Thorens TD 1601 Turntable—It Might As Well Be Sprung Part II

TP92 Tonearm

The familiar TP92 is a 9 inch arm featuring a “highly precise” internally damped aluminum tube. There’s also an anti-resonance ring precisely placed around the arm’s exterior. The arm’s effective length is 232.8mm, overhang is 17.8mm and the offset angle is 23.66 degrees. The arm’s effective mass is 11 grams, making it best used with a medium to low compliance cartridge. A magnetic system easily sets anti-skating via a small knurled knob and an easy to read indicator. SRA/VTA is also easily set using a supplied tool used to loosen an upper locking ring after which each rotation of the lower fluted ring changes SRA/VTA by 1mm. The head shell arrangement is the now familiar sliding cartridge carrier that sets overhang and is then locked. Azimuth (±5 degrees) can be adjusted by carefully loosening the allen bolt on the bearing housing top and then rotating the arm tube. This also provides additional overhang adjustment of ±3mm. A newly introduced heavier counterweight allows the arm to handle cartridges weighing above 11 grams.

Set-up and Use

Setting up the TD 1601 was quick and easy so I won’t go into detail other than to say that the spring system comes factory “tuned” and pre-adjusted. If you wish to play with the spring suspension, you can knock yourself out doing so, but unless the platter level is off, (not likely!) or not pistonic when gently pressed at platter center do yourself a favor and leave it alone! And even then, unless you are experienced doing this kind of adjustment you are best off contacting the dealer to do it.

Using the totally manual TD 1600 is easy and pretty much self-explanatory, with but one caution especially if you’ve not previously used a sub-chassis suspended turntable: be carefully not to press or make contact with the black tonearm board while lowering the arm or after it’s on the record. Bumping into it can set in motion the sub-chassis producing some nasty stuff from your speakers! If you are in the habit of resting or steadying your hand on the tone arm board area when doing manual cueing with your previous un-suspended turntable, break that habit fast!

That inconvenience is well worth it because the isolation produced by this system is (and I hesitate using this word), perfect. You can bang on the platform the ‘table sits on, you can bang on the beautiful lacquered wooden frame and you can do likewise with the satin aluminum top plate and absolutely nothing will be transmitted to the playback system, nor will the stylus in the groove be at all affected. Just don’t make contact with either the platter or the arm board!

Push 33 or 45 and the platter spins. Push 0 and it stops. You can go directly from one speed to the other without pushing stop.

The 1601 Semi-Automatic Function

The extra $500 gets you semi-automatic convenience. The 1600’s arm is equipped with a standard cueing lever. The 1601 features a built-in electric lift mechanism and contact-less optically triggered auto stop function in which at the end of the side the arm automatically lifts and the platter stops spinning. You also use it to begin play by moving the arm over the record and pushing the “Lift” button. A ring around the button lights green when the arm is in the “up” position and red in the “down” position.

If the arm rises before a long side ends, there’s a way to defeat and restore the auto-system, as well as a way to adjust by running time after which the auto lift function actuates (not going to detail that procedure here). Whether or not this is worth the extra $500 is, of course, your choice.

Firm Yet Supple Sound Set Against A Quiet Backdrop

Thorens supplied the turntable with a Goldring Ethos low output (.5mv) cartridge. This is a “sleeper” $1495 cartridge I know well because I almost published a review that was mostly written when Goldring’s American distribution changed. In fact, as I write this if you go to “the usual suspect” sites it will say “no longer available” or “discontinued” but that’s not the case. The importer now is American Audio Video, which also imports to America Thorens.

I also chose to use the new iFi micro iPhono3 ($999), producing a package price of around $6000 for semi-automatic turntable, phono preamp and cartridge. Not “chump change” but also not “break the bank” money either.

First things first: I chose to review the ‘table “as is”, not optional mats or record clamps. Second things second: the TD 1601 looks and feels like a high quality piece of kit, as opposed to an attractive shell covering something specious. It feels “whole” and sounds that way as well.

