Townshend Audio Rock MK III Turntable / Rega RB300 /
Audio Technica ML-150 OCC

Up for auction is this fantastic analog front-end featuring the legendary Townshend
Audio Rock MK III Turntable. 

This complete turntable package comes with the following:

1. Townshend Rock MK III turntable, thick acrylic platter, record clamp, owner's manual
2. Rega RB300 tonearm
3. Audio Technica ML-150 OCC cartridge

Townshend Audio Engineering Triumphs Over Linn Marketing
Vinyl aficionados have referred to this 1990s British-made turntable as an “Linn LP12 killer” of similar vintage. 

How does the Rock MK III outshine the fiddly, much-higher-price Linn LP12? The answer lies in
the Rock MKIII’s brilliant-but-simple engineering, which translates into superb sound with a no-fuss
setup—opposite of Linn’s complicated setup that induces panic attacks among owners while it
enriches Linn dealers.

The Rock MK III’s remarkable performance is a result of two outstanding features:

1. Its unique front-end damping arrangement, comprising a fluid-filled trough and double outrigger/
   paddle assembly, damps arm/cartridge resonances and locks the pickup arm to the base/plinth assembly
   and hence to the disc.
2. Acoustic isolation is achieved by suspending the plinth and platter on a proprietary air-filled damped
   synthetic rubber suspension chamber.

Adjusting the turntable level for optimum performance is simplicity itself, using its 3 leveling feet and
bubble level. Setup takes minutes. Enjoyment lasts years.
 

Rock MK III Suspension Operational Details
This turntable has a Dunlop (or Woods) valve near the left rear corner on the plinth. To inflate
the inner suspension chamber, one must do the following:

• Obtain a presta-to-schrader valve adapter (NOT included but sold on Amazon for a few dollars);
  the presta and Dunlop valves share identical threads.
• Attach valve adapter to the turntable valve.
• Use a mini bike pump (NOT included) to inflate the bladder suspension.
• Note: The LED light near the power switch will not light up until the air level is correct.

The original belt is included, but a new one can be ordered here, among other sources.

This turntable’s trough will need silicone damping fluid, which can be purchased from Amazon and
other sources.
 

Max Townshend once owned this Rock MK III
After reading Robert E. Greene's rave review of the Townshend Audio Rock MK III turntable
in the Absolute Sound, I wanted one. However, when my favorite audio salon in Los Angeles
didn't have one for sale, the owner invited me to the Stereophile Hi-Fi '95 Show, which was in
Los Angeles that year. At the show, I met and talked with Max Townshend and then purchased
his own Rock MK III turntable that he had used at the show. One of my photos has the Stereophile
sticker on the box to show provenance.

I enjoyed this table for about 2 years. Then, I moved a few times and went to grad school. During
this time, and ever since, this turntable/tonearm/cartridge has been carefully packed away. I only
just opened the box before this auction, and it truly is a “sleeper” beauty.   

Condition
As mentioned, this turntable combo has been boxed for 20 years. I confirmed that the motor works,
but I have not used any part of the combination and make no guarantees regarding the mechanical
and operational condition of the turntable, tonearm, or cartridge. Everything is being sold AS IS. 

Based on the storage time length, this turntable combo should not be considered “plug ’n’ play.”
The new owner will have to clean, lubricate, and adjust the turntable and tonearm/cartridge, similar
to buying all pieces new. Detailed instructions on this turntable's setup and operation will be included.

The physical condition of the turntable is excellent. It shows only minor signs of wear consistent with
light use. The acrylic platter has a small scuff that was present when I purchased it but does not affect performance.
The clamp has some type of glue stuck to the plastic in various places, as seen in the
photos. Again, this was present when I purchased it but does not affect performance.
 

I will include the instructions, which detail the turntable’s setup and operation. 

Original boxes and manuals for the tonearm and cartridge will NOT be included.