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
- Suitable for beginners because it is fully automatic, only requiring the user to press a button to play music
- Sleek, minimalist aesthetic that looks great in any home
- Built to last, with a plinth made from dense MDF and high-quality materials
- The turntable allows you to play vinyl records in three different speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm)
- Sound quality is smooth and clear, even without an amplifier
- Comes with a dust cover, which saves the user the trouble of installing one
Product Considerations
- The platter is not that heavy, which can be a minor problem when it comes to the faster speeds
Takeaway: The Thorens TD 170-1 is a great turntable for beginners because it is fully automatic and easy to use. It also has a sleek design and produces high-quality sound.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
TD 170-1
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Speeds: 33, 45, 78 rpm
- Operation: Fully automatic
- Optional Model: TD 170-1 EV (with integrated phono pre-amplifier)
Description
The well crafted, fully automatic TD 170-1 comes equipped with three speeds so it can also play shellac records at 78 rpm (the special stylus/cartridge required is available separately). Owing to its truly easy operation, you can start playing your records right away without having to waste time with finicky alignment work. The fun with analogue music starts here!
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
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
Select product comparisons
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.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
69
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
70
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
38
Founding Year
1883
Our take on the brand
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
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What if you spend more?
Thorens
TD 403 DD
2099
2099
/
2
Reviews
With the new model TD 403 DD Thorens completes the line of direct drive plug-and-play turntables of the 400 series. Visually a true Thorens, the new TD 403 DD features the same proven smooth-running direct drive as the successful TD 402 DD, but sets itself apart from its smaller brother with a more massive 1.4 kg and 22mm-thick Die-cast aluminum platter and the TP 150 audiophile tonearm also used in the new TD 1500 model. A high-quality and pre-adjusted 2M Blue cartridge from Danish cartridge specialist Ortofon is also supplied as standard. This proves to be an adequate playing partner due to its naked diamond with elliptical stylus.
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Smooth running direct drive
- New TP 150 tone arm offers a wealth of features and adjustment options
- Modern design combined with the typical Thorens look
- Complete set comes with a pre-assembled and adjusted tone arm and an adjusted scanner
- Quality of the finish is absolutely flawless
Product Considerations
- On/off button is pretty close to the pickup system, requiring care to avoid touching the needle during operation
- Plastic feet are not height-adjustable
- Only available in high gloss
- Not a turntable for DJs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Thorens TD 402 DD: The TD 403 DD is a higher-ranking direct-drive model
- Vs Technics: The TD 403 DD has subtlety that is missed in the Japanese drives
Takeaway: The Thorens TD 403 DD is a great turntable with a maintenance-free drive, flawless finish, and timeless design, making it a worthwhile option for vinyl enthusiasts. It offers great sound and is easy to use, being prepared and adjusted at the factory.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
Product Page
Product Page
Thorens
TD 204
1099
1099
/
2
Reviews
The THORENS TD 204 was developed for the audiophile beginner. A turntable with sound expansion potential for audiophiles. The surface finishes "black high gloss" and "walnut high gloss" fit seamlessly into the existing range with the typical THORENS design. The brand identity is underlined by the high processing quality and guarantees a long life like all Thorens turntables. The newly developed TP 120 tonearm impresses with its high-quality bearing technology. The bearing play and the coefficients of friction could be reduced to an astonishingly low level for the price class by using modern bearings. The TP 120 is a real 9" J-shaped aluminum tonearm with an effective tonearm mass of 15 grams. The visual similarity to the larger models TP 150 and TP 124 is obvious and promises first-class properties.
