The Thorens TD 1600 with TP 160 is a high-end audiophile turntable that combines Thorens’ legendary suspended subchassis design with modern tonearm technology. Its classic wooden plinth, two-piece aluminium platter and precision-ground internal drive belt provide the foundation for exceptionally smooth and accurate vinyl playback.
For maximum speed stability, the electronically controlled synchronous motor is powered by the external TPN 1600 linear power supply featuring a high-performance toroidal transformer. Delivering 2 × 16 V to the drive system, it contributes significantly to excellent speed consistency and outstanding rotational accuracy.
A key highlight of the TD 1600 is the TP 160 tonearm, developed by renowned designer Helmut Thiele. This J-shaped 9-inch tonearm with SME-type headshell connection combines the aesthetics of classic studio tonearms with state-of-the-art precision. Its ultra-precise knife-edge bearing is additionally stabilised by magnets, ensuring exceptionally accurate tracking of the record groove. The SME headshell interface also allows for easy cartridge changes and maximum flexibility when optimising the system to personal listening preferences.
The sophisticated suspended subchassis is based on three conical springs mounted directly on the chassis base. An additional tensioned steel wire controls the movement of the suspended chassis and minimises unwanted lateral motion. This enables highly controlled piston-like suspension movement while effectively isolating the tonearm and cartridge from external vibrations and resonances.
For the cleanest possible signal transmission, the TD 1600 is equipped with both RCA and balanced XLR outputs. The extremely low-level signal generated by a turntable is particularly sensitive to electrical interference, making balanced signal transmission especially beneficial. When used with a moving coil (MC) cartridge, the True Balanced Connection provides an exceptionally pure and interference-free signal path to the phono preamplifier.
