Rock mkIII

About the Rock mkIII

The Townshend Audio Rock mkIII turntable is a precision-engineered analog playback device designed for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality and stability. It features an inverted bearing design and an acrylic platter. The plinth is a heavy combination of steel and acrylic, internally suspended by Townshend's pneumatic suspension system, which acts as a built-in seismic sink to isolate the turntable from external vibrations. The turntable also incorporates viscous cartridge damping to reduce resonance and improve tracking. The Rock mkIII is known for its ultra-silent background, imperturbable solidity, and exemplary bass control, partly due to its unique trough damping system that uses a viscous fluid trough attached to the tonearm to dampen vibrations during playback. This trough damping system is designed so that the fluid does not slop or drip during use. The turntable is straightforward to set up and remains stable once adjusted, with the motor housing as a separate unit that requires careful leveling. It is highly regarded for its natural sound, low surface noise, and ability to reproduce music with clarity and control, making it suitable for critical listening environments.