Thorens TD 226

An electronic turntable from Thorens, built in the early 1980s with precise speed control and a heavy-duty build.

Overview

The Thorens TD 226, also called the TD 226 ELECTRONIC, was made by Thorens between 1981 and 1984. It uses a one-step belt drive powered by a DC motor with a 72-pole tachogenerator. Speeds are 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm. Speed control is electronic, with load compensation. An APC tachometer keeps the speed tracking accurate, even with pitch adjustment active. The standard ½" cartridge mount is supported, and the turntable was compatible with lightweight Isotrack tonearms. An external phono stage was optional. The unit had a neon backlight for visual feedback.

Specifications

Years of manufacture	1981 - 1984
Dimensions	675 x 210 x 460 mm (WxHxD)
Weight	30 kg (without tone arm)
Speeds	33⅓, 45 and 78 rpm
Speed control	Electronic with load
Speed tracking	APC tachometer (with pitch control active)
Drive method	One step belt drive
Motor	DC motor with 72-pole tachogenerator
Cartridge mounting	Standard ½"
Tonearms	Lightweight Isotrack tonearms
Phono stage	Optional external unit
Backlight	Neon

Market

A current listing for the Thorens TD 226 shows a price of 4,500.00 €. Original vintage spare parts turn up now and then, including hinges, tone arm boards, and mahogany armboards. They are described as rare or NOS (New Old Stock).