Thorens TD 1601 Turntable

Thorens TD 1601 Turntable

Read the Thorens TD 1601 Turntable - Comprehensive Review

The Thorens TD 1601 turntable seamlessly blends classic design elements with cutting-edge 21st-century technology. With a familiar external appearance reminiscent of the renowned 160 series, the TD 1601 boasts remarkable features such as an automatic lift, a timeless wooden plinth, a two-part platter with an inner belt and a thick rubber mat, an arm board, and a protective acrylic dust cover.

Setting it apart from its legendary predecessor, the TD 1601 introduces an unprecedented feature that distinguishes it in its class. It showcases an elaborately designed and patented tonearm lift with contactless auto shut-off.

Completely independent of the turntable's other electronics, a miniature motor housed within the lift delicately raises and lowers the tonearm with a simple button press. An opto-electronically triggered end switch ensures the stylus's protection by stopping the platter and lifting the arm when it reaches the runout groove.

The TD 1600 revolutionizes the sub-chassis concept with various technical innovations. Unlike its predecessor, the conical springs supporting the sub-chassis are no longer mounted on the top board but stand on the bottom. Additionally, a robust steel thread connects the sub-chassis to a steel pin on the bottom, preventing staggering and allowing only vertical movement. The motor speed is expertly controlled by a powerful control unit.

While the TD 610 utilized three preloaded and adjustable conical springs to support the heavy sub-chassis, the TD 1601 features springs that stand on the base plate, offering enhanced stability. The synchronous motor, completely decoupled from the sub-chassis, drives both the solid aluminum inner plate and the top-fitted outer plate with a polished belt, powering the platter. The tonearm rests on a specially designed tonearm base for optimal performance.

The TD 1601 prioritizes isolation to ensure a pristine playback experience. By minimizing vibrations transmitted from the surroundings, both the record and tonearm are free to explore the intricate groove tracking. This meticulous approach allows the needle to capture the nuances of the groove's flank, rendering every detail of the music with utmost precision.

With groundbreaking technological advancements, the TD 1601 takes the sub-chassis principle to new heights. The conical springs supporting the sub-chassis are filled with resonance-absorbing foam, swiftly dampening any vibration. The platter and tonearm bearings are mounted on a solid aluminum plate, ensuring exceptional stability throughout the construction.

To counteract the sub-chassis wobble caused by the motor's driving forces, the platter bearing is meticulously braced against the base plate using a thin steel thread and a guide aligned with the motor pulley and platter axle axis. This design eradicates even the slightest disturbance, enabling the sub-chassis to move exclusively in a piston-like motion. This motion preserves the tonearm's precision when capturing the intricate musical details within the record groove. The balanced XLR output, present in both models, offers remarkable advantages, particularly when using an MC pick-up.

The TD 1601 incorporates intelligent electronics that diligently control the motor, ensuring precise maintenance of the selected platter speed at all times. To provide the motor with ample power whenever necessary, an elaborate 16V power supply, equipped with a large toroidal transformer, has been developed. This power supply is housed in an external enclosure, maximizing the sound performance of the new turntables.

Equipped with the renowned TP92 tonearm, the TD 1601 guarantees exceptional performance. This classic 9-inch tonearm is meticulously crafted from highly precise and internally dampened aluminum tubing. An anti-resonance ring, strategically positioned on the outer side of the tube, further enhances the tonearm's quietness. The TP92 is compatible with various high-quality pickups, and its scaled counterweight ensures easy and accurate tracking force adjustments.

Upgrade to the TP160 Tonearm

The TP 160 tonearm was developed by the renowned designer Helmut Thiele and features an ultra-precise knife edge bearing. This J-shaped 9" tonearm with an SME headshell connection takes inspiration from the design of famous studio tonearms. The blade for the horizontal bearing is additionally stabilized by magnets to ensure the most precise tracking of the vinyl record.

Part Exchange Available

As you would expect from Fanthorpes hifi, we offer a generous part exchange against the Thorens TD 1601 Turntable. If you have any hifi that you wish to use as part payment then either call us on 01482 223096 or email us at shop@fanthorpes.co.uk and we will give you a price to change. This is a fantastic and hassle-free way of making the Thorens TD 1601 more affordable.

Finance Available

Fanthorpes hifi can also offer buy now pay later on the Thorens TD 1601 Turntable, allowing you to spread or defer your payments over a year. If you are interested in taking advantage of our payment terms, email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk or call us on 01482 223096 and we will email an application form to you.

Thorens TD 1601 Turntable Specification:

• Manual turntable with sub-chassis, electrical lift
• Drive: Belt, sub platter aluminium
• Motor: Electronically controlled
• Stabilised AC synchronous motor
• Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM
• Speed selection: Electronical
• Outputs: RCA (Cinch) / Bal (XLR)
• Platter: 12" / 4.2 kg (Aluminium)
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 92
• Anti-Skating Magnetic (TP 92)
• Auto shut off: Contactless
• Flutter: <= 0.06%
• Acrylic dust cover, Platter mat