Thorens reference turntable review. Celebrating its 140th anniversary, Thorens decided to go big, i...
Thorens reference turntable review. Celebrating its 140th anniversary, Thorens decided to go big, in size, price and weight. co. It's a no-fuss solution for vinyl starters After a few years of uncertainty, turntable specialist Thorens has clearly regained its mojo. I thought it was somewhat odd that when thorns was the leader in these "sweet yet strong" turntables with electronc speed stability and chassis isolation, that they would make that huge reference turntable. With Thorens New References, for the first time in history a turntable is designed and optimized from the ground up along with a fully active vibration isolation system. The Thorens is quite a turntable. Further information can be found in Imprintand The Thorens design team around Helmut Thiele, who is responsible for the construction and design of the new Reference, have taken on this challenge. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. May 4, 2023 · As a reference, if I remember correctly, the original Thorens Reference was the world’s most expensive TT when it was introduced, and the new Thorens Reference far from it! The Thorens New Reference is the first time a turntable has been designed and optimized from the ground up with a fully active vibration isolation system. Jan 15, 2025 · Discover some of the best Thorens turntables on the market, as I break down my favorite record players that are great for beginner and intermediate vinyl fans! May 9, 2023 · With its New Reference turntable, Thorens claims its design team, in collaboration with German active vibration isolators manufacturer Seismion, has produced the first turntable "designed and optimised from scratch together with a fully active vibration isolation system". Mar 6, 2004 · Review: Thorens TD-185 Turntable Category: Analog Awhile back, I owned a Denon DP-47F, a beautiful, $650 automatic turntable. May 11, 2023 · Thorens New Reference Turntable - Preview. Inherited and meticulously maintained, this Thorens Reference BLACK is a rare find. In 1982, Thorens released the TD-524, the brand’s last direct drive model until the arrival of the Thorens TD-402 DD. Acrylic turntable cover, RMG 309 Limited original box. Reference. We sell here a Thorens Reference Turntable with EMT Tonarm and EMT Cartridge. Thorens creates a vibration isolation and control design never achieved in turntables before. I’m very pleased there’s research and development going on in the high end turntable world Note that 3-phase motor belt-drive turntable with electronic generation of signals was already done on the EMT 928, year 1968. Subscribe Subscribed 68 7. Our guide to the best turntables we've tested and expert advice below should help you sift through the many turntables out there to find which is the best fit for your listening needs and budget. Beautiful creme-white with gold. Thiele has done previous work for Thorens and was long associated with speaker Feb 26, 2022 · THORENS official service partner Arno Schreder from Plattenspieler Reparatur proudly poses in front of six THORENS Reference turntables. Here's its great grandson Thorens CEO Gunter Kürten is true to his word: when we first met at the Tokyo High End Show in 2019, he hinted that the hugely-important, wildly-popular three-point suspended-subchassis, belt-drive TD 150 of 1965 might make a Turntable Reviews: 4439 To add a review or rate a turntable, browse for the model and use the review form. The nice thing being that you can almost always bring them back up to their original specs. May 5, 2023 · Thorens Launches "New Reference" Turntable—World Exclusive! features fully active vibration isolation by Seismion Thorens will unveil tomorrow its "New Reference" turntable, an ambitious assault on the turntable "state of the art", undertaken by a design team headed by legendary veteran designer Helmut Thiele. Mono & Stereo ultra high-end audio magazinewww. Antique vintage Hi Fi transcription turntables Jun 19, 2013 · One point on which I fully concur is that old turntables usually need some love to give their best performance, ranging from basic cleaning to a complete overhaul depending on the condition. Discover the classic elegance of the Thorens Reference BLACK turntable. Weight: approx. May 13, 2008 · I'm inspired by the post announcing a magazine article/review about the Thorens 124 to ask a question that has been eating at my mind for a while: what is the pecking order/hierarchy of Thorens tables? Assuming SOUND quality is most important, and build quality a close second, what is the Jan 18, 2019 · New turntable from Thorens in collaboration with