Thorens TD 147 Turntable (1982–1985)

A German-built belt-drive turntable from the early 1980s, with a sprung suspension and the TP-16 MKIII tonearm included.

Overview

The Thorens TD 147 was built in Germany between 1982 and 1985. It sat in the Thorens lineup through the early to late 1980s. A special Jubilee Edition came out in 1983 for the company's 100th anniversary, and that version was made for one year only. The drive is a 2-speed belt system run by a low-voltage 16-pole synchronous motor with a slip clutch. A sprung suspension isolates the platter from vibration. The tonearm is the Thorens TP-16 MKIII, with an effective mass of 7.5 grams and a removable arm wand.

Specifications

Motor	2-speed belt drive, low voltage 16 pole synchronous motor, with slip clutch
Dimensions	430 x 360 x 150 mm (WxHxD)
Weight	approx. 8 kg
Tonearm	Thorens TP-16 MKIII
Effective mass of tonearm	7.5 grams
Platter	heavy 10 pound platter
Made in	Germany
Years of manufacture	1982 – 1985
Original price approx.	600 DM

Design

The sprung suspension keeps vibration away from the platter. The arm wand is removable, which helps with serviceability and adjustment.

Context

The Thorens TD-147 Jubilee Edition came out in 1983 for the company's 100th anniversary. It was produced for one year only.

Market

Owners report these turntables often sat unused for several years. The TP-16 MKIII tonearm is shared with other models, and parts compatibility is noted with the Thorens TD 318 MK II and TD 147 MK VI.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ THORENS TD 147                                                  Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $3,850                                  Latest          $3,850 │
│ Median    $2,265                                  Trend                — │
│ Low       $552                                    Volume           ~2/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ $4,000 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                .│
│        │                                                              .  │
│ $2,500 ┤                                                                 │
│        │.                        .                                       │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│   $500 ┤                                                           .     │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │█                        █                                 █  █ █│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-03                      2026-04                      2026-06│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.