Thorens TD 403 DD Turntable, High-Gloss Walnut

The Thorens TD 403 DD is a purist direct-drive turntable with the audiophile TP 150 tonearm, a heavy aluminum platter and a pre-adjusted Ortofon 2M Blue — here in high-gloss walnut, without phono preamp and without automation.

Walnut under piano lacquer, plus a top plate in brushed aluminum: the TD 403 DD looks like a Thorens because it is one. And while it shares its drive with the TD 402 DD, it sets itself apart exactly where it matters sonically — in the platter and the arm.

Why the TD 403 DD?

Because of the tonearm. The TP 150 otherwise sits in the TD 1500 and is a close relative of the TP 124 from the larger TD 124 DD: 14 g of effective mass, adjustable in height and azimuth, detachable SME headshell. The anti-skating runs via a nylon thread over a ruby bearing — anyone who builds that in means business. Add a 22 mm thick, ground die-cast aluminum platter weighing 1.4 kg that simply doesn't allow resonance in the first place. STEREO (4/2022) had only one word for it: excellent.

What you hear

Substance in the bass and timing that's beyond argument. The heavy platter on the powerful direct drive holds speed firmly — piano strikes stand firm instead of swimming. The Ortofon 2M Blue with bare elliptical diamond noticeably gets more out of the groove than what's usually supplied in this price class. And because no internal phono stage sits in the signal path, you decide for yourself how cleanly things continue from there.

Who is the TD 403 DD for?

For listeners with a decent amplifier and ambitions — and for anyone who wants the device to look good in the living room too. Walnut gets along with surprisingly much.

Honestly: the TD 403 DD has no phono preamp and no auto-stop. If your amplifier lacks a phono input, you'll definitely need an external phono stage — factor that in. And if you like to doze off after the last groove, better get the TD 402 DD. Honestly: with this turntable, nobody dozes off that quickly.

Our verdict

This is where a turntable stops being a device and becomes an instrument. Practically everything you pay for is in the platter, arm and drive — nothing in convenience electronics. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil set it up precisely and tell you which phono stage really suits it.

Technical data

• Operation: manual, without auto-stop
• Drive: direct drive, DC motor
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, electronically switchable
• Platter: 12 inch, die-cast aluminum, 1.4 kg, 22 mm thick
• Tonearm: Thorens TP 150, effective mass 14 g, adjustable in height and azimuth
• Headshell: detachable, SME connection
• Anti-skating: weight on nylon thread over ruby bearing
• Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Blue (MM), bare elliptical diamond
• Phono preamp: not integrated
• Output: RCA
• Plinth: 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 × 360 mm
• Weight: 7.2 kg
• Included: turntable, plug-in power supply, dust cover (acrylic), RCA cable, Thorens rubber mat, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a phono preamp for the Thorens TD 403 DD?

Yes. The TD 403 DD deliberately has no built-in phono stage. So you need a phono input on your amplifier or an external MM phono stage. This omission is exactly what keeps the signal path short and clean — and leaves you the choice of how high-quality the equalization is. We're happy to advise you on this.

Is the walnut TD 403 DD technically identical to the black version?

Yes. Drive, platter, TP 150 tonearm and the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge are the same in both versions, as are dimensions and weight. Only the plinth surface differs: high-gloss walnut instead of black piano lacquer. Both share the same aluminum top plate.

What's special about the TD 403 DD's TP 150 tonearm?

The TP 150 is also used in the TD 1500 and is related to the TP 124 of the larger TD 124 DD. It has 14 g of effective mass, can be adjusted in height and azimuth, and uses a detachable SME headshell. Anti-skating is guided via a nylon thread over a ruby bearing.

What's the difference between the TD 403 DD and TD 404 DD?

The TD 404 DD is a class above: the TD 124 DD's motor, TP 160 tonearm with knife-edge bearing, 3.7 kg platter, XLR outputs and electronic lift with auto-stop — but without a cartridge. The TD 403 DD is the purist entry point into the same philosophy, ready to play from the factory.

Why buy the Thorens TD 403 DD at HD Zürisee?

Because with this turntable, the setup decides the sound — and we handle it: tracking force, anti-skating, tonearm height, azimuth. Plus an honest recommendation for the right phono stage, instead of just reaching for the top shelf. Delivery and on-site setup included, on request.

Goes well with

Without an internal phono stage, the external one becomes the key component — talk to us, we'll show you suitable solutions. If the 2M Blue is no longer enough one day, the next step awaits in our cartridge selection. Care and accessories at Thorens; alternatives under all turntables.