Thorens TD 404 DD matte oak

The direct-drive motor from the TD 124 DD returns in a more compact format with a clean design. Thorens unveiled the TD 404 DD at the High End Munich 2025 show, with a clear goal: to offer the motor and tonearm from its flagship models at a more accessible price point. This manual turntable retains three speeds (33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM) and includes convenience features such as electronic tonearm lift. The direct-drive motor from the TD 124 DD ensures stable rotation and high torque, qualities sought after for quick speed-up and consistent playback.

High-Torque Drive and Damped Platter

Direct drive eliminates the belt and its wear or tension constraints. The TD 404 DD’s motor rotates in the same direction as the platter, with no intermediate transmission, which reduces sources of mechanical noise. The platter reaches its target speed in approximately one second, a behavior typical of high-torque turntables. The manufacturer reports speed fluctuations of 0.04% or less (WRMS), a level comparable to the brand’s belt-drive references such as the TD 1600/1601.

The platter weighs 3.7 kg. It is made of aluminum with integrated rubber damping. This combination promotes inertia (to smooth out speed variations) while absorbing resonances. A built-in strobe allows speed to be checked visually, and a fine pitch adjustment allows corrections of around one percent if needed.

The TP 160 Tonearm and Its Knife-Edge Bearing

The TP 160 is the first tonearm in Thorens history to use a knife-edge bearing. A hardened steel blade meets a two-part bearing housing, allowing near-linear contact with no axial play. This type of mounting minimizes friction and allows the arm to pivot freely under the effect of gravity.

A magnetic guidance system keeps the knife-edge bearing centered in its housing without contact or friction, eliminating the classic problem with knife-edge bearings: their tendency to drift laterally. The 9-inch J-shaped arm (232.8 mm effective length) is made of aluminum and terminates in a removable headshell with an SME-standard fitting, compatible with most cartridges on the market.

The available adjustments cover the essentials: continuously adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle) with micrometric screw lock, spring-calibrated anti-skating, and azimuth adjustable via headshell rotation. The two-part counterweight allows cartridges weighing up to 30 grams to be balanced, opening the door to heavy MC cartridges without an adapter. The 28 g effective mass steers the arm toward medium- or low-compliance cartridges.

Chassis Construction and Isolation

The TD 404 DD’s chassis follows a sandwich construction. The 5 mm aluminum top plate rests on an MDF plinth. This rigid structure limits parasitic resonances and provides a stable surface for the tonearm and platter.

Three height-adjustable decoupled feet ensure contact with the furniture. Each foot incorporates a spring, whose stiffness was specifically calibrated after several tests on pre-production models. In practice, this suspension absorbs floor vibrations and makes leveling easier on uneven surfaces.

Everyday Convenience Features

The turntable remains manual in operation: the arm must be placed by hand at the start of playback. However, the e-Lift system takes over at the end of the record. The mechanism gently raises the stylus at the end of the groove, reducing wear on both the cartridge and the vinyl. The automatic stop then cuts the platter’s rotation.

Speed selection (33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM) is made via an electronic switch on the front panel, with no mechanical manipulation. The presence of 78 RPM allows playback of old shellac records with a suitable cartridge (wider stylus tip, not included). Start and stop controls are also located on the front panel, simplifying access.

Connectivity and Power Supply Options

On the rear, the TD 404 DD offers two types of audio outputs: gold-plated RCA connectors for traditional setups, and balanced XLR outputs for high-end systems. This dual connectivity allows you to choose the most suitable connection method for the phono preamplifier being used. A ground terminal completes the setup.

The included power supply is an external DC 24 V switching adapter. Thorens offers the TPN 124 linear power supply as an option, designed to deliver a more stable current free of high-frequency noise. The improvement is most noticeable on highly resolving systems, where micro-variations in voltage can influence motor behavior.

Three Finishes, One Chassis

The TD 404 DD is available in gloss black, walnut, and matte oak. The wood finishes use genuine veneer on the MDF plinth, while the black version receives a gloss treatment. The removable dust cover is included as standard, protecting the platter and tonearm from dust between listening sessions.

The dimensions remain compact for a turntable in this category: 450 mm wide, 368 mm deep, and 155 mm tall (without dust cover). The 12.5 kg weight reflects the solidity of the construction, but does require a stable piece of furniture.

No Cartridge Included: A Deliberate Choice

Thorens ships the TD 404 DD without a cartridge. This choice leaves the freedom to pair the turntable with an MM or MC cartridge according to personal preference and budget. The standard SME mount and 28 g effective mass lean toward medium-compliance (10–20 µm/mN) or low-compliance cartridges. Mid- and high-end MC cartridges integrate without difficulty, as do robust MM types such as the Ortofon 2M or Audio-Technica VM.

Technical Specifications

Type and Drive

• Manual direct-drive turntable
• Playback speeds: 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM
• Speed selection via electronic front-panel switch
• Start / stop control on front panel

Features

• Electronic tonearm lift (e-Lift)
• Automatic stop at end of record

Chassis and Platter

• MDF chassis with 5 mm aluminum top plate
• Platter
  • Diameter: 30.48 cm
  • Weight: 3.7 kg
  • Materials: aluminum with rubber damping
• Feet: 3 adjustable decoupled feet
• Finishes: gloss black, walnut, matte oak

Tonearm

• Model: Thorens TP 160
• Bearing type: knife-edge
• Effective length: 232.8 mm
• Offset angle: 23.6°
• Overhang: 17.8 mm
• Effective mass: 28 g
• Anti-skating: spring adjustment
• Available adjustments
  • Continuously adjustable VTA with locking
  • Adjustable anti-skating
• Removable headshell to SME standard
• Automatic stop via e-Lift

Motor and Precision

• High-precision direct-drive motor
• Optimized rotational stability for constant speed
• Integrated strobe speed control with fine pitch adjustment
• Heavy platter for reduced speed variations and vibrations

Connectivity

• Audio outputs
  • Gold-plated asymmetrical RCA
  • Balanced XLR
• Grounding: 1 ground terminal

Power Supply

• Supplied power supply: external DC 24 V block
• Compatible with the optional Thorens TPN 124 linear power supply

Phono Cartridge

• Cartridge not included
• Compatibility with a wide range of cartridges via SME mounting

Included Accessories

• 24 V external power supply
• User guide

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 450 x 155 x 368 mm
• Weight: 12.5 kg