TD 309 - Turntable THORENS - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Turntable
Brand	THORENS
Model	TD 309
Dimensions (L x H x D)	470 x 125 x 430 mm
Weight	6.5 kg
Power supply	12 V DC/AC power supply, min. 6 W; standby consumption < 0.5 W
Operation	Manual (no automatic stop)
Drive	Internal flat belt
Motor	Electronically controlled DC motor
Rotation speeds	33 1/3 and 45 rpm; adjustment ±5%
Platter	Quartz glass, 12 inches (30.5 cm), 2.3 kg
Tonearm	Thorens TP 92; effective length 232.8 mm; fixed offset angle 23.6°; dynamic mass approx. 18 g
Phono cartridge	AT-95 B (pre-installed, spacing 12.5 mm)
Overhang	Adjustable on the cartridge holder ±2.5 mm; additional ±3 mm and azimuth ±5° at rear end
Tracking force	Recommended 18-20 mN (1.8-2.0 g) for TP 92 / AT-95 B
Antiskating	Integrated magnet, adjustable via screw
VTA adjustment	Possible by raising/lowering the arm (22 mm lock nut and adjustment nut)
Phono input	Requires a phono preamp if amplifier has no phono input (Thorens MM 001 or MM 005)
Included accessories	Drive belt, glass platter, felt mat, balancing masses, counterweight, power supply, cinch cable, ground wire, 17 cm disc adapter, turntable scale, spirit level
Maintenance	Clean the belt with glass cleaner or alcohol; replace the belt after a few years
Safety instructions	Do not open the chassis; do not expose to rain or moisture
General information	Made in Germany; product registration at thorens.de/register; after-sales service via thorens.com

Frequently Asked Questions - TD 309 THORENS

How to install the Thorens TD 309 turntable?

Place the turntable on a stable and level surface. Use the spirit level to check horizontality and adjust with the subchassis feet if necessary. Remove the three transport safety screws before use.

How to adjust the tracking force of the tonearm?

Turn the tonearm counterweight to adjust the tracking force. For the AT-95 B cartridge, the recommended force is 18-20 mN (1.8-2.0 g). Use the included turntable scale to measure the correct force.

How to change the rotation speed (33/45 rpm)?

The on/off switch on the front left also selects the speed: left position for 33â…“ rpm, right position for 45 rpm, center position for stop.

What to do if I hear humming from the speakers?

Check the grounding: connect the ground wire between the turntable's ground screw and the amplifier. If the amplifier has no ground screw, connect it to the outer edge of an unused input jack. Move the contact point if necessary.

How to replace the drive belt?

Remove the glass platter, then take off the old belt. Place the new belt around the platter and onto the motor pulley. Avoid grease marks. The tension can be adjusted by loosening the screw on the eccentric motor mount.

Can I use a different phono cartridge?

Yes, the TP 92 tonearm accepts most cartridges with a fixing spacing of 12.5 mm. Connect the colored terminals as follows: red (right signal), green (right ground), white (left signal), blue (left ground).

How to adjust the antiskating?

The antiskating is integrated via magnet and adjustable via a screw. Turn counterclockwise to increase force, clockwise to reduce. The white dot serves as a reference.

Why does my amplifier not have a phono input?

Turntables require a phono preamp to correct the RIAA curve. If your amplifier has no phono input, you must use an external preamp like the Thorens MM 001 or MM 005 between the turntable and amplifier.

How to adjust the arm height (VTA)?

Loosen the lock nut under the chassis with a 22 mm wrench, then turn the adjustment nut on top to the desired height. The tonearm tube should be parallel to the platter. After adjustment, readjust the arm lift with a 1.5 mm hex key.

Where to find spare parts or after-sales service?

Original Thorens belts are available from authorized dealers. For any questions, visit www.thorens.com or register your product at www.thorens.de/register to receive exclusive information and offers.

