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 is belt-drive, powered by a 72-pole DC tachogenerator motor, and plays 33 1/3 and 45 rpm. Wow and flutter is low at 0.05% (DIN 45507), so speed stays stable. The tonearm has an effective length of 222mm. Detailed design documentation is sparse. User reports mention its analog warmth and the build quality you'd expect from Thorens.

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, depending on condition and region. Owners report speed instability and broken strobe lights as common problems. Some note fragile solder tags, particularly on the TD 105 Mk 2. One user got a complete but dirty unit for $3 and had to restore it. A forum discussion compared a $235 TD 105 to models like the Sansui SR525. The 1980 original price is referenced in an image file ("Thorens TD-105 Preise-1980.jpg"), but the exact figure is not in the available text.