Thorens is not only walking back to North America, but staging a full Chicago-style comeback tour. One of the oldest names in audio, founded in 1883 in Sainte-Croix and responsible for everything from early phonographs to the TD 124, which still leaves collectors weak, Thorens has survived wars, recessions, ownership changes and more than a few “dead-on-arrival” distribution attempts in the US over the past decade. Most of those collaborations failed faster than a forgotten deep plate in a tourist window, leaving the brand’s modern lineup lacking the presence or momentum it deserved.
That is now changing as MoFi Distribution steps in as the new exclusive North American distributor; actual infrastructure, actual reach and actual dealers who understand the difference between a TD 124 DD and a plastic lifestyle spinner. And speaking as someone who has been firmly entrenched at Camp Thorens for over twelve years with three Vinyl Nirvana restorations and counting – this might finally be the time when I stop hiding behind my lovingly restored classics and buy one of the newer designs.
Because if Thorens shows up in Chicago with real backing, resisting that new 12-pin direct drive motor will be about as easy as ordering a char dog from Wiener Circle without being verbally beaten with the body.
Sweet Home Chicago
MoFi Distribution will represent a broad swath of the Thorens lineup, including the TD 124 DD and a few heavy-hitting 2026 releases that indicate the brand isn’t just running on nostalgia:
TD 404DD: A high-end direct-drive deck equipped with the TP 160 tonearm, electronic lift, an integrated strobe, pitch control and both RCA and XLR outputs – the kind of feature stack that finally drags Thorens’ mid-tier offering into the modern ring.
TD 124 DD Exclusive: A reference-level statement piece, built around a new 12-inch TP 124 tonearm, pure silver internal wiring, an exclusive EMT cartridge, an external TPN 124 power supply, a copper platter and gold-plated outputs. In other words, the kind of ‘don’t tell your partner the price’ table that Thorens fans have been waiting for.
“MoFi Distribution is truly excited to welcome Thorens to our brand portfolio as an official North American distributor,” said Norbert Schmied, Director, MoFi distribution. “Thorens is more than a legendary name in high-end audio; its heritage and craftsmanship have shaped the culture of music listening for generations.”
“We are excited to partner with MoFi Distribution as we expand our presence in North America. Their deep commitment to analog excellence and their strong dealer network make them the ideal ambassadors for Thorens’ legacy. Together we will ensure music lovers across the US and Canada experience the timeless quality, innovation and passion that define every Thorens product,” added Gunter Kurten, CEO, Thorens.
Combining Thorens’ existing dealer network and MoFi Distribution’s extensive relationships, this partnership is poised to dramatically increase access to high-quality analog equipment in the US and Canada – a welcome course correction after years of disappointing representation.
The bottom line
Founded in 2014 and based in Chicago, MoFi Distribution already manages some of the best names in vinyl playback – a roster that includes Dr. Feickert, EMT, MoFi Electronics, MFSL, music hall, My Sonic Lab, Schick, SpinClean, Thales, Little Fwend and others. It’s a lineup built on reliability, real-world performance, and the kind of analog innovation that really matters to people who own record brushes older than their children.
With Thorens joining the company, MoFi Distribution now adds a fifth turntable brand to its umbrella, strengthening its position as one of the most influential analog distributors in North America.
For more information: mofiditribution.com
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