92%
Thorens TD 1601
Return of Thorens DNA with additional features
Features
Stabilized sub chassis on three conical springs
Polished precision belt
Two part platter
Adjustable belt tension
Electronical controlled motor
Electrical lift
Contactless auto shut off
Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) output
Thorens precision tonearm TP 92 9“
Thorens TD 1601 combines everything TD 1600 brings with some additional features regarding comfort and connection to amplifiers. Classical wooden plinth, two-part platter with inner belt and thick rubber mat, powerful motor control unit, arm board and acrylic dust cover are expanded by balanced outputs and functions for easier handling.
The conical springs for sub chassis are not mounted on top board any longer but standing on the bottom. Additionally, a small but strong tightened thread made of steel connects sub chassis with a steel pin on the bottom and so prevents sub chassis from staggering and allows only vertical movement.
An electrical lift is included, too and a contactless auto shut off. XLR jacks provide a real balanced connection to amplifiers.
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
92/100
Features Usability
89/100
Value for Money
89/100
The TD 1601 makes vinyl sound open, poised and rhythmically alive, pairing a hushed backdrop with taut bass, sweet treble and generous soundstage depth. HiFi News admired its crisp dynamics and refined insight, while hi-fi+ found its speed control and vibration isolation impressively assured. The TP92 arm and semi-automatic lift complete a deeply modern take on suspended-drive heritage.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Clean, silent background and effective isolation let fine detail and dynamics emerge clearly.
Open, detailed treble, taut unbloated bass and convincing depth create a refined yet engaging presentation.
TP92 tonearm tracks securely with no reported mistracking or top-end misbehaviour.
Electronically controlled motor delivers excellent speed stability, with no fluctuations reported.
&
Cons
Its composed, honest balance can sound slightly polite for listeners seeking an aggressively exciting presentation.
Semi-automatic arm lift was reported to occasionally miss the record end before adjustment.
Bass is controlled and full-bodied rather than class-leadingly deep.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers consistently find the TD 1601 open, detailed and musically assured, combining taut rhythmic drive with a spacious, atmospheric presentation. Its electronically controlled speed, secure TP92 arm and well-executed suspended chassis support a notably quiet and composed performance, although one reviewer found its character slightly polite rather than overtly exciting.
Overall Sound
93/100
HiFi News and Hi-Fi Choice praise the deck's crispness, verve, dynamics and unusually open, detailed treble, without brightness or harshness. Reviewers also highlight solid, unbloated bass, convincing depth and scale, and an engaging ability to follow complex music; hi-fi+ notes that its honest, controlled nature can sound a little polite.
Speed Stability
94/100
The electronically controlled motor was reported to show no speed fluctuations, with hi-fi+ specifically praising its speed control. Simple push-button 33/45rpm selection and rear trimpots allowing fine adjustment add useful precision for setup and ownership.
Tonearm Performance
91/100
The TP92 keeps the stylus securely in the groove, with reviewers reporting no mistracking or associated treble misbehaviour. Its damping measures and lack of audible coloration are praised, while the semi-automatic arm lift was reported to miss the record end on a few occasions, albeit with adjustment available.
Noise Isolation
92/100
Multiple reviewers describe a clean, silent background with very little groove roar, while the revised three-point suspension prevented vibrations from reaching the stylus in hi-fi+'s tap test. The motor and suspension arrangement appear highly effective, though Hi-Fi Choice notes that operation is not completely whisper quiet.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
92/100
Reviewers describe the TD 1601 as solidly made and very well manufactured. Its heavy, quieter platter, thicker MDF plinth, damped baseplate, foam-damped suspension springs and isolated motor reflect a thoroughly updated execution of the classic suspended Thorens concept.
Features Usability
89/100
The TD 1601 is easy to set up and use, with straightforward push-button speed selection, fine speed trim and a precise cueing button. Its semi-automatic end-of-side lift is a meaningful convenience on a serious deck, although one reviewer encountered occasional lift failures before adjustment.
Value for Money
89/100
At roughly £3,000/$3,499 with arm, reviewers consider the performance highly impressive for the asking price, particularly its detail, refinement and modernized classic design. The extra cost over the manual TD 1600 is specifically attributed to the semi-automatic mechanism, so buyers who do not need that convenience may find the less expensive model more compelling.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Thorens TD 1601
- 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