USER MANUAL TD 309 THORENS

Red THORENS TD 309 radio with a circular disc and mechanical tool (no visible text or symbols on the device body)

Inhalt

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 22

UNPACKING 23

SETUP AND ASSEMBLY 24

TURNTABLE ADJUSTMENTS 27

CONNECTIONS 28

TONEARM AND PICK-UP CARTRIDGE 30

TRACKING FORCE 31

ANTI-SKATING FORCE (BIAS) 32

FURTHER TONEARM ADJUSTMENTS 33

OPERATION 35

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 36

CUSTOMER SERVICE 37

Sommaire

CONSIGNES DE SECURITE 38

DEBALLAGE 39

INSTALLATION ET MONTAGE 40

REGLAGES DE L'ENTRAINEMENT 43

RACCORDEMENT 44

BRAS ET CELLULE DE LECTURE 46

FORCE D'APPUI 47

FORCE ANTISKATING 48

AUTRES REGLAGES DU BRAS 49

UTILISATION DE LA PLATINE 51

CARACTERISTIQUES TECHNIQUES 52

INFORMATIONS SERVICE APRES-VENTE 53

Sicherheitshinweise

BITTE VOR DER ERSTMALIGEN INBETRIEBNAHME AUFMERKSAM LESEN!

VORSICHT

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3D rendering of a mechanical pulley system with red coil and black shaft, no visible text or symbols

Close-up of a mechanical component with red and white concentric rings, no visible text or symbols

Red Thorens 309 radial disc with CD/DVD disc and mechanical tool (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Red and black electronic device with circular components and a textured surface (no visible text or symbols)

3D rendering of a red THORES TD 308 quartz cutting tool with labeled components and measurement scale (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Abb. 7 X = 33½ 45

Anschluss

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Abb. 8

Anschluss

3D mechanical assembly diagram showing a layered component with orange and red ports and a white arrow indicating a specific point (no text or symbols present)

Mechanical assembly of a Thorens TP 92 sensor with attached clamp and shaft (no text or symbols visible)

Auflagekraft

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Mechanical assembly diagram showing a metal clamp and mechanical component with an arrow indicating direction (no text or symbols present)

Mechanical assembly component with metallic parts and a black arrow indicating a specific point (no text or symbols present)

Close-up of a red mechanical component with a bolt and pipe, labeled Abb. 15 (no readable text or symbols beyond label)

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a rotating tool with labeled components and an arrow indicating a specific part (no readable text or symbols)

Close-up of a mechanical component with red and black stripes, showing a small bracket and a white arrow pointing to it (no text or symbols visible)

45 0 33 Abb. 17.2

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a rotating shaft and housing with a white arrow indicating motion direction (no text or symbols)

Technische Daten

To reduce risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts inside.

WARNING

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute an electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

This product was tested and complies with all the requirements for the CE Mark.

Compliant to 2002/95/EC (RoHS)

IMPORTANT: DISPOSAL OF WASTE EQUIPMENT BY USERS IN PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed off with your other household waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Unpacking

Carefully remove the turntable and all accessories from the box. Check that the following items are included:

1 x base with sub-platter and tonearm
1 x Thorens drive belt
1 x platter
1 x felt mat
1 x balance weight
1 x tonearm counterweight
1 x plug-in power supply and power cable
1 x RCA phono cable
1 x earth wire
1 x adapter for 7-inch records
1 x stylus balance
1 x spirit level

Please keep the packaging for future transport. Always replace the transit screws before re-packing and shipping.

3D mechanical component diagram showing a red body with labeled parts and directional arrows (no text or symbols beyond labels)

The three transit screws inside the sub-chassis feet need to be removed before the turntable can be set up. → Fig. 1

The suspension in each sub-chassis foot is factory-adjusted and will not need to be readjusted unless the weight of the turntable is altered (e.g. through the use of stabilisers or heavy platter mats). → Page 27

Setup and Assembly

Place the turntable on a rigid support and use the supplied spirit level to make sure that it is perfectly horizontal. If necessary, readjust the suspension system. → Page 27

Thorens turntables are relatively resistant to vibration. However, vibration can have adverse effects on any turntable, particularly if a high-quality pick-up cartridge is used. You should therefore place the turntable on a sturdy piece of furniture, ideally at some distance from the loudspeakers.

older houses with beam floors, however, this may not be enough to properly isolate the turntable from vibrations. In this case we recommend placing the turntable on a wall shelf that is attached to a supporting wall.

