79%
Thorens New Reference
The best record player we've ever made
The New Reference is the result of an in-depth co-operation between Thorens and Seismion.
Features
Hydrodynamic disc bearing with precision belt drive
3-phase synchronous motor for smooth running
Active vibration isolation with piezoelectric sensors
Can be fitted with up to 3 tonearm bases
Supports tonearm lengths: 9", 10", 12"
Sky-hook damping principle
up to 100× more effective than air suspension
Ultra-precise rotary encoder for constant 33.3333 rpm
Quartz-controlled speed with double oscillator
Stability: max. 3 ppm over 20 years
Further information
For detailed technical data, videos and ordering options, visit the official product page.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Professional Reviews 79/100
Just Okay
Sound Quality
75/100
Build Quality
85/100
Features Usability
82/100
Value for Money
85/100
Built around fully active vibration isolation and a precision three-phase motor drive, the Thorens New Reference targets exceptionally composed vinyl replay. Best of High End highlights its Seismion-developed isolation, non-resonant layered chassis and belt-driven platter system, while support for up to three arm bases makes this a seriously adaptable statement turntable for uncompromising analogue systems.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Fully active Seismion isolation is designed to reduce horizontal vibration and tilting interaction.
Layered, highly damped chassis is engineered to minimize resonance.
German-made three-phase synchronous motor with dedicated linear amplification is designed for constant platter speed.
Accommodates up to three tonearm bases and supports 9-, 10- and 12-inch tonearms.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 75/100
The available coverage points to a resonance-conscious, carefully engineered belt-drive platform and describes its intended result as “pure music.” However, it offers little direct listening detail about tonal balance, dynamics, tracking, or the supplied tonearm, so the musical character remains only partly documented.
Overall Sound
81/100
Best of High End describes the layered, highly damped chassis as delivering “pure music,” a positive indication of the deck's intended sonic result. The review does not provide detailed listening observations on resolution, tonal balance, bass, dynamics, or rhythmic expression.
Speed Stability
84/100
The belt-driven platter is powered by a German-made three-phase synchronous motor, fed by three linear power amplifiers using phase-shifted sine signals. Thorens presents the drive as engineered for constant platter rotation, though the coverage supplies no measured wow-and-flutter figures or independent assessment of pitch stability.
Tonearm Performance
50/100
The available review does not identify the tonearm, discuss cartridge matching, or report on bearing quality, adjustment provision, or tracking behavior. There is therefore little evidence on how the arm contributes to playback performance.
Noise Isolation
78/100
Thorens developed a fully active vibration-isolation system with Seismion, placing the center of gravity close to the isolation plane to reduce the interaction of horizontal vibration and tilting motion. This is a sophisticated approach, although the review does not report listening results for footfall resistance, acoustic feedback, rumble, or motor noise.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
85/100
The documented construction is substantial and purposeful: a layered chassis of highly damped materials is intended to be non-resonant, while the drive uses a German-made three-phase synchronous motor and dedicated linear amplification. The review does not assess fit and finish in detail or comment on long-term durability.
Features Usability
82/100
Its fully active Seismion isolation system is an unusually sophisticated feature intended to reduce external vibration, and the electronically driven motor system is designed around stable operation. The available coverage says little about setup complexity, speed switching, cueing, connectivity, or day-to-day ownership ergonomics.
Value for Money
85/100
At approximately €220,000 to €300,000, the New Reference occupies an exceptionally rarefied luxury segment. None of the supplied review material compares it with similarly priced rivals or judges whether its engineering and performance justify the asking price.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Thorens New Reference
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- AES — in-store — Mitte, Hessen, Germany (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alma Music & Audio — online and in-store — San Diego, California, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
and 132 more verified dealers