Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Effectively sinks unwanted and extraneous noise
- The most speed-consistent belt-drive turntable reviewed
- With air-bearing platters and air suspension, it is also the quietest, best isolated, and most inert
- Stable sonics, quiet, and exceptional detail resolution with no added grain or unnatural—mechanical edge definition
- Trouble- and hassle-free for six months and as much fun to use as it was to hear
Product Considerations
- It may seem contradictory to note that a turntable at this price point has a recognizable sound
- It needs the VXR stand made specifically for it by HRS, which adds $52,000 to the price
- Needs additional costs for tonearms and cartridges
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SAT XD-1—the Air Force Zero demonstrated special mid to mid-low frequency weight, power, and drive
Takeaway: The Air Force Zero is an amazing turntable that delivers sonic stability and exceptional detail and is very fun to use. It effectively eliminates unwanted noise, letting listeners enjoy their favorite music with ease.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Air Force Zero
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
Main Body
- Base Frame: 100 kg, stainless steel
- Platter Base: 35 kg, extra super duralumin
- Platters: 100 kg in total
- Bottom Platter: 33 kg, Ø 40 cm, forged Stainless Steel SUS 316L
- Second Platter: 20 kg, Ø 31 cm, forged Stainless Steel SUS 316L
- Third Platter: 20 kg, Ø 31 cm, cast Gunmetal
- Fourth Platter: 20 kg, Ø 31 cm, forged Stainless Steel SUS 316L
- Top Platter: 7 kg, Ø 31 cm, Titanium with special surface hardening treatment
- Total Moment of Inertia: 16,000 kg/cm²
- Drive System: Belt-drive, polished and non-flexible polyurethane fiber belt
- Drive Motor: 3-phase 12-pole AC synchronous motor manufactured by Papst, Germany (1000/5001)
- High torque rotation during startup and adjustment
- Non-servo, low torque, ultra-low vibration in steady-state rotation
- Rotation Speed: 33 1/3 rpm / 45 rpm, precise speed adjustment function
- Wow & Flutter: Below 0.03%
- Suspension: Air suspension, air charged by an electric air pump with built-in Power Supply Unit
- Main Unit Dimensions (including Motor): 902 (W) x 677 (D) x 335 (H) mm
- Distances Between Center Point of Base Frame Feet:
- Front left foot – front right foot: 674 mm
- Rear left foot – rear right foot: 722 mm
- Front left foot – rear left foot: 461 mm
- Front right foot – rear right foot: 441 mm
- Total Weight of Main Unit (including Motor): 330 kg (Power Supply / Air Pump Units not included)
Power Supply & Air Pump Units
- Unit 1/3: 430 (W) x 365 (D) x 205 (H) mm, 15 kg
- Unit 2/3: 430 (W) x 365 (D) x 205 (H) mm, 13 kg
- Unit 3/3: 430 (W) x 365 (D) x 205 (H) mm, 10 kg
Accessories Included
- 2 x Titanium Tonearm Bases
- 1 x TechDAS Disc Stabilizer
- 1 x Platter Cover
Optional Items
- Tungsten top platter: 26 kg, Ø 31 cm
- Tungsten Disc Stabilizer
- Air Force Zero Rack System (Set of 2 racks with turntable platform and shelves)
Description
In parallel to the development and releases of these models, a project was going on at TechDAS to bring our dream of the absolute ultimate reference turntable to reality. The goal of the project was to develop a truly groundbreaking product, building on our expertise and knowledge and incorporating new ideas and insights. To achieve this goal, the project had to be cost-no-object. And it had to have whatever technologies would be best suited for sonic performance, no matter how much it would cost. We are pleased to announce it is finally complete, though it took one year longer than initially planned. The result is a turntable weighing 330 kg and measuring 902 (W) X 677 (D) X 335 (H) mm.
Our Path to the Air Force Zero
In recent years we have seen hundreds of analog turntables released, and this has been a major trend in the audio industry. What does this phenomenon mean?
"One of the major reasons is a backlash from the excessive transition from analog to digital audio. Around this time of transition to digital, there was already a serious demand for high quality analog decks from some discerning audiophiles. It was clear to us something was missing in the digital domain that audiophiles were desperately seeking.
With this growing trend in the market, in 2008 we started research and development of authentic analog turntables. Striving toward a goal of developing a turntable delivering the highest performance of the present day, and in a practical sized chassis, we finally launched our first analog turntable, the Air Force One in 2012. This product proved to be hugely successful, a turning point in analogue reproduction, and spread out to far more users across the world than we first imagined.
