Thorens MC 1600 – Phono Preamp (MM/MC)

The Thorens MC 1600 is a fully balanced phono preamp in dual-mono construction that amplifies moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges to high-end level. Handcrafted in Germany, built for uncompromising vinyl playback.

A phono stage is the trickiest amplifier in the chain: it turns a few microvolts into a clean line-level signal — and thereby decides how much of your record actually comes through. The MC 1600 takes this job seriously.

Why the MC 1600?

Because everything here is designed for calm and precision. The fully balanced signal path in dual-mono design consistently separates both channels — its own amplification, its own power supply per side. The result is channel separation of around 110 dB and an extremely low noise floor. Using fine DIP switches on the underside, you dial in gain (32–68 dB in 10 steps), MC impedance (20–1280 ohms in over 60 steps), capacitance (50–600 pF) and a subsonic filter per channel exactly to match your cartridge. A separately shielded power supply section keeps the signal path calm.

What you hear

A pitch-black background from which tonal colors and space stand out with precision. The fully balanced architecture irons out interference before it can bother you — especially audible with quiet MC cartridges and in systems with long cable runs. Honestly: once you've heard a properly terminated phono stage, you won't want to go back.

Who is the MC 1600 for?

For ambitious vinyl listeners who really want to push their turntable and cartridge to the limit — and who value fine adjustability. Ideal in fully balanced high-end chains with XLR, but works just as well in classic RCA systems.

Straight talk: For a 150-franc cartridge on a living-room system, this is overkill — our smaller MM stages do the job just fine there. But anyone with a high-quality MC cartridge only gives it the stage it deserves with the MC 1600.

Our verdict

The MC 1600 is a mature, fully balanced phono stage that combines the finest adjustability with real calm. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we help you set gain and impedance exactly to match your cartridge — so the stage shows its full potential right from the start.

Technical specifications

• Type: fully balanced phono preamp, dual-mono, MM & MC
• Gain: 32–68 dB in 10 steps
• MC input impedance: 20–1280 ohms in over 60 steps (per channel)
• MM input impedance: 47 kOhm
• Capacitance: 50–600 pF adjustable
• Filter: switchable subsonic filter, adjustment per channel via DIP switches
• Inputs/outputs: balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA, both in and out
• Channel separation: approx. 110 dB; THD < 0.005%
• Max. output voltage: 10 V rms, output current 100 mA rms
• RIAA equalization: active-passive, very low deviation
• Power supply: separately shielded power supply section
• Housing: black metal chassis, brushed aluminum front, configurable RGB logo lighting
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 300 × 90 × 301 mm
• Weight: 5 kg
• Origin: handcrafted in Germany

Frequently asked questions

Which cartridges does the MC 1600 work with?

Equally for MM and MC cartridges. Thanks to gain from 32 to 68 dB and MC impedance from 20 to 1280 ohms in over 60 steps, it can be matched to virtually any cartridge on the market. For MM, 47 kOhm and adjustable capacitance of 50–600 pF are available.

What does the fully balanced dual-mono construction bring?

It separates both channels completely — its own amplification and power supply per side. This suppresses interference and crosstalk and provides channel separation of around 110 dB. This design plays out its strengths especially in fully balanced XLR chains and with long cable runs.

Can I also connect the MC 1600 via RCA?

Yes. It offers both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs. This means it fits fully balanced high-end systems just as well as classic RCA setups. For the last bit of calm, we recommend the XLR connection.

Why buy the MC 1600 at HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage sounds only as good as its setup. We set gain, impedance and capacitance together with you to match your cartridge, and advise on how it interacts with your turntable and amplifier — with years of experience, direct from Wädenswil.

Pairs well with

You'll find the right source under turntables and cartridges; the rest of the Thorens range is in the Thorens collection. More phono stages are shown in the phono preamp collection.