Thorens TD 1601 with TP 160 walnut

The Thorens TD 1601 with TP 160 is a high-end belt-driven turntable featuring a suspended chassis and a new tonearm. It offers semi-automatic functionalities, both balanced and unbalanced connectivity, and an elegant design inspired by the brand’s classic models. This turntable is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and enhanced user comfort.

A Reinvented Legacy

The TD 1601 follows in the footsteps of Thorens’ legendary turntables, particularly the TD 160 from the 1970s. It retains the principles that made the brand successful while modernizing them. The walnut wood chassis evokes a classic aesthetic, while the integrated technologies propel this turntable into the 21st century.

The design of the TD 1601 is both elegant and functional. The 4.2 kg solid aluminum platter, covered with a thick rubber mat, ensures high inertia and effective vibration absorption. The glossy walnut finish adds a touch of warmth and sophistication, making it a perfect fit for a refined interior.

Innovative Suspension for Pure Sound

The heart of the TD 1601 lies in its suspension system. Unlike previous models, the three conical springs are not attached to the top plate but rest on the base. This configuration, combined with a steel wire stretched between the motor axis and the platter axis, allows vertical movement while limiting lateral oscillations.

This sophisticated suspension system effectively isolates the platter and tonearm from external vibrations. It contributes to more precise groove tracking, enabling the reproduction of the finest nuances and details of the recording.

The TP 160 Tonearm: Precision and Stability

The new TP 160 tonearm, developed by designer Helmut Thiele, is one of the highlights of this turntable. It is a 9-inch J-shaped tonearm with an ultra-precise knife-edge bearing. Its design is inspired by tonearms used in professional recording studios.

The TP 160 stands out with its magnetic stabilization system for the horizontal bearing. This innovation ensures extremely precise groove tracking, minimizing distortion and enabling faithful audio signal reproduction. The tonearm is also equipped with a detachable headshell with SME connection, offering great flexibility in cartridge selection and replacement.

Enhanced User Comfort

The TD 1601 stands out with its semi-automatic functionalities that enhance user comfort without compromising sound quality. The electric tonearm lift system, controlled by a touch button, allows smooth lowering and raising of the tonearm.

The turntable is also equipped with a contactless auto-stop system. At the end of the record, an optical sensor detects the end of the groove and activates the tonearm lift and platter stop. This feature preserves the stylus and prevents unnecessary wear on the record if you fall asleep while listening.

Versatile Connectivity

The TD 1601 offers flexible connectivity with its balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. The balanced XLR outputs are particularly appealing for high-end systems, as they reduce interference over long cable distances and improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

To fully benefit from the advantages of balanced connectivity, Thorens recommends using a moving coil (MC) cartridge. However, the turntable remains compatible with all types of cartridges thanks to its standard RCA outputs.

An Immersive Listening Experience

The combination of the suspended chassis, heavy aluminum platter, TP 160 tonearm, and electronically controlled synchronous motor allows the TD 1601 to deliver remarkable sound quality. Listeners will appreciate the rotational speed stability, precise tracking, and the turntable’s ability to extract the finest details from the grooves.

The TD 1601 particularly excels in reproducing low frequencies, thanks to its heavy platter and suspension system that effectively isolates vibrations. The midrange is rich and natural, while the highs are detailed without ever becoming harsh.

Technical Specifications

General Features

• Manual turntable with automatic stop
• Adjustable belt drive
• Suspended chassis
• Electronic tonearm control
• Automatic standby function
• Platter:
  • Dimensions: 30.5 cm
  • Weight: 4.2 kg
  • Material: aluminum
• Speeds: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
• Synchronous AC motor with electronic control and stabilization
• Manual speed selection (front switch)
• Finish: walnut

Tonearm

• Type: Thorens TP 160
• Length: 232.8 mm
• Overhang: 17.8 mm
• Offset angle: 23.6°
• Effective mass: 15 g
• Magnetic anti-skating device

Connectivity

• 1 stereo RCA output
• 1 balanced XLR output
• 1 ground terminal

Included Accessories

• 1 power cable
• 1 rubber mat
• 1 power transformer
• 1 acrylic dust cover

Important Note

This turntable is delivered without a cartridge, allowing users to choose one that best suits their needs and budget.

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 454 × 180 × 369 mm
• Weight: 11 kg