I don't think modding is the answer... the table either has it or it doesn't to begin with. I owned a TD124 for many years along with a VPI HW19 MKIV w/SAMMA and I can tell you that while the 124 was very good and way cool to look at, the VPI was the better table. I can put a stethoscope on the super arm board that holds my Moerch UP4 arm, turn on the table and hear absolutely nothing. Try that with the 124 or 160! A used MKIV would be a great option.. you can start with a "lesser" HW19 and build it up over time like I did as well.
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.
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.
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- 87 posts total
- 87 posts total