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Upgrade Opinions, Thorens vs VPI

I'm looking to possibly upgrade to a better turntable.

My current setup is a Thorens TD166 MKII with the original tp11 tonearm. The table has a few mods including a solid cherry plinth and birch bottom with sorbothane feet. It also came with the 10mm spindle bearing, same one used on the TD160.

Amp: Rogue audio Sphinx 
Preamp: MM preamp built into the Sphinx
Cartidge: Shure M97xe with SAS stylus
Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver 8

The components listed above are my recent upgrades. I now think my table is due for an upgrade. 

I am considering installing a Jelco SA750D tonearm on my Thorens, since the tonearm is likely the weakest performing part of the table, or going with a completely new table.

I am considering the following tables:

Rega Planar 3 (possibly not a big leap?)

Rega RP8

VPI Classic 1 

Acoustic Signature Wow XL with Rega arm.

I am leaning toward the VPI, partly because I really like its look, but I do want the best sounding table under $3000 (subjective I know). Overall, I'm pleased with the current sound from my Thorens, so maybe the best bang for my buck would be a new tonearm. Some members have claimed that a Debut Carbon will blow the doors of a TD166, but in my personal experience, it's the opposite. So I'm thinking I'd probably need to spend over 1K for a real sonic upgrade over my Thorens.

Anyone have experience with VPI tables versus Thorens TD16X series? Any advice is welcome.
helomech

Showing 1 response by sancho22

sancho22
106 posts
 

I am with stewart0722 above. I own the Prime with Ortofon Cadenza Black with the Phoenix engineering system and upgraded (HRX I think?) record clamp, double pulley. Sounds really great and with the 3D arm it is hard to beat. You don't have to go crazy with the cartridge but a good one makes  a huge difference.

Now I also own a nicely, but not fully restored TD-124 with SME 3009 arm which was rewired. It has a Denon 103 and a nice plinth - all in equals the price of the Ortofon (which I got with a very significant discount). Comparing the two tables from this perspective I would say that the TD-124 (MK-I) stands the test of time.

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