Thorens is quite possibly the world's most storied and accomplished phonograph company. Hermann Thorens founded his company in Switzerland in 1883. Thorens originally produced Edison-type phonographs, then developed two of the most important inventions in the format's history: the direct drive system in 1928 and moving magnet cartridge in 1929. Over the next 60 years, Thorens produced a prolific lineup of turntables, tonearms, and cartridges, while also inventing the record changer. Towards the end of the century, Thorens delved into other product categories such as amplifiers, preamplifiers, CD players, and tuners, with minimal success.

After relocating back to Switzerland, Thorens regrouped and to this day continues to produce fine turntables and phono accessories along with amplifiers, preamplifiers, and loudspeakers

Read Ken Kessler's review of the Thorens TD124 Turntable on HomeTheaterReview.com.

Companies similar to Thorens include Clearaudio, SME, and Simon Yorke.