Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Extremely well built and beautifully finished, demonstrating extraordinary tolerances between mating parts.
- A quiet and stable platform for playing records.
- Its tonearm is very flexible in cartridge support.
- It provides balanced outputs via XLR, which is unusual, but phono cartridges are inherently balanced.
- It provides an accurate and consistent rate of spin.
Product Considerations
- The antiskating mechanism is effectively uncalibrated and extremely sensitive to correct adjustment.
- The manual provides very little detail about attaching the cartridge to the tonearm.
- The manual lift has to be operated carefully because it is located on the moving part of the player.
- The manual TP 160 arm's lift lever is less damped, and any non-linear hand movements are transferred to the sub-chassis—incurring wobble.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Thorens TD 1601: The TD 1600 is fully manual, while the TD 1601 is semi-automatic.
- Vs Linn LP12: Both models fall into the same audiophile category and are also quite close in price in terms of basic equipment.
Takeaway: The TD 1600 turntable is a well-engineered, beautifully finished turntable that offers a quiet and stable platform for quality vinyl playback. With its flexible tonearm and robust construction, it should provide years of listening enjoyment.
All
TD 1600 TP 160
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Tonearm: 9" J-shaped with SME headshell connection
- Power Supply: External linear power supply TPN 1600 with 2x 16V output
- Outputs: True balanced (XLR) and RCA
- Platter: Two-part machined aluminum
- Motor: Electronically controlled synchronous motor
- Subchassis: Three conical springs
- Platter Drive: Internal ground drive belt
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The brand distinguishes itself with its sub-chassis designs, employing innovative solutions like tensioned steel threads and specific material choices (e.g., Alucobond) to minimize lateral movement and dampen vibrations for enhanced sonic clarity.
- They engineer comprehensive turntable systems, including tonearms (like the TP 160 and TP 150) and, at times, cartridges, meticulously tailored to complement the turntable's design and performance characteristics.
- Thorens emphasizes accessibility by offering features such as easily adjustable tonearms and electronically controlled speed selection, catering to both experienced audiophiles and those new to vinyl playback.
Select products
TD-124-DD:
- Position: The entry-level turntable designed for affordability and compact performance.
- Description: Offers a refined belt-drive mechanism with innovative motor decoupling that ensures clear playback in smaller spaces. In comparison with other models, it provides essential functionality and ease-of-use for users on a tighter budget, while more expensive models add advanced isolation and automation for broader use cases.
TD-204:
- Position: A mid-range turntable aimed at users seeking balanced performance and reliability.
- Description: Features a solid suspension platform and improved motor control that enhance playback stability and sound accuracy. Relative to the entry-level model, it offers additional build quality and performance, yet it remains more affordable than the higher-end models that include extra tuning and automation features.
TD-1601-TP-160:
- Position: An advanced turntable intended for audiophiles who prioritize precise speed regulation.
- Description: Incorporates a finely integrated tonearm and enhanced motor control that deliver better speed stability and reduced noise compared to the lower-priced options. When compared to the TD-204, it introduces more refined isolation and technical improvements.
TM-1600:
- Position: A higher-performance manual model built for users who value tactile control and superior mechanical refinement.
- Description: Provides meticulous manual speed adjustment and advanced damping features that result in exceptionally accurate sound reproduction. In contrast to the automatic models, it caters to those willing to trade convenience for enhanced control, bridging the gap between mid-range value and high-end precision.
TD-403-DD:
- Position: A flagship turntable representing the pinnacle of Thorens craftsmanship for the most demanding sound reproduction.
- Description: Features a groundbreaking dual-belt drive system with precision motor regulation that minimizes vibration and perfectly balances performance across diverse settings. Compared to all other models, it delivers the highest level of isolation, automation, and technical sophistication.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Thorens
What if you spend more?
