Elite Rock Mk3

About the Elite Rock Mk3

The Townshend Elite Rock Mk3 is a manual, two-speed (33⅓ and 45 rpm) belt‑drive turntable built around a high‑mass, rigid plinth and heavy platter, both formed as mineral castings within a metal skin for improved resonance control. It uses an AC synchronous motor with a precision flat belt and is designed to work with a wide range of tonearms via its adjustable arm mounting geometry. A defining feature of the Elite Rock series is the silicone‑filled damping trough located near the cartridge/headshell, which is used to control tonearm resonance and improve tracking, allowing compatibility with a broad variety of cartridges. The Mk3 continues Townshend's engineering‑led focus on isolation and vibration control, typically employing a spring/damper suspension and compliant feet, although specific implementations may vary by production and setup. In this configuration it is commonly partnered with the Rega RB300 tonearm, a die‑cast monoblock aluminum arm with internal spring tracking‑force regulation, dual‑support pivot, low‑friction bearings, and cartridge support from 4 to 12 g, valued for its clear, neutral, and detailed sound. Together, the Elite Rock Mk3 and Rega RB300 offer stable rotation, effective mechanical damping, and precise playback that work well with a wide range of moving‑magnet and moving‑coil cartridges.