Thorens TP-160 – 9-Inch Tonearm with Knife-Edge Bearing

The Thorens TP-160 is a 9-inch radial tonearm in the medium-mass class with a perfected knife-edge bearing and removable SME headshell — the flagship arm from the current TD 1600 and TD 1601 models, now available separately.

If you want to bring your turntable up to Thorens' current top tonearm level, or build your own high-end project, you can get the arm here on its own — complete with its extensive, reproducible adjustment mechanics.

Why the TP-160?

Because it combines high rigidity with a favourable mass distribution, making it an ideal carrier even for the finest cartridges. The knife-edge bearing runs with low friction and high precision, VTA adjustment happens via a lockable fine-thread mechanism at the base, and you set the anti-skating force steplessly via an enclosed, calibrated spring mechanism. In short: an arm that can be set up seriously and repeatably.

What you get

A mature, calmly playing radial arm that carries light as well as heavy cartridges confidently. The standard aluminium headshell can be rotated for azimuth adjustment and is pre-set to a parallel position at the factory — with high-quality cartridges, no correction is usually needed. Effective mass can be adjusted using suitable headshells.

Who is the TP-160 for?

For TD 1600/1601 owners who want to replace or upgrade their arm, and for demanding DIY builders. To be clear: the TP-160 needs to be mounted correctly and adjusted precisely — mounting distance, effective mass and geometry all have to be right. If you're not doing this yourself, have the installation done by a specialist. That's exactly what we're here for.

Our verdict

Thorens' current flagship radial arm — precisely adjustable, high-quality build, and with the fine knife-edge bearing a serious tool for good sound. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil mount and align it for you with the necessary care.

Technical data

• Type: 9-inch radial tonearm, medium-mass class
• Bearing: perfected knife-edge bearing
• Headshell: removable, SME connection, aluminium; rotatable for azimuth
• VTA: lockable fine-thread at the tonearm base
• Anti-skating: enclosed, calibrated, steplessly adjustable spring mechanism
• Tracking force: static balance, two-part counterweight
• Connection: 5-pin mini-DIN
• Effective mass: medium to high (with standard headshell), adjustable

Frequently asked questions

What's special about the TP-160's knife-edge bearing?

The knife-edge bearing runs with especially low friction and high precision in the vertical plane. Combined with the arm's high rigidity, this results in a calm, stable operation — a good basis for fine cartridges to show their full potential.

Which turntables is the TP-160 designed for?

The TP-160 is the standard arm of the current Thorens TD 1600 and TD 1601 in the TP-160 version. On its own, it fits compatible armboards with the correct mounting distance. We work out geometry and effective mass for the cartridge with you before installation.

Can the TP-160 be adjusted comprehensively?

Yes. VTA via a lockable fine-thread at the base, anti-skating via a calibrated, stepless spring mechanism, azimuth via the rotatable headshell. Tracking force is set via static balance with a two-part counterweight — everything is reproducibly adjustable.

Why buy the TP-160 from HD Zürisee?

Because a flagship arm only plays as well as its mounting and alignment. We check geometry and compatibility, install it properly on request, and tune it to your system. As an experienced team in Wädenswil, we're with you after the purchase too.

Goes well with

The TP-160 is the flagship arm of the current sub-chassis turntables from Thorens. You'll find matching cartridges in our cartridge selection.