Thorens TD 403 DD Turntable, Matte Oak
Thorens TD 403 DD Turntable, Matte Oak
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What the trade press says
- hifi.de 8,6 von 10 (HIFI.DE-Testsiegel); „ein äusserst kompetenter Plattenspieler“21.01.2022 · Read the review →
The Thorens TD 403 DD is a purist direct-drive turntable with the audiophile TP 150 tonearm, a heavy aluminum platter and a pre-aligned Ortofon 2M Blue — no phono preamp, no automation, here in matte oak.
It shares the drive with the TD 402 DD but sets itself apart exactly where it counts sonically: a 1.4 kg platter instead of a lightweight, TP 150 instead of TP 72, Ortofon 2M Blue instead of an entry-level cartridge. Everything that distracts has been left out. That's not a cost-cutting measure, it's an attitude. The matte oak gives it a light, calm presence on top.
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 big TD 124 DD — 14 g effective mass, adjustable in height and azimuth, SME headshell. The anti-skating works via a nylon thread in a ruby bearing; whoever builds that in means business. Add a 22 mm thick, ground platter of die-cast aluminum that simply doesn't allow resonances. STEREO (4/2022) called the result simply excellent.
What you hear
Bass with substance and timing that doesn't argue. The heavy platter on the strong direct drive holds speed rock-solid — piano notes stand instead of swimming. The Ortofon 2M Blue with its bare elliptical diamond pulls noticeably more fine detail from the groove than the usual suspects in this price class. And because no internal phono stage hangs in the signal path, you alone decide how cleanly it carries on.
Who is the TD 403 DD in matte oak for?
For listeners with a decent amplifier and ambition who prefer light natural wood to piano lacquer: if you have or plan a good phono stage, this gives you a foundation that will still carry in ten years.
Honestly: the TD 403 DD has no phono preamp and no end-of-record shut-off. If your amplifier has no phono input, you absolutely need an external phono stage — factor that in. And anyone who likes to fall asleep after the last track should reach for the TD 402 DD. Frankly: whoever buys this turntable doesn't fall asleep anyway.
Our verdict
The TD 403 DD is the point where a turntable stops being a device and starts being an instrument. Almost everything you pay for sits in platter, arm and drive — nothing in convenience electronics. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we set it up exactly and tell you which phono stage really suits it.
Technical data
- Operation: manual, without end-of-record shut-off
- 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 height
- Tonearm: Thorens TP 150, effective mass 14 g, adjustable in height and azimuth
- Headshell: detachable, SME connection
- Anti-skating: weight on nylon thread via ruby bearing
- Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Blue (MM), bare elliptical diamond
- Phono preamp: not integrated
- Output: RCA
- Plinth: top plate in brushed aluminum
- Finish: matte oak
- 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 very omission keeps the signal path short and clean — and leaves you the choice of how well it is equalized. We're happy to advise you.
Is the matte oak 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 all versions, as are dimensions and weight. Only the plinth surface differs: matte oak instead of piano lacquer or walnut.
What's special about the TP 150 tonearm of the TD 403 DD?
The TP 150 is also fitted to the TD 1500 and is related to the TP 124 of the big TD 124 DD. It has 14 g effective mass, is adjustable in height and azimuth and uses a detachable SME headshell. The anti-skating is guided by a nylon thread in a ruby bearing.
What's the difference between the TD 403 DD and TD 404 DD?
The TD 404 DD sits a class above: TD 124 DD motor, TP 160 tonearm with knife-edge bearing, 3.7 kg platter, XLR outputs and electronic lift with end-of-record shut-off — but without a cartridge. The TD 403 DD is the purist entry into the same way of thinking, ready to play from the factory.
Why buy the Thorens TD 403 DD at HD Zürisee?
Because with this turntable, setup decides the sound — and we take care of it: tracking force, anti-skating, tonearm height, azimuth. Plus an honest recommendation for the right phono stage instead of reaching for the top shelf. Delivery and set-up on site included, on request.
Goes well with
Without an internal phono stage, the external one becomes the key component — we'll show you suitable solutions, from slim to balanced. If the 2M Blue ever stops being enough, you'll find the next step in the cartridge selection. Accessories and record care at Thorens, alternatives under all turntables.
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