THUONO TH400

Description

Magnetic Suspensions: Isolating disturbances for superior sound clarity

As a highly sensitive receptor, the cartridge can detect even the most minuscule vibrations, which can negatively affect sonic clarity. Vibrational disturbances are therefore one of the main factors that can reduce sound quality. These vibrations can originate from various sources: speakers, ground or air transmission.
To minimize these disturbances, Thuono Audio has designed three magnetic suspensions that isolatethe entire upper chassis from vibrations, ensuring it remains unaffected by external disturbances. The magnetic suspensions consist of two oppositely placed magnetic rings. The upper ring is connected to the suspension shaft, which is driven by a self-lubricating, low-friction bushing that requires no maintenance over its lifetime. This system provides superior fluidity of movement and excellent vibration damping. Additionally, oversized decoupling support discs are placed under the chassis to further reduce vibrations. This solution allows the platter and tonearm to function as a cohesive, rigid system, preserving dynamics without compromise. The magnetic suspensions minimize contact between the upper and lower chassis, obtaining a greater noise isolation in the platter and in the tonearm enhancing sound clarity and ensuring absolute silence before music reproduction.

Exceptional Dimensions, Absolute Silence: The ultimate turntable platter

The platter of TH400 has a diameter of 400mm. These extreme dimensions make it possible to obtain a very high inertial torque, minimising any slowdown or rotational disturbance and giving the sound exceptional dynamics and authority. The aluminium platter is combined to another disc, in a damping and antistatic plastic material which reduces resonances and contributes to sound clarity, enhancing the timbre. The rotation system has been designed to ensure maximum firmness and smoothness. The platter is fixed in position by an extremely robust polished pin which has very low surface roughness minimising friction noise and preventing wear and tear to the self-lubricating bushings inside the platter support. The spindle rotates on a hardened steel sphere, with special attention given to its contact point to reduce resonances and achieve an exquisitely detailed sound. The whole array has been adequately sized considering the impressive diameter of the platter to guarantee optimum support and firmness, as well as exceptional rotational stability.

Maximized Inertia, Absolute Stability: The precision-engineered drive system

One of the key factors in achieving an emotionally engaging listening experience is dynamics, particularly transient response. Restoring full dynamics is essential for a more immersive and impactful sound. That’s why Thuono turntables are engineered to maximize dynamic expansion. Belt-drive turntables with isolated motor drives, like the TH400, effectively minimize motor rumble transmission. To ensure maximum dynamics without sacrificing great silence, the TH400 incorporates a dampened flywheel. This not only enhances rotational stability and minimizes the micro-fluctuations inherent to any motor but also absorbs vibrations coming from the motor, ensuring even greater smoothness and silence. Additionally, the flywheel increases rotational inertia, enriching the sound with greater dynamics and accuracy. The TH400 features the largest flywheel in the TH series, measuring 160 mm in diameter. A DC motor, housed in a flexible damping rubber support, further reduces vibrations and rumble. To enhance stability, the motor and flywheel are securely mounted to a solid Nero Marquinia marble cylinder. Finally, a rotation-speed encoder continuously monitors and corrects any variations, ensuring absolute stability and precision. A microprocessor combined with a Hall effect sensor regulates motor stability while maintaining a constant platter speed rotation of exactly 33,33 or 45 RPM.

Resonances control at the core of the TH400

The chassis of the TH400, crafted from a combination of Nero Marquina marble and aluminum, has been designed to provide substantial mass and stability to the entire system. In keeping with Thuono’s commitment to vibration control, key structural points have been carefully treated to absorb resonances, including the platter rotation system, the flywheel, and the tonearm support lever. This meticulous approach has resulted in a significant reduction of vibration-induced disturbances, translating into a sound reproduction characterized by pronounced contrasts, exceptional focus, and an extraordinarily well-defined three-dimensional soundstage.

Thuono Clamp: Enhancing sonic clarity and soundstage

The TH400 comes with the Thuono clamp, a screw-on clamp designed to securely press the record down, ensuring it sits more tightly against the platter. Crafted from materials like bronze and aluminum, the clamp effectively manages resonances and optimizes sound balance. A layer of damping material is also incorporated to further absorb unwanted resonances. Finally an additional disc, utilizing electromagnetic interaction, is attached to the base of the clamp to further improve record reproduction and mitigate the electrostatic charges common in vinyl records. With the Thuono Clamp sound reproduction becomes clearer, more harmonically rich and more accurate, with a broader and more precise tonal range. When used, it enhances the listening experience by adding richness, improving spatial localization and thickening the texture of the sound.