Thorens TD 1601 (TP 92) + TAS-1500 MC, Walnut

The Thorens TD 1601 (TP 92) + TAS-1500 is a ready-to-play high-end set consisting of the semi-automatic subchassis turntable TD 1601 and the Thorens TAS-1500 moving-coil cartridge — with electric lift, contactless auto-stop and balanced XLR outputs, in high-gloss walnut.

Turntable, tonearm and cartridge come as a matched package from a single manufacturer: you know the TD 1601 as the suspended subchassis legend, while the in-house TAS-1500 contributes a high-resolution MC cartridge — mounted and basically adjusted, so all you have to do is drop the needle.

Why the TD 1601 set with TAS-1500?

Because turntable and cartridge here come from the same stable. The TD 1601 brings the subchassis calm: three floor-standing conical springs, steel thread against wobble, 4.2 kg aluminum platter, fully electronically controlled synchronous motor, plus an electric lift and contactless auto-stop. The TP 92 with magnetic anti-skating guides the Thorens TAS-1500, an MC cartridge that plays with fine detail and composure — and, via the XLR outputs, enables true balanced operation. A coherent package with no assembly effort on your part.

What you hear

Calm, fine resolution, order. The subchassis keeps footfall and feedback out, the TAS-1500 traces details and tonal colors cleanly. Bass is well-defined, vocals tangible, the soundstage deeply layered. Running balanced via the XLR outputs extracts the last layer of information from the MC cartridge.

Who is the TD 1601 set for?

For anyone who wants a coherent high-end package from a single source, without having to match turntable and cartridge themselves. Mounted and ready to play — ideal for jazz, classical and acoustic music, where fine resolution and black silence matter most.

Plain talk: the TAS-1500 is an MC cartridge and needs an MC-capable phono stage — if you only have an MM input, you'll need a step-up transformer or an MC pre-preamp as well. To get the best out of the set, run it balanced via XLR. And: semi-automatic means lift and auto-stop yes, automatic cueing no.

Our verdict

The TD 1601 with TAS-1500 is the convenient path to serious analog sound — turntable and MC cartridge from a single manufacturer, matched and mounted. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we do the final adjustment of tracking force and anti-skating, set up the suspension and check whether your phono stage suits the TAS-1500.

Technical data

• Set: Thorens TD 1601 (TP 92) + Thorens TAS-1500 (MC), mounted
• Function: semi-automatic high-end subchassis turntable (electric lift + auto-stop)
• Drive: belt drive, inner-running ground flat belt
• Motor: fully electronically controlled 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, split
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 92, J-shape, 9 inch, SME connection
• Anti-skating: magnetic
• Cartridge: Thorens TAS-1500, moving coil (MC), mounted
• Convenience: electric tonearm lift, contactless auto-stop
• Outputs: RCA and balanced (XLR), true balanced
• Power supply: external linear power supply TPN 1600 with power cable
• Finish: high-gloss walnut (real wood plinth)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 454 × 180 × 369 mm
• Weight: 11 kg (turntable)
• Included: turntable with mounted TAS-1500, linear power supply TPN 1600 with power cable, dust cover

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the TD 1601 set with TAS-1500?

The Thorens TD 1601 turntable with TP 92 arm in walnut, plus the mounted Thorens TAS-1500 moving-coil cartridge, the external linear power supply TPN 1600 with power cable, and the dust cover. We give the cartridge a final adjustment before handover.

What kind of cartridge is the TAS-1500?

A moving-coil (MC) cartridge from Thorens itself. MC cartridges are considered especially fine-detailed. On the TD 1601, the TAS-1500 plays to its strength in true balanced operation together with the XLR outputs.

Do I need a special phono stage for the set?

Yes, an MC-capable phono stage. The TAS-1500 is a moving-coil cartridge and needs more gain and a suitable load impedance than an MM cartridge. If you only have an MM input, a step-up transformer or MC pre-preamp will complete the picture — we're happy to advise you.

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

Both are built identically — same subchassis, same drive, same arm. The TD 1601 adds an electric tonearm lift at the push of a button and a contactless auto-stop. The TD 1600 is the purely manual variant without these convenience features.

Why buy the Thorens TD 1601 set at HD Zürisee?

Because an MC set only shines after careful setup — tracking force, anti-skating, suspension, phono stage loading. That's exactly what we do. Our technician delivers, sets it up on-site on request, and remains your contact afterward, straight from Wädenswil.

Goes well with

For MC operation you need a suitable phono preamp; you'll find the right cabling in our Thorens range. Also browse all turntables.