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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 mattmiller

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mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
IMO, It really depends on your equipment (how resolving) because if your gear is GOOD I think the classic tables make a lot of sense. (I have a TD 160 with grado wood prestige $600) A table like the Thorens TD160 with original tonearm TP16 and wiring will sound really wonderful too. But, If you have a higher end system that is VERY resolving, you probably are selling the system short with an older table like a Original Thorens. Unless your a super tweaker ie...tonearm, cartridge replacement and rewiring and plinth reconstruction, all of these skills might be required to deal with a classic table. Do your self a favor and get a Pro-Ject Xtension with a Dynavector or Sumiko ......seriously. A Ortofon 2m red is NOT anywhere near the performance of a Grado, Dynavector, Sumiko...NOT even close! A better cartridge would provide a HUGE upgrade. IMO. Good Luck.


Matt M
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