About
Thorens

FOUNDED
:
1883
LOCATION : Head Office: Basel,
Switzerland
MANUFACTURING : Renningen,
Germany

For the past 100
years, Thorens has been one of the leading turntable manufacturers in the world.
Very well known masterpieces with worldwide recognition have been produced by
Thorens in the past. All of them with legendary reliability. Thorens is quality
made in Germany for decades.

1883 Trade
registration of the family-business of Hermann Thorens, established in St.-Croix
/ Switzerland, with the purpose of manufacturing musical boxes and
movements.

1903
Manufacturing of Thorens' first Edison-type phonograph.

1906
Change-over to the manufacturing of horn-gramophones for shellac
records.

1913-1964
Manufacturing of cigarette lighters.

1914-1952
Manufacturing of harmonicas (except for the time from 1921-1938)

1927
Conversion of the family business to a joint-stock company (AG)

1928
Development of the first electric motor (direct drive) for
gramophones.

1929
Development of the first electric phono pick-up (employing a magnet
principle).

1933
Manufacturing of wireless appliances, partly in cooperation with the
Strassfurt-Imperial Company of Germany.

1940-1950
Production of professional disc-cutting lathes and phono pick-up
cartridges.

1943
Production of the first record changer.

1954-1960
Production of the mechanical razor "Thorens Riviera".

1957
Introduction of the TD124 Hi-Fi record player. It came without tonearm but with
arm board during this first year. Destined to become a classic, the success of
this player had an enormous effect at Thorens, shaping the future direction for
the company into that of a worldwide manufacturer of high quality stereo record
players.

1958-1961
Introduction of the models TD184, TD134 with BL104 tonearm, the TD135 and the
BTD-12S tonearm. These turntable models were simpler and less expensive
offerings designed to fill out price points within the product line. The BTD-12S
tonearm was well received at its introduction and was the company's top tonearm
offering until it was superceded by the TP14 in 1966.

1962
Introduction of the unique TD224 HI-Fi record changer. Based on the TD124 but
with smaller spindle bearing and shaft, additional gears, pulleys and levers,
this 'record changer' stored it's stack of 8 records away from the player so
that only one LP rested on the platter at any one time. An arm would pluck the
record off the platter, then transport it to the side position, pick a new
record from the top stack and place this record on the platter. This is quite
unlike the traditional record changer that stacks one LP disc upon the next
until you have a stack of 5 or six and spins the whole lot. As that stack of
records on the platter rises, so changes the vertical tracking angle and correct
arm cartridge alignment is lost. This complexity of changer operation, while
extreme, ensured that the all important vertical tracking angle on this Thorens
remained unchanged in play. The introduction of the TD121. A TD124 without
strobe speed control. Marketed as a 'slightly' less expensive but high quality
table. The introduction of the TD111.

1963 The
Thorens company merges with Paillard SA, St.-Croix / Switzerland. Paillard SA
manufactured Bolex cameras and Hermes typewriters at the time. This merger would
last three years. Legal requirements and differing goals between upper
management of the Paillard Group and Thorens resulted in a loss of cooperation
between the two groups.

1965
Introduction of the TD150 with TP13 tonearm. This player featured a new 3 point
suspended subchassis that carries both platter, bearing and arm. Fixed to the
main chassis is a 16 pole, 2-phase synchronous AC motor. A two- piece 7 pound
balanced platter system exists with the inner platter being driven by way of an
elastic belt. Platter material is die cast zinc alloy. Platter bearing is a
hardened stainless steel shaft of 10mm diameter with a captive ball bearing tip
and running in sintered bronze bushings. The ball tip carries the vertical load
from the platter. This new suspended layout presents a significant step forward
in efforts to reduce rumble noise.

1966 Effective
July 1st, 1966, the Swiss Thorens-Franz AG took over the entire business
concerning Thorens record players and together with EMT Wilhelm Franz of
Germany, they established a new business for research, development and
manufacturing in Lahr / Germany, located in the foothills of the Black
Forest.

Revision of the TD124
into TD124 II with TP-14 tonearm. Changes from the TD124 include change in paint
color from cream white to medium-grey. The iron platter of the TD124 is changed
to heavy aluminum (non-magnetic). Minor changes in the controls. Also revised
was the TD135, now TD135 II.

