Thorens TD 1601

The Thorens TD 1601 is a manual belt-drive turntable, designed in the spirit of the legendary TD 160 released in 1972. Compared to the TD 1600, it stands out with electronic tonearm control, automatic standby, and a balanced XLR output. As is customary with this Swiss manufacturer, the chassis rests on a suspension designed to filter out unwanted vibrations in order to preserve signal reproduction quality.

This suspension, mounted on three springs, uses the principle already applied on the TD 160 to limit distortion caused by mechanical interference. The chassis is dressed in a wooden frame that gives the unit the classic look characteristic of the brand.

The platter, made of aluminium, is covered with a thick rubber mat providing both strong inertia and good vibration absorption, for optimal coupling between the record and the platter. Drive is achieved via a thick rubber belt connecting the motor to the sub-platter; its tension is adjustable to correct any rotational irregularities. The electronically controlled motor allows switching from 33 to 45 rpm with a simple press of one of the two buttons located at the bottom left of the chassis. The automatic standby function stops the platter and lifts the tonearm as soon as the record finishes playing.

The turntable is supplied with the new 9-inch J-shaped tonearm named TD160, which joins the TP 92 tonearm, a long-standing reference compatible with the TD 1600/1601 series models. Derived from developments carried out for studio use, this tonearm combines a precision aluminium tube, an SME connector, and a knife-edge bearing, a first for Thorens, combined with magnetic guidance limiting any wobble. Anti-skate is adjusted in the classic way, via spring, while tonearm height (VTA) and azimuth are adjustable.

The counterweight, made up of two graduated elements, allows precise adjustment of tracking force and enables balancing of heavy cartridges, up to 30 g.