Thorens TD 1601 with TP 160 Review
The Thorens TD 1600 series turntables were released in 2020 and received praise from many. Now, the manufacturer has upgraded the 1600 and 1601 models with the new, improved TP 160 tonearm. Has Thorens managed to further optimize an already flawless device?
Thorens can look back on nearly 150 years of company history. Hermann Thorens founded the manufacturer in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, in 1883. Initially, they focused on making music boxes and musical works. In 1903, they shifted focus to the revolutionary technology of Edison phonographs. A lot has happened since then. Vinyl records replaced cylinders, were then overtaken by digital media, and later made a comeback. Thorens has always been a part of this journey with vinyl.
For example, the TD 160 turntable was released in 1972 and laid the foundation for future generations of turntables. It was produced for over 20 years. The turntable we’re reviewing here draws from the essence of classic Thorens turntables. The TP 1601 made its debut in 2020, originally featuring the TP 92 tonearm. Our test unit, however, features the new TP 160 tonearm, combining the already acclaimed TD 1601 turntable with an improved tonearm. We are eager to see how this evolution performs. We had already reviewed the TD 1601 equipped with the TP 92.
Back then, it received an impressive overall rating of 95% and made it into the reference class.
Turntable
The TD 1601 features a wooden frame available in either black or walnut. The top plate is a composite of two high-rigidity aluminum plates with a damping material sandwiched between. As is typical of Thorens turntables, the TD 1601 has a sub-chassis mounted on three conical springs, decoupling the tonearm and inner platter from the rest of the turntable. It is made from a specially shaped MDF plate.
The three springs can be adjusted from underneath if needed. The inner platter is CNC-machined, and the main platter fits perfectly on top of it. The platter is made of solid aluminum and driven by a belt. The chassis and sub-chassis are only connected by the mentioned springs and the precision-ground belt. The motor sits on the chassis. To prevent the sub-chassis from being pulled toward the motor, a steel cable is attached to the bearing, leading to the tonearm and ending in a bolt in the bottom plate.
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This construction converts lateral vibrations into piston-like movements, improving rumble performance. On the back of the TD 1601, you’ll find both unbalanced and balanced outputs. The TD 1601’s turntable differs slightly from the TD 1600. While our version features a motor lift, the TD 1600 does not. The TD 1601 includes a light barrier that, when triggered, stops the platter and lifts the tonearm.
This convenience feature adds a $500 price difference. The power supply is external, saving space inside the housing and reducing noise. The build quality of both the TD 1601 and TP 160 is outstanding. Thorens has achieved a level of craftsmanship that is rare. Bravo!
TP 160 Tonearm
Our test model is equipped with Thorens’ new TP 160 tonearm. This J-shaped tonearm is made from an aluminum tube with an SME connector. However, the key innovation lies in its bearing system. The horizontal bearing is designed like an angle with a cutting edge where the tonearm is mounted. When the arm moves up and down, the cutting edge tilts within the angle. The construction is extremely precise, with no rough edges. The two metal plates forming the angle are like knives, creating a very small contact area.
Because the cutting edge is also sharp, there is very little friction. The three metal parts touch in just a minimal area. To prevent the arm from lifting out of the bearing, two magnets are used, repelling each other and pressing the cutting edge against the metal plate. These neodymium magnets hold it in place. The result is a very low-friction movement.
The tonearm operates smoothly and follows the groove of the record with extreme ease. The anti-skating force is regulated by a spring, adjustable with a small dial. The counterweight is split into two parts, allowing the use of very light cartridges. Our model is paired with the Thorens TAS 1600, a low-output MC cartridge, which adds a $1,199 price difference. The cartridge was specifically developed for the TD 1600 and 1601 and is manufactured in Japan.
On to the test
In our 2020 review, the Thorens TD 1601 earned high praise. Not only its features, construction, and build quality impressed us back then. Most importantly, its musical performance delighted our colleague Johannes Strom. Now, Thorens has taken a further step forward with the improved tonearm. The tonearm operates with such finesse that the airy, dynamic sound quality of the TAS 1600 becomes even more detailed and musical. Soft, delicate recordings sound gentle and whispery, while energetic compositions are just as powerfully and expressively rendered.
We are also impressed by the TD 1601’s precise yet effortless presentation of transients. For example, we played Gregory Porter’s album “Take Me To The Alley.” The tenth track, “Don’t Be A Fool,” features a complex but understated arrangement of piano, drums, organ, bass, and brass. The Thorens turntable portrays this musical bed with a refined sense of space. In front of these elements, Porter’s and Alicia Olatuja’s warm vocal performances stand out. Together, they create an exceptionally well-differentiated soundstage. It’s pure enjoyment, and we spent the whole day going through our extensive vinyl collection, playing record after record, getting lost in the music, and completely forgetting about the time…
Thorens has managed to further improve the already critically acclaimed TD 1601 turntable. The TP 160 tonearm stands out with its clever, low-friction design, allowing the TAS 1600 cartridge to operate even more precisely. The sub-chassis effectively decouples the tonearm and platter from the rest of the turntable. All in all: a true masterpiece of analog audio!
The new TP 160 tonearm is not only a smart design, but it also provides an exceptionally smooth and precise tracking experience
In addition to the usual unbalanced output, there is also a balanced XLR output. For Hi-Fi enthusiasts, this is surely the best connection option. The TD 1601’s power supply is external, preventing interference and unwanted noise
Specs
General
- Device Type: Turntable
- Price Category: High-end
- Manufacturer: Thorens
- Model: TD 1601 TP 160
- Price (RRP): 3,999 Euro
- Dimensions (W/H/D): 45.4 x 18 x 36.9 cm
- Weight: 11 kg
- Information: www.thorens.com
Technical Data (according to manufacturer)
- Cartridge (included): Not included
- Motor: AC synchronous motor
- Drive: Belt drive
- Control: Manual
- Connections: RCA, Ground, XLR
- Integrated Phono Preamplifier: No
- Integrated DAC: No
- Bluetooth: No
Rating
- Playback Quality: 58/60
- Features/Build Quality: 15/15
- User-friendliness: 14/15
- Complaints: None
- Intermediate Score: 87 out of 90 points
Price/Performance
- Very good: 9/10
Result
- Reference Class: 96%
Verdict
The Thorens TD 1600 series has been highly praised since its debut in 2020. Now, Thorens has given the TD 1601 TP 160 model a new tonearm. The TP 160 performs even better than its predecessor. It’s no easy feat to improve an already excellent product, but Thorens has done it – congratulations!
Thorens TD-1601 Turntable
Thorens TD 1601 Turntable
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