The Thorens TM 1600 R2R Tape Deck

Thorens TM1600

The Thorens TM 1600 reel-to-reel (R2R) tape deck is a modern, high-end analogue tape machine developed in cooperation with the Düsseldorf-based specialist Ballfinger. It was launched around summer 2020 and is designed as a half-track quarter-inch machine with three motors, capable of handling reels up to 10.5 inches at speeds of 19 or 38 cm/s (7.5 or 15 inches per second).

Key features of the TM 1600 include:

• Newly developed very compact tape drive from Ballfinger, only 50 mm in height, allowing a slim and elegant design.

• Three motors: electronically commuted disc motors for the reels with rotor angle detection by hall sensor feedback, and an ironless bell-shaped rotor motor for the capstan, delivering high torque with minimal variation and very quiet operation.

• Tape path geometry redesigned for compactness and performance, with sensors located between the reels above the heads rather than below.

• Selectable equalization between CCIR for European recordings and NAB for American and Asian recordings.

• Real-time digital counter showing hours, minutes, seconds, and hundredths of seconds.

• An integrated edit function for single-handed operation, including pre-listening, a feature typically found only on professional studio machines.

• Optional wall mounting and an external power supply to reduce interference and noise.

• The unit shares its plinth and dust cover design with Thorens’s TD 1600/1601 turntables, emphasizing a cohesive product family design.

The TM 1600 is manufactured in Düsseldorf and was initially released as a limited edition of 100 individually numbered units priced around €12,000. It has been well received as a rare opportunity to buy a brand-new reel-to-reel machine that requires no refurbishment or recalibration, unlike vintage models, and it comes with a full Thorens manufacturer’s warranty.

As of late 2024, the TM 1600 is sold out through Thorens’s dealer network, indicating strong demand and a positive market reception.

In summary, the Thorens TM 1600 represents a recent, high-quality, compact, and innovative reel-to-reel tape deck designed for audiophiles seeking new analogue tape playback equipment without the drawbacks of vintage machines. It continues to be a flagship product extending Thorens’s analogue competence.