THORENS TD 160 SUPER

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows signs of wear, such as on the dust cover, as visible in the photos. Without original packaging.

With unipivot tonearm Mayware Formula IV

Optional Audio-Technica AT33E cartridge, like new: €250.00

The Thorens TD-160 Super is a reference turntable for vinyl enthusiasts and represents one of the most appreciated creations from the historic Thorens production. Considered one of the brand’s most successful models after the legendary TD-124, it combines a refined and minimalist aesthetic with high-level mechanical engineering, offering an ideal platform for those seeking precise analogue reproduction and extensive possibilities for customization.

Developed from Thorens’ design philosophy of the 1970s, the TD-160 Super stands out for its essential appearance, featuring controls dedicated exclusively to the main functions such as 33 and 45 rpm speed selection and cueing. Behind its simple design lies a solid and sophisticated construction, characterised by advanced technical solutions that allow it to exceed expectations within its category and compete with higher-level components.

The Super version introduces important refinements compared to the standard model, including an improved main bearing assembly designed to provide greater precision and enhanced mechanical integrity. The central spindle, manufactured with particular attention to construction quality, is one of the defining elements of the model and contributes to rotational stability, reduced vibration and a more natural musical presentation.

The design employs a suspended sub-chassis structure, a typical Thorens solution in which the platter and tonearm assembly are isolated from the main chassis through an adjustable floating suspension system. This architecture effectively reduces interference caused by external vibrations and the drive system, preserving the accuracy of the cartridge movement and improving the purity of the signal extracted from the vinyl groove.

The drive system uses a high-torque 16-pole synchronous motor connected to the platter via a belt drive. The motor provides a quick start-up, reaching nominal speed in approximately 1.5 seconds, while maintaining smooth and consistent rotation during playback. The separation between motor and platter helps minimise the transmission of unwanted vibrations, contributing to a quieter and more precise reproduction.

The platter is paired with a double-ring toothed rubber mat, designed to improve coupling with the record and reduce unwanted resonances. This solution allows more stable tracking of the information engraved in the vinyl groove, enhancing musical definition while maintaining a natural balance between dynamics and detail.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Thorens TD-160 Super is its potential for customization. This example can be configured with a dedicated tonearm mounting base, specifically developed for the TD-160 chassis, allowing overhang adjustment by sliding the tonearm forward or backward, following a principle similar to that used on SME tonearms. This system provides a wider and more precise adjustment range, also allowing the use of headshells with two-point mounting without elongated slots, increasing overall rigidity and improving cartridge alignment accuracy.

The tonearm configuration is achieved without permanent modifications to the original turntable chassis, preserving the integrity of the Thorens structure. The adopted solution also keeps the three suspension spring adjustment nuts easily accessible, an essential feature for accurately calibrating the floating suspension system and achieving the best mechanical performance.

To further improve performance, the turntable is installed without the original hardboard bottom panel, a material that can introduce unwanted resonances. Support through graphite cones and plates provides improved mechanical control, increasing positioning rigidity while allowing the suspension system to operate correctly. Once accurately adjusted, the TD-160 Super reaches an optimal balance and requires minimal further intervention.

The simplicity of its construction is one of the model’s main strengths. Thanks to the quality of its mechanics and the robustness of its design, the Thorens TD-160 Super can maintain high performance over many years with routine maintenance, such as periodic belt replacement, correct spindle lubrication and precise suspension adjustment.

Combined with a suitable tonearm and a high-quality modern cartridge, the Thorens TD-160 Super is capable of delivering a remarkably refined sound, characterised by musicality, stability, precision and the ability to extract a high level of information from the vinyl groove. The combination of Thorens’ historic mechanical design with an updated configuration allows performance levels superior to the original setup, making it an ideal solution for refined Hi-Fi systems where excellent sound quality is desired while maintaining reasonable dimensions and costs.

The Thorens TD-160 Super therefore represents a timeless classic in analogue reproduction, combining vintage appeal, outstanding mechanical engineering and extensive possibilities for further development. A turntable designed for demanding enthusiasts, capable of delivering an engaging, natural listening experience that remains competitive with many modern solutions.

Technical specifications:

• Drive system: Electronically controlled 16-pole synchronous motor; belt drive
• Rotational speeds: 33.3 rpm; 45 rpm
• Turntable platter: Non-magnetic zinc alloy; diameter 30.5 cm; weight 3.2 kg
• Wow & Flutter: 0.06% (weighted)
• Rumble (DIN 45539): -48 dB (unweighted); -68 dB (weighted)
• Power supply: 110-130 VAC; 220-240 VAC; 15 W; 50/60 Hz
• Tonearm: TP-16
• Tonearm length: 23 cm (from stylus tip to vertical tonearm bearing)
• Stylus overhang: Adjustable, 1.4 cm
• Lateral tracking error: Less than 0.2 cm radius
• Bearing friction: Less than 20 mg in vertical and horizontal planes (measured at the stylus tip)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 49 x 42.5 x 15.5 cm
• Weight: 10 kg

Technical specifications AT-33E:

• Frequency response: 15 - 50,000 Hz
• Channel separation: > 30 dB at 1 kHz
• Channel balance: < 0.5 dB at 1 kHz
• Output voltage: 0.4 mV at 1 kHz / 5 cm/s
• Recommended load resistance: > 17 Ω at 100 - 200 pF
• Inductance: 70 µH
• Stylus type: Elliptical
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Recommended tracking force: Nominal 1.5 mN; range 1.2 - 1.8 mN
• Stylus compliance: 40 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (static); 10 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz (dynamic)