Thorens TD 166 MK II Suspension?

The spindle issue is the price you pay for admission to Thorens. My TD 125 MKII's have the same issue. Use a No. 2 pencil and twist it into the record center to widen it a tad. Works for me and I don't have to push on the supension springs.

I have a TD-166Mk II I bought new in 1984 (when I thought turntables would dissappear - HAH!). I actually like the over-sized spindle, since many LPs have over-sized center-holes. And yes, the suspension is bouncy. It can be leveled and adjusted with a screwdriver, I think, but I don't mess with such things. I have two arm wands, one with an Ortofon OM-30 Super, and the other with a Denon DL-160. Both track very well, and sound very good, but a bit different.

I did have a local modder work on the table last year. He added isolation feet that allow me to level it (my floor is very tilted), added damping material to the plinth and underside of the platter, and replaced the RCA cables with a higher quality cable. He also removed the MDF cover under the plinth, which he says is resonant. This is only advisable if you keep the whole turntable covered when not in use. Otherwise, dust will build up underneath the plinth.

Also, this modder is the maker of the Ersamat platter matt, which I purchased from him. In combo with a clamp (you need a lightwieght clamp for a suspended turntable), the performance has been significantly improved. I did not remove the rubber matt, but placed the Ersamat over it, as per the modder's instructions.

Also, don't forget to replace the belt (stick to a Thorens branded belt, available from many on-line sites). My modder recommends dusting the belt with talc, then wiping off the excess with a clean paper towel, prior to installation. This reduces belt-sticking on the pulley or sub-platter.

Here is a link to the matt and clamp I use:

http://www.ttvjaudio.com:8080/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=716

http://www.needledoctor.com/KAB-Record-Grip-MKII?sc=7&category=25857

Of course, each of these items costs more than what you paid for the Thorens, but then, you stole that thing!

Enjoy!

I decided to go back to my Luxman PD 272.
Stock I see know difference with the exception that the 272 is nicer looking, you can mount just about any cartridge on it, and it does not bounce.
I am not a fan of suspension decks.
I have picked up a few Duals in the past, and to some extent that's what the Thorens reminds of. I hate that headshell on the Thorens.
The Thorens will find a new home. That's the good part. No buyers remorse. I had a feeling that when I found it I would flip it.