Since then we have continued development and launched an extensive line of turntables to meet more demands in the market. Currently we have a full product range from the Air Force One Premium, Air Force Two Premium, Air Force III Premium to the Air Force V.
In parallel to the development and releases of these models, a project was going on at TechDAS to bring our dream...
In recent years we have seen hundreds of analog turntables released, and this has been a major trend in the audio industry. What does this phenomenon mean?
"One of the major reasons is a backlash from the excessive transition from analog to digital audio. Around this time of transition to digital, there was already a serious demand for high quality analog decks from some discerning audiophiles. It was clear to us something was missing in the digital domain that audiophiles were desperately seeking.
With this growing trend in the market, in 2008 we started research and development of authentic analog turntables. Striving toward a goal of developing a turntable delivering the highest performance of the present day, and in a practical sized chassis, we finally launched our first analog turntable, the Air Force One in 2012. This product proved to be hugely successful, a turning point in analogue reproduction, and spread out to far more users across the world than we first imagined.
Since then we have continued development and launched an extensive line of turntables to meet more demands in the market. Currently we have a full product range from the Air Force One Premium, Air Force Two Premium, Air Force III Premium to the Air Force V.
In parallel to the development and releases of these models, a project was going on at TechDAS to bring our dream...
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- TechDAS turntables employ air-bearing platters and vacuum record hold-down systems across their entire product line, even in their most affordable models.
- The brand's turntables often feature a multi-layered chassis construction utilizing a combination of different materials to minimize vibration and resonance.
- TechDAS emphasizes precise control of platter rotation, often employing sophisticated motor control systems with quartz oscillators and microcontrollers.
- They offer design their products as tool-like and highly customizable, accommodating up to four tonearms with a variety of armboard options.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Air Force V Premium
- Positioning: Entry-level model, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a compact design with integrated motor, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Features a dual platter system and a CNC machined aluminum chassis, providing a high signal-to-noise ratio similar to higher-end models. This model is suitable for those with a limited budget who still desire advanced air technologies and a solid build.
Air Force III Premium S
- Positioning: Mid-range model with enhanced vibration isolation.
- Description: Includes newly designed suspension feet for improved vibration isolation, making it suitable for varied environments. Features a heavy gunmetal platter and air bearing technology, offering a lower noise floor compared to the Air Force V Premium.
Air Force One Premium
- Positioning: High-end model with advanced air technologies.
- Description: Incorporates a heavy platter and advanced air suspension system, providing superior rotation accuracy and dynamic sound. Offers a choice of titanium or duralumin upper platter, setting it apart from the Air Force III Premium S.
Air Force Zero
- Positioning: Flagship model, designed as the ultimate reference turntable.
- Description: Features a colossal design with a 330 kg system and advanced motor technologies, delivering exceptional rotational precision. Its air suspension and multi-layer platter system provide a noise floor and soundstage unmatched by the Air Force One Premium.
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Avg. Product Price
$100,001+
Used For Sale
4
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
253
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
15
Founding Year
2010
Our take on the brand
TechDAS is a premium turntable brand that uses rare air bearing and vacuum hold-down technologies, designed by former Micro Seiki engineer Hideaki Nishikawa. Their Air Force series turntables combine high-mass chassis with advanced air suspension systems to minimize vibrations, while their vacuum hold-down system reduces record warping for better sound quality.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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What if you spend more?
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What competes at this price?
Kronos
Discovery
120000
/
Released
Kronos developed a wholly new way to attach the chassis to the suspension system, using completely different soft clamping methods. This treats the chassis more like the soundbox of a guitar or a violin because in that case how it's held dictates to some degree how it sounds.
Kronos Audio's turntables feature a unique counter-rotating dual-platter system that cancels out rotational forces and minimizes vibrations, setting them apart in the industry. Their turntables also use supercapacitors to operate off-grid for reduced electrical noise, while their Discovery RS tonearm employs a proprietary bearing system for precise playback.