1968
Introduction of the TD125 electronically-controlled (Wien Bridge Oscillator)
turntable equipped with the TP25 tonearm. This table replaces the TD124 II as
the flagship of the product line. The TD125, like the TD150, is belt driven and
suspended via a 3 point suspension and like it's little brother, the TD150, it
too is a "purists" model with all manual controls.

Early production
units also share the same platters and bearing shaft with the TD150. Early
models will be found with the captive ball on the spindle shaft tip. Later
production models replaced this with a solid steel conical shaped tip to carry
the vertical thrust load. The bearing housing on the early models differed from
later production models. Early model platter bearings were housed in a large
cast aluminum housing featuring a 3 bolt hole pattern for attachment to the
subchassis plate. Later production bearings were of the press-in variety with a
much slimmer machined steel housing.

Unlike the TD150,
this model features a much more substantial and solid construction throughout.
The motor function offered 3 speeds: 16, 33-1/3 and 45. This table was also
offered in an optional "LB" edition. The "TD125 LB" featured a longer cabinet
and armboard to accommodate longer 12 inch tonearms. For more info on the
various options offered with the original TD125 see this link.

1969
Introduction of the TD150 Mk II with new tonearm TP13A. Upgrades to the tonearm
include fine-adjustment of tracking force and 'weight on string' compensation of
anti-skating force. The previous TP13 tonearm had no compensation for
anti-skating force.

1972 The
introduction of the TD125 MkII. The most apparent change to this revised model
is the new TP16 tonearm which is now packaged as the standard equipment
offering. The new tonearm features gimbal 4-point pivot bearings, magnetic
anti-skate control and a new detachable magnesium headshell, the TP60. Effective
mass of the new arm is rated at 16.5 grams. Refinements to the oscillator motor
control circuitry are made. Platter bearings are all of the press-in design with
solid tip shafts by this time.

The TD160 replaces
the TD150 as the affordable but still Hi-Fi player featuring a similar 3 point
suspension floating sub-chassis but with the new TP16 tonearm . Operation is
pure manual but with an integrated cable operated tonearm cue. Like the TD150,
the TD160 used a synchronous 16 pole 2-phase AC motor that derived it's pitch
precision by locking on to the mains frequency the same as an electric clock
motor from that era. Both TD125 MkII and TD160 share the same 7 pound die cast
zinc platters and the same 10mm platter bearing.

At the same time a
less expensive TD165 was offered with the TP11 tonearm. This new tonearm used
the same gimbal pivot bearing, arm tube and head shell as the TP16 but
substituted a weight-on-string style of anti-skate control and also featured a
different counterweight.

With the TD165 begins
a little mystery. The story of the nylon inner platter and 7mm bearing. This
nylon inner platter and smaller bearing can be found on the TD165, TD166 (all
marks), TD146, TD147 and some TD126 MkIII units. Alternately, the larger zinc
inner platter with 10mm bearing of the TD125 MkII and TD160 can also be found on
these same tables. Then, to make matters even more interesting, an example of a
nylon inner platter equipped with a 10mm bearing has been found on a TD166. I am
still gathering data on this issue. Perhaps, someday, there will be enough
information to establish some pattern to this. At the moment no method of
allotment has been determined.

1974
Presentation of the TD126 "electronic" with tonearm TP16. The TD126 replaces the
highly regarded TD125 Mk II. Similar in dimensions and weight, the TD126 adds
semi-automatic function to the tonearm operation in addition to a preset for
mode of operation. (When equipped with standard Thorens tonearm) The TD126
featured lighted push buttons compared to the slider controls of it's
predecessor. The TD126 shared the same basic layout and size of the TD125,
continuing to use the heavy cast aluminum sub-chassis suspended by 3 conical
springs and the same platters and bearing. Available speeds are now 33-1/3, 45
and 78rpm. The Mk 1 and Mk2 TD126 models continued to use the 16-pole AC
synchronous motor from the TD125 MkII.