When siting the turntable, make sure that it is at a reasonable distance from any existing electronic equipment (such as amplifiers, receivers or CD players) so as to avoid electromagnetic interference in the pick-up cartridge, which could cause a hum in the signal. The same applies to the cable connecting the turntable to the amplifier.

You can detect and eliminate electromagnetic interference by changing the position of the turntable with respect to other pieces of equipment.

Setup and Assembly

Loop the drive belt around the sub-platter and then around the motor pulley. → Fig. 2

Avoid oil or grease coming into contact with the belt, pulley or sub-platter. If necessary, these parts can be cleaned with glass cleaner or pure alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

The belt tension is factory-adjusted. If it needs to be re-adjusted (e.g. to compensate for gradual belt stretch), loosen the locking screw of the eccentric motor support ring and carefully rotate the ring. → Fig. 3

If the belt tension is changed, the motor speed will need to be reset. → Page 27

The drive belt should be replaced every few years. Thorens replacement belts are available from any Thorens dealer or distributor.

3D illustration of a mechanical device with red pulley and black shaft, no text or symbols present

Close-up of a mechanical component with red and white concentric rings, no visible text or symbols

Setup and Assembly

Place the glass platter onto the sub-platter (frosted side down). → Fig. 4

Then place the felt mat on the platter. The soft mat prevents slippage during playback and minimises wear and tear on your records.

Red THORENS TD 309 radio disc with visible mechanical components and control knob (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Red and black electronic device with circular components and a textured surface (no visible text or symbols)

Place the balance weight on the base so that it sits exactly above the front left sub-chassis foot (this is its default position). Move the balance weight for fine adjustment, determining the best position through listening tests. → Fig. 5

This almost completes the assembly of the turntable. The only part missing now is the tonearm counterweight. → Page 30

Turntable adjustments

The suspension in each sub-chassis foot can be adjusted from above with the help of a 5-mm hex key ( Abb. 6). The inner cylinder of each foot should protrude by 2 mm at position X. Fig. 7

The suspension system is factory-adjusted. It should be readjusted if the weight of the turntable is altered (e.g. through the use of stabilisers or heavy platter mats) or if the supporting surface is not perfectly level.

The platter speed can be adjusted by turning the adjustment screw to the left or right of the speed switch (for 33½ and 45 rpm, respectively). → Fig. 7

The platter speeds are factory-adjusted. Any readjustment of the speeds should be checked with the help of a test record or a strobe disc.

Please also refer to “Belt Tension” → Page 25

3D rendering of a red THORES TD 308 quartz cutting tool with a circular base and mechanical arm (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Fig. 7 X = 33½ 45

Connections

The turntable comes with a universal plug-in power supply that will accommodate all common mains voltages.

Plug the low-voltage connector of the power supply into the appropriate socket on the turntable and then plug the power supply into the mains socket. → Fig. 8

If the turntable is to be powered by mains voltages other than those specified, it may be necessary to use an adapter. Please contact your Thorens dealer or distributor for further advice.

Close-up of a mechanical component with a white arrow pointing to a button (no text or symbols visible)

Fig. 8

Connections

Use the supplied RCA phono cable to connect the turntable output to the phono input of your amplifier. Check that all plugs are connected with the correct polarity. → Fig. 9

In accordance with RIAA standards, vinyl records are cut with pre-emphasis. The operation of a turntable therefore requires the use of a phono stage for equalisation. If your amplifier does not have a phono input, you will need to connect a dedicated phono stage such as the Thorens MM 001 or MM 005 between the turntable and the amplifier. Please contact your Thorens dealer or distributor for further advice.

The earth wire is used to establish an electrical connection to earth. Connect the wire to the earth screws on the turntable ( Fig. 9, indicated by an arrow) and the amplifier. If your amplifier does not have an earth screw, you can attach the wire to the side of an unused input socket.