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- A no-fuss solution for vinyl starters, offering an all-in-one package
- The gloss finish is flawless, and it comes with a quality lid featuring sturdy, self-supporting hinges
- Features a newly developed TP 120 tonearm with smooth, high-quality bearings
- The built-in phono preamp is surprisingly open, cohesive, and energetic
- Offers rock-solid speed stability and an effortless sense of timing
Product Considerations
- The feet are not height adjustable, requiring a solid, level surface
- Vinyl roar and general surface noise were apparent when using the internal phono stage
- There was an occasional tendency for the turntable to lose some of its treble clarity with complex pieces of music, especially when using the internal phono stage
- Lacks vertical adjustment on the tonearm
Takeaway: The Thorens TD 204 is a stylish and easy-to-use turntable that is great for both beginners and those looking to get more into vinyl. With its pre-installed cartridge and built-in phono stage, it offers everything needed to start enjoying records right away.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
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Thorens
TD 102 A
1199
1199
/
1
Reviews
The TD 102 A opens a completely new chapter in the field of fully automatic turntables from THORENS. The newly developed mechanism of the TD 102 A guarantees the lowest possible frictional resistance of all mechanical components. The unit comes with an also newly developed carbon tonearm, including the preassembled AT VM 95 E cartridge system from Audio Technica, the successor model to the AT 95 E, which has been known and favored by vinyl-friends for many years. The switchable integrated phono preamplifier guarantees full connectivity with all modern audio systems. The TD 102 A is available in surfaces "black high-gloss" or "walnut high-gloss", with care being taken during the development phase to emphasize the typical THORENS design. A high sound quality and a long service life complete the typical properties as you have been used to from THORENS for many years.
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- First-rate fit and finish and a stylish design
- Fully automatic operation makes it easy to use, with a choice between 7' and 12' record sizes
- Easy to set up, aided by a logical packing scheme
- The built-in phono stage is coherent and serves purposes well, especially if money is tight or a system lacks one
Product Considerations
- The tonearm can be tricky to balance due to its very low mass
- The platter is fairly light, which doesn't offer much speed-stabilizing inertia
- The cue lever is only damped on its way down; lifting it too quickly can damage the record
- The feet are not adjustable, so a level stand is needed
- The included interconnects are okay but nothing special
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dual CS 5000: The Dual, with a Sumiko Oyster Moonstone cartridge, delivered deeper and stronger bass, more noticeable trumpets, more palpable drum beats, and more prominent vocals compared to the TD 102 A with its Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge
Takeaway: The Thorens TD 102 A turntable is good looking and easy to use, with a satisfying overall performance. It could be worth buying for its convenience and pleasing sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
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Pro-Ject
Debut PRO
1099
1099
/
11
Reviews
Azimuth & VTA AdjustmentThe newly designed tonearm base allows you to adjust both the azimuth and the vertical tracking angle (VTA). The tonearm height can be continuously adjusted by loosening the two grub screws. These settings give you the option of adapting the tonearm to height changes allowing the use of different turntable mats or other cartridges to always achieve the best sound quality. Setting and experimenting with the VTA & Azimuth is crucial in extracting every last bit of performance out of your cartridges.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Adjustable metal feet, a heavier damped aluminum platter, and VTA adjustment for cartridge upgrades.
- Upgraded tonearm with carbon fiber and aluminum for better damping and higher effective mass.
- Well-built, and parts feel sturdy.
- A mildly warm and smooth midrange presentation that complements vocals, acoustic guitars, and string instruments.
- A well-balanced-sounding turntable.
Product Considerations
- Does not have a built-in phono preamp.
- As a belt-driven turntable, the belt may need occasional replacement.
- Lacks convenience features like auto start/stop and tone arm return.
- The anti-skate weight installation was kind of a pain.
- Bass response is not as agile, detailed, or dynamic as some other cartridges, like the Ortofon 2M Blue.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs U-Turn Audio Orbit: Better built and uses more robust materials.
- Vs Fluance RT85: The Pro may use nicer components and have a more upscale finish, but the RT85 performs better.
- Vs Pro-Ject Debut EVO: The midrange is more relaxed, where the EVO sounds like it's trying too hard to perform.