1975 The TD145
is offered. In essence a TD160 with automated arm lift and motor stop at end of
play

1976
Introduction of the "Isotrack"-tonearm with a low effective mass. This is an
updated version of the TP16 tonearm featuring remove-able 'arm wands' fixed by a
collar lock very close to the pivot bearing. Moving the coupling joint closer to
the pivot reduced effective mass substantially. The replaceable arm-wand of this
tonearm is called the TP62. A later version of the isotrack tonearm, called the
TP16-III used another style of arm-wand designated the TP63. Both of these
tonearms rated their effective mass at 7.5 grams. These tonearms were suitable
for use with phono cartridges having high compliance suspensions.

Optional with the
Isotrack tonearms were arm-wands featuring integrated phono cartridges. The
TPO63 and TPO70 were two such arm-wands. In cooperation with EMT, Thorens
produced special cartridges of the moving-coil variety. Integrated
arm-wand-cartridges TMC63/TMC70, phono cartridges MCHI and MCHII as well as the
PPA990 and STA960 (pre-preamplifier and step-up transformer).
Introduction of
the TD126 Mk II with TP16 Mk II (Isotrack).
Introduction of the TD160 Mk II
with TP16 Mk II (Isotrack).
Introduction of the TD166 with TP16 Mk II
(Isotrack).
Introduction of the TD145 Mk II with TP16 Mk II
(Isotrack).
Thorens commence with building the AT410 stereo
receiver.

1978 Thorens
adds to its product line the TD104, TD105, TD110, TD115.

The TD126 MkIII is
introduced. Some of its features include :
-DC 72-pole tacho-generator drive
motor.
-New load-depending control of rotation (APC: automatic pitch
control).
-Low mass "Isotrack" TP16 MkIII tonearm.
-Electronic
frictionless shut-off facility.
-Additional motor for tonearm lift control
speeds: 33, 45 and 78

The Receiver AT403,
Cassette Deck PC 650, Sound Wall loudspeakers were introduced.

The Thorens
"Rumpelmeßkoppler", a device for closely evaluating rumble noises of record
players. Developed by Thorens engineer Ludwig Klapproth, the Rumpelmesskoppler
(rumble measuring coupler) consists of two parts. One part is the spindle that
is fixed with its lower end to the top of the turntable axle protruding from the
platter. The other end of the spindle is shaped to a very fine point which is
plated with copper and nickel. The other part of this device is sort of an
outrigger which is hung up at the top of the spindle and supported along the
spindle's shaft. The supports are made of high-polymer plastic and they glide
virtually frictionless around the polished spindle. Fixed at the opposite lower
side of this carrier is a tiny piece of vinyl record with grooves, onto which
the cartrige and its stylus is put during the measurements. This rather stiff
arrangement allows all rumble noises from 0 to around 500 Hz caused by the
turntable or it's bearing to be detected and transduced by cartridge
employed.

1979
Development of the state-of-the-art turntable "Reference" for measuring
purposes. In spite of the stated purpose as a measurement tool, a series of 100
Thorens References were sold to customers. Unofficially, more were made but it
is unknown exactly how many and what serial numbers those extra tables
carried.

Introduction of the
TP16 MkIII tonearm.

1979-1981 The
TD126 Mk III, is being offered with numerous different tonearms from the various
tonearm manufacturers including SME, Koshin, Dynavector and EMT. Semi-auto
function is retained when these arms are factory installed.

1981-1983
Introduction of the TD226, featuring a vacuum pump platter and space for two
tonearms. The introduction of the TD127, essentially a TD126III with extended
cabinet and arm board to accommodate a 12 inch tonearm.

1982
Introduction of the upgraded TD166 Mk II
Introduction of the
TD147
Introduction of the TD 160 Super
The TD160 Super was in essence a
standard TD160 but with the following features :
-a larger more solid
cabinet
-damping material applied to the underside of the motor plate and
sub-chassis pan heavier bottom plate
-typically delivered in AB form (no
tonearm) But sometimes supplied with TP16 MkIII (Isotrack)
-dustcover has
more substantial steel hinges
Presentation of the TD524, marketed as a
turntable for discotheques featuring :
-Direct drive DC motor with a 256 pole
tachogenerotor
-quartz motor speed control
-pitch control +-
6%
-speeds: 33,45 and 78
-speed accuracy rated at zero error
-platter :
aluminum alloy with a high damping rubber mat
-Rumble figure: -52db
DIN45539
-Rumble figure: according to Rumplemesskoppler unweighted:
-62db
-Tonearm: TP16L (long) (Spezial)
-effective length: 245mm
-offset
angle: 22 degrees
-skating compensation: magnetic
-Remote control for: arm
lift, start/stop, commutation between quartz lock and pitch control, start from
mixing console
-accessories: mounting frame, dust cover with spring
hinges
-Dimensions: 500 x 445 x 180mm (over closed cover)

