Last Updated on March 2, 2023
We all know that, when it comes to turntables, there are only a few brands that are still developing turntables for the true audiophiles. One of the brands is the Thorens. The Thoren is one of the world’s most popular brand when it comes to quality turntables. A Swiss company, one of the most famous Thorens Turntable is the Thoren TD190-2. Why is the Thorens TD 190-2 so popular and why is it so good? Let us look into the Thorens TD 190-2 review and decide which it is amongst the best turntable that you can find nowadays.
Thorens TD 190 – 2 Review: Why Is It So Popular
The Thorens TD1902 Black Fully Automatic Three Speed Turntable
Design and Build Quality
The Thorens TD 190-2 turntable boasts a sleek and modern design, with a minimalist aesthetic that will appeal to many users. It has a black finish with silver accents and a transparent dust cover that can be easily removed. The platter is made of aluminum and is powered by a belt drive system, which ensures a smooth and stable rotation. The tonearm is also made of aluminum and features a precision bearing and an adjustable counterweight for accurate tracking force.
One thing that sets the Thorens TD 190-2 apart from other turntables in its class is its solid build quality. It is made of high-quality materials that are designed to last, and the overall construction feels sturdy and well-crafted. This turntable is also easy to set up, even for beginners, thanks to its intuitive design and clear instructions.
Functionality
In terms of functionality, the Thorens TD 190-2 have a heavier platter and plinth. Of course, by now you should know that a heavier platter and plinth will ensure that the sound is more stable as well as clear. The heavier platter and plinth will allow you to play songs of different genres on this Thorens turntable without fearing that the sound will be distorted. This means you can play your old jazz music or other sound-heavy songs on this vintage turntable.
The heavy platter alone cannot guarantee a smooth playing experience. It has to be coupled with the flat belt drive as well as the DC motor. All of these help to ensure that the transition between songs can be as smooth as possible. Of course, with the tonearm being designed to cater to a smooth transition. With this, you could change the stock cartridge too without fearing of incompatibility.
In addition, the Thorens TD 190-2 has a speed selector switch, which allows you to easily switch between 33 and 45 RPM, depending on the record you are playing. It also has an auto-stop function, which stops the platter from spinning once the record has finished playing, preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your vinyl.
With the Thorens TD 190-2 being totally automatic, you can be sure that your listening experience will never be interrupted.
Aesthetics
One of the top reasons why people would purchase turntables is due to its vintage design and hence its suitability to be position in the house for a vintage feel. And that is how the Thoren TD 190-2 can fit into your house. It does have a vintage look, yet at the same time technologically advanced to ensure that the listening experience for everyone else is smooth and impressive.
What is hidden beneath the Thorens turntable is its similarity to the Thorens TD 170-1. The internal systems do not differ that much. Perhaps the main difference will be the weight as well as the designs that the Thorens TD170-2 has.
Sound Quality
As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons why people love the turntable can be attributed to the quality of the sound that it produces. Being able to project sounds of varying frequencies, the sound can really reverb through the air, bringing you an experience that is not commonly felt while you listen to the regular songs that you hear on YouTube.
As it is a fully automatic turntable, you need not move around just to change the records. Isn’tthis awesome? Also, the heavy platter does help in ensuring that the sound quality is smooth. The sound will resonate very well in small to mid-sized rooms.
Indeed, the most important aspect of any turntable is its performance, and the Thorens TD 190-2 does not disappoint. This turntable delivers exceptional sound quality, with a warm and detailed sound that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles. The aluminum platter and belt drive system ensure a stable and consistent rotation, which results in a smooth and accurate playback.
The tonearm is also a standout feature of the Thorens TD 190-2. It is designed to minimize resonance and ensure precise tracking, which means you can enjoy your vinyl collection without any distortion or skipping. The built-in phono preamp delivers a clean and clear signal, with minimal noise and interference, which further enhances the overall sound quality.
Overall Quality
When it comes to turntables, you get what you pay for, and the Thorens TD 190-2 is no exception. While it may be more expensive than some other turntables on the market, it is well worth the investment if you are a serious music lover who values quality sound. This turntable is built to last and delivers exceptional performance that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.
What Can Be Improved
Perhaps the overall aesthetics can be improved. There is the optional dust cover that you should purchase, and the stock cartridge does not do justice to the Thorens TD 190-2 turntable. We recommend you to get other cartridges that give you the flexibility that you will need.
Conclusion
In terms of vintage turntables that have a modern touch to it, perhaps the Thorens TD 190-2 will be the choice for you. When reviewing the Thorens TD 190-2, we notice that the sound quality is impeccable, and the lack of the need to move and change the records is a definite plus point for me. I can simply laze in my couch while I listen to the classics that never fails to resonate deeply with me.
A definite purchase for all audiophiles wannabes too!
