Фонокорректоры — Thorens MC 1600

The MC 1600 is a phono preamplifier from Thorens, the brand founded in Switzerland in 1883 and now based in Germany, where the MC 1600 is made by hand. Unveiled at High End Munich 2025 at EUR 2,199, it is fully balanced and dual mono, for MM and MC pickups alike. It matches the design of Thorens' current turntables and electronics.

Key specs that matter

MM input impedance is 47 kohm. MC input impedance is selectable from 20 to 1,280 ohms in more than 60 steps. Gain is adjustable from 32 to 68 dB in ten steps. Capacitance is adjustable from 50 to 600 pF. A subsonic filter is switchable. Inputs and outputs are on both XLR and RCA. The unit measures 300 mm wide, 90 mm high and 301 mm deep, at 5 kg. Maximum output is 10 V rms with up to 100 mA, channel separation is 110 dB and signal-to-noise ranges from 100 dBA to above 76 dBA depending on gain, relative to 2 V output. The front lighting is configurable RGB.

Engineering and use context

Thorens gives every channel a complete, fully symmetrical amplifier section, built from precision resistors, film capacitors and low-noise operational amplifiers, which keeps the channels separate and noise low. Gain, impedance, capacitance and the subsonic filter are set with DIP switches on the underside, individually for each channel. The fine impedance steps let owners find the load that best damps an MC cartridge's resonance, and the capacitance range suits MM cartridges whose response depends on the load capacitance. The 68 dB maximum gain covers low-output MC cartridges, while 32 dB suits high-output MM types. The subsonic filter removes rumble and record warp energy. The power supply section is separately shielded. The balanced XLR input is the natural partner for Thorens turntables with XLR outputs, such as the TD 1500, TD 1600, TD 1601 or the TD 124 DD family, so the cartridge signal stays balanced from stylus to line stage. A balanced connection rejects hum and noise picked up by the cable, because interference common to both conductors cancels at the input. The housing is designed to be low in resonance. Thorens unveiled the MC 1600 in Munich together with the TD 404 DD and TD 124 DD Exclusive turntables. US pricing was about USD 3,250. In Canada it sold at CAD 4,699.

Pairing

The MC 1600 pairs with Thorens turntables that have XLR outputs, such as the TD 1600, for a fully balanced connection. Its XLR outputs suit balanced preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers.

Alternatives

Thorens' MM 008 ADJ is the brand's more compact phono stage for moving-magnet cartridges.