The Air Force III Premium turntable builds upon the success of the original Air Force III, incorporating advanced innovations while retaining the same compact chassis. The most significant upgrade is the precision-cast gunmetal platter, which is surface-polished to perfection and weighs a substantial 29 kg—more than three times the weight of the original aluminum platter. This heavy platter, coupled with the total weight of the main unit now exceeding 50 kg, provides an extended frequency range and enhanced dynamics, bringing a more vivid, nuanced sound. The increased mass results in a notably lower noise floor, thanks to the air bearing system that ensures virtually silent operation, completely isolating vibrations from the record.
Gunmetal, being a soft and tensile metal, imparts a subtle glow to the sound, further enriching the listening experience. The Air Force III Premium also features TechDAS' unique air bearing method, where the platter floats and rotates in near silence, avoiding the strain and friction that could affect conventional bearing systems. This innovative air bearing technology eliminates the need for conventional bearings, ensuring a maintenance-free performance for many years.
In addition, the vacuum LP hold-down system found in the Air Force series effectively flattens warped records onto the platter, dramatically improving tracing performance and sensitivity, while reducing strain on the cartridge and tonearm. This vacuum system, developed by TechDAS, gently holds the LP in place without causing any damage, unlike other turntables that use high vacuum pressures.
The chassis of the Air Force III Premium is made from solid aluminum, with a black anodized and highly polished surface that contrasts beautifully with the gold-colored gunmetal platter. The CNC-machined aluminum chassis is compact yet affords maximum flexibility, allowing up to four tonearms of varying sizes (from 9” to 12”) to be installed. This combination of precision engineering, innovative technology, and beautiful craftsmanship represents the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship and subtlety, with a sophisticated aesthetic that elevates both form and function.
