Thorens TAS 1500 – MC Cartridge (Microlinear)

The Thorens TAS 1500 is an MC cartridge made in Japan, developed by Thorens for optimal interplay with the TD 1500 and TD 403 DD turntables and the TP 150 tonearm.

Like its bigger brother TAS 1600, it's built at Audio-Technica and sits in the same slim aluminum housing. The difference lies in the diamond – and in the price: the TAS 1500 is the forgiving, affordable entry into genuine moving-coil class.

Why the TAS 1500?

Because it brings you MC sound at a very fair price. A bare diamond with a Microlinear cut sits on a solid boron cantilever – a combination you'd otherwise only find much further up the range. With 0.4 mV output voltage and 12 ohms internal resistance, it fits any common MC phono stage, and thanks to modern integrated mounting threads, mounting isn't a test of patience. In short: a lot of cartridge for the money.

What you hear

A coherent, inviting sound with no rough edges. The Microlinear cut tracks precisely and keeps distortion low without ever becoming hard or analytical – the TAS 1500 sounds more natural and relaxed than spectacular. It's exactly this forgiving nature that makes it an all-rounder that brings joy with almost any record collection.

Who is the TAS 1500 for?

For every owner of a TD 1500 or TD 403 DD who wants to step up from the bundled MM system to genuine MC class. Straight talk: the TAS 1500 also needs an MC-capable phono input – on a pure MM input its potential goes unused. Anyone seeking the last bit of fine resolution and maximum audiophile edge should reach for the TAS 1600. For anyone who wants a composed, uncomplicated cartridge with plenty of musicality, the TAS 1500 is exactly right.

Our verdict

The TAS 1500 is one of the most honest price-to-sound deals in the Thorens lineup: a forgiving, thoroughly coherent MC that noticeably upgrades the TD 1500 and TD 403 DD without overtaxing the electronics. The ideal first step into the MC world.

Technical specifications

• Type: moving coil (MC), made in Japan
• Mount: half-inch, 2.5 mm thread (integrated)
• Output voltage: 0.4 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Stylus profile: Microlinear, bare (2.2 × 0.12 mil)
• Cantilever: 0.28 mm dia., solid boron
• Frequency response: 20 – 47,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 27 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: 1 dB (1 kHz)
• Recommended tracking force: 2.0 g (range 1.8 – 2.2 g)
• Stylus compliance: static 20, dynamic 16 (×10⁻⁶ cm/dyn, 100 Hz)
• Internal resistance: 12 ohms
• Coil inductance: 25 µH (1 kHz)
• Coil material: PCOCC copper
• Recommended load impedance: min. 100 ohms
• Housing material: aluminum
• Weight: 8.2 g
• Matched to: Thorens TD 1500 / TD 403 DD / TP 150 tonearm
• Included: TAS 1500 cartridge with mounting hardware

Frequently asked questions

Which turntables is the Thorens TAS 1500 suited for?
Primarily for the Thorens TD 1500 and the TD 403 DD as well as the TP 150 tonearm – it's tuned to this interplay. Since its stylus compliance is in the mid range, though, it feels at home in almost any medium-mass tonearm with half-inch mounting.

Is it worth switching from the bundled MM system to the TAS 1500?
Yes, clearly. The TAS 1500 is the manufacturer-tuned answer to the question “what more can I get out of it?” The Microlinear diamond and the boron cantilever bring more fine detail, calm and spatiality – provided your phono stage has an MC input.

Do I need an MC phono preamp for the TAS 1500?
Yes. As a moving-coil system with around 0.4 mV, the TAS 1500 needs an MC-capable phono input and a load impedance from about 100 ohms upward. On a pure MM input it plays too quiet and unbalanced – an MC input or step-up transformer is essential.

Why buy the Thorens TAS 1500 at HD Zürisee?
Because we tell you honestly whether the TAS 1500 or actually the TAS 1600 suits your turntable and your electronics better. Our experienced team mounts and aligns the cartridge for you in Wädenswil on request – so the new pickup sits right from the very first note.

Pairs well with

You'll find the right amplification under phono preamps. The matching turntable is among the Thorens models and other turntables. More cartridges are in the cartridges category.