Immediately apparent is the quiet produced by the near-perfect isolation. Out of the black comes gracefully articulated detail and an overall smooth yet not soft sonic picture. Attack is clean—not as “fast” as some un-sprung tables, but not at all soft, sustain generous as suspended turntables can produce and decay into black is graceful and equally generous. Most importantly the presentation is top-to-bottom coherent. If you dig this kind of full, tactile, generous sonic picture you will like all of the turntable’s presentation.

The bottom end has when called for a delicate, soft, suave touch. When the music features tighter, faster electric bass, the TD 1601 doesn’t slow it down or turn it “plummy”. The top to bottom timbral balance is seamless and sufficiently transparent and resolving for me to accurately compare the original promo copy pressing of Bob Dylan’s Oh Mercy (Columbia OC 45281) with Mobile Fidelity’s just released double 45rpm edition with a “Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab” top banner, not an “Original Master Recording” banner, meaning it was cut from a secondary digital source (the recording was originally mixed to and mastered from a “redbook” resolution DAT). The whole thing was recorded on Lanois kitchen table!

The original DMM cut by Greg Calbi has a faster, leaner and more direct sound that emphasizes the production’s rhythmic qualities and brings Dylan forward in the mix. The Mo-Fi is bass-heavy and thick, emphasizing the New Orleans atmosphere and pushing Dylan back as if he’s singing from a hallway. My point though, is that the TD 1601 is reliably neutral and fast enough to easily distinguish between these two versions. I confirmed that on my big rig.

The 1601’s top to bottom performance was suave, sophisticated and made for totally pleasurable listening with every kind of music. Unlike some other suspended designs I’ve heard, that sacrifice rhythm’n’pacing for isolation background quiet, the TD 1600 strikes a well-positioned balance between the two.

Its presentation of dynamic gradations was impressive, especially given the relatively modest cost (I realize that in Stereophile $3000 is “budget” but here and generally online $3000 is “luxury”).

If you like a leaner, faster sound there are non-suspended options, but most require an isolation accessory to optimize performance. Sometimes suspended designs can also produce less than ideal speed linearity due to the aforementioned “porch glider effect”. I played a side of the Nimbus Direct to Disc Beethoven Piano Sonatas Volume One played by Bernard Roberts (D/C 901) paying careful attention to sustained note decay among other things and heard great stability and long-lingering decay set against a black backdrop. The TP92/Ethos also tracked the most difficult to negotiate passages. The cartridge/’table/phono preamp combo produced a believable picture of the Steinway Model D Concert Grand set against the natural acoustics of Nimbus’s recording studio.

Honestly, based upon what I’m hearing now from the TD 1600 a direct comparison with a “tricked out” Linn Sondek would be interesting.

Conclusion

Simply put: the newly reorganized Thorens’ attempt to reclaim with the TD 1600/1601 the original TD 160’s rich legacy, both mechanically and sonically is a complete success. I’d say if all you listen to is rock, you might be more satisfied with a non-suspended “snappier” sounding ‘table (emphasis on might), but if most of what you listen to is acoustically based jazz and classical and three grand is your target price point, The TD 1600/1601 should be on your radar. You’ll appreciate its sonic performance, high build quality and outstanding cosmetics.

Here’s what it (and the Goldring Ethos and iFi iPhono3) sounds like on a record that’s not been cleaned and that I won’t identify!

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ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Anton D's picture

That was everything a review should be, I felt like it have a true feel for the turntable.

If I were shopping right now, I'd buy it. (I think I am saving up for a Fern & Roby, but who knows.)

Well done!

Michael Fremer's picture
I need to get one here to review ASAP
Michael Fremer's picture
Turns out azimuth can be adjusted though it was not in the manual I used. I've changed the copy to reflect that and also provide the procedure..
DrWatson's picture

Those are incredibly beautiful.

rischa's picture

Is the power supply pictured above included?

Michael Fremer's picture
Yes.
Drubin's picture

US dealers seem to have the 1600 at $2999 and the 1601 at $3999. A $500 difference makes more sense.

