Thorens
Thorens TD 402 DD Direct-Drive Turntable with Cartridge
Best plug-and-play turntable for audiophiles seeking effortless, high-quality vinyl playback.
Discover effortless vinyl playback with the Thorens TD 402 DD Direct-Drive Turntable. Its exceptionally quiet direct drive motor and automatic start/stop functions simplify your listening experience. Enjoy sonic versatility with the integrated, switchable phono pre-amplifier. The included TP 72 carbon tonearm comes pre-fitted with an AT VM95 E cartridge on a detachable headshell for easy upgrades. This turntable offers a ready-to-play solution, complete with an acrylic dust cover and power supply, making it an excellent choice for any audiophile seeking superior sound.
$749.00
More TD Options
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Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
102
/ 690
#102 in Turntables & Record Players
Price vs Category Average
-83%
Below average
Drive Type
Direct Drive
/ Direct Drive
Who it's for
- Vinyl newcomers seeking an effortless, ready-to-play audio experience
- Listeners prioritizing consistent speed accuracy and low-maintenance operation
- Design-conscious audiophiles wanting a sophisticated, premium-looking centerpiece
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused shoppers comparing value against other entry-level options
- Tinkering enthusiasts who demand extensive cartridge compatibility and customization
- Purists preferring to invest in high-end, dedicated external phono stages
Performance breakdown
Setup Simplicity
Ready-to-play design makes high-fidelity audio accessible for beginners and pros alike.
Motor Stability
Direct-drive system ensures consistent speed and whisper-quiet operation during playback.
Tonearm Precision
Carbon fiber construction provides excellent rigidity for accurate tracking across records.
Upgrade Potential
Detachable headshell allows for quick cartridge swaps as your listening preferences evolve.
System Versatility
Switchable phono preamp offers seamless integration with various amplifier and speaker setups.
Automation Convenience
Automatic start and stop functions prevent unnecessary wear on your vinyl collection.
Key Specs
Drive Type
Direct Drive
Tonearm Type
TP 72 Carbon Tonearm
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet
Cartridge Included
Yes (AT VM95 E)
Built-in Phono Preamp
Yes (Switchable)
Operation Mode
Automatic
Supported Speeds
33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
Head Shell
Detachable
Features
- Super silent direct drive motor
- Automatic start and stop
- Switchable phono pre-amplifier
- TP 72 carbon tonearm
- Pre-installed AT VM95 E cartridge
- Detachable headshell for easy swaps
- Simple out-of-the-box setup
- Includes acrylic dust cover
What customers say
The Thorens TD 402 DD turntable earns high praise for its superb blend of elegant simplicity and impressive audio fidelity. Users consistently highlight the exceptional ease of use, noting the plug and play nature requires minimal setup. The included Audio-Technica cartridge delivers rich, detailed sound immediately, while the direct drive ensures stable speed and quiet operation for clean music reproduction. Reviewers appreciate the solid build quality and premium finish, reinforcing the Thorens reputation. While an investment, the consensus is that this model offers excellent value, delivering an audiophile experience without unnecessary complexity. It is highly regarded for prioritizing both superior sound and user friendliness.
Know before you buy
No, it features a built-in, switchable phono pre-amplifier. You can connect it directly to powered speakers or an auxiliary input on an amplifier, though you can also bypass it if you prefer to use a dedicated external preamp.
The turntable comes out of the box with the AT VM95 E cartridge already pre-fitted to the TP 72 carbon tonearm. It is designed for a simple setup, so you can start listening almost immediately.
Yes, the TP 72 tonearm features a detachable headshell, which makes swapping out the cartridge or upgrading to a different model straightforward.
The automatic function simplifies operation by starting the platter rotation when you move the tonearm toward the record and stopping it automatically once the record finishes playing. This helps reduce wear on your stylus and prevents the record from spinning unnecessarily.
The direct-drive motor is designed to be exceptionally quiet and provides consistent, stable rotational speed. This results in precise playback with minimal noise interference, which is ideal for high-fidelity listening.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$749