3D mechanical assembly diagram showing a layered component with orange and red ports and a white arrow indicating a specific point (no text or symbols present)

If you can hear a hum in the speakers that increases as you increase the overall volume, then the earth connection may be faulty. Make sure that the earth wire is firmly connected. If the problem persists, try connecting the wire to a different spot.

Tonearm and Pick-Up Cartridge

Your Thorens TD 309 turntable is delivered with a pre-installed TP 92 tonearm and an AT-95 B pick-up cartridge. → Fig. 10

The tonearm is factory-adjusted; however, to avoid damage, the tonearm counterweight is removed for shipping. Screw the counterweight onto the rear end of the tonearm and adjust the tracking force. → Page 31

The TP 92 tonearm can accommodate most pick-up cartridges with a distance of 12.5 mm ( 12 ) between the mounting holes.

To connect the pick-up cartridge, push the four colour-coded cartridge tags onto the cartridge pins.

If the cartridge pins are not colour-coded, connect them as follows:

R right channel (signal) → red
G right channel (earth) → green
L left channel (signal) → white
G left channel (earth) → blue

Mechanical assembly diagram of a Thorens TP 92 device with lever and mounting bracket (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Tracking Force

The tracking force can be adjusted by rotating the tonearm counterweight ( Fig. 11). The closer the counterweight is to the cartridge, the higher the tracking force.

The correct tracking force can be set with the help of the stylus balance. Lower the tonearm lift, move the tonearm out over the platter and carefully lower it until the stylus of the pick-up cartridge comes to rest on the stylus balance. The stylus guard must be removed for this procedure.

Great care should be taken to avoid damaging the stylus.

The recommended tracking force range for the TP 92/AT-95 B combination is 18 to 20 mN (which corresponds to a weight of 1.8 to 2.0 g).

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Do not move the ring that sits around the middle of the tonearm tube ( Page 30, Fig. 10). It serves as a vibration damper and is effective only at its original position.

Anti-Skating Force (Bias)

The interaction of stylus friction and cartridge bearing forces produces a force which pulls the tonearm towards the centre of the record (referred to as skating force). This force can be offset with the help of anti-skating force, which, in the case of the TP 92, is produced by a magnet incorporated into the tonearm.

The anti-skating force is factory-adjusted. If necessary, it can be readjusted with the help of an adjustment screw. → Fig. 12

Turn the adjustment screw anti-clockwise to increase, and clockwise to decrease the anti-skating force. The white dot above the adjustment screw indicates the setting.

The amount of anti-skating force required depends on the type of pick-up cartridge used. If you change the cartridge for a different type, use a test record to determine how much anti-skating force is required.

3D mechanical assembly diagram showing a cam or caliper with labeled components and directional arrows (no readable text or symbols)

Further Tonearm Adjustments

The tonearm headshell allows an overhang adjustment of ±2.5 mm to be made. To adjust overhang, loosen the screw holding the headshell and move the headshell as required. → Fig. 13

A screw at the rear of the tonearm allows a further overhang adjustment of ±3 mm as well as an azimuth adjustment of ±5^ . The screw is recessed into the top of the bearing housing and can be loosened with a 2-mm hex key. → Fig. 14

The vertical tracking angle (VTA) can be adjusted by raising or lowering the tonearm. → Page 34

Take care not to over-tighten the screws after making adjustments.

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a metal clamp and mechanical component with an arrow indicating a specific part (no text or symbols present)

Mechanical assembly component with metallic parts and a black arrow indicating a specific point (no text or symbols present)

Further Tonearm Adjustments

The vertical tracking angle (VTA) can be adjusted by raising or lowering the entire tonearm. Loosen the lock nut on the underside of the turntable with a 22-mm jaw spanner; then turn the adjustment ring above the base to raise or lower the tonearm as required. → Fig. 15

If the VTA is changed, the tonearm lift will need to be to be readjusted. Loosen the locking screw on the tonearm lift with a 1.5-mm hex key and carefully raise or lower the entire lift. → Fig. 16

The tonearm tube should be parallel to the platter surface. Small adjustments of the VTA or the tonearm lift height can have a large effect. After making any changes, you should therefore always check whether there is enough clearance (at least 1 mm) between the cartridge and the record (when the lift is engaged) and between the tonearm lift pad and the tonearm tube (when the lift is disengaged).

