THORENS TD 102 A

Pre owned. In excellent condition. Free from any evident signs of wear. Supplied with Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML cartridge, manual, accessories and original packaging.

Fully automatic turntable developed for vinyl record playback and featuring a newly designed mechanical system. The design introduces a specific solution for managing the various operating stages automatically, with particular attention to reducing friction between the components. The mechanism is designed to achieve the lowest possible mechanical resistance, promoting smooth movement and contributing to the long-term durability of the components.

The architecture of the TD 102 A allows the turntable to be used without manual intervention during the main playback operations. The automatic system manages startup and tonearm positioning on the record, while at the end of playback it completes the operating cycle. This configuration makes the model suitable both for everyday listening and for those who prefer simpler operation than that offered by fully manual turntables.

The turntable features a newly designed carbon-fibre tonearm developed specifically for the model's automatic architecture. Its construction provides a rigid yet lightweight structure, while the overall mechanical system is designed to limit friction during the movements required for automatic operation.

The TD 102 A also incorporates a switchable phono preamplifier, allowing the turntable to be adapted to different system configurations. With the phono stage activated, it can be connected directly to a line input on an amplifier or audio system without a dedicated phono input; when it is deactivated, an external phono preamplifier can be used instead. This feature therefore allows the turntable to be integrated into both modern systems and configurations using a separate phono stage.

From a construction standpoint, the model retains the characteristic Thorens aesthetic, with clean proportions and a finish designed to fit into different domestic environments. The TD 102 A is available in high-gloss black or high-gloss walnut, two finishes that differentiate the appearance of the chassis while maintaining the same design approach.

The design therefore combines automatic operation, a mechanical system developed to minimise friction, a carbon-fibre tonearm and an integrated, switchable phono preamplifier. The overall configuration is intended to provide simple and consistent operation while retaining the construction and design characteristics associated with Thorens products.

Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML Cartridge

Stereo cartridge from the VM95 series featuring a Nude MicroLine stylus, designed to achieve precise groove tracking and reduce distortion towards the inner grooves of the record. The MicroLine profile, being a linear-contact geometry, follows the groove more precisely than simpler profiles and allows an extended high-frequency response and improved resolution in the mid and high-frequency ranges.

The stylus is mounted on an aluminium cantilever, and the pickup system is designed to maintain high precision while tracking the groove. The frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 25 kHz, while the nominal output voltage is 3.5 mV.

The AT-VM95ML uses the VM95 series body, which is compatible with all interchangeable stylus assemblies in the same family. When the stylus reaches the end of its service life, only the stylus assembly needs to be replaced rather than the entire cartridge. The same system also allows the tracking characteristics to be changed by installing a different stylus from the VM95 series.

Stylus life depends on the profile used and the operating conditions. Audio-Technica specifies an approximate service life of 1,000 hours for the MicroLine profile, longer than the figures stated for conical and elliptical profiles. The replaceable stylus system allows the cartridge body to remain in use over time and makes it possible to renew the pickup assembly without replacing the entire component.

Technical specifications – Thorens TD 102 A:

• Turntable: fully automatic, rigid chassis, belt drive
• Tonearm: TP 72 carbon-fibre tonearm with pre-installed Audio-Technica AT-VM5E MM cartridge
• Phono preamplifier: built-in MM, switchable
• Operation: manual mode available
• Speeds: 33 / 45 rpm, electronically controlled with selector
• Motor: electronically controlled DC motor
• Power supply: external 12 V DC
• Platter: die-cast aluminium
• Accessories: dust cover and RCA signal cable
• Finish: walnut high gloss
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 420 x 141 x 355 mm
• Weight: 5.4 kg

Technical specifications – Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML:

• Frequency response: 20 Hz–25 kHz
• Channel separation: 23 dB at 1 kHz
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Vertical tracking force: 1.8–2.2 g; standard value 2.0 g
• Stylus construction: Nude Square Shank
• Recommended load impedance: 47,000 Ω
• Coil impedance: 3.3 kΩ at 1 kHz
• DC resistance: 485 Ω
• Coil inductance: 550 mH at 1 kHz
• Output voltage: 3.5 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s
• Output channel balance: 1.5 dB at 1 kHz
• Stylus shape: Microlinear
• Cantilever: aluminium pipe
• Static compliance: 20 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Dynamic compliance: 10 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz
• Mounting: 1/2" centres
• Cartridge weight: 6.1 g
• Weight: 6.1 g