$75 Thorens vs. $2K+ Michell...is this possible?

I've really enjoyed everyone's responses, and I had no intention of starting any kind of heated debate, so I hope things don't go that way.

Again, I'd like to stress that I haven't had time to do any extended listening or direct comparisons between the 2 setups, but I was shocked by some of the fundamental characteristics I heard from my 75 buck Thorens that I have maybe not heard (or not heard consistently) from the TD. I should have time this weekend for more extensive evaluation...perhaps it was largely a matter of very low expectations from a $75 dollar purchase that my expectations were greatly exceeded.

I had a local dealer that was recommended in a previous post of mine(I live in Phoenix area) install the cartridge. I normally prefer to buy used to save money/get more for my money, but again I wanted to know that it was done right. Perhaps this did not happen after all. I also wonder if a different cartridge than the Glider would make me happy. I normally prefer realism to extreme high frequency extension and my ears can get sensitive to that kind of reproduction, but the Benz sounds very rolled off (again, I realize this could be setup.) Also per my recollection, the Michell/Benz combo also sounds a little light in the bass.

Finally, I realized why my low-rider AT cartridge was rubbing the surface of the record...there was 3 gr of tracking force set on the arm. I'd say it's safe to say the setup on the Thorens deck has not been exactly ideal either.

Also per my recollection, the Michell/Benz combo also sounds a little light in the bass.

That is very much my experience with the Michell Tecnodec. Using a Denon DL103R and a Wright Phono was a lot better, but still not satisfactory IMO. This is the one area where the Tecnodec does not come close to the more expensive Gryro. Rolled of highs I would not expect - possibly this is a fuction of the loading. Which version of the Glider (L,M,H) did you get? If is the L version choosing a loading at a higher resistance might work much better.

plato...i love old speakers, and some of the jbl's (even those over 30 and 40 years old) are still in service in homes and recording studios. the lancers and many others are evidence that some speakers age like wine, while most at any price age like fish.

I have Thorens TD145 MKII with Audio Technica AT125LC and TP16 MKII arm. I bought the stylus new. My friend has Sota Comet with Rega RB300 arm and Grado Reference Gold cartridge.

We compared them in his setup - LaScala and Dynaco ST-70 amp with PAS-3 tube preamp.

To my ear, some difference on details for certain music, but not quite readily noticeable on most others. Especially considering the price difference - 6 fold ($1200 vs $200).

I guess I need to listen more to appreciate the details, but at my current spending limit, I'd rather stick to mine for a while.

resolving some of the differences on that system could be challenging.