Overview
The Thorens TD 202 turntable is almost identical to the Thorens TD 201 turntable, with three differences: it has an additional USB output for digitizing vinyl records with a computer, it has a cell Audio-Technica AT95E phono, and its chassis is thicker. The lacquered black finish is still as successful as ever, and the ease of use is also essential. In fact, this turntable is a relevant choice for anyone wishing to invest in a turntable with a serious design, easy to install and simple to use on a daily basis.
The Thorens TD 202 vinyl turntable has a phono pre-amp, directly integrated into its chassis. It can therefore be connected to the Line input of a stereo amplifier, a hi-fi system or even a pair of wireless speakers that do not have a phono input. This phono pre-amp is disengageable, which allows this turntable to be connected to the phono input of a stereo amplifier, or to use an external phono pre-amp if desired.
The Thorens TD 202 turntable adopts a belt drive system with a DC motor. The latter ensures the rotation of the platter at a speed of 33 1/3 revolutions and 45 revolutions per minute, with a variation of +/- 2%. Speed selection is by means of a switch placed on the front of the turntable on the left side. The 30 cm diameter top is made of die-cast aluminium.
The start-up of the Thorens TD 202 turntable is done manually, by activating the Start / Stop potentiometer which triggers the rotation of the plate. We then raise the arm with the dedicated lever then we wedge the reading head at the beginning of the disc before lowering the arm. At the end of the reading, simply raise the arm and put it back in its initial position, then position the switch on Stop.
The tonearm of the Thorens TD 202 turntable is made of an aluminum tube, a material acclaimed in the world of high fidelity and vinyl for its damping qualities and its lightness. It is a statically balanced straight arm with a graduated anti-skate adjustment at the base of the pivot. It has a cartridge holder that accepts any standard 1/2″ mount phono cartridge weighing between 3.5 and 6 grams.
The Thorens TD 202 turntable comes with an Audio-Technica AT95E phono cartridge fitted and adjusted at the factory. Although it is an entry-level moving magnet (MM) cartridge, it nevertheless benefits from meticulous manufacturing quality and offers more than respectable performance. It is of course possible to replace it with a higher range phono cartridge to improve playback performance.
The Thorens TD 202 turntable will suit anyone who simply wants to digitize their vinyl records on a Mac or PC computer. With digitization software like Audacity, for example, you can not only digitize your records but also correct small defects and adjust levels.
Adopting a neat design, equipped with an integrated phono pre-amp, a USB output and a pre-mounted cartridge, this Thorens TD 202 turntable is a great opportunity to enjoy the warmth of the sound of vinyl records. in a simple and efficient way. It also comes with a cover that protects it from dust and preserves it when not in use.
