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Connects the record player to power supply and audio system.
Guidance on stylus wear, inspection, and replacement for optimal playback.
Connects the record player to power supply and audio system.
Guidance on stylus wear, inspection, and replacement for optimal playback.
The THORENS TD 190 and TD 190-1 are precision record players designed for playing back analogue records, offering a blend of high-quality audio reproduction and user-friendly features. Manufactured and assembled in Germany, these turntables are built to maintain high quality for years, provided they are set up, placed, and handled correctly.
The primary function of the THORENS TD 190/TD 190-1 is to accurately reproduce sound from vinyl records. It features an electronic-controlled DC motor and a belt-drive system, ensuring stable platter speeds for optimal playback. The turntable supports multiple platter speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), making it compatible with a wide range of record types, including standard LPs, singles, and vintage shellac records (with the appropriate stylus).
The device incorporates a tonearm and a pre-installed pickup cartridge (Ortofon OMB 10), which is responsible for tracking the record grooves and converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. The tonearm is designed for precise balance and tracking, crucial for minimizing record wear and maximizing sound quality. The turntable also includes anti-skating adjustment to counteract the inward force on the stylus, ensuring even wear and improved stereo separation.
For user convenience, the TD 190/TD 190-1 offers both automatic and manual operation modes. In automatic mode, the tonearm can be set to automatically lower onto the record and return to its rest after playback. Manual operation provides greater control, allowing users to precisely position the tonearm over specific grooves.
Setting up the THORENS TD 190/TD 190-1 involves several straightforward steps. Upon unboxing, two transportation locks must be removed from underneath the platter. The platter is then placed onto the sub-platter, securing it with safety springs. The dust cover is attached via hinges, allowing for easy removal when desired.
Electrical connections are made at the rear of the unit. The record player is powered by an external mains transformer, which connects to a dedicated jack. Audio output is provided via two RCA (Cinch) plugs, color-coded or marked "L" and "R" for left and right channels, respectively. A separate ground wire is included to connect to the amplifier or receiver, minimizing hum and noise.
Adjusting the tonearm and pickup cartridge is a critical step for optimal performance. The tracking force is set using an adjuster, and the anti-skating force is adjusted via a separate knob. The tonearm counterweight allows for precise balancing of the tonearm, ensuring it hovers freely above the platter before setting the tracking force. For the factory-installed OMB 10 cartridge, a tracking force of 1.5 mN (Milli-Newton) is recommended, with corresponding anti-skating settings provided in a table.
The turntable offers easy speed selection via a knob on the left side, allowing users to switch between 33, 45, and 78 RPM. A button on the right, near the tonearm, allows for pre-setting the record diameter (17 cm for singles, 30 cm for LPs), which is particularly useful for automatic operation.
For automatic start, the transparent stylus guard should be removed, the lift-lever set to the UP position, and the start knob engaged. The tonearm will then automatically lower onto the record. In manual mode, the lift-lever is set to UP, the tonearm is unlocked and moved over the desired groove, and then gently lowered using the lift-lever. This gentle lowering mechanism is designed to be kind to precious records. The lift-lever also allows for raising and lowering the tonearm anywhere across the record while the platter continues to turn.
To stop playback, the tonearm automatically lifts and returns to its rest after reaching the lead-out groove, and the motor switches off. Alternatively, users can manually stop the record player by moving the stop knob or by raising the lift-lever and returning the tonearm to its rest.
The TD 190/TD 190-1 also supports mounting or exchanging pickup cartridges. It accommodates cartridges with standard half-inch mounting holes and a weight between 3 and 10 grams. This process involves loosening a collar-lock, removing the head shell, detaching the signal leads, and then screwing on the new cartridge. Careful attention to signal lead coding (red for right, green for right ground, white for left, blue for left ground) is essential.
For precise cartridge alignment, a mounting gauge is provided. The stylus should be flush with the V-shaped recess when viewed from above and within the rectangular recess when viewed from the side. This ensures correct stylus overhang, which is crucial for accurate tracking and sound reproduction.
The THORENS TD 190/TD 190-1 requires minimal but important maintenance to ensure long-lasting performance and protect your record collection.
One critical maintenance aspect is stylus replacement. Any stylus is subject to wear under normal playing conditions. It is highly recommended to have the cartridge, specifically its stylus, inspected after approximately 500 hours of playing time. A worn or damaged stylus can cause irreversible damage to vinyl records. For playing vintage shellac records (78s), the original stylus should be exchanged with a suitable special stylus designed for shellacs, as these records have different groove characteristics. Consulting an authorized THORENS dealer for further information and details on stylus replacement is advised.
When mounting or exchanging cartridges, extreme care must be taken to avoid damaging the delicate stylus and cantilever. Uncontrolled or brisk movements can easily cause damage.
For transportation, it is crucial to keep the original shipping carton in a dry place. If the record player needs to be packed again for transport, the platter must be detached and placed at the bottom of the shipping box, exactly as it was originally delivered. This ensures the unit is securely packed and protected from damage. Additionally, the transportation screws should always be used to secure the unit during shipping.
In case of a failure or malfunction during the warranty period, users should inform their THORENS dealer or general representative, providing a description of the issue. If a repair cannot be done on-site with a user-serviceable spare part, the unit should be sent to the THORENS representative in its original shipping box. If the original box is not available, a new one can be supplied for a small charge. Shipping costs to THORENS or an authorized service center must be prepaid to avoid rejection of the parcel. After repair, the unit will be returned free of charge.
The warranty covers the turntable, motor, power supply, and mains transformer. The tonearm and pickup cartridge are covered by the warranty of their respective manufacturers. Damages caused by failure to observe the instructions in the manual, or damages incurred during transport or shipping, are not covered by the warranty.
To prevent fire or shock hazards, the product should not be exposed to rain or moisture. For any further queries or assistance, contacting an authorized THORENS service is recommended.
General| Type | Belt-drive audio turntable |
|---|---|
| Product color | Silver |
| Nominal speeds | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM |
| Output voltage | 4 mV |
| Frequency range | 10 - 22000 Hz |
| USB ports quantity | - |
| AC adapter frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| AC adapter input voltage | 100 - 240 V |
Weight and Dimensions| Platter diameter | 304 mm |
|---|---|
| Product dimensions (WxHxD) | 440 x 119 x 360 mm |
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