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Technics or Thorens, need suggestions

I've been looking to get into Analog for quite some time now. So long that I've been collecting Vinyl with a dream of finally getting a nice TT.  Analog is an uncharted territory for me. I've been researching on my free time and have come up with a couple possibilities. 

Thorens TD 1600 
Technics 1200G

Budget is around 3-5k without a cartridge . I have Mcintosh C2600 which I intend to use for phono. 

I like the aesthetics of Thorens much more than Technics. 

My research showed that Technics is a superb TT for the price. How do these two compare? 

my systems: Mcintosh MC452/C2600/Sonus Faber Elipsa
                     mastersound 845 integrated/ diapason adamantes 3
ei001h
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
You can always add weight to the magic wand. Thorens tonearm bearings are excellent. Low compliance cartridges dominate the Japanese market so they put boat anchors on all their tables. They also have a thing for S shaped arms. It must be because they can't pronounce their R's. 
The only thing you can say about the Technics is that they are well made and slick looking and pretty cheap which is why people fall for them.
Americans love cheap well made garbage. Well, maybe not so well made in most cases. Buy American. SOTA is working on a tonearm by the way. They are running out of OEM manufacturers.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
If you had asked that question in 1980s, the answer would have been much easier. Either.

These days, I'd go with Technics. Thorens does not look like TD 126 Mk III anymore. On the other hand, no Thorens looked like TD 126 Mk III then, either.
ei001h OP
305 posts
 
mijostyn:

If it's well made why is considered garbage? It's more expensive than Thorens TD 1600 (3k on BH photo website) but similar to TD 1601 at 4k. I'd Love to buy American if there is a good competitor for the Technics G. My only problem with technics is aesthetical 
alucard19
389 posts
 
If you are looking for a wood TT that is belt drive, look at the Acoustic Solid, Solid Wood turntable. Wood  or the Wood Referenz, Wood Referenz
sandthemall
544 posts
 
I have the 1200G.  It is amazing.  The aesthetics are just a little too familiar to all of us but, as an industrial designer, I do have to say that it is a classic style and will always be.  For what it's worth I was looking to get a better looking TT...but since buying it, I have pretty much upgraded all my components and need to admit that it still looks better than anything on the rack.

You appreciate all the love that went into the 1200G everyday you use it.
The arm and gimbal are stellar...it's a medium mass arm that will work with so many carts. almost 2 years on mine without a hickup.

You won't be sorry with a 1200G.  Too bad you can't listen to the Thorens and the Technics side by side.  I'll bet the Technics will put it to shame.
 

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