1983 The
Thorens Prestige is introduced.
Having much in common with the Thorens
Reference, the Prestige was a no compromise, no nonsense turntable. The Prestige
had the following features:
-Belt drive
-servo controlled 2-phase
synchronous motor
-speeds: 33-1/3, 45, 78
-motor speed control: quartz
controlled electronic 2 phase generator
-pitch control: +- 6%
-platter:
8.1 kg complete with mat and gold weight
-platter dia. : 34 cm
-large 14mm
platter bearing with iron granule damping
-Wow and flutter: Din 45507, <
0.02%
-Rumble unweighted: Din45539 > 54dB
-Rumble weighted: Din45539
> 70 dB
-Rumble mesured with Thorens Rumpelmesskoppler, Din unweighted:
> 70 dB
-weighted: > 80 dB
-dimensions 612 x 510 x 280
-weight:
55 kg
The company's structure is reorganized and divided into three
independent companies:
-Thorens-Cabasse Vertriebs GmbH, (sales distribution
in Germany)
-Thorens Produktions GmbH and ,(R&D and manufacturing in
Lahr)
-EMT-Franz GmbH (R&D of professional studio
equipment)
Introduction of the TD146, an semi-auto variant to the
TD166
Introduction of the TD147 Jubilee (a centennial anniversary
edition)
TD126 MkIII Centennial edition:
-a series of 100 tables with
special trim (black and gold anodized metal parts)
-could be ordered with SME
3010-R tonearm while retaining auto-lift functions
-could be ordered in
different wood trims (Rosewood for example)
-standard tonearm: TP16
MkIII

1984 Design,
development and introduction of the new standard: TD320
This deck differs
from previous Thorens models in the following ways:
-MDF is the construction
material
-3 point suspended subchassis as with others but subchassis is now
open
-conical springs are replaced with leafs
-16 pole AC synchronous
motor is controlled by a 2-phase generator.
Many variants were produced based
upon this layout including the
following:
-TD316
-TD318
-TD321
-phantasie
-TD520
-TD521
Thorens
would spring their suspended chassis' with leaf springs from this point
forward.

1985
Introduction of the TD520 professional, successor to the TD126. The 520 uses the
same layout as the TD320 but is larger, heavier and supports the use of 12 inch
tonearms.

1988
Presentation of the new tonearm design TP90.
Presentation of the much
acclaimed design work Thorens "Concrete".

1989
Development and production of the TD2001

1990 TD3001,
an improved variant of the TD2001
-Same plinth as TD2001
-much improved
(quieter) 24 pole, 2-phase motor
-Platter and subplatter are turned from
solid aluminum stock, then precision balanced
-detachable tonearm
board
The TP90 is upgraded to TP90S to be used as standard on the
TD3001

1990-1991
Relocation of Thorens production and Thorens sale/distribution to new
premises.

1991
Presentation of the new tonearm TP50 and the TD180 semi-automatic record
player.

1992
Introduction of the TD290 "Budget High-End" turntable.

1993 The
production of the low-priced Thorens record players starts up in Lodz /
Poland.

1994
Development and introduction of new Thorens proprietary electronic audio
components. Considered absolutely High-End and provided with the family name
"Thorens Consequence", the first devices to hit the market are a highly musical
preamplifier and power amplifier. Presentation of the Thorens "Classic" line, a
pre and power amplifier employing tubes.

1995
Foundation of the Thorens Laboratory in Berlin with the purpose of developing
and manufacturing High End audio components. Introduction of the CD player, D/A
converter and RDS-tuner.

1996 The
"Thorens Consequence" family welcomes a pair of powerful mono block amplifiers
and a unique power line conditioner.

1998
Introduction of the TD 325, TD 170 and TD 190

2002
Introduction of the TD 295 MKIII

2003
Introduction of the TD 800, TD 810 and TD 850

2004
Introduction of the TD 2010 and TD 2030 acrylic turntables