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
- Mimics the classic Thorens look with timely updates like a direct drive motor
- Easy to set up and operate, user-friendly for the whole family
- Auto-stop function is a nice feature, stopping the platter at the end of a side
- The tonearm is decent and easy to use
- Has a stylish, vintage look with a walnut veneer or black piano varnish finish and aluminum top plate
Product Considerations
- The included Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge limits its sound quality and is considered an entry-level model
- Bass is sometimes mushy and without definition
- The turntable is very sensitive to the surface it's placed on and requires a solid, well-damped surface to avoid resonance
- The built-in phono stage is okay but not exceptional, and deprives the music of dynamics and timbre
- The light aluminum platter isn't great
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 3: The Thorens is more relaxed and musical in less favorable conditions, while the Rega Planar 3 is more analytical and can lack warmth
- Vs Technics SL-1500C: The Technics SL-1500C has more authority in the bass
- Vs Pro-Ject The Classic: The Pro-Ject The Classic has a fuller sound
Takeaway: The Thorens TD 402 DD is a stylish turntable that's easy to use and offers a classic look. With a cartridge upgrade and a good setup, this turntable can provide a very pleasant listening experience.
All
TD 402 DD
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Cartridge: AT VM95 E
- Tonearm: TP 72 Carbon
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
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Used
Thorens
What if you spend more?
In 1965, the Thorens TD 150, an inconspicuous little turntable, came on the market and thus started a technical revolution in record player manufacturing. For the first time, a spring-suspended sub-chassis with an inner platter driven by a flat belt was used in a mass-produced unit. The principle proved to be very successful and found many imitators in the years since.
Like its famous predecessor, the new Thorens TD 1500, which will be operated purely manually, features a sub-chassis that decouples the turntable and tonearm shelf from the motor and frame by means of three conical springs. In contrast to the TD 150, these springs can be adjusted from above through corresponding holes in the platter, which makes correct adjustment much easier.
The speed of the DC motor is electronically monitored by an incremental encoder and deviations, e.g. caused by a broom, are automatically corrected. This also enables very good wow and flutter values. As a real unique selling point in its class, the TD 1500 has XLR outputs in addition to the usual pair of RCA jacks, thus enabling true balanced operation with a suitable MC cartridge.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Improved clarity and detail retrieval...
- Superior TP 150 tonearm with better build quality and adjustability...
- Easy to set up and adjust, with user-friendly features like the adjustable springs...
- Superior speed stability compared to older Thorens models...
- Includes both RCA and balanced XLR outputs, providing connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- Sensitive to footfall, requiring a stable placement or additional support...
- The stock power cord is considered underwhelming...
- Some reviewers felt that the bass wasn't as tight as it could be, though still solid...
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the TD 150 (Original), the TD 1500 offers superior build quality and a much better tonearm...
- Compared to the Rega Planar 8, the TD 1500 does not move music along with the speed of a Rega Planar 8...
Takeaway: The Thorens TD 1500 is a well-built and refined turntable that pays homage to its classic predecessor while offering modern improvements in sound and functionality. It is a great choice for audiophiles who appreciate the Thorens legacy and want a high-performing turntable with a touch of vintage appeal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Simple to use
- Capable of producing a rhythmic and rounded sound
- Handled nearly any LP well, and the sound of even those that it didn't wasn't far from the best
- Adjustable feet make leveling easier
- When paired with the TAS 267 cartridge, the sound extracted from the grooves was exceptional
Product Considerations
- Sound lacks detail and dynamics
- Flat soundstage
- Build quality appears average
- Bass can sound overly rich
- Setting up is fussy and can strain one's patience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Dual CS5000 (with Shure M97xE), the TD 206 had slightly crisper highs, but a less deep soundstage
Takeaway: The TD 206 turntable is simple to use and provides good sound. It would be a good choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want solid sound quality with a classic design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The X8 - Xtension 9 and 10 within reach
The X8 is our most affordable mass-loaded turntable yet. Positioned neatly between the X2 and Xtension 9, the X8 adopts and breaks down its bigger siblings' features to make mass-loaded high-end design principles as accessible as never before.
Massive 5.1kg platter
The X8 offers a heavy, TPE damped mass-loaded platter precision lathed from a single aluminium block and finely balanced. On the Xtension 9 and 10 you cannot really play around with using different mats due to the glued on vinyl top. The X8 comes with a standard felt mat, also allowing you to experiment with different material mats in the future and tailor the sound to your taste.
Ceramic tipped, magnetically supported inverted bearing
A neodymium magnet decreases the load on the ceramic tipped bearing. Considering the massively heavy platter, this leads to a smoothly rotating base for your vinyl records and perfect speed stability.
