Since the acquisition of the Swiss company in May 2018 by Gunter Kürten and the associated relocation to Bergisch Gladbach, the traditional Thorens brand has been experiencing a fresh revival. With many new announcements and re-releases of old classics, the brand generated particular enthusiasm at High End 2019 in Munich. We have also recently added a selection of the coveted Thorens turntables to our product range.
TD 1600
Outwardly, the TD 1600 strongly resembles the legendary players of the 160 series due to its classic-looking wooden plinth and the two-part platter with arm board. The subchassis construction characteristic of Thorens with an internal belt drive is also found in the TD 1600. Instead of hanging, however, it is mounted on three massive conical springs, which are fastened to the base plate with height-adjustable screws. This even makes an audible difference – due to its spring suspension, the player is able to "swing" to the music, which ensures a particularly three-dimensional sound. A tension-adjustable metal thread between the tonearm base and the platter prevents the platter from being pulled towards the motor and wobbling. Another special feature of the TD 1600 is the power supply unit, which is housed in its own separate casing. This spatial separation eliminates possible vibrations that could negatively affect the sound. Thorens also equips the player with its tried-and-tested precision tonearm TP 92. This is gimbal-mounted and easily height-adjustable. Its tracking force can be set using markings on the rubber-mounted counterweight, so a tonearm scale is not absolutely necessary. The turntable can be connected to a phono preamplifier both asymmetrically via cinch and symmetrically via XLR.
TD 1601
While the TD 1600 already offers unparalleled luxury, Thorens places emphasis on enhanced operating comfort with the TD 1601. In essence, the TD 1601 shares the same basic features as the TD 1600. The polished precision belt running inside the classic-looking plinth, the mounting on three conical springs, and the external power supply are also found in the TD 1601. Likewise, it allows the choice between unbalanced jack and balanced XLR output sockets. However, Thorens adds a significant extra with the electric lift. The equally built-in high-end tonearm TP 92 can be operated effortlessly at the touch of a button. An additional auto-stop function returns the tonearm completely hands-free after the side ends.
TD 148 A
The TD 148 A is Thorens' flagship classic fully automatic turntable, referencing the classic design of its ancestor, the TD 147, both visually and technically. The proven belt drive and a smooth-running DC motor ensure the correct drive. The latter also allows listening to shellac records at 78 rpm – fully retro, then. For the resonance-optimized tonearm, Thorens has come up with something new and slightly modified their top model TP 92, which is also supplied with the Ortofon M2 Blue cartridge. So you can start listening straight away. The fully automatic system takes care of the rest anyway. The "floating" chassis's suspended construction isolates it from footfall noise and other external influences. Its real wood veneered plinth, available in two finishes, and the elegant glass platter with precise guidance make it a real eye-catcher. A nice bonus is also the cinch sockets on the back, which allow the exchange of any phono cables. In addition, a transparent dust cover with sturdy hinges is included in the scope of delivery.
TD 402 DD
As indicated at the beginning, Thorens is breaking new ground with the TD 402 DD. As one of their first direct-drive turntables, however, it doesn't have to hide behind belt-driven players. Just like with the TD 148 A, Thorens also emphasizes ready-to-play comfort with the TD 402 DD. An integrated, optionally switchable, phono preamplifier, the auto-start and auto-stop functions make it a star in its price class. The new carbon tonearm is equipped with a removable headshell with a bayonet lock. To top it off, the AT VM95 E cartridge is already mounted on it, which can be replaced effortlessly. Furthermore, an acrylic dust cover and the power supply unit are also included. The finely crafted wooden plinth is optionally available with a high-gloss finish or in a walnut look and is visually very appealing in both versions. Perhaps better: The whole thing stands on resonance-absorbing, spring-loaded feet and perfectly matches the successful retro look both technically and visually.
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