Nice write-up. I had a TD318 back in the day. While a step up from my 70s Technics, I can't say I liked it that much. A bit too dark and muddy for my taste.
My Thorens TD 320 upgrades
My journey with my Thorens TD 320 started about two years ago. I saw it listed on Ebay and decided to take a chance on an old classic. I drove to Brooklyn to pick it up. I was pleasantly surprised by the mint condition. It came completely stock with a Shure m97xe. A fine cart and well suited to the tp16 mkiv tone arm.
I read about some basic upgrades ... which made a huge difference and increase in sound quality.
Proper set up of suspension and cartridge is a must!!
1. upgrade RCA cables. This took some doing. Took it apart and soldered in the new cables.
2. the bottom pan needed sound deadening. Sprayed with spray Dynamat.
3. jico SAS stylus for the M97XE ... wow huge difference ... major major upgrade.
4. polished the platter ... looks great
5. achromat - huge improvement and no static anymore
6. spray dynomat on inside of main platter.
7. Sorbothane feet.
all of these upgrades really made the TT just sound amazing. A guy down the street has a lynn and another friend a VPI scout. Both really were blown away by the table.
I have a Mcintosh C30 Pre and MC2125 Amp by the way. C30 has excellent MM phono section.
then came round 2
1. thoren tpn2000 power supply. wow this is a huge upgrade. I was not expecting it.
2. shure v15 mkiv with nos vn45mr stylus wow! although very similar to the m97xe with jico sas which I highly recommend.
3. Van den hul head shell leads. Def a good upgrade.
4. finally an isolation table I bought on ebay.
I have been an audiophile for 25 years. I always wanted a nice thorens. Well I am very happy with my purchase, and the upgrades. Turned into an amazing sounding table.
Andy
I read about some basic upgrades ... which made a huge difference and increase in sound quality.
Proper set up of suspension and cartridge is a must!!
1. upgrade RCA cables. This took some doing. Took it apart and soldered in the new cables.
2. the bottom pan needed sound deadening. Sprayed with spray Dynamat.
3. jico SAS stylus for the M97XE ... wow huge difference ... major major upgrade.
4. polished the platter ... looks great
5. achromat - huge improvement and no static anymore
6. spray dynomat on inside of main platter.
7. Sorbothane feet.
all of these upgrades really made the TT just sound amazing. A guy down the street has a lynn and another friend a VPI scout. Both really were blown away by the table.
I have a Mcintosh C30 Pre and MC2125 Amp by the way. C30 has excellent MM phono section.
then came round 2
1. thoren tpn2000 power supply. wow this is a huge upgrade. I was not expecting it.
2. shure v15 mkiv with nos vn45mr stylus wow! although very similar to the m97xe with jico sas which I highly recommend.
3. Van den hul head shell leads. Def a good upgrade.
4. finally an isolation table I bought on ebay.
I have been an audiophile for 25 years. I always wanted a nice thorens. Well I am very happy with my purchase, and the upgrades. Turned into an amazing sounding table.
Andy