Thorens TD 1601 (TP 160) Turntable, Walnut

The Thorens TD 1601 (TP 160) is a semi-automatic high-end subchassis turntable with the TP 160 knife-edge bearing tonearm, electric lift and contactless auto-stop — with balanced XLR outputs, without cartridge, in high-gloss walnut.

It takes the subchassis legend and equips it with the first knife-edge bearing arm in Thorens history: classic wooden plinth, split aluminum platter, inner-running precision belt — plus convenience the TD 1600 doesn't offer. The walnut veneer gives the whole thing a warm, homely look.

Why the TD 1601 with TP 160?

Because the TP 160 is the centerpiece. The J-shaped 9-inch arm, developed by Helmut Thiele, runs in an ultra-precise knife-edge bearing whose horizontal bearing is additionally magnetically stabilized — any tendency to break out is eliminated, the groove is tracked more cleanly. Below it, the proven subchassis is at work: three floor-standing conical springs, a steel thread against lateral wobble, a 4.2 kg aluminum platter. The external linear power supply TPN 1600 with a large toroidal transformer supplies the synchronous motor with 2×16 V — speed stability without compromise. Plus convenience the TD 1600 doesn't have: a patented electric lift at the push of a button and a contactless auto-stop. SME connection, cartridge of your choice.

What you hear

Calm and precision. The subchassis shields the tracking so completely from the surroundings that even knocking on the furniture does nothing — ahead of that stands the music, tracked exactly by the knife-edge bearing. Bass is full and defined, vocals tangible, the soundstage deep. Via the XLR outputs and an MC cartridge, you run true balanced and extract the last bit of fine detail.

Who is the TD 1601 (TP 160) for?

For anyone who prefers the more precise knife-edge bearing arm TP 160 over the standard TP 92, chooses their own cartridge, and doesn't want to do without the everyday convenience of lift and auto-stop. Ideal on a balanced phono stage, for jazz, classical and anything that benefits from a deep black background.

Plain talk: semi-automatic means: lift and auto-stop yes, automatic cueing no — you bring the arm over the groove yourself. Don't touch the armboard while cueing, or the subchassis will start swaying. And a cartridge plus a suitable phono stage come on top in price. Honestly: if you don't need the TP 160, the TP 92 version saves you noticeably.

Our verdict

With the TP 160, the TD 1601 gets the arm that matches the turntable's ambition — knife-edge bearing precision on subchassis calm, plus convenience automation. A player that will carry cartridges for years. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we mount and adjust the cartridge, set up the suspension and check whether your chain plays along in balanced mode.

Technical data

• 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 160, J-shape, 9 inch, knife-edge bearing, SME connection
• Effective tonearm mass: 14 g
• Anti-skating: spring
• Convenience: electric tonearm lift, contactless auto-stop
• Cartridge: not included
• Outputs: RCA and balanced (XLR), true balanced
• Power supply: external linear power supply TPN 1600, 2×16 V, toroidal transformer
• Finish: high-gloss walnut (real wood plinth)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 454 × 180 × 369 mm
• Weight: 11 kg
• Included: turntable, linear power supply TPN 1600 with power cable, dust cover

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the TP 160 and TP 92?

The TP 160 is the first Thorens arm with a knife-edge bearing — a magnetically stabilized 9-inch J-arm developed by Helmut Thiele that tracks the groove with particular precision. The proven TP 92 uses magnetic anti-skating. Both are excellent; the TP 160 is the more thoroughgoing, more expensive solution.

Does the TD 1601 (TP 160) come with a cartridge?

No, the turntable comes without a cartridge. Thanks to the SME connection on the TP 160, you can freely combine it with MM or MC cartridges. We'll recommend a suitable combination, mount it, and adjust tracking force and anti-skating — on request right here at our Wädenswil location.

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, purist variant without these convenience features.

What do the TPN 1600 and the XLR outputs bring?

The external linear power supply TPN 1600 feeds the synchronous motor a clean 2×16 V via a toroidal transformer — supporting speed stability. The XLR outputs, with an MC cartridge, allow true balanced operation with especially low noise. RCA is also available.

Why buy the Thorens TD 1601 (TP 160) at HD Zürisee?

Because the knife-edge bearing arm and suspended subchassis only shine after careful setup. That's exactly what we do: mount the cartridge, adjust suspension and anti-skating, check your chain. Our technician delivers, sets it up on-site on request, and remains your contact — from Wädenswil.

Goes well with

You'll find the right cartridge in our cartridge selection, and for true balanced operation a balanced phono preamp. More from Thorens or browse all turntables.