THORENS TD 1601

Pre owned. In excellent conditions. No visible signs of wear. Supplied with Audio Note IQ3 cartridge, original packaging, manual, and accessories.

Item on consignment.

The Thorens TD 1601 represents the natural evolution of the TD 160 model, retaining its renowned build and sound quality while introducing technical solutions aimed at greater user convenience. Its design is classic, featuring a timeless wooden plinth and a two-piece machined aluminum platter driven by an internal belt and complemented by a thick rubber mat. The entire system is supported by a sub-chassis stabilized by three conical springs, which—rather than being suspended—rest directly on the base, offering enhanced stability. A tensioned steel wire between the motor shaft and the platter spindle prevents lateral movement, ensuring purely vertical suspension travel even during high-torque startup.

Drive is handled by an electronically controlled synchronous motor, powered by the external TPN 1600 linear power supply, which features a high-performance toroidal transformer. This setup guarantees maximum rotational stability and exceptionally quiet, precise operation.

Mechanical refinement is accompanied by user-friendly features: the tonearm lift is electrically operated at the push of a button, and a contactless automatic shut-off system stops playback at the end of a record without physically interfering with the arm or disc. Audio outputs include both traditional RCA and professional-grade balanced XLR connections, designed to minimize electrical interference—especially critical for the delicate phono signal.

The Thorens TD 1601 thus combines traditional elegance, cutting-edge engineering, and modern functionality, appealing to demanding audiophiles who seek a high-level listening experience without compromising on convenience or precision.

The Audio Note IQ III cartridge is engineered to deliver outstanding performance in a moving magnet design, combining high-quality materials with precise craftsmanship. The body is made from Pocon, a lightweight yet rigid material, and features integrated threaded inserts for direct mounting to the tonearm’s headshell. This design offers significantly better mechanical coupling than conventional nut-and-bolt systems, translating into audible improvements in performance.

Internally, the coils are wound with ultra-fine copper wire, while the cantilever and stylus are derived from one of Audio Note’s most iconic cartridges, the IO I moving coil model. The cantilever is crafted from titanium tubing instead of the more common aluminum, a rare and refined choice that, combined with the Audio Note Type 1 stylus, enables the IQ III to achieve levels of detail, dynamics, and musicality previously considered unattainable in a moving magnet design.

Another advantage lies in its removable stylus assembly, allowing for easy and cost-effective replacement or upgrade. All stylus units in the IQ series are interchangeable, meaning one can start with the entry-level IQ I and later upgrade simply by fitting the IQ III stylus assembly—greatly enhancing performance without replacing the entire cartridge.

The IQ III is designed to work with phono stages compatible with moving magnet cartridges, featuring an input impedance of 47k Ohm. Total capacitance in parallel—including tonearm wiring and amplifier input—should not exceed 200 pF to maintain accurate frequency response as specified. Under optimal conditions, this cartridge offers an impressive combination of tonal refinement, balance, and harmonic richness, making it an ideal choice for those seeking the best from a moving magnet design.

Thorens TD 1601 Technical Specifications:

• Semi-automatic turntable with floating sub-chassis and belt drive; modernized reinterpretation of the classic Thorens TD 160 and TD 150
• Electronically controlled tonearm lift with optical end-of-play shut-off
• Sub-chassis stabilized by 3 conical springs mounted on the turntable base
• Steel tension wire connected to a steel anchor pin; prevents lateral motion and allows purely vertical sub-chassis movement
• Two-piece dynamically balanced platter in machined aluminum alloy
• Electronically controlled synchronous motor; high-end external linear power supply
• Internally routed adjustable tension belt
• Iconic wooden plinth
• High-end 9" TP 92 tonearm
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs
• Damping rubber mat and dust cover included
• Cartridge sold separately
• Available finishes: black lacquer; walnut lacquer
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 x 180 x 370 mm
• Weight: 11 kg

Audio Note IQ3 Technical Specifications:

• Load resistance: 47K Ohm
• Load capacitance: 150 – 200 pF
• Internal inductance: 570 mH
• Internal resistance: 660 Ohm
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz; ±2 dB
• Weight: 6.3 g
• Fixing centres: 12.7 mm / 0.5"
• Recommended tracking force: 1.5 – 2.5 g; 1.75 g nominal
• Channel balance: 2 dB @ 1 kHz
• Channel separation: 25 dB @ 1 kHz
• Output voltage: 6.5 mV ±1.5 dB (1 kHz at 5 cm/sec)
• Static compliance: 24 mm (lateral); 16 mm (vertical)
• Equivalent tip mass: 0.45 mg
• Vertical tracking angle: 24°