Thorens TD 402 DD Turntable, High-Gloss Walnut

The Thorens TD 402 DD is a direct-drive turntable with the carbon TP 72 tonearm, switchable MM phono preamp, plus auto-start and auto-stop — here in high-gloss walnut.

High-gloss walnut on solid MDF, plus a top plate in brushed aluminum: the TD 402 DD looks considerably more expensive than it is. And it was Thorens' first direct-drive turntable in about three decades — a comeback that was overdue.

Why the TD 402 DD?

Because direct drive does exactly what you'd expect from it: torque and speed stability. The platter is up to speed in a second and stays there. The TP 72 tonearm with carbon tube is light and stiff, its headshell detachable — so it's open for the next cartridge. Auto-start lowers the arm, auto-stop brings it back; both can be switched off. So can the MM phono preamp, should a better phono input move into the rack later.

What you hear

Punch and drive. The direct drive pushes dynamic passages with an effortlessness that makes more than a few belt-drive peers in this class pause for thought. The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E with elliptical stylus traces cleanly and stays polite in the treble. If you later swap just the stylus for a finer cut, the whole turntable steps up again — you'll struggle to find a cheaper upgrade.

Who is the TD 402 DD for?

For anyone who wants convenience without cutting corners on the drive — and for anyone whose stylus has already spent half the night in the run-out groove. The walnut finish also makes it living-room friendly, even where black looks too technical.

Honestly: if you don't need the automation and would rather put every franc into platter and tonearm, reach for the TD 403 DD instead — heavier platter, significantly better arm, but zero convenience. You simply can't have both at once in this price class.

Our verdict

The TD 402 DD is for people who love vinyl but don't need the ceremony. It takes work off your hands without costing you sonically — and that's harder to build than it sounds. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, it leaves the shop ready to play, with correctly set tracking force.

Technical data

• Operation: manual with auto-start and auto-stop (switchable off)
• Drive: direct drive, DC motor
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, electronically switchable
• Platter: aluminum, damped
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 72 with carbon tube, detachable headshell
• Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-VM95E (MM), elliptical stylus
• Phono preamp: integrated (MM), switchable off
• Anti-skating: present
• Output: RCA
• Plinth: solid MDF, top plate in brushed aluminum
• Finish: high-gloss walnut
• Power supply: external plug-in power supply, 24 V DC
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 420 × 141 × 355 mm
• Weight: 5.8 kg
• Included: turntable, plug-in power supply, dust cover (acrylic), RCA cable, Thorens rubber mat, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What does direct drive bring to the Thorens TD 402 DD?

The motor drives the platter directly, with no belt in between. This results in high speed stability and strong torque — the platter is practically up to speed instantly. It also eliminates the belt as a wear part. Thorens designed the drive to run remarkably quietly despite its power.

Is the walnut TD 402 DD technically identical to the black version?

Yes. Drive, TP 72 tonearm, cartridge, phono preamp and automation are the same in both; dimensions and weight match too. The only difference lies in the plinth surface: high-gloss walnut instead of black piano lacquer. The aluminum top plate is the same in both.

Can I switch off auto-start and auto-stop on the TD 402 DD?

Yes. Both automatic functions can be deactivated if you'd rather guide the tonearm yourself. The built-in MM phono preamp can also be switched off — so you can move to an external phono input at any time, without the automation or the internal stage getting in your way.

What's the difference between the TD 402 DD and TD 403 DD?

The TD 403 DD has the heavier platter (1.4 kg) and the audiophile TP 150 tonearm with SME headshell, plus a factory-fitted Ortofon 2M Blue. In exchange, it does without a phono preamp and automation. In short: 402 for convenience, 403 for purism — the drive is the same in both.

Why buy the Thorens TD 402 DD at HD Zürisee?

Because with us you don't just get a device, you get an assessment: does this turntable suit your amplifier, your shelf, your records? Our technician sets it up, delivers and installs on request. And you'll get the stylus for the day after tomorrow from us too.

Goes well with

The fastest sonic gain lies in a finer stylus or a better cartridge from our cartridge selection — Audio-Technica's VM95 series makes the swap particularly easy. Care and accessories at Thorens. Still comparing? All turntables. The factory-mounted Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is also available from us separately — as a replacement or second cartridge.