Thorens Turntables
Thorens is one of the most enduring names in vinyl playback, combining over a century of Swiss engineering heritage with a clear-eyed approach to modern performance. From the earliest days of precision belt drives to today’s advanced direct-drive designs, Thorens has consistently focused on speed accuracy, mechanical integrity, and long-term musical satisfaction.
The current Thorens lineup reflects this balance of tradition and innovation. Backbeat Audio starts its Thoren journey with the TD 404 DD and TD 1500 belt drive, which showcase two distinct engineering paths, each executed with care and purpose. Whether your priority is absolute speed stability or classic suspended-chassis refinement, Thorens offers a thoughtfully engineered foundation for serious vinyl listening.
The table is fitted with the Thorens TP 160, developed by renowned designer Helmut Thiele and inspired by classic studio tonearms. This J-shaped 9-inch arm features an ultra-precise knife-edge bearing, with the horizontal blade magnet-stabilized to enhance lateral stability while preserving the low-friction behavior that defines the design. An SME headshell mount, along with adjustable VTA and azimuth, makes it easy to get the most from a single reference cartridge or a broader collection. Together, the TD 404 DD and TP 160 form a platform that rewards careful setup and supports long-term system growth.
The TD 404 DD is available in Gloss Black, Gloss Walnut, and matte Black Oak finishes.
TD 404 DD
The Thorens TD 404 DD is Thorens’ modern direct-drive statement, developed for listeners who value speed accuracy, mechanical authority, and musical composure. At its core is the high-precision motor from the TD 124 DD, delivering excellent pitch stability and consistent timing. A built-in strobe allows precise speed adjustment, with independent electronic control for 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM playback.
A newly designed platter combines effective resonance damping with a refined visual profile that adds a modern touch to the classic Thorens profile. The integrated e-Lift with auto-stop simplifies cueing and reduces record wear, automatically lifting the stylus and stopping the platter at the end of the side.
The TD 404 DD provides a calm, stable foundation for extracting the full character of cartridges and recordings. Three height-adjustable, spring-loaded feet ensure secure placement and effective decoupling, while the solid sandwich-construction chassis, anchored by a 5 mm-thick aluminum top plate, delivers exceptionally low resonance.
TD 1500
The TD 1500 distills Thorens’ suspended-chassis heritage into a modern belt-drive turntable designed for serious listening at a more accessible level. Built around a precision sub-chassis and low-noise motor system, the TD 1500 emphasizes isolation, tonal coherence, and long-term musical engagement.
Its belt-drive architecture and carefully tuned suspension work together to reduce the influence of external vibration, allowing the cartridge to focus on groove information. The result is a presentation that feels relaxed yet detailed, with strong pitch stability and a natural sense of flow.
The TD 1500 is supplied with the Ortofon 2M Bronze, a cartridge well regarded for its balance of resolution, tonal accuracy, and tracking ability. Factory-mounted and aligned, the Bronze allows the TD 1500 to perform at a high level right out of the box.
At Backbeat Audio, we see the TD 1500 as an ideal choice for listeners who value the musical ease of a suspended belt-drive design and want a complete, high-performance analog front end without unnecessary complexity.
Available in Gloss Black or Walnut. Black is in stock for immediate delivery
Also Available from Thorens
For listeners seeking to explore Thorens at its most expressive, Backbeat Audio offers special-order access to two of the brand’s most significant reference turntables: the Thorens TD 1600 and the Thorens TD 124 DD.
The TD 1600 represents the pinnacle of Thorens’ modern suspended belt-drive design. Building on the legacy of the classic TD 160, it combines a precision sub-chassis, advanced isolation, and the TP 160 tonearm into a refined platform focused on tonal flow, spatial depth, and long-term listening satisfaction.
The TD 124 DD stands as Thorens’ contemporary reference direct-drive turntable. Inspired by the iconic TD 124 lineage, it brings together exceptional speed accuracy, mechanical authority, and modern motor control in a statement design intended for no-compromise analog systems.
Both models are available by special order, with consultation and setup provided by Backbeat Audio. If you’re considering one of these tables, we’re happy to help you evaluate system matching, cartridge options, and setup considerations to ensure the best possible outcome.