Expand Details
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Chronos Discovery Turntable's performance completely resets the bar for what can be achieved sonically with the playback of LPs and is the new milestone in reference-level LP playback
- It presents an entirely fresh and previously unattainable level of musical experience, a new pinnacle of expressiveness and communication that is more than merely revelatory and bordered on transformative
- Discovery presents with an amazingly black, stark background, yielding a noise floor so decidedly defeated that it is all but imperceptible
- It exhibits this incredible ability to more finely differentiate and reveal the ever-so-specific size and locality, and with some recordings, even the shape, of each and every instrumental voice it regenerates
- The new model comes equipped with a massive custom hand-wound power transformer and uses a bank of super-capacitors on its output—optimising damping (towards back EMF), improving the microdynamic motor control, and increasing drive stability
Product Considerations
- The speed controllers on the front panel are not marked
- It is an intricate and complex piece of equipment to install, best left to experts
- Its size and Captain Nemo physicality may be a drawback
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Kronos Pro, the Discovery shares no components—it isn't the Pro writ large, but runs along common evolutionary design channels
- The Discovery goes a lot further and is significantly better
Takeaway: The Chronos Discovery Turntable offers a new and improved music listening experience. It is considered a top-of-the-line product that uncovers sounds you may have never noticed before.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kronos Audio's turntables feature a unique counter-rotating dual-platter system that cancels out rotational forces and minimizes vibrations, setting them apart in the industry. Their turntables also use supercapacitors to operate off-grid for reduced electrical noise, while their Discovery RS tonearm employs a proprietary bearing system for precise playback.
Product Page
Product Page
NAGRA
Reference (Turntable)
128000
/
Released
2024
Following in the footsteps of Nagra's flagship Reference Anniversary turntable/tonearm system, Nagra's research and development team devoted an additional two years applying all that was learned in the preceding four years of Anniversary system development to expand our commitment to LP reproduction to a wider audience of vinyl lovers. The Reference turntable/tonearm maintains the same level of obsessive attention to detail embodied in the limited edition Reference Anniversary turntable/tonearm, including our insistence on technical achievement validated by extensive listening. Its concept, design and execution are befitting of its inclusion in Nagra's flagship Reference line of products.
Nagra Audio, a Swiss brand with roots in professional recording and film (including two Oscars for soundtracks), brings watchmaking-level precision to their hifi equipment through extensive in-house manufacturing of components like transformers. Their HD Preamp and Classic DAC showcase unique technologies, including virtual battery power supplies and PCM-to-DSD conversion, while their commitment to quality is demonstrated by rejecting over half of their tested valves to maintain exceptional standards.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed specifically for Nagra's 70th anniversary, with only 70 units produced, making it an exceptional and exclusive piece
- Provides a silent listening experience, with surface noise remaining at an almost inaudible level
- Offers precise sound reproduction, where all instruments are perfectly distinct with great definition
- Excellent instrument separation, allowing listeners to discern individual instruments within orchestral formations, creating a sense of depth and space
- Clean and well-defined low-frequency response without any muddiness
Product Considerations
- A complex piece of equipment, requiring 4 years of development and production
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The sound is closer to an analog master tape listening than to vinyl as we know it—rounder and softer
Takeaway: The Nagra REFERENCE ANNIVERSARY turntable is a technologically advanced and meticulously crafted product designed for exceptional vinyl playback. It is a premium option for audiophiles seeking the highest level of precision and clarity in their listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Nagra Audio, a Swiss brand with roots in professional recording and film (including two Oscars for soundtracks), brings watchmaking-level precision to their hifi equipment through extensive in-house manufacturing of components like transformers. Their HD Preamp and Classic DAC showcase unique technologies, including virtual battery power supplies and PCM-to-DSD conversion, while their commitment to quality is demonstrated by rejecting over half of their tested valves to maintain exceptional standards.
Product Page
Product Page
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Gryphon
Apollo
160856
/
Released
2024
Never before has so much intellectual horsepower been devoted to the service of Analog Playback. The culmination of a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Soren Slebo of The Gryphon Design Team, Turntable Legend Helmut Brinkmann, Cartridge Master Ortofon and the Aarhus Technical Institute, Apollo by Gryphon is more than a turntable: it is a seminal event in the history of High End Audio.
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Huge, open, and relaxed sound, with a touch of sweetness in the upper registers
- Focuses on the deeper meanings of the music
- Might be a turntable for the ages
Product Considerations
- MSRP of $150K
- Demos were sometimes interrupted by the room next door
Takeaway: The Gryphon Apollo turntable offers a stunning sound that is huge, open, and relaxed. It is worth checking out if someone wants something that can really dig into the music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
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