Thorens TAS 1500 MC Phono Cartridge
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Features
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 3 Years |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Thorens |
Tech Specs
Model
- TAS 1500
Mounting
- 1/2” centers
- Threaded inserts
Frequency Response
- 20 – 47,000 Hz
Body
- Aluminium
Channel Separation
- 27 dB (1 kHz)
Output Channel Balance
- 1 dB (1 kHz)
Output Voltage
- 0.4 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
Vertical Tracking Angle
- 20 degrees
Tracking Force (recommended)
- 1.8 – 2.2 g
- Standard: 2.0 g
Stylus
- Shape: Microlinear
- Size: 2.2 × 0.12 mil
- Construction: Nude rectangular shank
Cantilever
- 0.28 mm Ø nude boron
Coil Impedance
- 12 Ohms (1 kHz)
Coil Inductance
- 25 μH (1 kHz)
DC Resistance
- 12 Ohms
Compliance
- Static: 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
- Dynamic: 16 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)
Terminal Pins
- Brass
Coil Wire
- PCOCC (Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process)
Recommended Load Impedance
- Minimum 100 Ohms
Cartridge Weight
- 8.2 g
Description
The Thorens TAS 1500 MC Phono Cartridge is a precision moving coil design developed and manufactured in Japan specifically for Thorens. Its development focused on achieving ideal synergy with the TD 1500 and TD 403 DD turntables, as well as the TP 150 precision tonearm. With an output voltage of 0.6 mV and an internal resistance of 12 ohms, the TAS 1500 integrates smoothly with a wide range of high-quality phono preamplifiers.
This careful electrical matching ensures stable performance, excellent noise control, and consistent tonal balance. The aluminium body provides rigidity and effective resonance control, allowing the cartridge to perform with clarity and precision while maintaining the musical character Thorens is known for across its analogue heritage.
Advanced Stylus and Cantilever Engineering
At the heart of the Thorens TAS 1500 MC Phono Cartridge is a nude microlinear diamond stylus paired with a solid boron cantilever. This combination delivers exceptional groove tracing accuracy and outstanding retrieval of fine musical detail. The microlinear profile maintains optimal contact with the groove walls, reducing distortion and wear while preserving high-frequency information across the full frequency range.
The boron cantilever offers an ideal balance of stiffness and low mass, enabling fast transient response and precise tracking even during complex passages. Together, these elements contribute to a wide frequency response extending from 20 Hz to 47 kHz, with excellent channel separation and image stability that bring recordings to life with realism and depth.
Precision Performance for Serious Vinyl Listening
The TAS 1500 is engineered to deliver consistent, high-fidelity performance across a wide variety of musical styles. Recommended tracking force is set between 1.8 and 2.2 grams, with an optimal value of 2.0 grams, ensuring secure groove contact and stable playback. High-purity PCOCC copper coils enhance signal integrity, while carefully controlled compliance values allow the cartridge to pair effectively with modern medium mass tonearms.
With a cartridge weight of 8.2 grams and threaded mounting inserts, installation is straightforward and secure. The result is a moving coil cartridge that combines technical refinement with musical engagement, offering vinyl listeners a balanced, detailed, and confident sound that reflects Thorens’ commitment to analogue excellence.