Thorens TD 102 A Turntable, Gloss Black

The Thorens TD 102 A is a fully automatic turntable with a carbon TP 72 tonearm, a switchable phono preamp and a pre-mounted Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge.

It's the bigger sibling of the TD 101 A — and the difference sits exactly where you can hear it: in the tonearm and the cartridge. Everything else stays pleasantly simple: set it up, plug it in, press the button. The arm moves off, finds the groove, lowers, and at the end it tidies itself up again.

Why the TD 102 A?

The carbon TP 72 tonearm isn't a decorative touch. Carbon is light yet stiff — exactly the combination a tonearm needs so it doesn't get in the cartridge's way. Add to that the Audio-Technica AT VM95E, successor to the legendary AT95E: elliptical stylus, more finesse, more calm in the inner grooves.

The phono preamp is built in and switchable. So you can go straight into a line input or active speakers — and later, when an external phono stage joins the system, you simply switch off the internal one. One device, two upgrade stages.

What you hear

More detail and more order than its little brother. Voices stand out more clearly, cymbals decay more cleanly, and the inner grooves stay sorted for longer — that's exactly where the VM95E's elliptical stylus earns its keep. The 12-inch, 700-gram aluminum platter keeps the speed steady all the while.

Important to know: the TD 102 A doesn't sound "hyped up." It sounds well organized. If you're expecting a big wow effect, you'll miss it. If you listen for longer, you'll notice that it never gets tiring.

Who is the TD 102 A for? (and who isn't it for)

Plainly put: the TD 102 A is for people who want convenience, but not cheapness. Full automation plus a carbon arm plus a decent cartridge — that's the honest middle ground between "just needs to work" and "needs to actually deliver."

It's not for you if you want to tinker with the turntable, adjust VTA and switch to an MC cartridge with its own step-up stage in two years. In that case, the 1500 or 1600 series is the more honest starting point — there the upgrade path is open, here it's limited.

Our verdict

The TD 102 A is the turntable for anyone who already knows they like vinyl — and has no interest in tinkering evenings. For 200 francs more than the 101 A, you get a noticeably better tonearm and a noticeably better cartridge. It's rarely this clear-cut. If you're unsure which of the two versions fits your room, call us at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil — we'll sort it out in five minutes.

Technical Data

• Type: fully automatic turntable
• Drive: flat belt, internal
• Motor: electronically controlled DC motor
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, electronically switchable
• Platter: 12" aluminum, 0.7 kg
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 72, carbon
• Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT VM95E (MM), pre-mounted
• Phono preamp: built-in, switchable off (MM)
• End-of-record shutoff: automatic
• Output: RCA with ground terminal
• Power supply: external 12 V DC plug-in power supply
• Color: Gloss Black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 420 × 141 × 355 mm
• Weight: 5.4 kg
• Included: turntable, plug-in power supply, dust cover, RCA cable, instruction manual

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Thorens TD 101 A and TD 102 A?

The TD 102 A has a carbon TP 72 tonearm instead of the aluminum arm, and the higher-grade Audio-Technica AT VM95E with an elliptical stylus instead of the AT3600. Together, both bring more detail, cleaner inner grooves and more calm. Operation and automation are identical.

Do I need an external phono preamp for the TD 102 A?

No. The phono preamp is built in and switchable, so you connect the TD 102 A directly to a line input or to active speakers. If your amplifier has a phono input, or an external stage joins the system later, you simply switch off the internal one.

Can I upgrade the AT VM95E later?

Yes, and it's the cheapest sound upgrade there is. Audio-Technica's VM95 series allows a pure stylus swap: you plug a higher-grade stylus assembly onto the same generator, without having to realign the cartridge. We're happy to work out with you which grade is worth it.

How loud is the drive mechanism?

Very quiet. The belt runs internally and the DC motor is electronically controlled — at a normal listening distance you won't hear any of it. On a hollow shelf, any turntable can amplify noise, so a stable surface is worth the effort.

Why buy the Thorens TD 102 A at HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you where the difference to the 101 A really lies — and where it doesn't. We look at what fits your amplifier and speakers, set up the turntable for you on request, and are still there afterward when a new stylus is due. Call us, drop us a message, or stop by for a coffee.

Goes well with

• Audio-Technica AT-VM95E – the factory-mounted MM cartridge, available separately as a replacement or second cartridge
• Cartridges – Audio-Technica VM95 series stylus assemblies as the cheapest upgrade
• Turntables – the direct comparison with the TD 101 A, TD 201 and TD 202
• Thorens – the whole range, all the way up to the 1600 series