- Vs Rega RP3: A wider soundstage and is sweeter in the upper mids.
- Vs Roksan Attessa: The midrange and treble don't reach the heights of the Roksan, but the bass has more weight.
Takeaway: The Debut Pro is a well-built turntable that offers an audiophile-grade experience, making it a great option for enjoying a record collection. Its design allows for future upgrades.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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What competes at this price?
Pro-Ject
Debut EVO 2
699
/
Released
2024
The Debut EVO 2 focuses on the core aspects that make a turntable sound great. Technically correct design – expert craftsmanship – handmade in the EU. This turntable is built to last you a lifetime!
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lively and immediate sound that is exciting and engaging
- Offers a wide variety of color options and finishes to suit different tastes and home decors
- Includes electronic speed control for easy switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM records
- Has a well-made and solid build quality that inspires confidence
- Has quiet operation with negligible motor noise
Product Considerations
- The power switch underneath the plinth is slightly fiddly
- There's no in-built VTA adjuster
- Might lack a certain refinement
- Finishes are sheen colors rather than gloss (preference)
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 2/Nd3, it counters with a beautifully fluid delivery and a particularly lovely and sweet-toned midrange
- Vs Rega Planar 3, it looks and feels like huge value, even when the price increase over the original Evo is taken into account
- Vs Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, the new Debut Evo 2 improves on it in a number of ways—yet only costs a little more than its predecessor
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 offers great sound and is easy to use, making it a fantastic way to enjoy vinyl records. With several color options and potential upgrades, it's a solid choice for anyone wanting a stylish and capable turntable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Cambridge Audio
ALVA ST
599
/
Released
2022
There's nothing quite like vinyl: the tactile pleasure of removing a record from its sleeve and carefully placing it on a deck is unique. We designed the original Alva TT to honour that tradition, and Alva ST to share that pleasure with more people. With a pre-fitted cartridge – so you'll be playing records in minutes – the belt-drive Alva ST also features switchable Hi-Res Bluetooth streaming and integrated phono stage.
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detachable headshell, defeatable preamp, and ability to disable the Bluetooth feature provide usability and upgradability
- Built-in phono preamp is based on the more expensive Duo and is dead quiet, providing great power filtering internally
- Has a sleek and contemporary look
- Good speed regulation system
- Can be easily upgraded with a better stylus tip when it's time for replacement
- Has Bluetooth aptX HD functionality
Product Considerations
- With the Audio-Technica cartridge, the soundstage was not as wide as a digital source
- An upgraded power supply did not make any audible difference in sound quality
- There is no azimuth or tone arm height adjustment
- The tonearm bearings could be better adjusted for less play
- Connecting the Alva ST using Bluetooth is like other units where there's no visual system to decide what to connect to
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Alva ST has a simpler moving magnet AT95E cartridge, a die-cast aluminum platter, and is belt-driven instead of direct drive, making it half the cost, compared to the Alva TT V2
- The Dual CS 618Q costs a little more than the Alva ST, has no Bluetooth, but does come with an Ortofon 2M Blue pickup and is fully automatic
- The Pro-Ject Debut PRO undercuts the Alva in price and spec, offers a similar minimalist design, and 78 rpm, but lacks Bluetooth and the overall heft
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable is a well-built, flexible turntable that offers both classic analog connectivity and modern Bluetooth streaming. It is a great buy for those looking for a belt-driven table with a built-in preamp that can be upgraded later on.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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MoFi
StudioDeck+U
999
/
Released
It's only natural to use the word "Studio" in the name of one of our turntables, as doing so brings together MoFi's software and hardware sides. And while it's our entry-level offering, StudioDeck produces high-caliber sound at a value price. Designed in collaboration with some of the world's finest audio designers, StudioDeck features an incredible amount of ingenuity and technology usually reserved for much more expensive products.
