⭕ Thorens Prestige Turntable with SME 3012R tonearm


To commemorate Thorens 100th birthday, the Prestige was manufactured. Limited to a very short production run the Prestige was to have very similar specifications to the Thorens Reference. It is perhaps once every 10 years that this level of turntable will come to market.

The Thorens Prestige was first unveiled in 1983 at the Berlin Audio Show. Audiences were astonished at the drive and motor technology taken from the Reference. This super-drive is undoubtedly one of the best and most analog drives in the world.

The massive, floating chassis is supported by 4 springs. In total the weight is 55kgs.

The turntable is handcrafted out of solid wood, highend composite metals and brass. The controls are numerous and naturally allow for change of pitch and speed control. There is also an optional electronic lift for the tonearm.

The turntable allows a choice of two tonearms. Many choose an SME V and SME 3012R...the latter making a superb combination with the likes of an Ortofon SPU Gold Reference. At this time the tonearm is fitted with an SME 3012R tonearm in excellent condition. The other arm base remains free to accept the arm of your choice.


The Prestige had the following features:

Belt drive
servo controlled 2-phase synchronous motor
speeds: 33-1/3, 45, 78
motor speed control: quartz controlled electronic 2 phase generator
pitch control: +- 6%
platter: 8.1 kg complete with mat and gold weight
platter dia. : 34 cm
large 14mm platter bearing with iron granule damping
Wow and flutter: Din 45507, < 0.02%
Rumble unweighted: Din45539 > 54dB
Rumble weighted: Din45539 > 70 dB
Rumble mesured with Thorens Rumpelmesskoppler, Din unweighted: > 70 dB
weighted: > 80 dB
dimensions 612 x 510 x 280
weight: 55 kg