Thorens isn’t just strolling back into North America — it’s staging a full-on 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 that still makes collectors weak in the knees, Thorens has survived wars, recessions, ownership changes, and more than a few “dead-on-arrival” distribution attempts in the U.S. over the past decade. Most of those partnerships fizzled faster than a forgotten deep-dish slice in a tourist trap window, leaving the brand’s modern lineup without the presence or momentum it deserved.
That changes now with MoFi Distribution stepping 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’s been firmly entrenched in Camp Thorens for more than 12 years with three Vinyl Nirvana restorations and counting — this might finally be the moment I have to stop hiding behind my lovingly restored classics and buy one of the newer designs.
Because if Thorens shows up in Chicago with real support behind it, resisting that new 12-pole direct-drive motor will be about as easy as ordering a char dog at Wiener Circle without getting verbally body-slammed.
Sweet Home Chicago
MoFi Distribution will represent a wide swath of the Thorens lineup, including the TD 124 DD and a pair of heavy-hitting 2026 releases that signal the brand isn’t just coasting on nostalgia:
TD 404 DD: A high-end direct-drive deck equipped with the TP 160 tonearm, electronic lift, an integrated stroboscope, pitch control, and both RCA and XLR outputs — the kind of feature stack that finally drags Thorens’ mid-tier offerings 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 sort of “don’t tell your spouse the price” table that Thorens fans have been waiting for.
“MoFi Distribution is genuinely excited to welcome Thorens to our portfolio of brands as the official North American distributor,” said Norbert Schmied, Managing 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 delighted to partner with MoFi Distribution as we expand our presence in North America. Their deep commitment to analogue excellence and their strong dealer network make them the ideal ambassadors for the Thorens legacy. Together, we will ensure that music lovers across the U.S. and Canada experience the timeless quality, innovation, and passion that define every Thorens product,” added Gunter Kürten, CEO, Thorens.
Through the combination of Thorens’ existing dealer footprint and MoFi Distribution’s extensive relationships, this partnership is poised to dramatically increase access to high-performance analog gear across the U.S. and Canada — a welcome course correction after years of underwhelming representation.
The Bottom Line
Founded in 2014 and based in Chicago, MoFi Distribution already handles some of the premier 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 actually matters to people who own record brushes older than their kids.
With Thorens joining the fold, MoFi Distribution now adds a fifth turntable brand to its umbrella, reinforcing its position as one of the most influential analog distributors in North America.
For more information: mofidistribution.com
Related Reading:
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- Thorens TD 1500 Turntable: Review
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- Vintage Turntables: Smart Buy Or Just Nostalgia In A Wood Veneer Suit?
