Air Force V

shakti

Well-Known Member
May 9, 2015
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Cologne, Germany
Hi shakti,
I was wondering how the TechDas 3 and 5 compare.
Hope this isn't a silly question.
Mike


TechDAS 3 and TechDAS 5 are not so far away from each other, which makes the AF V a real good offer, they have a similar character, full and rich sound, wide soundstage, energy comes from the bass/upper bass region.

TechDAS AF3P is a different player, more information, more lean, more neutral, just better.
Coming from AF V, first impression is, that something is missing, as the bass region is less prominent,
but than you get to like the level of information and contour, the better integrated bass and so on.

All 3 turntables do benefit from a good platform / rack, as they come without "airfeets"
(AF2 or AF1 types do have).

I would say, a good base is a must to get the best out of them.

As always, you have to choose the base carefully, AF3/AF5 and AF3P do not like the same platform
(at least my impression),
I do like an active base under AF3/AF5, as it makes the player more neutral and gives more details. Using an active base under AF3P was in my set up not the best idea, I lost too much energy, so I am back to HRS or CMS type of platform.

Have not yet tried Starcore under all three versions of TechDAS. Would be an natural fit to TechDAS , as similar to the Micro Seiki BA-600 platform approach, following Hideaki Nishikawa understanding oaf energy management.
 

Mike

VIP/Donor
Jan 28, 2012
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953
Madison, New Jersey
TechDAS 3 and TechDAS 5 are not so far away from each other, which makes the AF V a real good offer, they have a similar character, full and rich sound, wide soundstage, energy comes from the bass/upper bass region.

TechDAS AF3P is a different player, more information, more lean, more neutral, just better.
Coming from AF V, first impression is, that something is missing, as the bass region is less prominent,
but than you get to like the level of information and contour, the better integrated bass and so on.

All 3 turntables do benefit from a good platform / rack, as they come without "airfeets"
(AF2 or AF1 types do have).

I would say, a good base is a must to get the best out of them.

As always, you have to choose the base carefully, AF3/AF5 and AF3P do not like the same platform
(at least my impression),
I do like an active base under AF3/AF5, as it makes the player more neutral and gives more details. Using an active base under AF3P was in my set up not the best idea, I lost too much energy, so I am back to HRS or CMS type of platform.

Have not yet tried Starcore under all three versions of TechDAS. Would be an natural fit to TechDAS , as similar to the Micro Seiki BA-600 platform approach, following Hideaki Nishikawa understanding oaf energy management.
Thanks a lot, shakti. I'm interested to hear the v. I'm not sure where dealers are in the US, as their website isn't too revealing, unless I missed it.
 

shakti

Well-Known Member
May 9, 2015
1,437
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Cologne, Germany
Thanks a lot, shakti. I'm interested to hear the v. I'm not sure where dealers are in the US, as their website isn't too revealing, unless I missed it.

I like the AF V with vdh Colibri and SME Tonearm, nice pairing.
 

Rhapsody

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Jan 16, 2013
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Brooklyn NY
Rhapsody.Audio
Thanks a lot, shakti. I'm interested to hear the v. I'm not sure where dealers are in the US, as their website isn't too revealing, unless I missed it.
Bob Graham is the TechDAS US distributor. You can get Bob at grahmeng@grahmeng.cnc.net
 

Rhapsody

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Jan 16, 2013
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Rhapsody.Audio

I just remembered Bob is headed over to Axpona so it might be next week or ??? when you get a reply.
 

Rhapsody

VIP/Donor
Jan 16, 2013
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Rhapsody.Audio
No problem. Had I not moved from Chicago to NJ, I would be at Axpona...

Hi MIke,
Too bad. If you are in NJ I am the closest TechDAS dealer. I have an AF3 in the studio, but not an AF V. Send me a pm email me at bob@rhapsodynyc.com or give me a call at your convenience at 212-229-1842.
 

wbass

Well-Known Member
Jul 12, 2020
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Question for any potential TechDAS owners out there...

How solid/stable are the arm mounts? I've heard occasional speculation that the cantilevered design might not be an ideal way to mount an arm with proper stability.

I've got a couple big arms--a GrooveMaster 12-J and a Kuzma 4 Point 14--and I'm wondering if there'd be a bit of bounce hanging them off a long arm board from one of the pegs on the AFV.

Thanks!
 

shakti

Well-Known Member
May 9, 2015
1,437
2,383
480
Cologne, Germany
this construction has worked for Micro Seiki for decades and will work for TechDAS as well for decades.
no need to think for 5 minutes on this topic...
 
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