audioFi.net Hi-fi news, reviews and rants
  • Reviews
    • Amplifiers
    • Digital Players/Streamers
    • Digital Processors
    • Loudspeakers
    • Accessories
    • Preamplifiers, phono stages
    • Systems
    • Turntables, cartridges
    • Headphones, headfi, desktop
  • News
  • Rants ‘n Raves
  • Hot Picks
    • Amplifiers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Preamplifiers
    • Systems
    • Turntables, cartridges, etc
  • What’s Up
  • About us
  • Home
  • Hot Picks
  • Turntables, cartridges, etc
  • Thorens TD 309

Thorens TD 309

June 14, 2012 Written by Editor

Rating: ★★★★½

Hot: Tonally balanced and easy delivery with provided Audio-Technica starter cartridge. Move up the cartridge stakes and the turntable/tonearm’s attributes are better displayed via a smoother and more authoritative sound, with good bass extension. Spatial detail becomes more obvious, too. Overall, an articulate combination that is both easy to get going and sounds involving from first spin. Three-point suspension does a decent job of isolation from external vibrations.

Cold: Packaged cartridge doesn’t do the system full justice. Quirky shape may not appeal to all.

Encore: Although not “entry-level”, the Thorens TD 309 is packaged and sold ready to go, which will appeal to many who can’t be bothered to fuss around with settings. The suspended design makes it unique for the price range. In all, even with the starter cartridge, enough to get one hooked on vinyl.

Specs: Belt-drive, suspended design / Tonearm: TP-92, with magnetic bias / Cartridge: AT-95B / Electronic speed change (333 ⅓ and 45rpm) / Servo-controlled DC motor / MDF plinth / Aluminium subplatter / Glass platter / External power supply / Dimensions 470 x 125 x 430mm (w/h/d), 6.5 kg / Finish options: Red or black lacquer, or glossy red, black or white.

 

What others say:TD 309
Techradar: Very good tonal balance from top to bottom, although a little limited dynamically and could do with more pace.

What Hi-Fi: Crisp and precise sound, neat suspension design, electronic speed change … sound lacks a little enthusiasm and forcefulness.

Hot Picks, Turntables, cartridges, etc
Autonomic unveils redesigned Mirage media server
Audio Physic’s new Classic

Categories

  • Recent
  • Ruark’s special R5 coming in June
    April 19, 2021
  • Audio Pro C10 speaker goes to MkII with expanded streaming functions
    April 16, 2021
  • Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 amp – thumbs up for Danish digits
    April 14, 2021
  • Bluesound’s Pulse Soundbar+ is all the entertainment you’ll need
    April 8, 2021
  • Naim’s Mu-so gets a wood finish
    April 5, 2021

RSS 440Hz.my – Expanding music horizons

  • Gibson acquires Mesa/Boogie January 7, 2021 The Editor
  • The Pandemic, The Arts, and The Situation October 5, 2020 BRENDAN de CRUZ
  • Martin SC-13E… fret not over the higher notes January 17, 2020 The Editor
  • Sadowsky and Warwick announce licensing deal December 17, 2019 The Editor
  • Roland RP302… your family-friendly digital piano December 2, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • The making of a Taylor guitar – a sustainable and ethical process November 28, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • Godin Acoustic Series… keeping it premium November 18, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • Eugene Lee – bringing ’em back to life November 11, 2019 NR Lohan
  • Fender announces the American Ultra series November 6, 2019 The Editor
  • Penang House of Music – still a mountain to climb October 28, 2019 RSMurthi

evolve theme by Theme4Press  •  Powered by WordPress