In 1965, Thorens introduced the TD 150, an unassuming turntable that sparked a technical revolution in turntable design. For the first time, a mass-produced turntable featured a suspended subchassis combined with an inner platter driven by a precision-ground flat belt. This innovative design principle went on to influence countless legendary Thorens turntables and remains a milestone in analogue audio engineering to this day.
Like its famous predecessor, the new Thorens TD 1500 is a fully manual turntable. Its suspended subchassis isolates the platter and tonearm board from the motor and plinth by means of three conical springs. Unlike the original TD 150, these springs can be conveniently adjusted from above through dedicated openings in the platter, making setup and fine adjustment significantly easier.
The speed of the DC motor is electronically monitored by an incremental encoder. Any deviations, for example those caused by the use of a record brush, are automatically corrected. This ensures excellent speed stability and outstanding wow and flutter performance. As a unique feature in its class, the TD 1500 is equipped not only with conventional RCA outputs but also with balanced XLR outputs. Combined with a suitable moving coil (MC) cartridge, this enables true balanced operation and particularly interference-free signal transmission.
TP 150
tonearm
principles of the TP 124 featured on the TD 124 DD and combines high flexibility with precise adjustability. With an effective mass of 14 grams, adjustable height (VTA) and azimuth, as well as a standard SME connector, it provides ideal conditions for the use of a wide variety of cartridges and headshells.
Anti-skating adjustment is achieved via a movable weight located in the tonearm base. The force is transferred by a nylon thread guided with minimal friction over a ruby bearing. This proven design enables precise and long-term stable adjustment.
The TD 1500 comes factory-fitted with the highly regarded Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge. Manufactured by the Danish cartridge specialist Ortofon, this MM cartridge features a nude Fine Line diamond stylus and proves to be an ideal partner for the TP 150 tonearm.
