Still want an LP12? I say that as a Linn owner, I own several and yes, I love them, and no, I haven’t heard this new Thorens yet. However, this offers 33.3 and 45 and a detachable headshell, not to mention the springs and speed will be more stable given they don’t hang from above like they do on the Linn. I gotta think this is just better value for those looking to upgrade to something better.
Thorens TD 1601 Turntable With TP 160 Tonearm
A great turntable just got that much better. The ever-venerable Thorens TD 1601 turntable now features the company’s new TP 160 tonearm, which was developed by the always innovative designer Helmut Thiele.
The J-shaped, 9in, 14g TP 160 tonearm features an ultra-precise knife-edge bearing, and it also sports an SME headshell connection that is said to “take its inspiration from the design of famous studio tonearms.” The blade for its horizontal bearing is further stabilized by magnets for “the most precise tracking.”
As a refresher, the Thorens TD 1601 turntable itself — which is available in both high-gloss walnut and black versions — sports a wooden plinth, and a two-part machined aluminum 4.2kg platter with an internally run ground drive belt. The ’table’s external linear TPN 1600 power supply comes with a high-performance toroidal transformer, and it provides the synchronous motor with 2x 16V — something that Thornes says “ensures the highest possible rotational stability of the platter.”
The three springs of the TD 1601’s subchassis don’t hang from the top board, but they instead rest on the floor. A tensioned steel thread extends from the motor pulley axis to the turntable axis to prevent lateral tilting, and that enables the subchassis to “swing as piston-like as possible.” Other features of this ’table include a machined precision belt with adjustable belt tension, electric lift, and touchless auto shut-off.
The TD 1601 boasts balanced XLR outputs around the back, as well as RCA outs. In order to utilize the True Balanced Connection, Thorens suggests “the turntable must be equipped with a moving coil (MC) cartridge.” Dimensions of the TD 1601 are 454 x 180 x 369mm (w/h/d), and it weighs 11kg.
This new TD 1601 turntable/TP 160 tonearm combo will be available in October, and the SRP for both the black and walnut versions has been listed by the company as €3,299, which converts to $3,485 U.S., given the current exchange rate at the time of this posting.
For more about Thorens, go here.
To find an authorized Thorens distributor, go here.
(If you live in the U.S., click on page 5 and scroll down to the United States listing at the bottom right.)
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COMMENTS
Great advice!
Submitted by Glotz on Wed, 2023-09-27 13:00
I am looking at sprung turntables and this is very helpful.
I should have never removed the springs from my VPI TT!
(Still getting very transparent sound with my mods, though.)
To Spring or not to Spring
Submitted by volvic on Thu, 2023-09-28 06:54
I am the opposite Glotz; in the next few months, time permitting, I will remove the springs from my LP12s and replace them with the late John Ruggles’ elastometers. I have a few and wish I had ordered more, as John suddenly passed away this year, and getting more delivered has proven to be impossible. There are, though, the AudioSilente TD124 rubber ones, which also work. I am looking for a sharper sound and more speed stability, something that happens to the LP12 when you remove the springs. Should be fun! If I were you, I would not return those springs to the VPI; I presume it is the HW-19. You’re better off with your mods. But if you’re after a softer sound, go for one with springs.
How flimsy is the platter?
Submitted by Neilrd on Wed, 2023-09-27 08:01
A “4.2g” platter sounds very nibble, but way lighter than the 140-200g records it might be expected to carry. Perhaps that measure is out by a factor of 1000?
Special kg
Submitted by Mike Mettler on Wed, 2023-09-27 12:23
Tom is correct re the platter weighing in at 4.2kg -- looks like the k got lost in translation upon the initial post, and it is now duly updated!
Great review
Submitted by Neilrd on Thu, 2023-09-28 07:55
The Thorens TD 160 was the go-to turntable for my cohort when I was breaking into “stereo” in the 1970s. I’d be most interested in giving a listen to one of these after reading this review.
If you're satisfied with your
Submitted by andreeone23 on Tue, 2024-01-16 00:39
If you're satisfied with your Linn turntables and appreciate their qualities, that's fantastic. The LP12 has been a well-regarded turntable for many Watermelon Game years, known for its modular design and upgradeability.
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