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Naia epitomizes Rega's design philosophies, and its sonic performance confirms this
- Exceptionally capable, setting a sky-high standard for resolution and transparency
- Incredibly neutral and transparent for a vinyl source, doing a more effective job of getting out of the way and letting the record itself be the story
- Genuinely high end and trades blows with the best, but is no more demanding in use than one at a tenth of the price
- Delivers better timing than 99.9% of audio sources–analogue or digital
Product Considerations
- The foam edges on the plinth look a little unfinished
- An otherwise admirably off-hand approach to music-making did leave some wanting more in the way of rhythmic drive
- Can expose weaknesses in record quality, so upgrades to some of your record collection may be needed
- Minimalist design and understatement might not impress those unfamiliar with high-end audio
- The removable dust cover doesn't offer quite the same protection as a more conventional lid and, combined with the fairly small stylus guard on the cart, means Rega is slightly more vulnerable than some rivals
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 10, the Naia brings it closer technologically and, unfortunately, in price, but it is also better in every way, and the measured performance demonstrates that the Naia is a step above the Planar 10
- Vs Rega Planar 10, the Naia gets significantly more information out of records, has a lower apparent noise floor and even better timing
- Vs Technics SL-1000R, the Rega is significantly better with low-frequency transients, delivering them with greater heft and power while also revealing that the Technics has a slightly sludgy quality in comparison
- Vs Linn Seleckt LP12, the Naia is more neutral and transparent
Takeaway: The Naia is a high-performance turntable that offers exceptional clarity and detail, providing a very neutral sound. If you want a turntable that reveals every nuance in your vinyl collection, the Naia is worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The VPI Avenger Table was originally a project started by Harry over 12 years ago. In the process of the design, the project was dropped in mid-production due to excessive demand by HR-X customers which left the design and proto-type chassis to be mothballed. The good news about the abandoned design is Harry instead shifted his focus to starting and completing the VPI Classic Turntable.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Customizable and upgradable, it can handle up to three tonearms
- It produces a big soundstage with life-like proportions and scale, which provides a holographic sound
- Offers an effortless power and control and is unflappable at any volume
- VPI's chassis is versatile, allowing a different and more complex drive system
- Has great speed stability
Product Considerations
- Setup is critical and may require assistance from an experienced dealer or audiophile
- It can be sensitive to vibrations from the room and speakers, requiring careful placement and isolation
- It may not suit those wanting a 4/4 beat to everything, because it does not emphasize the beat in the way that a suspended turntable does
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Minimizes resonance problems with both moving-coil and moving-iron cartridges
- Avenger Direct has the speed stability of the best direct drives
- Avenger Direct is competitive in overall level of detail and silence, sometimes slightly superior, to the VPI Classic Direct
- The three-legged layout solves the problem of accommodating two tonearms
- Compared to VPI Scout 21, the Deep In The Night track has depth and scale to it that's grander in every direction and dimension via the Avenger
Takeaway: The VPI Avenger is a high-end turntable with a customizable design and strong performance, offering great sound quality and the ability to use multiple tonearms. With its solid engineering and powerful sound, it is built to deliver great sound from vinyl records, allowing listeners to hear music with a new level of engagement.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a sweet spot in price/performance terms
- Delivers a quintessential Sondek sound, and is highly emotional
- Unlocks the music in real time, making for an extremely immersive sound
- Strong and taut bass
- Sounds sweet, refined, and smooth
Product Considerations
- Setting up an LP12 needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing
- The Kendo MC cartridge feels very exposed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Is a definite step up from the Majik LP12
Takeaway: The Linn Selekt LP12 embodies the best of the venerable turntable in its classical form, offering high-quality engineering and an immersive sound. It's a worthwhile option for those seeking a significant upgrade in their vinyl listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a beautifully noise-free background, which allows the micro detail, the hall sound, and the instrument sound to shine through beautifully
- Rock-solid sense of stability and noiselessness on LP after LP
- Build quality seems very high in most elements
- Allows differentiation between different components, easily and in detail
- Operationally, there's nothing really weird or unusual about it
Product Considerations
- It weighs 112 lb, so it is a beast of a turntable
- Near the entry level to the J.Sikora line, but it's not an entry level turntable by any means
- A highly flexible tonearm mounting system gives room to play, and get into trouble
- Not incredibly difficult to assemble, it does take time to get everything just so
Takeaway: The Initial Max is an outstanding turntable that delivers a beautifully noise-free background, which allows the micro detail, the hall sound, and the instrument sound to shine through. It just works and offers a tremendous amount of flexibility if you want to change tonearms.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Shares the plinth, bearing and suspension design with higher-end LP12 models
- Great build quality and finish, made with precision aluminum and stainless-steel components
- Offers upgrade paths with higher quality phono cartridges, arms, chassis, and power supplies
