Thorens TD 226
A high-end electronic turntable from Thorens, produced in the early 1980s with precision speed control and a heavy-duty build.
Overview
The Thorens TD 226, also known as the TD 226 ELECTRONIC, is a turntable manufactured by Thorens between 1981 and 1984. It features a one-step belt drive system powered by a DC motor with a 72-pole tachogenerator, supporting playback speeds of 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm. The turntable includes electronic speed control with load compensation and maintains accurate speed tracking via an APC tachometer, even when pitch adjustment is active. Designed for high fidelity, it supports standard ½" cartridge mounting and was compatible with lightweight Isotrack tonearms. An external phono stage was optional, and the unit included 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, including hinges, tone arm boards, and mahogany armboards, are occasionally available, though described as rare or NOS (New Old Stock).
eBay Listings
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