2. analog
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Can "Refurbished" Thorens turntables sound better, and worth taking a chance on??

I had seen on Audiogon, and  e-bay a few Thorens turntables of of 60's thru the 80's that have been nicely restored and on sale.  For, example, a few of the models are the TD-160, TD-166, and TD-124. There could be others from that series. Nevertheless, the sellers claim  they have been thoroughly checked out( motor, bearing, belt and platter assemble, and tone arm alignment.)  Also  ne or two bases have been repainted and even lacquered.

My question:   Is it really worth it to invest in a refurbished  table that could be 40 years old??   Thorens were classics in the 60's through early 90's and possibly the best table on the market next to the Linn Sondek LP-12 which was more expensive. Is there a lot of risk in opting for refurbished vintage table over a new one?? .

Anyone have any knowledge or experience with these older tables that have been refurbished and even retolled, and whether they can compete with some of the current tables on the market?? .

BTW, it seems like since the so-called vinyl and analog revolution touted by Michael Fremer and others  of Stereophile, that a good table starts at about  $1500- $2000 without cartridge, and then prices can skyrocket to $3000 to $7000 and beyond. 

Need some feedback because my Project DC Carbon with an Ortofon 2M Red  is just not cutting it for me any longer I thought it would sound better than it does     Thanks!!. 

sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by cousinbillyl

cousinbillyl
190 posts
 

If I may, I'd like to change the subject:

I believe an idler drive is superior to a belt drive.

I have a few belt drives in house: Heybrook TT2, Linn LP12, Michell Gyrodec. All with every upgrade available.

My 'new' Jean Nantais Lenco 75 idler drive blows them out of the water. The speed stability, therefore PRAT, of the idler drive is addictive.

Regarding newer tables. While it is possible to build a good motor today, the metals used in the motors of old are difficult, and expensive to get. An equivalent motor today would approach $700.

If you are a 'tweaker', get the Thorens. If you can hold off, wait for an idler drive, and then tweak. Remember, being an audiophile is a journey, not a destination.

Instead of telling you a long story, let me get to the point. And yes I'm going to shout: The tonearm BEARING is the most important part of the analogue playback system. Beg, borrow, steal whatever money you can, and buy the best tonearm you can afford.

Here's an analogy: consider the size of the diamond on the end of it's cantilever. Think of the miniscule movements in the record groove. Now think of the length of the tonearm tube. If we 'grow' the diamond to 1 inch is size, the relationship to the bearing will put the bearing hundreds of yards away. Any movement in the bearing will smear the movement of the diamond.

Sorry for shouting.

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