The most notable feature of the TD 1601 is its subchassis, now made from MDF, and not hanging from the top plate but sitting on three foam-damped conical springs mounted to a heavy, damped baseplate. This base, in turn, sits on three feet that are adjustable for levelling. In addition, the top plate is now made from Alucobond, which sees an aerospace-grade honeycomb material sandwiched between two sheets of aluminium. Meanwhile, the plinth is housed in a very stylish wood surround that comes in a choice of walnut or black, both with a high gloss finish.
The most intriguing aspect of the suspension set-up, however, is a feature that aims to counter one of least favourite aspects of suspended turntables – the propensity, of some at least, to wobble drunkenly from side to side. Thorens has a two-fold solution, the first involving an alloy strengthening plate that connects the bearing to the tonearm mount. But that's not the main inspiration.
This takes the form of a braced steel thread, which is connected between the bearing housing and a steel pin mounted to the baseboard. This acts in the same direction as the motor pulley and bearing, effectively encouraging the subchassis to remain in this axis. This leaves it free to float up and down, but puts a useful limit on its lateral movement.