Pioneer PL-570 vs Thorens TD 160

Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Pioneer PL-570 · Thorens TD 160.

Practical differences

Highlighted cells show a lower reference price, support for more listed speeds, or the presence of a convenience feature. They are not an overall score.

The mechanics differ too: the Pioneer PL-570 is direct-drive, the Thorens TD 160 is belt-drive. The Pioneer PL-570 gets instant start-up, rock-steady speed under load, and enough torque to nudge or backspin the record — the reason DJs and scratch decks are built this way.

The Pioneer PL-570 is fully automatic — press start and the arm cues itself and lifts at the end of the side — where the Thorens TD 160 needs you to cue the arm by hand.

Bottom line: both are £300 at reference price — price doesn't separate them, so the table above is where the real differences show up.

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