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid build gives a sense of confidence when operating it
- Fantastic anti-vibration feet
- Digs down deep and cleanly, and doesn't struggle with low notes
- Presents a holographic image and a wide soundstage
Product Considerations
- The dust cover is a smoky color, obscuring the view of the turntable components
- The record clamp is essential and is not part of the standard package
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Technics SL-1500C, the StudioDeck offers a weightier and more compelling sound
- Compared to the Rega P3 (2000) with the Nagaoka MP-110 MM Cartridge, the MoFi StudioDeck offered greater detail and clarity throughout the frequency range
Takeaway: The StudioDeck+U is a great turntable that offers a solid and detailed performance. It is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for people looking to get started with vinyl or upgrade from a midrange player.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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Argon Audio
TT-4
839
/
Released
2023
Refining the EISA award-winning TT-4, the MK2 offers a stunning combination of fantastic sound and exceptional build quality. Its robust plinth and heavy, rubber-dampened aluminium platter set the foundation for exceptional performance. The specially designed carbon fibre tonearm and pre-fitted Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge provide the precision required for truly audiophile-grade sound. With its built-in high-quality RIAA preamp, the TT-4 MK2 is ready to plug into any amplifier or active speakers straight out of the box.
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid and heavy MDF plinth
- 'Smooth, dynamic, and plentiful in the bottom end' sound with a mid-range that doesn't present resonance or colorations
- High-end features like a carbon fiber arm and the possibility to adjust the VTA
- Built-in phono amplifier for MM cartridges that works really well
- Aluminum platter doesn't present any play on the spindle, and is very stable
Product Considerations
- The knob to switch between 33 and 45 rpm is too close to the cartridge, so care is needed when operating
- The TT-4 was slightly faster
- The manuals of the TT-4 do not mention speed adjustment or the possibility to adjust the VTA
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Pro-Ject Debut Pro: The Argon's way of presenting music is similar
- Vs Technics SL-1500C: The Argon turntable sounds fuller, and the bass is more prominent
Takeaway: The TT-4 is well-built, easy to use, and can be connected to anything from a small table speaker to a larger stereo system. With its balanced and clean tones, the TT-4 is suitable with many music genres.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
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Pro-Ject
T2
549
/
Released
2024
The T2 sensibly enhances our critically acclaimed T1 formula, introducing many new audiophile features, setting new standards in its new price-range.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Resonance mitigation is a key focus, with a solid plinth and thick glass platter to minimize vibrations
- The tonearm tested 'perfectly' and performs at a level expected on more expensive units
- The T2 Superphono has a well-designed built-in phono stage that is comparable to Pro-Ject's entry-level phono stage, the Box S2
- The T2 comes with high-quality E-Series RCA cables, not flimsy generic cables
- The T2 Super Phono comes with a pre-aligned Sumiko Rainier cartridge
Product Considerations
- The T2 W's phono stage cannot be disengaged, so the turntable shouldn't be connected to the phono input of the amplifying component
- The T2 Super Phono table's lack of absolute separation of singers and instrumentalists was consistently evident
- When streaming from the T2 W simultaneously to multiple devices, the streams were out of sync by a second or more
- The feet on the T2 W are not height-adjustable, so the turntable must rest on a level surface
- The T2 W does not stream lossless audio to all UPnP devices
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T2 Superphono's built-in phono stage was surprisingly similar to the Pro-Ject 2 Box S2, with the Tube S2 being a little warmer
- The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 was more incisive and provided greater insight into Jarrett's playing, low notes were thuddier and less authoritative on the T2 W, and everything was a little more blurred
- The T2 has a thicker glass platter, longer and more rigid tonearm, spring-based anti-skating compensation, and electronic speed control
- The Pro-Ject Debut Line is a higher-level series than the T Line, therefore, it had more bite and texture
Takeaway: The T2 is a turntable with a focus on reducing unwanted vibrations and resonances, which makes it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking better vinyl playback quality. With its tonearm and included cartridge, the T2 provides great value.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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