The Japanese TechDAS has introduced the new Air Force IV, a turntable featuring an air bearing for minimal friction.
Given its price, this player is clearly aimed at serious audiophiles. The new TechDAS Air Force IV uses an air bearing system, allowing it to operate with as little resistance as possible. More importantly, the platter is completely isolated from the rest of the hardware. That platter is quite substantial, weighing in at 9 kg, which—according to the manufacturer—contributes to a wider frequency range and clearly improved dynamics.
Another nice feature is that the record is vacuum-sucked onto the platter, ensuring additional stability. The drive system uses a low-vibration AC motor, and playback speeds include the familiar 33⅓ and 45 rpm.
As expected, this “airy” player doesn’t come with a lightweight price tag: £19,998.