Drummer's picture

That's one of the first albums I play when something new comes into my rig. Mark Howard, long time Daniel Lanois collaborator and engineer deserves mention here for his contribution to the sound of Oh Mercy. Fans of this sound will like his book "Listen Up" and Lanois' book "Soul Mining" many stories about the way they approach recording and insight into why the records they collaborated on have a vibe like few others. "Time Out of Mind" is another recording that stands alone in its sound picture. (I just made that phrase up. Pretty good, unless I accidentally stole it via lost memory) No turntable in my rig at this time, but my original copy of Oh Mercy sits in a special place with some other records I'v carted around for the "someday I'll get another turntable moment". $3 K is luxury in my world but I enjoy learning from reviews like yours. Thank you.

phumiston's picture

20 years ago I rebuilt an AR XA with the Merrill suspended acrylic sub-platter and bearing improvements (plus a Moerch UP-4). At the same time I replaced the original AR steel top plate/plinth with Alucobond. Loved both the sonic and aesthetic improvements!

Jim Tavegia's picture

Good LF extension below 30 hz and HF past 15khz, but good balance and clarity. I might want to look at that IFi unit.

Ortofan's picture

... direct comparison with a “tricked out” Linn Sondek might be a direct comparison with the direct-drive Technics SL-1200G or SL-1210GAE.
Both 'tables are priced at $4K.

mdiehl's picture

I would be very much interested in a comparison with a Linn Sondek, especially one that has the most recent Lingo power supply and also the new bearing that just recently became available.

On another note, can this new table accept different tonearms? I do have a refurbished Thorens TD 160 Super with a SME 3009 tonearm and a Lyra Delos cartridge and I wonder if this new model really would be any better. Possibly because of the more advanced subchassis design or the more advanced motor?

Fsonicsmith's picture

But I would like to have seen an explanation as to whether the platter-plinth discrepancy you observed was the result of the bearing assembly (not likely based upon what you heard) or sloppy machining of the platter.
I grew up with vinyl and it was common to see "platter wobble" in the '70's but today, even $500 decks rarely exhibit it. And it is also nice to see something about the tonearm wiring scheme-is it a continuous run from clips to RCA's or is there a break-out box?

Michael Fremer's picture
So slight many records have more vertical play. Not an issue but I felt obligated to mention. RCA and XLR puts on back of wooden frame. Hard wired from clips.
supamark's picture

my "daily driver" is a 1987 Thorens TD-316 which is currently in the shop being refurb'd (PS board recapped, bering checked/oiled, etc) and the 30+ year old Shure V15MR type V is (sadly - wtf Shure?) being replaced by an Ortofon 2M Bronze. I'm pretty sure the rubber bits in the Shure are toast at this point. It's a great 'table, and I'm excited to be able to listen to my vinyl collection again.

Glad to see that Thorens is making good turntables again, even if they're no longer made in Switzerland like mine was. When I bought it I was deciding between the Thorens and a Linn LP12... the deciding factor (besides a couple hundred dollars difference) is that back then playing a 45 on a LP12 was a needlessly complicated endeavor.

daniel quintanal's picture

Hi Michael, I listen to mostly classical music and some jazz, not rock or pop, I want to buy a new turntable and I doubt among the three: Linn LP 12 Klimax, SME Synergy and Technichs SL-1000R, could you recommend one? In that price range that seems best to you, tell me if you are so kind. Thank you very much.

Michael Fremer's picture
I reviewed both the SME Synergy and Technics SL-1000R in Stereophile and I think if you searched on that website you will find the reviews. I haven't reviewed the LP12 Klimax.
daniel quintanal's picture

thanks

TommyTunes's picture

Looking to change my office table (Classic SB with upgraded subplatter), the current one is just not cutting it and I want a traditional looking table in the office, so this might just be the ticket.

Gramoguy's picture

"Red Sails" by Barney Kessel from Red Norvo's Music To Listen To Red Norvo By. Sound by Roy DuNann. I just played my mono copy on my Thorens TD 126 MK III. My other turntable is a TD 160. Michael, thanks for your good work.

vinyl listener's picture

... sat on top of the springs like a Linn LP12.
:)

vinyl listener's picture

....

