"If I had this kind of cash to spill on the table, the Thorens TD550 would be at the top of my audition list. Heck, I would just buy it without a thought. The TD550 gave me a new view into old recordings and proved for me once and for all that until they reinvent 1s and 0s, there is no contest between an analog rig of this caliber and any CD player. The Thorens TD550 is a sublime music reproducing system of the first order. And thus, it receives my second ever Blue Moon Award." Blue Moon Award For Detail, Dynamics, Transparency & Flawless Operation In the Luxury Turntable Category – Ken Micallef, www.6moons.com

The front panel of the TD 550, which also holds the operational buttons, is available either chrome-plated or with black anodized aluminum finish. The high-grade plinth itself has been refined with the finest black piano lacquer whereby the variable side cheeks can be perfectly matched with those of the Thorens Electronic Series.

The TD 550 is based on the construction of the TD 350 and, like it, comes equipped with a suspended chassis and the belt drive around the outer rim of the platter. The player's generous dimensions allow for the mounting of a 12-inch tonearm also. The tonearm platform is made from an extremely stiff carbon fiber compound which ensures a very rigid coupling of platter and tonearm. If necessary, the suspended chassis can be conveniently adjusted in height by thumbscrews on top of the plinth. The sturdy feet can likewise be adjusted in order to achieve a level position. Owing to its electronically controlled start-up procedure, the extremely silent AC synchronous motor will drive the platter to the selected speed within no time. For making signal connections, the TD 550 has been equipped with balanced XLR as well as unbalanced RCA output jacks.