-bearing technology: the platter floats on an ultra-thin cushion of air, fully isolating it from vibrations transmitted from the floor, chassis, or central spindle. The weight of the platter does not stress the air bearing, ensuring stable, maintenance-free performance for years without friction noise or other unwanted artifacts.

The vacuum hold-down system keeps the vinyl perfectly seated on the platter, correcting warps and significantly improving cartridge tracking. This controlled pressure ensures precise reproduction without damaging the record, protecting both the cartridge and the tonearm.

The synchronous motor is powered by two 150 W DC amplifiers, providing stable and powerful torque to drive the massive platter. Once the selected rotational speed is reached, the torque is automatically reduced below 50% to maintain accuracy and stability without using a servo system that could degrade sound quality. A sensor continuously monitors the speed, allowing real-time adjustments without interfering with playback. The motor is housed in a separate chassis with a high-gloss black anodized finish that harmonizes with the main unit.

The Air Force series embodies the ideal of analog reproduction, aiming to faithfully render every detail embedded in the vinyl groove, just as during the original record-cutting process. The system recreates optimal contact conditions between vinyl and platter, achieving exceptional detail and an impressively silent background. By combining the air-bearing with a rotation mechanism that provides extraordinary vibration absorption, the Air Force III Premium S delivers a new dimension of analog sound, offering extended dynamics, transparency, and naturalness like never before.

Technical Specifications:

• Chassis: precision-machined aluminum alloy (A5056); black anodized and high-gloss polished
• Chassis weight: 21 kg
• Platter: gunmetal; surface protective coating
• Platter weight: 29 kg
• Total moment of inertia: 3,506 kg·cm²
• Drive system: belt drive with polished, non-flexible polyurethane fiber belt
• Motor: AC synchronous; rotation speed controlled by DC amplifiers
• Rotational speeds: 33.3 rpm; 45 rpm
• Wow & Flutter: below 0.03 %
• Power consumption: 50 W
• Main unit dimensions: 473 (W) × 170 (H) × 363 (D) mm
• Minimum dimensions for main unit setup: 564 (W) × 413 (D) mm
• Total weight of main unit: 55 kg
• Pump / power supply / air condenser unit dimensions: 430 (W) × 175 (H) × 370 (D) mm
• Pump / power supply / air condenser unit weight: 14 kg
• Minimum depth for pump / power supply / air condenser unit setup: 430 mm