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.

Design & Construction

The new TMS 3 incorporates a four-tier plinth structure based on the original TMS and the TMS2 design. This construction combines the best of both worlds and builds on the strengths of the TMS2.

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

Roksan's unique self synchronizing motor bearing is mounted on an Acetal base and secured to the bottom plinth, which in turn is coupled to the support structure via three specially designed and 'tuned' Adjustable Spike Feet and Bases.

The bottom plinth houses the XPS reference motor drive module and the motor also supports the Top/Mid/Sub plinths. The entire structure of the TMS3 is designed to preserve the stylus/record interface to an unprecedented standard.

Versatility & Performance

The construction of the TMS 3 facilitates setup of different tonearms by simply changing the arm board. Plinth, platter and motor adjustments are also easily done thanks to the new four-tier construction and the setup feet provided with the record player.

TMS 3's main bearing assembly is ground breaking in design and manufacture. The super precision, Tungsten Carbide self-centering, self-aligning true single point main bearing eliminates noise and maximizes dynamics. This is one of the major advances in the precision design of record player's rotational axis. Equally, all other aspects of the TMS 3 design are so carefully considered in order to ensure an overall performance far superior to what has been possible before.
The new TMS 3 Main Bearing Ball, Inner and Outer Platter design is refined to ensure the record remains almost undisturbed by the internally induced vibrations. This provides the cartridge with an almost silent passage to retrieve the vital audio information. The combination of the Plinth material, density, linear damping, vibration absorbing weight blocks, lowered decoupling frequency and controlled harmonic structure delivers a performance second to none. Thanks to the design of the TMS 3, there are several critical components that can be utilised in the TMS 2 for enhanced performance and unparalleled upgradeability.

Partnered with the new Artemiz tonearm and the Shiraz moving coil cartridge, TMS 3 will provide decades of musical enjoyment.

The Reason

The original TMS was first launched almost two decades ago. At the time we predicted that at least in the 90's the LP would continue to provide us with unparalleled musical satisfaction. In fact our record player research and development and our dedication to analogue replay, has ensured continued unparalleled musical satisfaction of the LP for a lot longer than that. It is with great pride and pleasure to introduce the new TMS 3 reference record player to our valued customers and assure them of our continued support in the art of analogue music replay.

Today purchasing old and new LPs have become even easier. Thanks to never ending enthusiasm and support of everyone in this industry, we can all enjoy vinyl replay systems more than ever.

The TMS2 was probably the best musical performer of the highest quality and its pedigree had gone back a long way. The real question is how did we manage to make it even better?

The new TMS 3 features & Upgrade options

• New TMS3 Tungsten Carbide Main Bearing Ball
  
• New Inner Platter (new version with x3 fixing screws for the plate to platter disc attachment)
• New Outer Platter (more optimally fitted disc to rim)
• New High density MDF Piano lacquered Plinths optimizing rigidity and weight distribution
  
• Special Brass & Stainless vibration absorption weights on Bottom plinth for optimum noise reduction
  
• Special de-coupler mounting on Middle plinth for reduced noise transfer to Sub-plinth
  
• New frequency tuned sub-plinth de-couplers to maintain better record/cartridge interface
  
• Acetal Inserts in the Top plinth for Mid-plinth de-couplers
  
• Mid-plinth Anti Vibration spacer grommets
  
• New adjustable spike feet (loaded with 2 Tungsten carbide balls and stainless steel spring for optimum coupling)
• New Adjustable Spike Foot Bases with solid silicone surface contact pads
  

The new platters optimize linear damping to increase isolation and maximize resolution. There are some other nice touches such as the Rmat-5 retaining 'O'ring to eliminate the mat coming off
when removing the record.

The new TMS3 provides much better high frequency resolution and deeper, tighter bass with unprecedented harmonic structure. It has increased dynamic range, lower noise and more solid sound stage than its predecessor the TMS2!

More info on TMS 3 features & Upgrade options
PDF 413KB

Specifications

• Main Bearing Spindle Super Precision Tungsten Carbide
  Roundness & Concentricity & Surface Finish < 1 Micron
  Length to Diameter ratio 11:1
• Main Bearing Ball Super Precision Tungsten Carbide
  Roundness < 1 Micron
  Diameter 2mm
• Main Bearing Housing Solid Phosphor Bronze
  Clearance 2/10,000”
• Inner Platter 2 Piece Solid Aluminium alloy
  Interference fitted non-resonant
• Outer Platter 2 Piece Solid Aluminium alloy
  Interference fitted non-resonant
• Structure 4 Plinth Design
• Isolation 7 Level De-coupling
  
• Motor Custom made 24 pole synchronous
  
• Pulley Solid Aluminium alloy
  Roundness & Concentricity < 1 Micron
  
• Drive Belt Precision ground Neoprene
  
• Motor Mount Unique synchronizing bearing
  
• Motor Drive Super XPS.V (Internal)
  
• Wow & Flutter < 0.02%
  
• Rumble < -80dB
  
• Dimensions 450 x 370 x 110mm
  (incl. Feet & base) 450 x 370 x 150mm
  (incl. Feet & base & dust cover) 450 x 370 x 220mm
  
• Weight 18 Kg
  
  All specifications are liable to change without notice. E.& O.E.
  
  

• 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