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Seller's Description

Beautiful 1972 Thorens TD160. Working condition, just a few minor scuffs on glass.

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

Is US$662 a bargain for a used Thorens TD 160, or just a fair entry price? This asking price sits exactly at the 25th percentile of our database, which is a rare strong deal compared to the median of US$900 and the 75th percentile of US$1,100. You are effectively paying the bottom quartile for a turntable that typically commands near US$900, making this an excellent buying opportunity if the unit is functional.

The TD 160 is a beloved classic from 1972, renowned for its suspended chassis and TP-16 tonearm, which deliver smooth, low-resonance playback that rivals modern designs. Its elegant Bauhaus-inspired aesthetics and mechanical simplicity make it a timeless centerpiece for any analog setup. At this price, the upside is significant; even if the unit needs a basic belt or service, you are still well below the typical restored market value of US$1,000, leaving plenty of room for upgrades without overpaying.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Thorens

Thorens traces its origins to 1883 in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, where Hermann Thorens founded the company in the Jura mountains to craft music boxes and mechanical musical devices. Pioneering audio technology soon followed, with early cylinder phonographs, horn gramophones, and record players that established Thorens as an innovator predating the modern vinyl record. By the 1920s, breakthroughs like electric gramophone motors and magnetic pickups propelled international success, employing over 1,200 workers and embodying Swiss precision engineering. Ownership shifts, including a 2018 acquisition by Gunter Kürten, former Elac head, have revitalized the brand while honoring its 140-year heritage.

Thorens remains synonymous with high-quality turntables, its core focus since iconic idler-drive models like the TD-124 and TD-160 defined the golden age of analog playback. Vintage enthusiasts prize these for their robust plinths, precise motors, and timeless performance, while modern lines such as the 900 series introduce air-suspended sub-chassis for superior isolation. Brief forays into receivers, cassette decks, and speakers in the 1970s yielded to an unwavering commitment to vinyl reproduction, encompassing both LP and 78rpm formats.

Positioned as a high-end analog specialist, Thorens commands respect among discerning audiophiles and vintage collectors for its blend of historical pedigree and contemporary refinement. No longer strictly Swiss-manufactured but retaining that ethos, it occupies a niche boutique space—elevating turntables beyond entry-level to precision instruments that rival top competitors. Under Kürten's stewardship, Thorens thrives in the vinyl resurgence, delivering musical authenticity that serious hi-fi buyers demand.

See all Thorens listings on RADAR.

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