Thorens TD 204 Turntable, High-Gloss Walnut

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 — here in high-gloss walnut.

The walnut veneer under piano lacquer makes it look considerably more expensive than it is — and that's not flattery, but an observation from two decades of daily life in the shop. Technically it's identical to the black version: same tonearm, same foundation, same distinction as EISA Turntable 2023–2024 (source: EISA, 2023).

Why the TD 204?

Because of the TP 120. The aluminum J-shaped tonearm brings about 15 g of effective mass, modern bearings with minimal play, and a detachable headshell with SME connection — the standard that practically any decent cartridge will fit later. It's no coincidence that it's the spitting image of the larger TP 150 and TP 124 arms. Add to that a die-cast aluminum platter with damping ring, four damped feet, and a phono stage you can switch off as soon as something better sits in the rack.

What you hear

Stable speed and a cleanly organized soundstage: vocals stay firmly centered instead of drifting. The good tonearm shows its strength where things get tight — in the innermost grooves, in dense passages, on old pressings. And it stays composed when you later fit it with a significantly more expensive cartridge. That's the real trick: the TD 204 isn't an endpoint, but a foundation.

Who is the TD 204 for?

For anyone who wants to buy properly once and then only ever tinker with the cartridge. And for anyone who wants the device to look good in the living room too — walnut fits with surprisingly much.

Plain talk: the TD 204 has no auto-stop and no USB output. If you listen while falling asleep and want the arm to lift itself, get the fully automatic TD 102 A. If you want to digitize, get the TD 202. The TD 204 is for people who want to listen — not manage.

Our verdict

Of the smaller Thorens models, the TD 204 is the one we most like to pick up: a small surcharge, a lot of value back — because the money went where it matters sonically. The EISA award is a nice label; the real distinction is that it's still the right turntable after two upgrades. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will tell you honestly which cartridge is worth it as your next step — and which one is just more expensive.

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 walnut
• 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.

Is the walnut TD 204 technically identical to the black version?

Yes. Turntable, TP 120 tonearm, cartridge and phono preamp are the same in both finishes; dimensions and weight match too. The difference is the surface: walnut veneer under high-gloss lacquer instead of black piano lacquer. Decide based on your furniture, not the sound.

Does the Thorens TD 204 have auto-stop?

No. The TD 204 is deliberately purely manual: the arm stays in the run-out groove at the end of the record, and you lift it off yourself. If you want automation, go for the fully automatic TD 102 A. Doing without extra mechanics in the tonearm gains more sonically 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. You can connect the turntable directly to a line-level input. If a better external phono stage comes along later, you switch off the internal one — the TD 204 is built exactly for that.

Why buy the Thorens TD 204 at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just hand the turntable over the counter, we set it up: tracking force, anti-skating, tonearm height. On request, our technician mounts the right cartridge right away, delivers and sets it up on-site. And we're still reachable even once the invoice has long been paid.

Goes well with

The TD 204 is made for upgrades — a better cartridge system is the logical next step and mounted in minutes thanks to the SME headshell. You'll find care products and accessories at Thorens. Still weighing your options? Here are all turntables. The factory-mounted Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is also available from us separately — as a replacement or second cartridge.