Thorens TD 204
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Thorens TD 204 brings rock-solid timing, a bright, open presentation and richly textured bass to an elegant, easy-to-live-with vinyl package. HiFi News found its imaging impressively focused and its rhythmic drive infectious, while an external phono stage unlocks deeper staging and crisper detail—making this a compelling deck with genuine upgrade headroom.
Pros
Rock-solid speed stability and effortless timing give music an energetic, rhythmically convincing flow.
Bright, open sound combines strong midband and upper-bass detail with impressively focused vocals and wide stereo imaging.
Bypassing the built-in phono stage delivers a broader, deeper soundstage and clearer organisation during complex music.
Flawless gloss finish, sturdy hinged lid and straightforward setup make it a polished, practical package.
Cons
The internal phono stage is less spacious and composed than an external alternative, especially with dense recordings.
Surface noise and vinyl roar are audible, though not intrusive.
Bass does not fully reach into the lowest octave.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The TD 204 is described as open, detailed and enthusiastically musical, with particularly assured timing and a spacious, precisely focused presentation. Its internal phono stage is convenient, though the reviewer found that an external MM input brought greater confidence, scale and clarity in dense passages.
Overall Sound
92/100
HiFi News found a bright, open sound with strong midband and upper-bass detail, convincing instrumental texture and an impressive stereo spread. Through an external MM stage it became more composed in busy music, with a broader, deeper soundstage and particularly engaging, textured bass.
Speed Stability
94/100
The review explicitly praises the TD 204's rock-solid speed stability and effortless sense of timing. Its rhythmic assurance is also evident in the reviewer's appreciation of the pace-setting bassline on Lloyd Cole's 'Forest Fire'.
Tonearm Performance
80/100
The supplied review does not offer direct observations on the tonearm's bearings, adjustment range, tracking behaviour or cartridge compatibility. It gives little listener-facing detail on the arm's individual contribution.
Noise Isolation
83/100
Vinyl roar and surface noise were audible, although the reviewer did not find them intrusive. There are no reports of motor noise, hum, feedback problems or pronounced sensitivity to external vibration.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
HiFi News reports a flawless gloss finish and a quality dust cover with sturdy, self-supporting hinges. The deck uses a die-cast aluminium platter, substantial rubber mat and sealed bearing, suggesting thoughtfully executed core hardware.
Features Usability
88/100
The TD 204 includes an internal phono stage, making it straightforward to connect to a line-level input, while a switch and two plug changes allow it to be bypassed for an external phono stage. The supplied hinged lid adds everyday practicality.
Value for Money
85/100
The reviewed package retailed at £850, placing it in a competitive mid-priced segment. The review is strongly positive about performance and finish, but does not directly compare its value with rival turntables at the asking price.
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Specifications
- Dimensions
- Width: 42 cm Height: 14,5 cm Length: 36 cm
- Weight
- 4,2 kg
Manufacturer's Description — Thorens
Great Sound Today. Potential for Tomorrow.
The TD 204 combines ease of use, solid engineering and great sound with a wide range of upgrade options for the future.
Features
Smooth running belt drive
TP 120 tonearm
9” tonearm with J shape
Detachable headshell with SME connector
Switchable MM phono preamplifier
Die-cast aluminum platter
Pre-installed Audio Technica AT95E cartridge
The Thorens TD 204 is a turntable with excellent upgrade potential for aspiring vinyl enthusiasts. Combining proven turntable technology with thoughtful features, it provides the ideal foundation for anyone looking to take the next step into the world of vinyl.
Available in high-gloss black and high-gloss walnut finishes, the TD 204 blends seamlessly into the characteristic Thorens design language. Its high build quality reflects the brand’s heritage and ensures long-lasting reliability and years of vinyl enjoyment.
The TP 120 tonearm impresses with its high-quality bearing technology. Thanks to the use of modern bearings, both bearing play and friction have been reduced to an exceptionally low level for this price class. This true 9-inch J-shaped aluminium tonearm features an effective mass of just over 15 grams and provides excellent conditions for precise tracking of vinyl records. Its visual resemblance to the larger TP 150 and TP 124 tonearms is unmistakable.
The precision die-cast aluminium platter is driven by a precision-ground drive belt. The plinth rests on four vibration-damping feet that effectively reduce unwanted resonances. The removable SME-type headshell comes factory-fitted with the Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge. Anti-skating adjustment is achieved via a spring mechanism, allowing precise tonearm setup. This combination makes the TD 204 a versatile turntable with attractive upgrade possibilities for future cartridge upgrades.
On the rear panel, the TD 204 features high-quality RCA outputs for a reliable connection to an amplifier. The integrated phono preamplifier can be switched on or off as required, allowing the turntable to be connected directly to a line-level input.
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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)
and 142 more verified dealers