Thorens

do a bearing flush/clean and oil change, belt replacement, and maybe motor thrust bearing replacement. Consider adhering some cork or bitumenesque damping on the sub chassis but don‘t overdo it. The base board can also be replaced with something more substantial.

I had the good fortune of purchasing a TD-160 mkII with Mk III TP-63 Isotrack tonearm and Stanton 881S moving magnet cartridge for a mere $50 in a pawn shop. I didn't expect it to be perfect, aside from needing a belt, which I swapped from an old Yamaha, it was perfect and I still use over twenty years now. It looks to be a similar design to the all time favorite Linn LP12 (at $4,995). I've considered and auditioned VPI and Technics, but can't discern any improvement that would justify spending a couple of thousand, when I find this table sounds great and very easy to operate. Aside from a recent find of a Pioneer PL-630 direct drive automatic turntable (my next project), I can't foresee any reason to make any change.      

The jelco is a great arm and will work wonderfully. It will also have a bit of a retro look to it, too.

That is something I didn't weigh in on yet and it is nice to have options especially if you have preferences when it comes to cartridges or want to examine different cartridges. A friend of mine who got me back into vinyl has been shooting me recommendations He mentioned Jelco Sa-750D tone arm .

If you go with a Rega arm instead of a 3009,you'll have more options with cartridges.

I have been going back and forth as to keeping it original or moving ahead with some modifications similar to what you have mentioned raymonda. I think I would like to first make sure the original components are functioning proper and go from there. The dust cover is looking like a replacement item along with the signal cables those are easy enough items to take care of. I have noticed that people have done work on new base footings to the plinth and new spring replacements for the chassis. A lot of people I notice replace the tone arm with Rega or SME tone arms also Plinths are big replacement item. I should probably keep it simple at first and continue my listening experience with both my Music Hall and the Thorens TD 160 and make moves one item at a time. Thank You Raymonda for the ideas I'm looking forward to using this unit.

If the sound of it stock was comparable to your MH, well, then you will be happy with what modding this little gem can do. The first mod would be to replace the arm with a Rega. Second would be to damp the chassis and the third would be to replace the plinth.

The rest is much smaller and some just cosmetic but fun, never the less.

Or as some would suggest, keep it the way it is and enjoy it. I really enjoyed modding mine and creating a totally great table, to just a surprisingly good table.