Thorens TD 170
Contents
This Thorens TD 170 turntable is available in two versions; with and without preamplifier. If you have an amplifier that does not have a phono preamplifier, it is convenient to choose a built-in variant. You can also choose a black or silver version.
The element is an Ortofon OM10. It is a fully automatic record player, which means that you can play a record by simply pushing a button. The arm automatically returns to the arm rest when the record is over. It is also possible to operate the TD 170 manually.
The plinth is made of plastic whereas the turntable is made of aluminium. The tone arm (Thorens TP 18) is made of plastic and has an adjustable counterweight. The turntable can play at 33, 45 and 78 rpm. 78 rpm records are historical shellac discs that have to be played with a special cartridge. So before you put this Ortofon in the groove…do some research when spinning 78s!
Put your records on
Operating the TD 170 is extremely simple; push the slider on the right side of the tone arm upwards and the plate begins to rotate, the arm moves above the beginning of the plate and then the needle sinks into the groove. If you play 45s, there is a selector for this format. Everything goes mechanically with soft clicks and movements.
For the new generation of vinyl lovers, it must be a revelation to experience the ritual of spinning records instead of tapping and swiping on Spotify or Soundcloud.
The preparation of the vinyl ritual begins with unpacking the record, flipping to the right side; cleaning the record, possibly the needle. Of course, we listen to all tracks on either side on a whole side and in the meantime read the LP sleeve, the art work, liner notes, lyrics and who’s playing on the track we hear. And when putting the record back, we ponder about whether the proper arrangement of the records is alphabetical in the name of the band, or maybe in music genre? And what do we do with classic? Sort by composer or performer? After all, there’s only one way to organise the record cabinet, other than the plethora of playlists we have in the digital world.
Blimey!
Too much nostalgia, for which we apologize. Back to the mechanics of the TD 170. When the record arrives at the end, the tone arm returns neatly to its base and the turntable switches itself off. The DC motor is powered by an external 12V power adapter whose input is located on the back of the unit. The RCA and earth cables are attached to the turntable and are about one meter long.