- Known for its musicality and ability to make listeners forget about typical audio criteria and focus on enjoying the music
- Great value package bringing LP12 ownership to a wider audience without major compromise
Product Considerations
- Requires professional setup and adjustment
- Speed change to 45rpm requires fitting a pulley adaptor, which may be annoying for some users
- Footfall and external vibrations can affect performance, requiring a lightweight and rigid support
- Some reviewers found the bundled Adikt moving magnet cartridge to be the weakest link in the system
- Lid is an optional extra, which may come as a surprise
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Technics SL-1200G: Majik LP12 offers a more relaxed and beguiling sound, while the Technics is crisper and tighter
- Vs Origin Live Calypso Multilayer/Silver: Majik LP12 sits in the middle, more relaxed than the Technics SL-1200G—but not as expansive and tonally natural as the Origin Live Calypso Multilayer/Silver
- Vs Thorens TD160 HD or Michell's Gyrodec SE: Majik LP12 has a relaxed warmth and fluidity that the others do not
Takeaway: The Majik LP12 is a well-built, musically engaging turntable that brings the classic Linn sound to a more accessible price point. It's a great way to get into vinyl and enjoy records without being distracted by technicalities and has plenty of upgrade options available.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Heavy weight and high mass design combats resonant frequencies and provides a stable platform for playing vinyl records
- Delivers a clean, dynamic sound with superb imaging and soundstage
- The motor is integrated into the chassis giving the turntable a very clean look
Product Considerations
- No dust cover/lid is included
- No ground/earth cable included with the RCA's
- RB330 tonearm is not known for its easy adjustment and cartridge matching
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- TTP has similar solidity of image and body to the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301 idler-wheel turntables
Takeaway: The Cyrus Audio TTP is a well-engineered turntable that delivers engaging music from a stable platform and a clean background. It offers a blend of modern technology, thoughtful design, and flexible upgrade options.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sleek acrylic construction that is visually appealing and acoustically excellent
- A beautifully open window onto the performance, achieved in a commandingly authoritative manner
- Muscular sounding, exhibiting a solid grip on the music, especially through the bass and into the lower midrange
- Utterly coherent, with an uncanny ability to untangle complex music
- Precision opened up the record, presenting sometimes-busy albums as if they were giant paintings
Product Considerations
- Consistency of speed was not what was expected from a turntable of this pedigree
- The headshell lacks sufficient offset angle, so rotation of an MM or MC slightly inwards may be needed
- If a cartridge is less than about 17mm tall, spacers may be needed to use it with the M8xTT's arm
- Acrylic scratches easily and shows dust, so care must be taken when cleaning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The M1 was always a little soft at the low end, but the Musical Fidelity's new model couldn't be more different
Takeaway: The M8xTT is a wonderful turntable with exceptional sound quality and outstanding construction. The crystalline chrome-and-acrylic chassis and visual effect of the spinning platter make it a thrilling machine to use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed by Allen Perkins, incorporating groundbreaking technologies and design principles.
- Every component is designed to work in perfect harmony, extracting every nuance and detail from vinyl collection.
- Features a three-point isolation system with Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) feet.
- Has a 10-inch dual-pivot carbon-fiber tonearm with Cardas Audio internal wiring.
- Offers speed options and trim control.
Product Considerations
- Setup is extremely critical and may require assistance.
- The tonearm rest requires a strong pull to secure the arm, which can cause the arm to ricochet if not handled carefully.
- Additional head shells should be purchased with the turntable, if the user anticipates swapping them to use different cartridges.
- Maintenance parts may be difficult to secure for the next 40 years.
- The design is not for those looking to customize the table with different tonearm mounts and components.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to StudioDeck and UltraDeck, the MasterDeck's collar screw drive VTA adjustment is easier to set and more precise in its movement.
Takeaway: The MasterDeck is a well-engineered turntable that delivers realism and detail while keeping the musical enjoyment alive. Its innovative design and precision components provide a high-quality listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality with refined aesthetics, from the hairline finish of its aluminum deck to the control knobs
- Easy to set up and operate
- Superior speed stability, firmness of register, and stable imagery
- Delivers exceptional user experience for the price
- Produces a sonic density, saturated textures, and propulsive drive, reminiscent of direct-drive designs—but with the benefits of a belt-drive
- Changing the factory-mounted cable is difficult
Product Considerations
- Adjusting the vertical tracking angle is not possible while the turntable is in use during playback
- Some analog purists might feel that the bayonet mount on the headshell allows for sufficient variation that highly repeatable and accurate azimuth settings are difficult at best
- The dust cover is not included and must be purchased separately
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Linn Majik LP12: Luxman is simpler to set up
Takeaway: The Luxman PD-151 MARK II is a musically satisfying turntable and tonearm combination that is both easy to use and provides a wealth of audio pleasure. With its superior sound, looks, and assured repeatability of operation, it is a great analog rig.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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