Seismion. uk staff published July 25, 2007 Jul 8, 2025 · Thorens offers a diverse range of turntables that cater to different levels of audiophile expertise. It’s a completely unique mechanical engineering project. May 24, 2024 · Thorens ’ Reference turntable seen in prototype form at HE 2023 was back in its finished edition. Meticulously engineered for the discerning vinyl listener to reproduce audio recordings exactly as the musician intended. TD 190-2 is a more robust version of TD 170-1 from Thorens and by far one of the most reliable turntables you can grab under $1000. " THORENS TD 402 DD THORENS TD 204 The THORENS TD 204 - a turntable with sound expansion potential for audiophiles. Manufacturer: Thorens Model: Reference Years of manufacture: 1980 - 1983 Made in: Switzerland Color: Power Consumption: Dimensions: 620 x 510 x 360 mm (WxHxD). This massive Reference turntable is expected to be priced at “about” €250,000 (no US price yet) and to be available in October of 2023. Apr 18, 2017 · When it comes to heritage, few hi-fi manufacturers can match Thorens. (You can find my turntable reviews on SoundStage! Access almost every month. The most […] Apr 12, 2025 · Read our full Thorens TD160HD review Clearaudio Innovation Wood/Universal/DaVinci V2 (2010) Our old reference turntable was an exceptional piece of hardware. The Thorens TD 160 Super is one of the few high-quality turntables available without a tone arm. Sep 15, 2025 · Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. The design typically includes a massive plinth made from MDF or similar materials, providing exceptional stability. The copies I have seen on ebay does not resemble the original at all. Review / SPecifications Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Thorens Reference Turntable at the best online prices at eBay UK! Free delivery for many products! May 29, 2024 · Anyway, they have a pretty interesting and topical set of turntable reviews in this issue, contrasting some of the hot new tables listed in the topic line, all scoring very well in their tests, the Denon, Thorens and Cyrus getting a reference class rating of 95% and above, while the GR2 falls just short with an excellent class rating of 93%. The Thorens Reference is a high-end turntable designed for audiophiles seeking unparalleled sound fidelity and sophisticated engineering. Mar 17, 2022 · It works especially well with the vintage Thorens TD 124 turntable—a must-hear combination, Art sez—as well as Thales's own TTT Slim II ($6750, or bundled with the Simplicity II for $14,180). It features a robust construction that minimizes vibrations and resonance, thereby enhancing audio clarity. The Thorens New Reference is the first ever turntable designed and optimized from scratch around a fully active vibration isolation system. Please contact us to buy or for any questions about this THORENS Prestige Turntable. These five models represent the best of Thorens’ legacy in the world of vinyl playback. Thorens is known as a manufacturer of electronics, mostly turntables. New Thorens Reference Turntable with Seismograph App Proof👍- HighEnd Munich 2023 Audiophile Junkie 22K subscribers Subscribed Dec 10, 2008 · Turntable tweaking Ultimately, the Thorens TD700 turntable delivers a very respectable musical performance for what is an unduly expensive record player straight out of its box. Serial # 012. Thorens TD160 turntable belt Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc) Jan 11, 2023 · The Thorens TD-160 MK II turntable uses a floating sub-chassis as well as a belt drive that could run at 2 speeds, which is at 33 1/3 and at 45 rpm. May 8, 2024 · Recently, Thorens issued a new tonearm, the TP 160, which is now fitted as standard to the TD 1600 and TD 1601 turntables instead of the TP 92 arm. Oct 19, 2025 · Thorens Reference Turntables for sale. It comes with the AT-VM95E cartridge, which limits its sound quality, making it an expensive option. Let’s get to know Thorens first. (Image credit: Clearaudio) One of our reference pieces of kit for several years, and with good reason, this high-end turntable sounds as good today as when we first heard it. Mar 7, 2016 · A brief encounter with the legendary Thorens Reference turntable at the HK 68. One notable aspect of the Thorens The Thorens TD-280 is a high performance turntable for the audiophile on a budget. 