Overview

The TEAC TN-280BT is a manual belt-drive turntable for first-time vinyl users who need wireless output and a built-in phono stage. It includes a 30 cm aluminum die-cast platter, DC motor, straight tonearm with anti-skate and an adjustable counterweight, a detachable headshell, and 33⅓/45 RPM operation. A pre-mounted Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge and switchable phono EQ are included. The integrated Bluetooth transmitter supports the SBC codec. [1][2]

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer data state wow & flutter: 0.2%, signal-to-noise: 67 dB (A-weighted), and speed variation: ±2%. These values are well below transparency by modern high-fidelity standards and will limit fidelity relative to digital playback. Multiple indicators (speed stability and S/N) underperform transparency, justifying this score. [1][3]

Technology Level

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A conventional DC belt-drive with basic anti-skate and a straight tonearm is used. Convenience features include a built-in phono preamp and Bluetooth transmitter (SBC only); there is no advanced servo speed control or higher-tier Bluetooth codec. The design is practical and mature rather than cutting-edge. [2]

Cost-Performance

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Market price reference: 349 USD (street). [3]

Comparator rule (user-visible equivalence): require Bluetooth output, built-in phono EQ, adjustable counterweight + anti-skate, detachable headshell, 33⅓/45 RPM, and measured performance in the same class (W&F ≈ 0.2% class, S/N ≥ 60 dB).

Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT meets these conditions but is not cheaper (official US price 399 USD). No cheaper model matching the same function/performance set was found. Therefore, by rule, no cheaper equivalent exists → CP = 1.0. [4][5]

Reliability & Support

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Simple belt-drive mechanics and a pre-mounted MM cartridge aid reliability; TEAC’s warranty is standard for the class (1 year via authorized dealers). Nothing beyond the norm is offered.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The product prioritizes ease of setup (factory-mounted cartridge, phono EQ, Bluetooth) and basic adjustability over measurable fidelity. Given 0.2% W&F, ±2% speed variation, and 67 dB(A) S/N, it does not target transparent playback, but rather approachable vinyl convenience. [1][3]

Advice

If you value automation over adjustability, Sony’s PS-LX310BT is simpler and cheaper, but it forgoes upgrade-friendly arm adjustments and a detachable headshell. If you specifically need Bluetooth + built-in EQ and the adjustable tonearm + detachable headshell combo, the TN-280BT remains the lowest-cost path to that set; note the SBC-only wireless path. [2][6]

References

[1] TEAC — TN-280BT Owner’s Manual (specs incl. ±2% speed variation, W&F 0.2%) — https://teac.jp/downloads/products/teac/tn-280bt/tn-280bt_om_efsginlsvj_ve2.pdf — Accessed 2025-08-26.
[2] TEAC International — TN-280BT-A3 Specifications (Bluetooth Supported Codec: SBC) — https://teac.jp/int/product/tn-280bt-a3/spec — Accessed 2025-08-26.
[3] Crutchfield — TEAC TN-280BT-A3 (Black) (current price and performance specs incl. W&F 0.2%, S/N 67 dB) — https://www.crutchfield.com/p_063280BT3B/TEAC-TN-280BT-A3-Black.html — Accessed 2025-08-26.
[4] Audio-Technica US — All Turntables (AT-LP3XBT listed at 399 USD) — https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/turntables — Accessed 2025-08-26.
[5] ListenUp — Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT (specs: W&F < 0.2% WRMS, S/N > 60 dB) — https://listenup.com/products/audio-technica-at-lp3xbt-automatic-belt-turntable — Accessed 2025-08-26.
[6] Sony (US) — PS-LX310BT Product Page — https://electronics.sony.com/audio/audio-components/turntables/p/pslx310bt — Accessed 2025-08-26.

(2025.8.25)