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New Thorens Reference Table

dualhead said:
It's always good to see companies investing in LP playback! Wonder how it will measure?
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I'm guessing they were investing in marketing. What better way to create a buzz than to build something that's beyond the reach of just about everybody.
 
I just skimmed the article but is there any mention that the images of the turntable are not actual photographs? They are certainly computer generated so I'm guessing it has not gone into production, and maybe not even prototyped in which case the measurements are simulations and not actual.
 
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Hmmm... I actually like the looks - but the thingy sure is quite huge and probably also rather heavy. Haven't found any really relevant technical data, though - despite there apparently already being an official brochure (see there: https://thorens.com/images/presse/reference/Reference_Brochure_05_2023.pdf).

And to be honest, from a certain degree I just can't take extremely ambitious overkill efforts in playback equipment for what I'd nowadays regard as rather flawed, though still somewhat fascinating medium all too seriously anymore. I'd rather see more of a technology trickle-down (and/or tech revival - also regarding comfort functions...) and actual choice in the affordable range again. Doesn't mean I wouldn't wish the new(est) Thorens (company) well with that new state-of-the-art class table, but it's obviously not made and priced for me, so I'm not like "Hurray! Hail to the new king!" either.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred
 
...aesthetics is a tricky thing to consider and navigate in the context of evaluating something that essentially reproduces sound...for some it's not even a consideration...for others (like me) it is very high on the list of considerations...in fact it is second only to SQ...then of course...what I consider eye pleasing another considers fugly...why does aesthetics matter to me? ...because the space I live and move about in must inspire or approximate equilibrium...my equilibrium... ugliness of form, design and or gestalt has no place in my place...dig? :beatnik:
 
When I first looked I thought that "Thorens" front and center was a screen lol. Probably just a badge though.
 
DeadRock said:
...aesthetics is a tricky thing to consider and navigate in the context of evaluating something that essentially reproduces sound...for some it's not even a consideration...for others (like me) it is very high on the list of considerations...in fact it is second only to SQ...then of course...what I consider eye pleasing another considers fugly...why does aesthetics matter to me? ...because the space I live and move about in must inspire or approximate equilibrium...my equilibrium... ugliness of form, design and or gestalt has no place in my place...dig? :beatnik:
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Interesting post. Would you mind sharing the gear you have that meets your aesthetic requirements? And perhaps your ultimate example of turntable beauty so that we can have a reference? It would be awesome to have "context".
 
Mister Pig said:
Interesting post. Would you mind sharing the gear you have that meets your aesthetic requirements? And perhaps your ultimate example of turntable beauty so that we can have a reference? It would be awesome to have "context".
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Why is it "interesting"?...context for what? ...I've provided all you need...unless your desire is to simply judge and dismiss, my post speaks for itself. Further, and as I stated therein...one man's beauty is another man's fugly...otherwise known as subjective...have a nice day Monsieur Cochon.
 
It's very frivolous to fight over the aesthetics of a turntable.

On the other hand, to discuss over technical fundamentals is great.
 
Aesthetics plays a huge role in my life, home & work. If I were given a choice, for FREE, of the Thorens "Reference" or an AR XA to use and display in my home, I would certainly choose the AR.
 
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DeadRock said:
Why is it "interesting"?...context for what? ...I've provided all you need...unless your desire is to simply judge and dismiss, my post speaks for itself. Further, and as I stated therein...one man's beauty is another man's fugly...otherwise known as subjective...have a nice day Monsieur Cochon.
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Just asking what tables are attractive to you? I find I like a classic and a modern look and have one table of each. Since aesthetics are values by you I was just asking what is attractive. Yes it's in the eye of the beholder, and this is a social group....it's interesting to know what others like.
 
Mister Pig said:
Interesting post. Would you mind sharing the gear you have that meets your aesthetic requirements? And perhaps your ultimate example of turntable beauty so that we can have a reference? It would be awesome to have "context".
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Thinking out loud on your experience, the subjective results difference gap between a typical high end combination player and a well-sorted out AR XA/XB?
 
Ok...but unless we're heading in the direction of a date...whether I tell you I have a Mattel Close n' Play, or a Brinkmann Bardo hardly matters...at least in the context of a conversation or exchange about aesthetics more broadly...(though I do think the Thorens in question is a a dog...lol)...but as it happens...my system includes a Transrotor Max...and I do find it fetching...

Listening Area.jpg
 
flavio81 said:
It's very frivolous to fight over the aesthetics of a turntable.

On the other hand, to discuss over technical fundamentals is great.
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The best design to me is when the aesthetics of an object reflect, enhance or take a back seat to the mechanics. This makes the object more accessible and interesting, to me at least.

I don't think the design of the Thorens "Reference" is fully resolved. It's obviously a computer rendering so the final product may look better. We'll see.
 
malden said:
The best design to me is when the aesthetics of an object reflect, enhance or take a back seat to the mechanics. This makes the object more accessible and interesting, to me at least.

I don't think the design of the Thorens "Reference" is fully resolved. It's obviously a computer rendering so the final product may look better. We'll see.
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I was going to buy one of those a few years ago, but the seller decided to keep it. I did buy a Bardo, but no longer own it. I always wondered how much polishing it needed over time. Lovely tables and I bet it sounds wonderful.
 
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