Thorens TAS 1600

The Thorens TAS 1600 cartridge is a centerpiece for demanding vinyl enthusiasts. Specifically designed for the Thorens TD 1600 and TD 1601 turntables, it combines precise Japanese engineering and premium materials to deliver faithful and nuanced sound reproduction. With its nude Line Contact diamond mounted on a boron cantilever, this low-output MC (Moving Coil) cartridge is a solid choice for those seeking to maximize the detail and musicality of their records.

Thoughtful design and quality materials

The Thorens TAS 1600 stands out with its robust and optimized construction. Its aluminum body provides effective protection against interference, while its brass connection pins ensure reliable signal transmission. The nude Line Contact diamond, directly mounted on the boron cantilever, enables precise reading of the record grooves, capturing every sonic nuance. This meticulous design promotes optimal extraction of the information engraved on the vinyl, especially in the high frequencies.

Additionally, the coil is made of PCOCC (Ohno Continuous Cast) copper, a material renowned for its exceptional conductivity. This attention to detail in material selection contributes to the clarity and purity of the sound produced by the TAS 1600.

Acoustic performance and compatibility

The TAS 1600 offers an extended frequency response from 20 Hz to 50 kHz, delivering rich and balanced sound reproduction across the spectrum. Its 28 dB channel separation ensures precise and immersive stereo spatialization. With an output voltage of 0.4 mV and an internal impedance of 12 ohms, this cartridge is compatible with most phono preamps supporting low-output MC cartridges.

It is also easy to integrate thanks to its standard 1/2” mounting format, making it adaptable not only to Thorens turntables but also to other compatible models.

An evolving listening experience

An interesting aspect of the TAS 1600 is its evolving behavior over time. During the initial hours of use, some users have noted a slightly restrained or “soft” sound. However, after a break-in period of about two months (approximately 100 vinyl sides), the cartridge reveals its full potential: an open, fluid, and detailed sound with fast transients and extended decays. This gradual transformation makes it an ideal choice for patient audiophiles who appreciate the subtle yet significant evolution of acoustic performance.

Points to consider: pairing with the tonearm

While the TAS 1600 is designed to pair perfectly with the TP 160 tonearms of the Thorens TD 1600/1601 turntables, it is important to note that its dynamic compliance (18 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne) may influence its behavior on other tonearms. Users should ensure their tonearm has a suitable effective mass to get the best performance from this cartridge.

Technical Specifications

Construction

• Moving coil cartridge
• Aluminum body
• 0.28 mm boron cantilever
• Nude Line Contact diamond
• 12.7 mm mounting format
• Brass connection pins
• Cartridge weight: 8.2 g

Electrical Characteristics

• Ohno Continuous Cast Copper (PCOCC) coil
• Output voltage: 0.4 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Coil impedance: 12 Ω (1 kHz)
• Coil inductance: 25 μH (1 kHz)
• DC resistance: 12 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: min. 100 Ω

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 20 - 50,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 28 dB (1 kHz)
• Output channel balance: 0.5 dB (1 kHz)

Mechanical Parameters

• Vertical tracking angle: 20 degrees
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 to 2.2 g (standard 2.0 g)
• Diamond dimensions: 38.1 × 7.1 μm
• Static compliance: 22 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Dynamic compliance: 18 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)