Thorens TD 204 Turntable, High-Gloss Black

The Thorens TD 204 is a manual turntable with belt drive, the 9-inch TP 120 tonearm in J-shape, and a switchable MM phono preamp.

It's the bridge between the entry-level Thorens models and the big subchassis models — and the only turntable in its class that affords itself a real tonearm instead of just a tube with a counterweight. The EISA jury saw it similarly and named it EISA Turntable 2023–2024 (source: EISA, 2023).

Why the TD 204?

Because of the TP 120. The aluminum J-shaped tonearm has about 15 g of effective mass, modern bearings with very low play, and a detachable headshell with SME connection — exactly the standard you'll use later to mount any decent cartridge. Visually, it's not by chance related to the TP 150 and TP 124 of the larger models. Add to that a die-cast aluminum platter with damping ring, four vibration-damping feet, and a phono stage you can switch off as soon as you have something better.

What you hear

A tidy, spatially well-organized sound with stable speed — vocals stay firmly centered, instead of drifting slightly. The good tonearm pays off especially where things get tight: in the innermost grooves, in dense passages, on old pressings. And it stays steady when you later feed it with a significantly more expensive cartridge. That's exactly the point: the TD 204 isn't an endpoint, but a foundation that keeps up with you.

Who is the TD 204 for?

For anyone who wants to buy properly once and then only ever upgrade the cartridge. If you know you're sticking with vinyl, this is exactly right — the turntable will never hold you back.

Plain talk: the TD 204 has no auto-stop and no USB output. If you want to be able to fall asleep listening and have the arm lift itself, get the fully automatic TD 102 A. And if you want to digitize records, the TD 202 is the right choice. Honestly: anyone who chooses the TD 204 wants to listen — not manage.

Our verdict

Of the entry-level Thorens models, the TD 204 is the one we most like to recommend: it costs only a little more and gives back significantly more, because the money went where it matters sonically — into the tonearm. The EISA award is nice, but the real distinction is that it's still the right turntable after two upgrades. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll tell you honestly which cartridge makes sense as your next step — and which doesn't.

Technical data

• Operation: manual, without auto-stop
• Drive: belt drive, DC motor
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, electronically switchable
• Platter: die-cast aluminum with damping ring
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 120, 9 inch, aluminum, J-shape
• Effective tonearm mass: approx. 15 g
• Headshell: detachable, SME connection
• Anti-skating: spring
• Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-VM95E (MM), elliptical stylus
• Phono preamp: integrated (MM), switchable on/off
• Output: RCA
• Finish: high-gloss black
• Power supply: external plug-in power supply, 12 V DC
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 420 × 145 × 360 mm
• Weight: 4.2 kg
• Award: EISA Turntable 2023–2024
• Included: turntable, plug-in power supply, dust cover (acrylic), RCA phono cable, Thorens rubber mat, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Thorens TD 204's TP 120 tonearm special?

The TP 120 is a genuine 9-inch aluminum J-shaped tonearm with about 15 g of effective mass and modern, low-play bearings — unusual in this price class. The detachable headshell uses the SME standard, so you can mount practically any common cartridge. That's exactly what makes the turntable upgradeable.

Does the Thorens TD 204 have auto-stop?

No. The TD 204 is deliberately built as purely manual: the arm stays in the run-out groove at the end of the record, and you lift it off yourself. If you need automation, go for the fully automatic TD 102 A. Sonically, doing without mechanics in the arm gains more than the convenience costs.

Do I need a phono preamp for the TD 204?

No, an MM phono preamp is built in and can be switched on or off. So you can connect the turntable directly to a line-level input. As soon as you have a better external phono stage, you switch off the internal one — the TD 204 is prepared exactly for that.

Which cartridge should I mount next on the TD 204?

That depends on your amplifier: if you're staying with MM, the better Audio-Technica cartridges or an Ortofon 2M are the obvious next step. If you have an MC-capable phono stage, more options open up. Tell us what you listen to and what with — then we'll recommend specifically instead of generically.

Why buy the Thorens TD 204 at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just sell the turntable, we set it up: tracking force, anti-skating, tonearm height. Our technician will mount the right cartridge right away on request, and we deliver and install on-site. We still answer questions after the purchase, even once the invoice has long been paid.

Goes well with

The TD 204 is built for upgrades — a better cartridge is the logical next step, mounted in minutes thanks to the SME headshell. You'll find matching accessories and record care at Thorens. To compare: all turntables. The factory-mounted Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is also available from us separately — as a replacement or second cartridge.