Thorens TD 102 A
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
81/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Usability
91/100
Value for Money
86/100
Thorens TD 102 A brings crisp, involving sound to fully automatic vinyl playback, pairing broad imaging, assured timing and satisfyingly weighty bass with a polished, ready-to-play design. Thom Moon also found its integrated phono stage impressively coherent, making this a refined route to effortless record listening.
Pros
Engaging, crisp presentation with strong piano energy, meaty bass, precise placement and broad soundstaging.
Fully automatic operation is easy and polished, with smooth, accurate cueing and selectable 7-inch or 12-inch record positioning.
Integrated phono stage delivers coherent sound with balanced echo and decay, deep pedal notes and capable highs.
First-rate fit and finish gives the deck a purposeful, classy appearance.
Cons
Measured speed ran about 1% fast, with 0.32% estimated wow—acceptable in listening, but not exemplary.
Soundstage depth was inconsistent, and the supplied cartridge did not deliver the bass weight and palpability of a higher-spec comparison cartridge.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 81/100
The TD 102 A is described as an engaging, crisp and rhythmically assured performer, with broad staging, strong bass impact and a capable built-in phono stage. Its measured speed runs slightly fast and the review provides little direct evidence about isolation or arm behavior beyond cueing operation.
Overall Sound
93/100
Moon found the Thorens highly involving, praising crisp transients, strong piano energy, meaty bass and impressive timing. Soundstage width is a recurring strength, although depth was less consistent across recordings; the built-in phono stage also delivered airier highs and deeper bass than the comparison setup.
Speed Stability
82/100
The sample averaged 33.6rpm at the 33.3rpm setting, approximately 1% fast, with estimated wow of 0.32%. Those figures were not exemplary, but Moon did not hear the deviation affecting the musical presentation and still praised the deck's timing.
Tonearm Performance
84/100
The cue lever was reported to operate smoothly and accurately, making everyday record handling straightforward. The review says little else about the arm's bearings, adjustment range or tracking behavior with the supplied AT-VM95E cartridge.
Noise Isolation
55/100
The review does not report audible motor noise, rumble, feedback or footfall problems. It also offers little direct assessment of the TD 102 A's isolation performance under demanding conditions.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
Moon calls the TD 102 A's fit and finish “absolutely first-rate,” praising a design that combines purpose with class. This is strong evidence of careful exterior execution, though the review does not examine long-term durability or internal mechanical construction in detail.
Features Usability
91/100
Automatic operation is a key convenience advantage, and Moon calls it the most accomplished automatic turntable he has reviewed. The smooth, accurate cueing lever and built-in phono stage further simplify ownership, while the supplied Audio-Technica cartridge makes this a ready-to-use package.
Value for Money
86/100
At roughly $624-$649, Moon considers the TD 102 A expensive, so it is not positioned as a budget automatic. Against the automatic turntables he has reviewed, however, he calls it the most accomplished, and its useful phono stage can save buyers without an inboard stage from needing a separate component.
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Specifications
Manufacturer's Description — Thorens
The TD 102 A - completely new chapter in the field of fully automatic turntables from THORENS.
THORENS is again expanding its range and is now presenting another fully automatic turntable for all vinyl fans with the all new TD 102 A model.
The TD 102 A opens a completely new chapter in the field of fully automatic turntables from THORENS. The newly developed mechanism of the TD 102 A guarantees the lowest possible frictional resistance of all mechanical components.
The unit comes with an also newly developed carbon tonearm, including the preassembled AT VM 95 E cartridge system from Audio Technica, the successor model to the AT 95 E, which has been known and favored by vinyl-friends for many years. The switchable integrated phono preamplifier guarantees full connectivity with all modern audio systems.
The TD 102 A is available in surfaces "black high-gloss" or "walnut high-gloss", with care being taken during the development phase to emphasize the typical THORENS design. A high sound quality and a long service life complete the typical properties as you have been used to from THORENS for many years.
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- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- AES — in-store — Mitte, Hessen, Germany (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alma Music & Audio — online and in-store — San Diego, California, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
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