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Can "Refurbished" Thorens turntables sound better, and worth taking a chance on??

I had seen on Audiogon, and  e-bay a few Thorens turntables of of 60's thru the 80's that have been nicely restored and on sale.  For, example, a few of the models are the TD-160, TD-166, and TD-124. There could be others from that series. Nevertheless, the sellers claim  they have been thoroughly checked out( motor, bearing, belt and platter assemble, and tone arm alignment.)  Also  ne or two bases have been repainted and even lacquered.

My question:   Is it really worth it to invest in a refurbished  table that could be 40 years old??   Thorens were classics in the 60's through early 90's and possibly the best table on the market next to the Linn Sondek LP-12 which was more expensive. Is there a lot of risk in opting for refurbished vintage table over a new one?? .

Anyone have any knowledge or experience with these older tables that have been refurbished and even retolled, and whether they can compete with some of the current tables on the market?? .

BTW, it seems like since the so-called vinyl and analog revolution touted by Michael Fremer and others  of Stereophile, that a good table starts at about  $1500- $2000 without cartridge, and then prices can skyrocket to $3000 to $7000 and beyond. 

Need some feedback because my Project DC Carbon with an Ortofon 2M Red  is just not cutting it for me any longer I thought it would sound better than it does     Thanks!!. 

sunnyjim
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,524 posts
 
IMO, It really depends on your equipment (how resolving) because if your gear is GOOD I think the classic tables make a lot of sense. (I have a TD 160 with grado wood prestige $600) A table like the Thorens TD160 with original tonearm TP16 and wiring will sound really wonderful too. But, If you have a higher end system that is VERY resolving, you probably are selling the system short with an older table like a Original Thorens. Unless your a super tweaker ie...tonearm, cartridge replacement and rewiring and plinth reconstruction, all of these skills might be required to deal with a classic table. Do your self a favor and get a Pro-Ject Xtension with a Dynavector or Sumiko ......seriously. A Ortofon 2m red is NOT anywhere near the performance of a Grado, Dynavector, Sumiko...NOT even close! A better cartridge would provide a HUGE upgrade. IMO. Good Luck.


Matt M
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Matt, Sounds like good advice, but you should read the ad in the "Turntable" Category  about the retooled and refurbished TD-166. The member's name is 'Highspinner" who seems to have done a worth job on the Thorens   I was impressed that he replaced the tonearm and phono cable with Vampire wire. I think the arm is the original Thorens  TP-16.  (I am not sure) If anything the ad context   offers an interesting explanation of the work done. 

BTW, I had owned a Grado Gold  in the 1990 on a VPI JR TT, then a Sumiko Blue Point Special, and....much later a Dynavector 10X5 with a Rega P3-24. which was a  great combo.  Actually the finest cartridge I have ever owned was Sumiko's original "Talisman" MC or MM( not sure) mounted on Sonographe turntable (vintage 1987).

After I sold the Rega, I got out of analog, and one year later justified buying the Project  DC Carbon.table for limited LP use.  I am not a big fan of the higher level Project tables

FYI,, my current system is a pair of Golden Ear Technology 7's,...' a Rogue Sphinx  integrated amp,.... and a Ayre CX-7e mp.   Cables are Harmonic Technolgy Pro11+  and a HT Truthlink IC   Not super high end, but  in the race.    Thanks for your comment.  

mesch
3,529 posts
 
I once own the Talisman on a Sonograph TT also. Really liked that cartridge. Still have the Sonograph.

cousinbillyl
190 posts
 

If I may, I'd like to change the subject:

I believe an idler drive is superior to a belt drive.

I have a few belt drives in house: Heybrook TT2, Linn LP12, Michell Gyrodec. All with every upgrade available.

My 'new' Jean Nantais Lenco 75 idler drive blows them out of the water. The speed stability, therefore PRAT, of the idler drive is addictive.

Regarding newer tables. While it is possible to build a good motor today, the metals used in the motors of old are difficult, and expensive to get. An equivalent motor today would approach $700.

If you are a 'tweaker', get the Thorens. If you can hold off, wait for an idler drive, and then tweak. Remember, being an audiophile is a journey, not a destination.

Instead of telling you a long story, let me get to the point. And yes I'm going to shout: The tonearm BEARING is the most important part of the analogue playback system. Beg, borrow, steal whatever money you can, and buy the best tonearm you can afford.

Here's an analogy: consider the size of the diamond on the end of it's cantilever. Think of the miniscule movements in the record groove. Now think of the length of the tonearm tube. If we 'grow' the diamond to 1 inch is size, the relationship to the bearing will put the bearing hundreds of yards away. Any movement in the bearing will smear the movement of the diamond.

Sorry for shouting.

bondmanp
1,832 posts
 

FWIW - I have had the same TD-166 MkII since I bought it new in 1984 (when I feared that turntables would no longer be available - hah!).  I have had it modded somewhat - some damping of the platter, a new mat, new RCA cables and new feet to better level the 'table.  Also added a KAB record clamp, which is a bargain and perfect for suspended 'tables that can't use heavy clamps.


All I can say is that I have brought some needle-drops made on this table (with either an Ortofon OM-30 or Denon DL-160 cartridge) to some pretty high resolution systems, and have received a lot of completments on the sound quality.


As for the age, these older, West German made Thorens' are built like tanks.  All I ever did to it, maintenance-wise, is a new belt.


I once was at a Stereophile show, and at an "ask the editors" session on analog audio, asked the panel how much I'd have to spend to improve on the TD-166MkII on a modern 'table.  Art Dudley, of course, suggested I stick with my Thorens.  Others suggested something in the $2000 range, which considering inflation, is not much more than the Thorens cost me in 1984.


I guess my advise would be:  If you can get a good deal on a well-maintained and perfectly operating vintage 'table, go for it.  But to spend a lot on a fancy plinth or upgraded 'arm, I am not so sure.  Perhaps once you get into the $2,500 range, you might look at something like a VPI Scout.  Just my $0.02.

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