Thorens took the base chassi and automatics from the TD240-2, and put it into a solid high-quality MDF-frame. They upgraded the motor, the electronic control circuits for the motor, internal wiring and contacts, added a glass platter on top that is heavier and more resonance free than the aluminium platter of the TD240-2, and they made a new tonearm. The armtube is from the acclaimed TP92 (as used in the high-end TD1600/1601), resonance damped and of full aluminium. Then they made a spring loading tracking force, similar idea as the TP19-1 tonearm on the TD240-2, but the tonearm on the TD148A is not simply a TP19-1 with the armtube from the TP92. The gimbala construction, bearings, counterweight etc are of much higher quality - so lower friction and lower resonances.
All in all it's a very upgraded TD240-2 and a good choice if one wants a full automatic turntable with great sound quality. It do sounds very musical with Thorens easy-going flow to the music. Not as high-energetic full on and forward sound as a Rega, but musical, highly entertaining and very pleasing.
It sells now with the Ortofon 2M Blue included and this is a good combination, the 2M Blue matches the turntable very well. And better cartridges, can of course be used.
I have the TD309 full manual, it has the edge on sonics - as full manuals for similar price as a full automatic has, but the TD148A is a very good sounding full automatic.
