Dipping my toe into analog

turntables are pretty simple creatures; even replacing the motor is usually pretty cheap. I'd get the Thorens fixed up, get a decent entry level cartridge (benz glider for example) - if your cartridge is old the rubber around the base of the needle is likely to be brittle - and upgrade later if you get hooked. And don't forget to wet clean your records; HUGE difference in surface noise. Some audio shops will rent you a machine so you can clean your favorite 50 or 100 before shelling out big $ for your own machine.

The Lehman black cube is usually available used for ca. $300. It's a very good sounding device and an awfully good value.

The Thorens TD 180 is one of the the newer models and would be worth fixing as long as cost would stay below around $300. Otherwise, the older Thorens TD 125, 150 and 160 would be preferrable as they were more solidly built and seem the be still good value for the money. (I own a TD150 as a second table which is really nice).

Also, dependent on the wear on your cartridge it might be worth considering a new cartridge, e.g. the Shure M97XE for about $70-90.

The Creek OBH 8 units are decent for around $120 and there are many new phono amps out there at good prices: Bellari tube stage, Hagerman Bugle, Jolida JD9 to name some of the current favorites on Vinyl Asylum. The Black cube is well reviewed too.

Good luck and enjoy,

Rene

Better use your ears too.