The new Thorens TD 202 turntable is the high-end version of the Thorens TD 201 turntable. Like its little sister, this one is slightly different to the previous models offered by Thorens.
THORENS TD 202: PLINTH
The plinth is made of black-lacquered medium. It is twice as thick as on the TD 201! In addition to giving a more solid look, this brings more stability to the vinyl turntable.
It rests on 4 damped stands that limit the resonance of the support.
THORENS TD 202: DRIVE AND PLATTER
This new production is fully manual, and that is an excellent choice. It takes most elements of the TD 201, but this TD 202 has some interesting options.
It offers an electronic 33/45 rpm speed change. The driving of the platter is by belt.
The platter of 30cm diameter is made of cast aluminium. This model is covered by a platter mat, which is made of strong rubber.
THORENS TD 202: TONEARM AND PHONO CARTRIDGE
The TD 202 vinyl turntable is equipped with the same aluminium tonearm as the TD 201, the new Thorens TP 71 of 8.8”.
This tonearm has the particularity to have a removable headshell, even if this one seems limited. Indeed, this headshell is not universal and can be replaced by an Ortofon or SME standard headshell.
On this TD 202, Thorens decided to associate it with an Audio Technica MM cartridge, the famous AT95E. This is an excellent cartridge having an elliptical stylus, but it could be replaced in time by a higher range phono cartridge.
THORENS TD 202: PHONO PREAMPLIFIER AND PHONO CABLE
This Thorens turntable is equipped with a switchable MM phono preamplifier. It allows you to connect the TD 202 to all amplifier or receiver, even if it does not have a specific phono input.
This model is equipped with a digital-to-analogue converter that digitizes vinyl records via the USB output.
The phono cable is not captive. In time, you can change it by a more performing model.
THORENS TD 202: TEST AND LISTENING
As with all manual turntable, the TD 202 is very simple to set up and use.
We find all the restitution qualities of the Thorens TD 201 in terms of dynamics and swing.
The timbres are beautiful and quite realistic. The bass seems to have a little more impact, and above all, the overall transparency has upscaled, certainly due to the AT95E cartridge.
The Thorens TD 202 turntable is an excellent turntable, versatile and easy to use. Its phono preamplifier and digital output are a plus if you need them!
An excellent price/quality ratio!
FranckPrinciple: Manual turntable
Drive: belt
Motor: DC
Speeds: 33 and 45 rpm
Speed variation: +/-2%
Signal-to-noise ratio: 67 dB
Platter diameter: 30 cm
Platter: aluminium
Tonearm: 8.8” made of aluminium
Compatible cartridges: from 3.5 to 6g
Headshell: 10g
Included cartridge: AT-95e
Phono preamp MM (disengageable)
Digital output: USB
Weight: 4 kg
Dimensions: 420 x 355 x 141 mm
Customer reviews
Plus que satisfait
Le colis a été préparé à la perfection, rien ne risquait de bouger! La platine est simple d'installation et d'utilisation, les pré-réglages sont parfaits. Un gros merci à l'équipe.