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Image Hifi Award

Hi-Fi Choice Awards 2003-2004

Award 2002
TMS2 + DC Power Supply

Philosophy

Function of a record player is to measure the groove with respect to time.

The more accurate is this measurement, the better is the performance of the record player. To measure something accurately, a reference point and its precise location is required. During this measurement the record is rotating and only one thing could locate the precise position of the groove and that is the stylus tip. So it is of paramount importance to keep the stylus/record contact free from any disturbances. The reference point is the axis of rotation. So it is equally important to avoid any 'wobble' in the main bearing.

Internal and external noise and disturbances would also impair the measurement. The stylus is fitted to the tone arm, which in turn is supported by the arm board. So the arm board/main bearing structure requires very careful design to ensure its complete mechanical integrity. The main bearing/platter/motor assembly should also work in such a way that the stylus/record interface is kept free from internal and external disturbances. In short the whole design unfolds from the stylus tip.

TMS


Design & Construction

The new TMS 2 incorporates a four-tier plinth structure based on the original TMS and the Xerxes.X design. This construction combines the best of both worlds and builds on the strengths of the original TMS.

Top and sub plinths are decoupled in the unique Roksan design to allow only 'sympathetic' movements, which do not interfere with the stylus/record interface. The top plinth is then supported on three new 'BLOBs' with no less than eight components in each of the supports to effectively isolate the measuring platform.

The unique Roksan self synchronising motor bearing is mounted on an Acetal base and secured to the motor plinth, which in turn is decoupled from the base plinth via three isolators.

The base plinth houses the XPS.V reference motor drive PCB and supports the motor and the top/sub plinths. The new spike adjustable feet locate into the feet bases coupling the record player with its support stand. The entire structure is designed to preserve the stylus/record interface. The main bearing spindle and ball are super precision made from tungsten carbide to eliminate noise.

Versatility & Performance

The construction of the TMS 2 facilitates setup of different tonearms by simply changing the arm boards. Plinth, platter and motor adjustments are also easily done thanks to the new four-tier plinth construction.

TMS 2's main bearing assembly is ground breaking in design and manufacture. The self -centering, self-aligning true single point main bearing eliminates noise and defines an unparalleled axis of rotation. This is sonically one of the major advances in the design of the TMS 2. All the aspects of the design are carefully considered to ensure performance second to none. It is with great pride to introduce this record player to our valued customers and assure them of our continued support in the art of analogue music replay.

Partnered with the new Artemiz tonearm and the Shiraz moving coil cartridge, TMS 2 will provide you with many years of musical enjoyment.

The Reason

The original TMS was first launched a decade ago. At the time we predicted that in the 90's the LP would continue to provide us with unparalleled musical satisfaction. We were wrong! The LP has and will continue for a lot longer than that.

Today we see many companies using high-grade virgin vinyl and producing reissued LPs with some of the best recorded musical performances. This is not to say there is anything wrong with standard LPs, only to emphasize our desire to improve upon what we have been enjoying so much.

The original TMS is a musical performer of the highest quality and its pedigree goes back a long way. The question is, can it be bettered?

And the answer is, yes it has been.


TMS


Specifications
  • Unique Roksan self centering & aligning true single point bearing:
  • Main Bearing Spindle Tungsten Carbide
    Roundness & Concentricity < 1 Micron
    Length to Diameter ratio 11:1
  • Main Bearing Ball Tungsten Carbide
    Roundness < 1 Micron
    Diameter 2mm
  • Main Bearing Housing Solid Phosphor Bronze
    Clearance 2/10000"
  • Inner Platter 2 Piece solid Al alloy
    Interference fitted non-resonant
  • Outer Platter 2 Piece solid Al alloy
    Interference fitted non-resonant
  • Plinth Structure 4 Plinth Design
  • Suspension 6 Level Decoupling
  • Motor Custom made 24 pole sync.
  • Pulley Solid Al. Alloy
  • Belt Precision ground
  • Motor Mount Unique synchronising bearing
  • Motor Drive Super XPS.V (internal)
  • Wow & Flutter <0.02
  • Rumble <-80dB
  • Dimensions 450x370x135mm
    Weight 18 Kg

    All specifications are liable to change without notice. E.& O.E.

Speed control


DC Power Supply

TMS2 already has the reference motor drive integral with in the unit. It only requires a DC supply to power its internal reference motor drive.

There are two options:

  • DX2/DSU Standard Speed Control
  • DX2/DS1.5 Reference Speed Control


DSU DC Power Module (STANDARD MODEL)
Output Voltage +26, 0, -26 Vdc
Noise < 150 microvolts (ref. 1Hz - 3 MHz)

DS1.5 DC Power Module (REFERENCE MODEL)
Output Voltage +26, 0, -26 Vdc
Noise < 10 microvolts (ref. 1 Hz - 3 MHz)
Output Impedance < 0.01 Ohm (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz)

System DX2 Chassis
Mains Input Filtered, double fused, switched IEC
Transformer Ultra low noise internally and externally shielded
350 VA Toroidal
Power Source 100V - 120V 50Hz / 60Hz
220V - 240V 50Hz / 60Hz
Power Consumption 240 W max.
Dimensions 432 x 330 x 70 (W x D x H) mm
432 x 330 x 80 (including feet)
Weight 12 Kg max. Fully loaded




TMS2 Record Player User Manual
PDF 1606K

Caspian DX2 User Manual
PDF 357K

Safety Instructions User Manual
PDF 172K

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