Michael Fremer's picture
The TD 160's springs hung from the top plate as described in the review. Here's a photo:

vinyl listener's picture

... you wrote the subchassis (not springs) hung from the top plate, that would make it a SOTA-type arrangement with springs on top of subchassis ?

Wimbo's picture

sounded really nice and inviting Michael.

gbougard's picture

nice review

made me love my Thorens 124 MKII and my Thorens 125MKII even more, which, by the way cost me less even after being fully (and beautifully) refurbished by Schopper in Switzerland

McDonalds or Steak's picture

It wouldn't be a Stereophile TT review if something wasn't described as "massive."

Mijostyn's picture

I think what vinyl listener is trying to say is that turntables like the SOTAs, and the SMEs have their platter chassis hung from their suspensions versus sitting on their suspensions. The TD 1600 and TD160 chassis are sitting on their suspension. The effect is the same whether or not the springs are hung from a top plate or sitting on a bottom plate. The SOTA and SME systems are inherently more stable. The original face off was between the SOTA Sapphire and the LP12 back in 1980 or so. LP12 owners had to tip toe around their turntables but not the SOTA. You could jump up and down right in front of it no problem. The LP12 chassis sits on it's springs just like the TD 160 and 1600. If a mass sitting on top of a spring is disturbed horizontally it becomes unstable and tends to tip over. A mass hanging from a spring if disturbed will to return to the neutral position.

vinyl listener's picture

... to the Linn/SOTA wars played out in the late 80s TAS
:D

Mijostyn's picture

I reviewed my records. The Sapphire came out in 1981. I sold my 2nd LP12 in May 1982 to buy the Sapphire with which I was thrilled to death. I can't remember exactly what in-sighted me to make the trade. I still had one foot in the audio business so it may have been insider mumbling. But, I seem to remember the decision being based on extremely positive reviews.

d.grossman's picture

Looking online, it seems like there are quite a few second hand TD160s with tonearms such as SME/Rega for a fraction of the price.I was wondering whether it's still worth it to buy the new version?

Duntov1967's picture

The 1955 H.H. Scott 710A was the first to have a platter & tonearm mounted to a three spring suspended sub-chassis with a removeable armboard. It had a gear drive for the platter.

The first to have the 3 spring sub-chassis combo with belt drive was the Stromberg Carlson Perfectempo PR-499. This is the TT that pioneered what AR, Thorens and others built upon.

liguorid42's picture

The very first piece of hi fi gear I owned was an AR XA, at age 16. I once considered replacing it with a used TD160. I I talked to the owner at length, but ended up passing and saving up. Eventually I got a TD125 with a Rabco SL-8E. The tonearm was soon replaced with the SME3009, and that rig served me for many years. I modded it to play 78s, and still keep it, primarily for that purpose. SOTA Star since 1988, which I have very little interest in replacing. So three turntables in my entire audiophile "career".

azrockitman's picture

I placed my order more than two months but I'm still waiting for shipment. Anyone have a clue as to whether this is simply a supply issue or is Thorens having manufacturing issues?

Ortofan's picture

... Rutherford to Focal-Naim America.
Perhaps that has caused a hiccup in the supply chain.
Try contacting them to check on availability.
https://www.focalnaimamerica.com/our-brands

With which dealer did you place your order?

Amazon (Hi-Fi Heaven) presently shows that the TD1600 is in stock.
Music Direct presently shows that the TD1601 is in stock.

azrockitman's picture

Actually my Music Direct order just got filled yesterday. FYI, my order was placed and filled at the $3500 (US) price. They've raised the price to $4200.

mmorris3's picture

A friend of mine has a TD1601 with Audio-Technica VM750SH cartridge, but the electronic lift doesn't raise the tonearm high enough to clear the cartridge, and there's nothing in the manual about a way to adjust this that I can find. Has anyone else had this problem, or know of a way to fix this issue?

mmorris3's picture

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the tonearm is already lifted to it's highest position, and those instructions are in the manual, but it still doesn't lift high enough for the stylus to clear the record.

gijihef822's picture

This release for drywall repair is a testament to Thorens' commitment to quality in the audio industry, under the leadership of CEO Gunter Kürten.

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