Thorens TD 1601 Turntable - Open Box w/ New Hana ML MC Cartridge

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General:
The Thorens TD 1601 combines the classic look and feel of a traditional Thorens turntable with some very clever modern engineering and convenience features.

Building on the excellent TD 1600, the TD 1601 features a beautiful wooden plinth, two-piece platter with an internal belt drive, substantial rubber platter mat, and a sophisticated suspended sub-chassis design.

One particularly interesting improvement is the redesigned suspension system. Rather than suspending the sub-chassis from springs mounted to the top plate, Thorens positions the springs underneath and uses a tensioned steel thread to help control unwanted movement. This allows the suspension to move primarily in the vertical direction, improving stability during playback.

The TD 1601 also adds an electronic tonearm lift, contactless automatic shutoff, and balanced XLR outputs for connecting to compatible phono equipment. These are all welcome conveniences that make this turntable especially enjoyable to use.

This particular example has seen very light use and presents beautifully. Best of all, we're fitting it with a brand-new Hana ML Low-Output Moving Coil Cartridge ($1,200 value), which will be professionally installed and aligned using our comprehensive 12-Step Premium Turntable & Phono Cartridge Calibration ($390 value).

That means you'll receive a carefully prepared, ready-to-enjoy turntable, with a superb moving-coil cartridge already installed and properly set up by our team.

For additional peace of mind, this TD 1601 also includes a 3-year SkyFi warranty with your purchase.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Very good overall cosmetic condition with only a few light hairline scratches from previous use. Otherwise, the turntable presents beautifully.

Brand Background:
Thorens is the oldest name in entertainment electronics, founded in 1883 by Hermann Thorens in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. The brand is still worldwide known for its high-quality record players. 

Thorens is a formerly Swiss manufacturer of high-end audio equipment. Thorens is historically renowned for the range of phonographs (turntables) the manufacturer produces. In addition to audio playback equipment, Thorens is also a historical producer of harmonicas and cigarette lighters, most notably the button actuated "automatic lighter".

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, Ground, XLR, IEC Power Input,

General Sound:
Big beautiful musical sound with little fatigue.

Cosmetic Condition:
9/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Turntable, phono cartridge, and dust cover, manual, Power supply

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:
$5,995.00

Specs:
Drive type- Belt, electronically controlled AC motor
Mains- 115 V /230 V (AC)
Mains- frequency 50 / 60 Hz
Power consumption- 18 W
RPM- 33,3 , 45 RPM
Wow & Flutter- DIN/WRMS <=0,05 %
Platter- Two parts, Aluminium, 3,2 kg
Effective length-TP 92 232,8 mm
Offset angle- 23,66°
Overhang- 17,8 mm
Effective mass- 11 g
Capacitance- <=110pF

Dimensions:
17.3" x 14.6" x 7.1"

Weight:
25 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.