Thorens TD-203 Turntable

Thorens TD203 Turntable

Thorens is a Swiss company, specialising in the design and manufacturing of high-quality turntable units, having built a multitude of critically acclaimed models in a variety of price points. Thorens also build a series of electronic components to complement their turntables.

The whole aim of the new Thorens TD-203 belt-driven turntable is to enable newcomers to vinyl to get up and running as quickly as possible, with minimum fuss or skill levels required to extract a superb music performance from their favourite vinyl records. Everything is pre-fitted in the box - the cartridge is fitted to the arm, only the tracking force needs to be set (stylus balance included in an accessory pack together with cartridge alignment protractor to check arm height and cartridge alignment).

Despite all of this convenience, quality has not been compromised in the slightest - German engineering and design have been built into the TD203 in the same way as Thorens top-end models. Money has been spent on high-quality materials where they contribute most to sound quality and excellent reliability. The main bearing, for example, is created from pure bronze, whilst the two-part platter is engineered from non-resonant, audiophile-grade composites. Motor rumble has been completely banished thanks to extensive rubber decoupling of its mounting point.

Even the new TP82 uni-pivot, straight tube arm is a radical breakthrough at this price point, such as it's low friction performance and ease of set-up. Arm height is adjustable to ensure the cartridge azimuth (cartridge body 90 degrees to record surface) and Vertical tracking angle can be optimised for perfect groove tracking. A high-quality moving magnet cartridge comes pre-installed on the tonearm so that setup can be achieved within 5 minutes of opening the carton. A heavy-duty 4mm thick polycarbonate dust cover completes this superb record playing package. Compliant soft rubber feet provide an effective solution to airborne feedback and mechanical vibration.