Thorens TD 105 (1978–1981)
A semi-automatic, high-fidelity belt-drive turntable produced from 1978 to 1981.
Overview
The Thorens TD 105 is a semi-automatic, high-fidelity turntable made by Thorens between 1978 and 1981. It features a belt-drive system powered by a 72-pole DC tachogenerator motor, supporting 33 1/3 and 45 rpm playback. Known for its low wow and flutter of 0.05% (DIN 45507), the TD 105 delivers stable speed performance. Its tonearm has an effective length of 222mm, contributing to precise tracking. While detailed design documentation is sparse, user reports highlight its analog warmth and build quality typical of Thorens engineering.
Specifications
| Product type | semi-automatic, high-fidelity turntable |
| Drive | Belt |
| Motor | 72-pole tachogenerator (DC) |
| Speeds | 33 1/3, 45 rpm |
| Wow and flutter | 0.05% |
| Rumble | 65dB |
| Tonearm effective length | 222mm |
| Dimensions | 435 x 395 x 125 mm (WxDxH) |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
| Outputs | 1 |
Market
Current listings in April 2026 show prices ranging from €99 to $390, indicating variability based on condition and region. Owners report common issues including speed instability and broken strobe lights, with some noting fragile solder tags, particularly on the TD 105 Mk 2. One user acquired a complete but dirty unit for $3, requiring restoration. A forum discussion compared a $235 TD 105 to models like the Sansui SR525, reflecting ongoing interest in its value proposition. The 1980 original price is referenced in an image file ("Thorens TD-105 Preise-1980.jpg"), though the exact figure is not provided in available text.
eBay Listings
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