Thorens
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Specs
| Drive Method | Direct drive |
| Motor | Electronically controlled DC direct-drive motor |
| Speeds | 33 1/3 and 45 RPM |
| Tonearm | Thorens TP 160 |
| Included Cartridge | None; owner selects their own cartridge |
| Output | RCA (line level) |
| Speed Selection | Electronic |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized Thorens dealer by All Elite Audio. New Thorens TD 404 DD units include the full Thorens manufacturer warranty of 2 years parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any setup or service questions.
What's in the Box
- Thorens TD 404 DD turntable with TP 160 tonearm
- Platter
- Dust cover
- Power supply
- RCA signal cable
- User manual and setup documentation
Overview
The Thorens TD 404 DD is a modern direct-drive turntable that pairs the quiet, torque-stable rotation of a precision motor with the refined engineering Thorens has cultivated since 1883. Rather than a belt system, the platter is driven directly, giving fast start-up, locked-in speed stability, and freedom from belt wear. It is a purposeful, everyday high-fidelity deck for the listener who values speed accuracy and a clean, uncluttered signal path.
At its heart is the Thorens TP 160 tonearm, a step up in the TP series that offers refined bearing behavior and secure adjustability, making it a flexible partner for a wide range of cartridges. Importantly, the TD 404 DD ships without a pre-installed cartridge, so the owner is free to select the pickup that best matches their taste, phono stage, and listening priorities. This is a deck designed to be tailored to you.
The TD 404 DD suits music lovers who want the immediacy and reliability of direct drive along with genuine Thorens build quality and long-term serviceability. It is ideal for anyone assembling a considered vinyl system from the ground up and who appreciates choosing their own cartridge as part of the journey.
Key Features
- Direct-drive system for immediate, stable platter speed and no belt to replace over time
- Thorens TP 160 tonearm with refined bearings and secure, repeatable adjustment
- Ships without a cartridge so the owner chooses the pickup that best fits their system
- Electronic speed selection for 33 and 45 RPM
- Precision motor control for low wow and flutter and reliable pitch accuracy
- Thorens engineering heritage dating to Switzerland in 1883, now German owned
- Balanced platter and rigid plinth construction for controlled resonance
- RCA line output for straightforward integration with any phono stage
- Serviceable, long-life design backed by Thorens two year warranty
How the TD 404 DD Compares
Thorens TD 404 DD vs Thorens TD 124 DD
The TD 124 DD sits higher in the Thorens direct-drive range and reinterprets the legendary 1957 TD 124 for the modern era with heavier construction and a more ambitious platform. The TD 404 DD offers the same direct-drive character in a more accessible, everyday form. Choose the TD 124 DD if you want the flagship statement and the TD 404 DD if you want direct-drive stability with a cartridge of your own choosing. See the Thorens TD 124 DD.
Thorens TD 404 DD vs Thorens TD 403 DD
The TD 403 DD is the next step down and shares the direct-drive foundation of the TD 404 DD. The TD 404 DD advances the package with the higher TP 160 tonearm, giving greater flexibility across cartridge choices. If you want the more capable arm as your starting point, the TD 404 DD is the natural pick. See the Thorens TD 403 DD.
Thorens TD 404 DD vs Thorens TD 1601
The TD 1601 takes a different design route with a sub-chassis suspended belt-drive system and true balanced XLR output, aimed at listeners who favor the classic isolated Thorens character. The TD 404 DD instead offers direct-drive immediacy and speed stability with no belt to maintain. Pick the 1601 for suspended belt-drive tradition and the 404 DD for direct-drive simplicity. See the Thorens TD 1601.
Thorens TD 404 DD vs Dual CS 718Q
The Dual CS 718Q is another turntable option with its own automatic-oriented convenience character. The Thorens TD 404 DD emphasizes a manual, considered direct-drive experience with the flexible TP 160 arm and owner-chosen cartridge. Choose based on whether you prefer added operational convenience or a hands-on setup you tailor yourself. See the Dual CS 718Q.
Recommended Cartridge, Phono Stage and Amplifier
Because the TD 404 DD ships without a cartridge, start there, then add a matching phono stage and an integrated amplifier with a phono input to complete the system.
