THORENS TD 1500

Manual floating sub-chassis turntable with belt drive, a technologically refined reimagining of the classic Thorens TD 150 model.

In 1965, the Thorens TD 150, a discreetly designed turntable, was introduced to the market, marking the beginning of a technical revolution in turntable manufacturing. For the first time, a spring-suspended sub-chassis with an inner platter driven by a flat belt was used in a mass-produced unit. This principle proved highly effective and found numerous imitators over the years.

Like its famous predecessor, the new Thorens TD 1500, which is operated purely manually, features a sub-chassis that decouples the turntable and tonearm shelf from the motor and frame using three conical springs. Unlike the TD 150, these springs can be adjusted from above through holes in the platter, making the adjustment much easier.

The speed of the DC motor is electronically monitored by an incremental encoder, and deviations, such as those caused by a knock, are automatically corrected. This system also ensures excellent wow and flutter performance.

As a true standout feature in its class, the TD 1500 is equipped with XLR outputs, in addition to the usual pair of RCA connectors, allowing for true balanced operation with a suitable MC cartridge.

The new TP 150 tonearm is similar to the one used in the TD 124 DD. It has an effective mass of 15 grams, is adjustable in height and azimuth, and features a standard SME connector, allowing for easy headshell swaps or cartridge installations. Anti-skating is set by a sliding weight at the base of the arm, which is adjusted on a nylon thread guided by a ruby bearing. The turntable is supplied with a pre-adjusted Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, which proves to be the perfect playing partner due to its naked Fine Line-cut diamond.

Special Features:

• Sub-chassis with three conical springs
• Belt drive with polished precision belt
• Massive 1.4 kg and 22mm-thick die-cast aluminum platter
• Pre-installed Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge
• Electronically controlled motor
• Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs
• Thorens precision tonearm TP 150

Technical Specifications:

• Complete with J-shaped audiophile TP 150 tonearm (effective mass 15 grams) and Ortofon 2M Bronze moving magnet cartridge with naked Fine Line stylus
• Removable headshell with SME connector
• Balanced XLR outputs enabling true balanced connection with MC cartridges
• Decoupling sub-chassis made of Alucobond damping material (two aluminum plates with a central core of mineral substances), stabilized on 3 conical springs with damping material, adjustable from above via holes in the platter
• Stabilized DC synchronous motor with electronic control and incremental encoder, capable of correcting instantaneous voltage deviations
• Robust die-cast aluminum platter weighing 1.4 kg and 22 mm thick
• Anti-skating control with sliding counterweight guided by a ruby bearing
• Adjustable azimuth and arm height (VTA)
• Rotation speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm
• L/R balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs
• External 24-volt DC power supply
• Dust cover, rubber mat, and RCA signal cables included
• Walnut High Gloss (lacquered walnut) finish
• Dimensions: 440 mm (W) x 180 mm (H) x 370 mm (D)
• Weight: 7.9 kg