Thiele TT01 Turntable: A Blend of Precision and Performance

Experience the Thiele TT01 Turntable system with zero tracking error tonearm, record mat, and active damping for premium sound quality.

Introduction to the Thiele Record Player System

My initial experience with Helmut Thiele’s incredible record-player system took place during AXPONA 2024 at the Wynn Audio listening room. This expansive venue showcased Thiele's remarkable analog playback creations, including the Thiele TT01 Turntable, equipped with the TA01 Zero Tracking Error Tonearm, RM01 Record Mat, ADB01 Active Damping Base, and DW01 Damping Weight – let’s refer to this as the Thiele record-player system. The sound quality of the setup was nothing short of stunning, especially given the large display area.

Understanding the Thiele System Components

The Thiele system comprises five essential elements:

• TT01 Turntable: Includes the RM01 Record Mat and TA01 Tonearm. Priced at $31,500, an upgraded version with a bronze/gold-plated TA01 arm costs $36,000.
• TA01 Zero Tracking Error Tonearm: Available separately for $14,500 to $19,200, based on configuration.
• RM01 Record Mat: Priced at $250 if purchased individually.
• ADB01 Active Damping Base: Costs $20,000.
• DW01 Damping Weight: Retails for $1,200.

When combined, the total price for the Thiele record-player system being evaluated is $52,700.

The TT01 is a 3-strata constrained-layer-damped turntable, measuring 20″ x 7.87″ x 15.75″ (510mm x 200mm x 400mm). The lower layer houses the motor and adjustable leveling feet, the middle layer is designated for the tonearm mount, and the upper layer is where the platter bearing and speed control panel reside. These layers utilize different wood materials bonded with a special adhesive.

The TT01 employs a flat belt to connect the motor to the inner section of its three-piece platter, which is constructed from an aluminum inner subplatter, an acrylic disc, and an aluminum outer ring. According to Thiele, this material combination aids in damping and smoothing platter vibrations. The platter bearing uses a ceramic ball running on a circular ring, using grease for lubrication to create a stable braking force that enhances mechanical operation.

Design and Features of the TT01

At the back of the TT01, you’ll find the power connector for the motor controller along with two fine-adjustment potentiometers for selecting 33⅓ and 45 RPM speed settings. Near the tonearm mount are XLR output connectors and a grounding post, as the TT01 features only XLR tonearm cable outputs. If you prefer single-ended RCA outputs, XLR-to-RCA adaptors can be utilized.

From a top-down view, the TT01 reveals three adjustable feet and backlit power/speed control buttons located in the front left corner. The platter dominates the upper left side, while the tonearm base resides in the right rear. The TT01’s four-screw circular armboard accommodates the TA01 arm base, connected via a center steel ball and four screws in a parallelogram configuration. This setup enhances isolation between the tonearm and chassis.

Thiele’s TA01 features a pivoted linear-tracking design that maintains tangency to the record groove with a two-point horizontal-movement system, limited to 0.036 degrees of angle error throughout its travel. The mechanical assembly primarily uses aluminum, with wood damping strategically placed in areas like the headshell and counterweight. The armtube is crafted from double-walled carbon fiber with a dual-component damping gel filling the space between the walls.

When I asked Helmut Thiele about the lowest tracking force cartridge suitable for the TA01, he recommended using cartridges that require a tracking force of 2.0 grams or higher. I concurred and focused my evaluations on cartridges within this range.

The RM01 is a grey record mat designed to dampen vibrations, ensuring that stylus-induced disturbances don’t interfere with the natural sound retrieved by the cartridge. Similarly, the DW01 Damping Weight, weighing 400 grams, uses aluminum, ebony wood inserts, and the same dual-component damping gel found in the TA01 tonearm to eliminate vibrations along the vinyl record’s surface, preserving sound integrity.

The ADB01 Active Damping Base was developed in collaboration with the Seismion vibration isolation company. Tailored for the TT01, it features a matching design, complete with embedded spike cups for optimal placement. The ADB01 utilizes analog electronics to mitigate frequency-limiting digital feedback and stabilize after about 20 seconds of powering up. Internal sensors monitor external vibrations, and Thiele states:

"The signals of these sensors are used to steer 4 electronic analog amplifiers, where the signal is inverted. These 4 amplifiers drive 4 actuators, which compensate for the vibrations and prevent the vibration from affecting the turntable. This is the same principle as a noise-cancelling earphone."

Setup Process Made Simple

To set up the ADB01, position it where you'd like to place the Thiele record player. After attaching the ADB01’s power supply and ensuring the power switch is off, place the TT01 on the ADB01, aligning its three leveling feet with designated spots. Install the turntable belt and subplatter according to the instructions, then position the RM01 record mat on the platter and level the turntable.

Next, install the TA01 tonearm following the manual's guidelines, ensuring the platter is level before making additional adjustments. After turning on the ADB01, recheck the TT01 platter level before adjusting the TA01 arm base. Then, install the compatible cartridge according to the alignment instructions in the manual.

The TA01 Zero Tracking Error Tonearm includes a bubble level that must be calibrated before and after cartridge installation. Helmut Thiele elaborated on the assembly settings of the tonearm:

"When I assemble my tonearms, I mount each tonearm with pickup cartridge installed on my turntable and adjust the four base screws which fix the base of the tonearm onto the steel center ball below it. Thereby, I make sure that one direction of the base is perfectly vertical and the other direction slightly slanted."

This careful adjustment ensures optimal performance for various cartridges.

Listening Experience with the Thiele System

Once everything is set up correctly, the Thiele record-player system operates flawlessly. I began testing with the Hana SL MKII cartridge. As I moved through various tracks, I was captivated by the system's ability to convey diverse musical emotions and nuances effortlessly.

The TT01, TA01, RM01, ADB01, and DW01 work together beautifully, showcasing the qualities of the Hana SL MK II. I also noticed distinct contrasts when using the Umami Red and Umami Blue cartridges, each delivering their unique flavor to the listening experience.

With genres ranging from classical to jazz, the system highlighted dynamic contrasts and instrument timbres, allowing for an immersive listening experience. For instance, Kent Jordan's rendition of “Stella by Starlight” on his Essence album illustrates how the Thiele system captures soft dynamics and spaciousness.

Conversely, Eric Bibb’s performance of the title track from Painting Signs showcases the system's ability to deliver immediacy and emotional depth, with every detail of his guitar and vocals intricately rendered.

For more complex pieces like John Williams’ Violin Concerto No. 2, the Thiele system excels in capturing the dynamic fluctuations and energy shifts, drawing the listener into the performance.

Conclusion

When combined with a compatible cartridge, Helmut Thiele's record-player system is a joy to operate, providing rich sonic experiences with well-recorded albums. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, the Thiele system invites you to indulge in the world of high-fidelity sound.

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FAQs

• What is the price of the Thiele TT01 Turntable? The Thiele TT01 Turntable is priced at $31,500, with an upgraded version costing $36,000.
• What features make the TA01 Tonearm special? The TA01 Tonearm features a pivoted linear-tracking design that achieves a low tracking error of 0.036 degrees, ensuring optimal contact with the record groove.
• How does the ADB01 Active Damping Base work? The ADB01 uses analog electronics to monitor and counteract external vibrations, ensuring a stable performance environment for the turntable.
• Can the TA01 Tonearm be purchased separately? Yes, the TA01 Tonearm is available for purchase separately at prices ranging from $14,500 to $19,200.
• What cartridges are suitable for the TA01 Tonearm? Cartridges requiring a tracking force of 2.0 grams or higher are recommended for use with the TA01 Tonearm.