- Ortofon MC 90X A refined moving coil that suits the TP 160 arm and rewards the deck's speed stability with detailed, open playback. A strong core choice for building a serious system on this turntable.
- Audio Technica AT-ART9XI A dual moving coil cartridge with excellent tracking and clarity that pairs cleanly with the TP 160. An ideal alternative voice if you prefer a slightly different tonal balance.
- Luxman E-250 Phono Preamplifier A capable MM and MC phono stage that lets you dial in the cartridge you choose, extracting the full resolution the TD 404 DD can deliver.
- Yamaha A-S1200 Integrated Amplifier A refined integrated amplifier with a built-in phono input, giving you a clean, powerful one-box hub to drive the system straight from the turntable.
- Advance Paris A12 APEX An integrated amplifier with a phono input that offers a warm, musical character, a fine match for a direct-drive deck and a chosen moving coil cartridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Thorens TD 404 DD come with a cartridge?
No. The TD 404 DD ships without a pre-installed cartridge so you can choose the pickup that best suits your taste and system.
Is the TD 404 DD belt drive or direct drive?
It is a direct-drive turntable, with the platter driven directly by the motor for fast, stable speed.
Which tonearm does the TD 404 DD use?
It uses the Thorens TP 160 tonearm, a refined arm in the TP series that offers secure adjustment and flexibility across cartridges.
What speeds does the TD 404 DD support?
It plays records at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM using electronic speed selection.
What cartridge should I pair with it?
The Ortofon MC 90X and Audio Technica AT-ART9XI are both excellent moving coil choices that suit the TP 160 arm and this deck's level.
Do I need a separate phono preamplifier?
You need phono amplification somewhere in the chain. Use a dedicated phono stage like the Luxman E-250, or an integrated amplifier with a built-in phono input.
Which amplifier works well with this turntable?
The Yamaha A-S1200 and Advance Paris A12 APEX both include phono inputs and make excellent hubs for a TD 404 DD system.
Does the TD 404 DD have balanced XLR output?
The TD 404 DD provides RCA line output. Balanced XLR output is found on certain higher Thorens models.
How does it compare to the Thorens TD 403 DD?
Both are direct drive, but the TD 404 DD steps up to the TP 160 tonearm for greater flexibility with a range of cartridges.
How does it compare to the Thorens TD 124 DD?
The TD 124 DD is the higher, flagship direct-drive model with heavier construction and a more ambitious platform, while the TD 404 DD delivers direct-drive performance in a more accessible everyday package.
Why choose direct drive over belt drive?
Direct drive offers immediate start-up, locked-in speed stability, and no belt to replace over time. Belt-drive designs offer their own character and appeal to different listeners.
Is the TD 404 DD a manual turntable?
It is operated in a hands-on manner, letting you cue and control playback yourself for a considered listening experience.
Can I upgrade the cartridge later?
Yes. The TP 160 arm accommodates a range of cartridges, so you can start with one pickup and upgrade as your system grows.
Does it include a dust cover?
Yes, a dust cover is included to protect the platter and tonearm when not in use.
What is the heritage behind Thorens?
Thorens is a storied maker founded in Switzerland in 1883 and now German owned, specializing in turntables with a long legacy in vinyl playback.
Does it use an external power supply?
The turntable is supplied with its power supply in the box. Please refer to the included documentation for connection details.
How does it compare to belt-drive Thorens models like the TD 1601?
The TD 1601 uses a sub-chassis suspended belt-drive design with balanced XLR output, while the TD 404 DD offers direct-drive stability and simplicity. The choice comes down to which character you prefer.
What warranty does the TD 404 DD carry?
It is covered by a two year parts and labor warranty from Thorens for the original owner.
Is the TD 404 DD a good foundation for a first serious vinyl system?
Yes. Its direct-drive stability, the capable TP 160 arm, and the freedom to choose your own cartridge make it an excellent, tailorable starting point.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Thorens dealer in MD, so your turntable arrives genuine and fully backed by warranty, with expert setup guidance and complete-system advice to help you choose the right cartridge, phono stage, and amplifier.