The X8 inherited the massive MDF chassis and the top-of-the-line Pro-Ject 9cc EVO carbon tonearm from its larger siblings. The height-adjustable X8 features machined aluminium feet. The TPE damping technology in the feet effectively decouples the X8 from the surface it is placed on. The feet are a great choice for a more budget orientated turntable as they are faster and easier to set up than magnetic feet on the X9/10, and also require less maintenance.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with a heavy MDF plinth, a machined aluminum platter, and a quality finish
- The 9cc EVO carbon tonearm is known for its stiffness, adjustability (VTA, azimuth), and performance
- Mass loading (heavy plinth and platter), TPE damping, and adjustable aluminum feet minimize vibration and resonance
- The inverted ceramic ball bearing with magnetic support ensures smooth and stable platter rotation
- The X8 allows for a balanced connection to a phono preamplifier, which can reduce noise and improve sound quality
Product Considerations
- The included cartridge may be a limiting factor for some users, and upgrading is often recommended
- To take full advantage of the balanced connection capabilities, a separate balanced phono stage and a DIN to XLR cable need to be purchased
- The X8 is a completely manual turntable, lacking auto-return or auto-stop functions
- Some reviewers found the location of the power button underneath the plinth slightly clunky
- Some users found the finger lift on the tonearm uncomfortable or insecure to use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The X8 uses the same tonearm and bearing assembly as the more expensive Pro-Ject Extension 9, with differences primarily in the feet (TPE damped vs magnetic levitation) and platter (bare aluminum vs recycled vinyl mat)
- The X8 has a superior platter, bearing and tonearm compared to the Pro-Ject X2
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject X8 is a well-built turntable that offers high-end features and performance. Its solid construction and quality components make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking to upgrade their listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Giglio sums up the history and ideas of Gold Note, in what is to all intents and purposes considered one of the company’s best creations: it reinterprets the classic turntable shape using high-quality materials and technical solutions that combine respect for tradition and cutting-edge technology. The plinth design is inspired by the catenary curve, one of the great inventions of the Renaissance, giving it greater structural rigidity and offering a surprisingly precise musical experience.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous looks and solid build, reminiscent of great belt-driven decks from the 1980s
- Stability akin to a direct-drive unit
- The plinth structure adds mass and rigidity without introducing excessive resonance
- Delivers exceptional performance that translates to remarkable sonic accuracy (low wow and flutter, rumble)
- Melodious nature, with excellent control and musical depth
Product Considerations
- Limited anti-skate adjustment
- Stubby tonearm finger lift
- Careful setup is required for optimal performance
- Size may require substantial shelf space
- Some cartridges require a higher amount of anti-skate
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Recalled an old Linn Sondek LP12 from the 1980s in tonally rich and melodious signature, the focus is on the rhythm rather than the drama
Takeaway: The Giglio turntable is a great choice for people who love music and want a beautiful, well-made piece of equipment that sounds amazing and brings out the best in their record collection. It's an investment in excellent music listening that will bring enjoyment for years.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
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
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
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
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Smooth and easy to use, making listening to records very accessible
- Delivers a rich and rhythmic performance
- Comprehensive set of features including built-in phono stage and Bluetooth connectivity
- Impressive sound quality, particularly with vocals and detail retrieval
- Classy and solid build quality
- Built-in phono stage makes it more versatile and easier to integrate into a wider range of systems
- Excellent pitch stability thanks to the direct-drive motor
- Easy setup
- High-quality cartridge included (Alva MC)
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth operation can be erratic or offer a lower quality sound compared to wired connections
- Some rivals offer more excitement and dynamic expression
- Limited upgrade scope
- The detachable headshell has slight free-play in the arm bearings
- Performance is better with a wired connection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 6: The Rega Planar 6 offers more rhythmic drive and dynamic expression, while the ALVA TT V2 offers convenience
- Vs Pro-Ject Xtension 10: The Alva matches the more expensive Pro-Ject deck for precision and focus, but the Pro-Ject gives a bigger, more voluminous sound that's slightly more open and less constrained
- Vs Technics SL1200GR: The Alva TT V2 is less effortlessly propulsive than the Technics
- Vs Pro-Ject Classic Evo: The Alva TT V2 has a more flowing presentation
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a thoughtfully designed and well-made turntable, offering a great balance of convenience and performance, thanks to its built-in features like a phono stage and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to enjoy vinyl records without fuss. It is a great option for those new to vinyl or wanting a high-quality, user-friendly experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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