000. Thorens' works are inspired by the golden age of vinyl, and many people appreciate seeing heritage honored rather than trampled. In late 2018, they introduced two “entry-level” turntables, the TD 201 and TD 202. In this review, I will assess how these two arms compare using Thorens TAS 1600 and TAS 1500 MC cartridges. The most complex drive in Thorens history is intended to provide a deeper, more precise insight into new and old records with new technologies used for the first time in the hi-fi sector. monoandstereo. Matched with an SME, Sumiko or Audioquest tonearm, that table was not far behind a Linn LP-12 with a Black Basik arm. May 3, 2022 · The Thorens TD 402 DD is a stylish turntable with a direct drive and built-in preamp, priced at $1000. It was an improved version of the standard TD-160 series - better plinth, bottom, and motor. Upgrading to a higher-end cartridge like the AT-VMN95ML significantly improves performance. 107 years is a pretty good innings and the company continues to build on the reputation it built in the 1960s for audiophile LP decks. Arno Schreder’s nickname is now Mr. The brand was founded in 1883 to make music boxes, began making phonographs in 1903 and launched the legendary TD124 turntable in the late 1950s. The final cost is $329,999 and includes an active Seismion-designed active suspension and massive stand. This website uses cookies to continually improve our service. Jun 18, 2021 · For this review, we paired the Thorens TD 1600 turntable with our Thorens MM-008 reference preamplifier connected to the Atoll IN 200 Signature hi-fi amplifier using NorStone Jura RCA cables. Thorens had its newest creation on display: one static and another in a small room in one of the MOC’s halls. The Thorens TD-124 MK2 Turntable is a true classic. It's in really good condition. Apr 6, 2010 · Thorens was a leader in suspended subchassis technology and I think the TD 520 was the model. From entry-level models that provide an excellent introduction to vinyl, to high-end turntables designed for the most discerning listeners, Thorens has something for everyone. (Michael sent me a Kid Howard with the optional black satin finish, which bumps the cost to $5,500 for the complete rig. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer to the world of vinyl, exploring these vintage Thorens turntables can be a rewarding journey into the past Oct 17, 2023 · Thoren's range of 'all-in-one' belt-driven turntables – complete with arm, cartridge and integral phono stage – tops out with the TD 204. Jan 2, 2026 · Thorens' tagline encapsulates their approach: classic values reinterpreted. The top platter was decoupled from the lower platter by a slipper clutch, allowing records to start with the stylus already in the groove, and an illuminated stroboscope to match the variable speed Nov 13, 2018 · Experience unparalleled vinyl playback with the Fluance Reference High Fidelity Turntable. The best record player we've ever made The New Reference is the result of an in-depth co-operation between Thorens and Seismion. When Gunter Kürten, the former CEO of fellow German brand ELAC, took over the company in 2018, he felt its existing Jul 20, 2020 · Review: Thorens TD 402 DD Thorens does not hit the target Thorens semi-automatic and direct-drive turntable Thorens TD 402 DD needs a solid foundation to perform at its best. hk-68. This beautiful condition very early Thorens Reference is a true collector's item for those few serious audiophile whose interest is beyond the short-lived hype of the moment and who are interested in real value and those few components who do indeed reflect real value and historic May 3, 2022 · The Thorens TD 402 DD is a stylish turntable with a direct drive and built-in preamp, priced at $1000. That is, the design stands out for many reasons. Back in November 2018, I had the privilege of unboxing and briefly auditioning the more affordable TD 201 at Zhi Ren Audio, making it a global first Jul 17, 2013 · All original Thorens Reference from 1st production series. www. Mar 23, 2018 · Thorens TD 240-2 Price: £699 Pros: Automatic play, focused detail, bass, easy to use Cons: Price, strident mid-range Rating: 4/5 Verdict: A solid, well-built and reliable lifestyle design that provides automatic play, three speeds and lots of bass. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic Apr 26, 2017 · Thorens TD-160, classic belt drive turntable, for vintage lovers who enjoy fiddling with turntables. The Thorens TD 124, linn Sondek LP 12, Goldring GL 75, Goldring G80, Gerard SP25 turntable decks. Using Ortofon RMG 309 Light and SME 3012-R. The most extravagant turntable in the history of Thorens aims to provide a deeper and more precise insight into new and old records. Apr 14, 2022 · A handful of turntable brands lay claim to the first suspended subchassis model, but few, unlike Thorens' TD 150 from 1965, were mass produced. ) Mar 17, 2022 · Recommended Components Recommended Components 2022 Edition Turntables Turntables A+ OMA K3: $363,000 including power supply and Schröder SLM tonearm MF described this idiosyncratically styled, massive, and very expensive turntable as looking "somewhat like the Guggenheim Museum topped by a heliport and a construction crane. Turntable Reviews: 4437 To add a review or rate a turntable, browse for the model and use the review form. Their product line is thoughtfully curated to meet the needs of both beginners and seasoned audiophiles. With the Thorens New References, for the first time ever a turntable is designed and optimized from scratch together with a fully active vibration isolation system. Product is main body, original box, instruction manual, power adapter, lifter motor, stabilizer. The turntables are generally either built-in to the console or as a "separate" component that contains a ceramic cartridge and lack of counterweight, anti-skate, and swappable cartridge. The bearing assembly was installed into this, which consisted of a slim section ball May 30, 2023 · We continue ever onward with our extended looks at some of the coolest gear seen and heard at High End Munich 2023. The Transcriptors had a 20mm Perspex baseplate (with the option of an aluminium frame) that sat on three sprung isolating feet, rather than a sprung subchassis inside a hardwood plinth, as decks like the original AR turntable and the Thorens TD150 did. Turntable Thorens TD 202 Turntable Review For audiophiles, Thorens is synonymous with high-quality turntables. May 18, 2013 · Thorens Reference & Goldmund Reference Turntables The decade between 1975 & 1985 was very special, almost all the turntables belonging to the Beyond category were designed and produced during this time. My personal favorite Thorens is the TD126. With the “New Reference” Thorens has dedicated to a project close to their hearts. The two speed turntable with the TP-28 tonearm offers excellent isolation from vibrations and is capable of retrieving analogue signals with great accuracy. These iconic turntables are traded on the second-hand market for 65+ Euros. May 29, 2024 · The Thorens New Reference Collection album pays homage to a very special turntable, the Thorens New Reference, the most elaborate in the 140-year history of Thorens GmbH. With the right cartridge and preamp, it can deliver sound on par with higher-end models. Although Thorens is… May 27, 2024 · We have dedicated “New Reference” to a project close to our hearts, for which we deliberately exclude the affordable part: the Thorens New Reference. There is a large community of Thorens experts who can provide tips and spare parts. The Thorens design team around Helmut Thiele, who is responsible for the construction and design of the New Reference, has taken on this challenge. The Thorens design team around Helmut Thiele, who is responsible for the construction and design of the new Reference, have taken on this challenge. Learn more about the upgrades to make this classic 1960s deck sound something very special indeed. The Thorens New Reference is the result of the in-depth cooperation between the companies Thorens and Seismion. com With the Thorens New References, for the first time ever a turntable is designed and optimized from scratch together with a fully active vibration isolation system. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies. May 30, 2023 · We continue ever onward with our extended looks at some of the coolest gear seen and heard at High End Munich 2023. Apr 10, 2023 · The past two years have been great for me, as a reviewer, having had the opportunity to audition a good number of fine turntables, from entry level to the top of SoundStage! Access ’s purview. Contacted some persons in Istanbul and they installed the whole thing together with all the other things at my home and made my turntable run. It certainly fits into their atmosphere and matching products. Jul 31, 2024 · Used Thorens Reference turntables are extremely rare, but some may be found at online auctions where bids reach over €45. Most turntables with high-end aspirations are manual in operation, meaning you have to lift the arm from its rest, put the stylus (needle) in the May 13, 2010 · At the time Thorens belonged to EMT and the Reference combined the joint expertise of the 2 giants. Description US$ 11250 – THORENS Prestige Limited Edition with SME 3012-R and RMG 309. People rave about vintage Thorens and vintage turntables in general, but I personally don't like having to tinker with old hardware that needs maintenance, or will need maintenance soon. Review: Is it worth buying a 2nd hand Thorens TD160? May 8, 2023 · Using a 3 phase motor solves a number of issues and adds control…. This is when Linn ruled the mobs