Thorens TD 202 Turntable, High-Gloss Black

The Thorens TD 202 is a manual turntable with belt drive, an integrated MM phono preamp and a USB output with analog-to-digital converter for digitizing records.

It's the upgraded version of the TD 201: same solid turntable, but with the finer Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge and the ability to record your records straight to your computer. Listening to vinyl and archiving vinyl — in one device, no tinkering required.

Why the TD 202?

Because it does two things that would otherwise cost you two devices. The solid plinth, the cast-aluminum platter and the TP 71 tonearm with detachable headshell are the same honest basis as its smaller sibling. Add to that the built-in A/D converter: USB cable to the computer, start the recording software, done — your favorite record ends up on your phone too. And if you only want to listen, just ignore the USB port. It costs nothing in terms of sound and doesn't get in the way.

What you hear

The AT-VM95E with elliptical stylus noticeably gets more out of the groove than a conical entry-level cartridge: more fine detail, cleaner treble, better channel separation. The belt drive keeps the DC motor away from the platter, wow and flutter sits at 0.2% — the music stands calmly in the room instead of wavering slightly. To be fair: the TD 202 isn't a marvel of bass power. Tonally it's rather lean and tidy. That's exactly what makes it pleasant in the long run, though.

Who is the TD 202 for?

For anyone with a record collection who wants to both listen to it and back it up — old recordings, rarities, flea-market finds that aren't available anywhere to stream. And for beginners who want to start one step above the minimum.

Plain talk: if you'll never digitize anything, you're paying extra for the A/D converter — then the TD 201 is the more honest buy. And if you already have a good phono stage in your amplifier and are eyeing an MC cartridge, look straight at the TD 402 DD or the 1500 series instead. Let's be honest: a USB port doesn't replace a better turntable.

Our verdict

The TD 202 is the most sensible way to use vinyl both ways: enjoy it in analog, back it up in digital. It doesn't do anything spectacular, but it does everything right — and does so for years. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we set it up for you so the first recording is right the first time.

Technical data

• Drive: belt drive, DC motor
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm
• Wow and flutter: max. 0.2%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 67 dB (A-weighted)
• Platter: cast aluminum, 300 mm (12 inch)
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 71, aluminum, straight, statically balanced
• Effective tonearm length: 223.6 mm
• Headshell: detachable, bayonet mount
• Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-VM95E (MM), elliptical stylus
• Recommended tracking force: 2.0 g
• Phono preamp: integrated (MM), switchable off
• Digitizing: integrated A/D converter
• Outputs: RCA (gold-plated); USB Type B
• Power supply: 100–240 V AC, external plug-in power supply
• Power consumption: 1.5 W (< 0.5 W standby)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 420 × 121 × 355 mm
• Weight: 3.9 kg
• Included: turntable, plug-in power supply, dust cover (acrylic), RCA cable, Thorens rubber mat, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

How do I digitize my records with the Thorens TD 202?

You connect the TD 202's USB output to your computer and record using recording software — free programs are entirely sufficient for this. The analog-to-digital converter is already built into the turntable, so you don't need any extra hardware or a subscription. We're happy to walk you through the process once.

Do I need a phono preamp for the TD 202?

No. The MM phono preamp is built in, so the TD 202 runs on any normal line-level input. If your amplifier has a good phono input, or you own an external phono stage, you switch off the internal preamp and use the better option. Both paths are open to you.

What's the difference between the TD 202 and TD 204?

The TD 204 gets the higher-quality TP 120 tonearm in J-shape with SME headshell and finer bearing technology, but does without the USB output. In short: TD 202 for digitizers, TD 204 for listeners who want the better tonearm. We're happy to help you decide.

Can I swap the cartridge on the TD 202 later?

Yes. The TP 71's headshell detaches via bayonet mount. Within Audio-Technica's VM95 series, even just swapping the stylus is enough to gain sonically — without a new cartridge. We carry matching styli and cartridges; we'll take care of the adjustment on request.

Why buy the Thorens TD 202 at HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you whether you actually need the USB output — and if so, how to use it sensibly. Our experienced team knows the pitfalls of digitizing, sets up the turntable, and remains reachable after the purchase too. Short distances to Wädenswil, real contacts instead of a phone queue.

Goes well with

The fastest sonic gain comes from a better cartridge — within the Audio-Technica VM95 family, often just a finer stylus is enough. You'll find accessories like stylus cleaners and record mats at Thorens. And if you haven't decided yet: all turntables at a glance. The factory-mounted Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is also available from us separately — as a replacement or second cartridge.