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Thorens

Any thoughts about Thorens TD 160 as far as upgrades and refurbishments to this unit. I was just given this turntable and everything is original and it works & seems to sound decent I compared it too my music hall mmf 5.1 . The sound quality wasn't much different between the two turntables except the music hall was a bit brighter aside from that, I'm using a Emotive XPS-1 preamp for both turntable tryouts. The cartridge on the Thorens is audio technica AT13Ea and the Music Hall has the Magic 3 that came with the unit which is made by Ortofon.
128x128zoobull
raymonda
855 posts
 
If you go with a Rega arm instead of a 3009,you'll have more options with cartridges.

zoobull's avatar
zoobull OP
5 posts
 
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 .
raymonda
855 posts
 
The jelco is a great arm and will work wonderfully. It will also have a bit of a retro look to it, too.

softdome6's avatar
softdome6
6 posts
 

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.      

pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 

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.

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