Thorens TD 1601 (TP 160) Turntable, Oak
Thorens TD 1601 (TP 160) Turntable, Oak
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The Thorens TD 1601 (TP 160) is a semi-automatic high-end subchassis turntable with the knife-edge TP 160 tonearm, electric lift and contactless end-of-record shut-off — with balanced XLR outputs, without cartridge, in matte oak.
It takes the subchassis legend and equips it with the first knife-edge arm in Thorens history: classic wooden plinth, two-piece aluminum platter, internal precision belt — plus convenience the TD 1600 doesn't offer. The matte oak veneer gives the whole a light, natural presence.
Why the TD 1601 with TP 160?
Because the TP 160 is the heart of it. 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 wander is eliminated, and the groove is tracked more cleanly. Underneath works the proven subchassis: 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 large toroidal transformer feeds the synchronous motor with 2×16 V — speed stability without compromise. Add convenience the TD 1600 doesn't know: a patented electric lift at the push of a button and a contactless end-of-record shut-off. SME connection, cartridge of your choice.
What you hear
Calm and precision. The subchassis isolates the tracking so completely from its surroundings that even knocking on the furniture does no harm — in front of it stands the music, guided exactly by the knife-edge bearing. Bass stands full and defined, voices tangible, the stage deep. Via the XLR outputs and an MC cartridge you run true balanced and extract the last fine detail.
Who is the TD 1601 (TP 160) for?
For anyone who prefers the more precise knife-edge arm TP 160 to the standard TP 92, chooses their own cartridge and doesn't want to miss the everyday convenience of lift and end-of-record shut-off. Ideal with a balanced phono stage, for jazz, classical and everything that benefits from a deep-black background.
Honestly: semi-automatic means: lift and end-of-record shut-off yes, automatic cueing no — you bring the arm over the groove yourself. Don't touch the arm board while cueing, or the subchassis will swing. And a cartridge plus a suitable phono stage come on top price-wise. Frankly: if you don't need the TP 160, you save noticeably with the TP 92 version.
Our verdict
With the TP 160, the TD 1601 gets the arm that matches the ambition of the drive — knife-edge precision on subchassis calm, complete with convenience automation. The matte oak makes it a quiet eye-catcher in a bright living space. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we mount and align the cartridge, set up the suspension and check whether your chain plays along symmetrically.
Technical data
- Function: semi-automatic high-end subchassis turntable (electric lift + end-of-record shut-off)
- Drive: belt drive, internal 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, two-piece
- 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 end-of-record shut-off
- Cartridge: not included
- Outputs: RCA and balanced (XLR), true balanced
- Power supply: external linear power supply TPN 1600, 2×16 V, toroidal transformer
- Finish: matte oak (real-wood plinth)
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 454 × 180 × 369 mm
- Weight: 11 kg
- Included: turntable, linear power supply TPN 1600 with power cord, dust cover
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes the TP 160 from the 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 guides the groove particularly precisely. The proven TP 92 uses magnetic anti-skating. Both are excellent; the TP 160 is the more uncompromising, more expensive solution.
Is a cartridge included with the TD 1601 (TP 160)?
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 recommend a suitable combination, mount it and adjust tracking force and anti-skating — on request directly with us in Wädenswil.
What's the difference between the TD 1601 and TD 1600?
Both are identical in build — same subchassis, same drive, same arm. The TD 1601 adds an electric tonearm lift at the push of a button and a contactless end-of-record shut-off. The TD 1600 is the purely manual, purist version without these convenience functions.
What do the TPN 1600 and the XLR outputs bring?
The external linear power supply TPN 1600 feeds the synchronous motor via a toroidal transformer with clean 2×16 V — this supports speed stability. The XLR outputs allow true balanced operation with an MC cartridge, particularly low in interference. RCA is available as well.
Why buy the Thorens TD 1601 (TP 160) at HD Zürisee?
Because a knife-edge arm and sprung subchassis only shine after proper setup. That's exactly what we do: mount the cartridge, adjust suspension and anti-skating, check the chain. Our technician delivers, sets up on site on request and remains your contact — from Wädenswil.
Goes well with
You'll find the right cartridge in the cartridge selection, and for true balanced operation a balanced phono stage. More from Thorens or browse all turntables.
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