Technics SL-7 vs Thorens TD 320

Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Technics SL-7 · Thorens TD 320.

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 Technics SL-7 spins its platter via direct drive; the Thorens TD 320 uses belt drive instead. Neither is objectively better — 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 versus a motor that's mechanically isolated from the platter by an elastic belt, which is the usual route to a quieter noise floor — the default choice across most of hi-fi.

The Technics SL-7 is fully automatic — press start and the arm cues itself and lifts at the end of the side — where the Thorens TD 320 needs you to cue the arm by hand.

Bottom line: both are £350 at reference price — price doesn't separate them, so the table above is where the real differences show up.

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