Insane Luxury, Forget about 47K Turntable, Feast Upon $56,000 Thorens Turntable

Morning!

Last May, I amazed and astounded you with the ultimate (then!  HAH!) of High end audio stereo luxury – The Montegiro Lusso Turntable, yours for a mere 47K!  

I know, I know….47K is mere pocket change when compared to the next mondo development!  And that is…. (drumrolll please!):

The NEW Thorens Jubilee….An Analogue Dream to Match the 125th  Anniversary, $56,000

…In April this year the new Jubilee was initially presented to the international audio press by CEO Heinz Rohrer. The Jubilee features two independent tonearm platforms while four individually adjustable feet with integrated "RDC 6s" compound are taking care of a most solid foothold. The platter of the Jubilee is driven by a synchronous motor via an internal, flat precision belt. This turntable is to be manufactured in strictly limited batches and will therefore become the most exclusive Thorens turntable of all times. The first units will be delivered still in this year….MORE….

Now, true….I confess to having a fond appreciation for turntables and the like – I’m probably one of the last kids who grew up to the sounds of Edna White’s Classical Trumpet playing on quarter-inch thick Edison records, or watching my dad carefully place pennies on the tonearm for some inexplicable reason.  I even remember the phonograph record of the 1812 Overture, where the grooves visually zigzagged all over the place during the booming finale!

125 year anniversary….that would make it harken back to 1883.  And indeed, I found over at The Analog Dept the following information:

1883    Trade registration of the family-business of Hermann Thorens, established in St.-Croix / Switzerland, with the purpose of manufacturing musical boxes and movements.

1903    Manufacturing of Thorens’ first Edison-type phonograph.

1906    Change-over to the manufacturing of horn-gramophones for shellac records.

1913-1964    Manufacturing of cigarette lighters

1914-1952    Manufacturing of harmonicas (except for the time from 1921-1938)

1927   Conversion of the family business to a joint-stock company (AG)

1928    Development of the first electric motor (direct drive) for gramophones.

1929    Development of the first electric phono pick-up (employing a magnet principle).

1933    Manufacturing of wireless appliances, partly in cooperation with the Strassfurt-Imperial Company of Germany.

1940-1950    Production of professional disc-cutting lathes and phono pick-up cartridges.

1943    Production of the first record changer.

1954-1960    Production of the mechanical razor "Thorens Riviera" .…MORE…

So that’s pretty cool indeed!  Definitely visit the above link to learn more about the company’s history – it’s fascinating.

Anywhos!  My TwitterBudgies love turntables as well, as you can see from their FAQ (what’s the Twitter Budgie standing on?).   So combine that with my childhood memories and well hey…I’ll always find time to blog about high end audio. 

Now, if the above is too lavish for your tastes, you can always consider:

Admit it…you’re secretly craving to start playing, eh?

More information about Thorens turntables can be found:

Thorens TD190 3-Speed Automatic Belt Drive Turntable (Black)

Feature: … Thorens precision belt drive; 3-speed, electronically controlled DC motor (33, 45, and 78-rpm); Thorens TP19 tone arm with OMB-10 cartridge; Proprietary low-noise bearing system; 1.3-pound non-magnetic platter …more
Editorial Reviews — … Product Description | Top quality components, simple operation, and astonishing sound quality which brings the very best out of your favorite records are the defining characteristics of the TD190. The unit boasts a 1.3 pound non-magnetic platter and a TP19 tone arm. The subchassis construction and an electronically regulated DC motor ensure smooth running and maximum listening pleasure, regardless of whether you prefer the gentle strains of violins or power chords from an electric guitar.…more

Thorens TD170 3-Speed Automatic Belt Drive Turntable (Black)

Feature: … Thorens precision belt drive; 3-speed, electronically controlled DC motor (33, 45, and 78-rpm); Thorens TP18 tone arm with OMB-10 cartridge; Proprietary low-noise bearing system; Arm-lift and automatic return function …more
Editorial Reviews — [1] … Product Description | Anyone who thinks that you should not need a degree in sound engineering or to spend hours tuning equipment to enjoy music will be well served by the Thorens TD170. It combines a 3-speed electronically controlled DC motor, a precision belt-drive, an OMB-10 pick-up cartridge, and a proprietary low-noise bearing system. This ensures that the sonic quality your records, and not extraneous turntable noise, will be the center of your attention. It also features an arm-lift and automatic return…more
[2] … Product Description | THORENS FULLY AUTOMATIC 3-SPEED TURNTABLE – Three-Speed Turntable…more

Two Speed Manual Turntable with Removeable Headshell & AT-98E Cartridge

Feature: … AC Synchronous motor (belt drive); 5 pound , non-magnetic, precision machined platter; TP40 tone arm features a photo sensor auto shut off preventing unintended stylus wear; Proprietary low noise bearing system for exceptional sonic performance and long life; Piano lacquer blank finish …more
Customer Reviews — Rating: 5 Date: 2005-08-20 Summary: Fantastic Turntabe … This appears to be the Thorens TD-295 Mk. III or IV (little difference). I own one and absolutely love it. It functions silently and flawlessly. Amazing sonic qualities. Tone arm excellent. My table has an Ortofon cartridge… don’t know about the AT-98. My setup: Low-mass, tracks over seriously warped records, and you’d never know anything was wrong. Not too wild about felt mat. Other than that, no complaints. This is a semi-automatic unit. There is an optic senser that shuts the motor off at the end of the record, …more
Editorial Reviews — … Product Description | Technical sophistication and top quality sound are combined with elegant styling in the TD 295 MK IV. The technology is based on tried and trusted components, enhanced by a TP 41 tone arm. The warm wooden table harmonies well with both traditional and modern furniture, making the record player an eye-catching element in any room.…more

Enjoy,

Barbara

Like this post? Please feel free to tell your friends and Digg It – I very much appreciate your time!

ps – speaking about turntable goodies:

Fatal error: Class ‘expKrc’ not found in /home/lingling/domains/php/eBay_cls.php on line 161

Related posts:

1. Insane Luxury – starts at $47,000 Audio Stereo Turntable
2. 5/31 Gourmet Blogger Breakfast! Poached Salmon, Mozzarella Di Buffalo and
3. 6/19 Gourmet Breakfast! True Russian Blini, Grilled Bread with …
4. 6/10 Gourmet Blogger Breakfast! Eggs Benedict with Canadian Back Bacon and a
5. 6/26 Gourmet Breakfast! Bribicet Soft Cheese Omelette with Portabella Mushrooms, ….