Thorens TD 1600 (TP 160) Turntable, Black

The Thorens TD 1600 (TP 160) is a manual high-end subchassis turntable with the knife-edge bearing tonearm TP 160 and balanced XLR outputs — without a cartridge, in Gloss Black.

It takes the legendary TD 160 and equips it with the first knife-edge bearing arm in Thorens history: classic wood plinth, two-part aluminum platter, internally running precision belt — and on top of that, a tonearm that designer Helmut Thiele derived from studio technology.

Why the TD 1600 with TP 160?

Because the TP 160 is the centerpiece. The J-shaped 9-inch arm runs in an ultra-precise knife-edge bearing, whose horizontal bearing is additionally magnetically stabilized — any tendency to break out is eliminated, and the groove is tracked more cleanly. Below that, the proven subchassis does its work: three floor-standing conical springs, a steel thread against lateral wobble, a 4.2 kg aluminum platter. The external TPN 1600 linear power supply, with a large toroidal transformer, feeds the synchronous motor with 2×16 V — speed stability without compromise. SME mount, cartridge of your choice.

What you hear

Calm and precision. The subchassis shields the tracking so completely from its surroundings that even knocking on the furniture does no harm — the music stands out in front of it, guided exactly by the knife-edge bearing. Bass sits full and defined, voices are tangible, the soundstage deep. Via the XLR outputs and an MC cartridge, you run True Balanced and extract the last bit of finesse.

Who is the TD 1600 (TP 160) for?

For anyone who prefers the TP 160 over the standard TP 92 and wants to choose their own cartridge. Ideal with a balanced phono stage, for jazz, classical, and anything that benefits from a deep black background.

Plainly put: this version is also purely manual — no lift, no end-of-record shutoff (that's what the TD 1601 is for). Don't touch the arm board while cueing, or the subchassis will start swaying. And a cartridge plus a suitable phono stage come on top of the price. Honestly: if you want the convenience of automation, go for the TD 1601 with TP 160.

Our verdict

With the TP 160, the TD 1600 gets the arm that matches the turntable's ambition — knife-edge bearing precision on subchassis calm. A turntable that will carry cartridges for years to come. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we mount and align the cartridge, set up the suspension, and check whether your system plays along in balanced mode.

Technical Data

• Function: manual high-end subchassis turntable
• Drive: belt drive, internally running ground flat belt
• Motor: fully electronically regulated AC synchronous motor, decoupled from the subchassis
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, electronically switchable
• Subchassis: three conical springs (floor-standing), steel-thread stabilization
• Platter: 12 inch, aluminum, 4.2 kg, two-part
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 160, J-shaped, 9 inch, knife-edge bearing, SME mount
• Effective tonearm mass: 14 g
• Anti-skating: spring
• Cartridge: not included
• Outputs: RCA and balanced (XLR), True Balanced
• Power supply: external TPN 1600 linear power supply, 2×16 V, toroidal transformer
• Finish: Gloss Black (solid wood plinth)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 454 × 180 × 369 mm
• Weight: 11 kg
• Included: turntable, TPN 1600 linear power supply with power cord, dust cover

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes the TP 160 from the TP 92?

The TP 160 is the first Thorens arm with a knife-edge bearing — a magnetically stabilized 9-inch J-arm developed by Helmut Thiele that guides the groove with particular precision. The proven TP 92 uses magnetic anti-skating. Both are excellent; the TP 160 is the more uncompromising, more expensive solution.

Does the TD 1600 (TP 160) come with a cartridge?

No, the turntable comes without a cartridge. Thanks to the SME mount on the TP 160, you can freely combine it with MM or MC cartridges. We'll recommend a suitable combination, mount it, and align tracking force and anti-skating — on request, right here at our place in Wädenswil.

What do the TPN 1600 and the XLR outputs bring?

The external TPN 1600 linear power supply feeds the synchronous motor a clean 2×16 V via a toroidal transformer — that supports speed stability. The XLR outputs allow genuine True Balanced operation with an MC cartridge, particularly low in noise. RCA is also available.

What's the difference between the TD 1600 and the TD 1601?

Both are structurally identical — same subchassis, same drive, same arm. The TD 1601 adds an electric tonearm lift at the push of a button and a contactless end-of-record shutoff. The TD 1600 is the purely manual, purist variant without these convenience features.

Why buy the Thorens TD 1600 (TP 160) at HD Zürisee?

Because a knife-edge bearing arm and a sprung subchassis only truly shine after proper adjustment. That's exactly what we do: mounting the cartridge, adjusting the suspension and anti-skating, checking the system. Our technician delivers, sets it up on-site on request, and stays your point of contact — right here from Wädenswil.

Goes well with

You'll find the right cartridge in the cartridge selection, and a balanced phono preamp for True Balanced operation right alongside it. More from Thorens, or browse all turntables.