and magazines hailed it as THE REFERENCE while Thorens & Oct 25, 2012 · I'm a big fan of the TD 160, and was digging around some Thorens sites this morning when I stumbled upon the "Thorens Reference" hand-made turntable. It is almost identical to its maker’s Model TD 160 MkII (which comes with a Thorens TP 16 MkII tone arm) but instead uses an interchangeable tone-arm mounting board that is available predrilled for ADC, Stax, Grace, or Infinity Black Widow arms. Pure Analog Performance The Reference turntable delivers a warm, uncompressed listening experience, allowing you to get lost in the Mar 3, 2026 · What Hi-Fi? has been reviewing turntables ever since we started in 1976, so we know just how tricky – and rewarding – buying the right turntable is. The TD 124 is actually a belt driving an idler, so I feel it is the best belt drive turntable Sep 11, 2010 · Few names in hi-fi can match Thorens's track record. uk staff published July 25, 2007 May 27, 2024 · We have dedicated “New Reference” to a project close to our hearts, for which we deliberately exclude the affordable part: the Thorens New Reference. Jul 25, 2007 · Thorens TD850 review Get ready for take-off with this stripped-down turntable Reviews By tech. Thorens approaches their designs in a way that is respectful of the past while also not ignoring technical advancements. . Next up is the Thorens New Reference turntable, a stunning piece that’s intended to celebrate 140 years of the company’s design and performance prowess. ) For this posting, I revisited my reviews for the past two years, selected the finest examples of the science and art Thorens began manufacturing professional disc cutting lathes and other pickup cartridges around 1940, and in 1957, the seminal TD124 was released. May 26, 2018 · The Thorens TD 190-2 is a fully automatic design. 90 kg New price approx: Connections Oct 17, 2023 · In conclusion, vintage Thorens turntables are celebrated for their remarkable craftsmanship, precision engineering, and timeless aesthetics. 1K views 2 years ago #turntable #thorens #turntable #thorensmore Dec 15, 2019 · It was fun to review a turntable from a manufacturer whose goods I’d always wanted to hear, and I was impressed with the sound of the Thorens TD 206 and TAS 267. Turntable Reviews: 4439 To add a review or rate a turntable, browse for the model and use the review form. This flexibility allows users to mount Thorens' latest TP 160 12-inch tonearm alongside the newly developed Thiele TA01 tonearm, ensuring that every record in your collection can be played with optimal precision and May 4, 2023 · The Thorens design team around Helmut Thiele, who is responsible for the construction and design of the new Reference, have taken on this challenge. This allows you to play most records effectively. Apr 30, 2019 · So far I bought his Thorens reference serial 037 (green). Got a nice review in The Absolute Sound back in the 1980s. Feb 14, 2007 · At least here in Europe, used "vintage" Thorens turntables from the 1970's and 1980's are very popular, and they can be found at very good prices. Jun 3, 2024 · The Thorens design team around Helmut Thiele, who is responsible for the construction and design of the new Reference, have taken on this challenge. Turntable time at best of high end! Let us introduce you to the new reference turntable from Thorens. Jan 8, 2023 · So I ended Turntable Madness 2022 and told Michael that I’d review the Pear Audio Blue Kid Howard—a turntable fitted with the company’s flagship Cornet 2 tonearm for $5,000, just a bit more than the Technics. Did you know the company produced harmonicas until 1952 and lighters Jun 10, 2025 · The New Reference accommodates up to three tonearms simultaneously, supporting 9-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch configurations. com Turntable Thorens TD 403 DD Direct Drive Turntable Review The debate over music media seems to have reached a relatively clear consensus: CDs are in decline, cloud-based digital streaming dominates, and analog vinyl records, once relics of the past, have made a comeback, securing a niche. Nov 6, 2023 · Today we’ll be spinning records. It’s a Swiss company founded in 1883 by Herman Thorens in Giebenach Switzerland. Jan 29, 2017 · Most members here seem to forget the Thorens TD-160 Super from the early 1980s. Mr. Turntable Reviews: 4443 To add a review or rate a turntable, browse for the model and use the review form. Today’s turntables (or record players) are It was fun to review a turntable from a manufacturer whose goods I’d always wanted to hear, and I was impressed with the sound of the Thorens TD 206 and TAS 267. ezvomezkdwfbnmrkhipeeivhzaspxlpsctklhlicigazccwucul