Operation

The on/off switch is located near the front left foot underneath the base of the turntable. This switch is also the speed selector. There are two speeds: 33½ rpm (for LPs) and 45 rpm (for singles). The middle position is the "off" position. → Fig. 17

To play a record, first start the turntable by selecting the appropriate speed. Then engage the tonearm lift ( Fig. 18) by lifting its lever, position the pick-up cartridge over the run-in groove or the desired track and lower the tonearm lift.

The TD 309 does not feature an automatic shut-off mechanism. Therefore, as soon as the stylus has reached the run-out groove, engage the tonearm lift and switch the turntable off.

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45 0 33 Fig. 17.2

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a rotating shaft and housing with a white arrow indicating a specific component (no text or symbols present)

Technical Specifications

Mode of operation	Manual
Drive system	Belt drive (flat belt around sub-platter)
Motor	Servo-controlled DC motor
Speeds	33 13 , 45 rpm
Adjustment range	±5 %
Speed change	Electronic
Platter	12” / 2.3 kg (glass)
Power supply	External plug-in power supply, 12 V DC/AC, 6 W min.; consumption when off: 0.5 W max.
Dimensions	470 x 125 x 430 mm (W x H x D)
Weight	6.5 kg
Tonearm	Thorens TP 92
Effective length	232.8 mm (9,1”)
Overhang	17.8 mm (variable)
Offset angle	23.6° (fixed)
Effective mass	approx. 18 g

Technical specifications subject to change without notice. Made in Germany.

Customer Service

Your Thorens dealer or distributor will be happy to assist you if you have any questions regarding your new turntable or experience any problems. For a list of Thorens distributors, please visit → www.thorens.com or contact us directly:

→ www.thorens.com/contact

Register your product with Thorens to receive up-to-date information and special offers. You can use the registration card included with the product or visit our website:

→ www.thorens.de/register

3D mechanical component diagram labeled Fig. 1, showing a red body with gears and mounting points (no text or symbols beyond label)

3D illustration of a mechanical device with red pulley and black lever, labeled Fig. 2 (no text or symbols on the diagram itself)

Close-up of a mechanical component with red circular base and black lever, no visible text or symbols

Red THORENS TD 309 radio disc with visible mechanical components and control knob (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Red and black electronic device with circular components and a textured surface (no visible text or symbols)

3D rendering of a red THORES TD 308 quartz cutting tool with a circular base and mechanical arm (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Fig. 7 X = 33½ 45

Raccordement

Close-up of a mechanical component with a white arrow pointing to a button (no text or symbols visible)

Fig. 8

Raccordement

3D mechanical assembly diagram showing a layered component with orange and red ports and a white arrow indicating direction (no text or symbols)

Mechanical assembly of a Thorens TP 92 device with lever and clamping mechanism (no text or symbols visible)

Force d'appui

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a rotating tool with a labeled component (no readable text or symbols)

3D mechanical assembly diagram showing a cam or caliper with labeled components and directional arrows (no readable text or symbols)

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a metal clamp and mechanical component with an arrow indicating direction (no text or symbols)

Mechanical assembly component with metallic parts and a black arrow indicating a specific feature (no text or symbols present)

Technical illustration of a mechanical assembly with labeled components, showing two views (Fig. 15 and Fig. 16) with arrows indicating parts of the component.

Close-up of a mechanical component with a white arrow pointing to a small black part, set against a red and black striped background (no text or symbols visible)

45 0 33 Fig. 17.2

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a rotating shaft and housing with a tool, labeled Fig. 18 (no text or symbols on the diagram itself)

→ www.thorens.com/contact