Technics or Thorens, need suggestions

glupson5,057 posts05-24-2020 8:25pmoldhvymec,

"I’ve used BOTH for 50 years. Mcintosh and Thoren. Thoren has some very nice units."

I read somewhere, a few years ago, about Thorens basically being a different company than 50 years ago. Not that any company is the same.

Their not, but they, have alway used a belt drive or belt, idler drive.
I have 121, 124s I and several 160s, and one Super 160. I get a notion every now and then, and build a plinth. I tinker for a month or two, then off to the next one.

My personal goto TT is Russco, I call them Garrard Killers. THEY ARE.
Sparta, QRK, Fairchild (really nice, 16" platters), and Russco.

Washing machine motors, 24/7 for 30 years. 100.00 parts, 30 more years.

They have a gear shift to change speeds, A GEAR SHIFTER..

Adjustable thrust plates on the motor, and platter..Very easy to get quiet and keep quiet.They are a broadcast TT, new parts are ava, also..

I usually keep 6-8 here, all radio station pulls. I keep one within a days que. I just pick a tone arm and mount it. Easy with wood, plastic or alu boards

THAT is a TT gals/fellas.

Thoren is a step up, if you really want to go crazy.. You can spend 20,000.00 pretty easy..
TD 550, 2001, 3001, 126, 226, 121 124, 224s (auto). the 131 134 135 are fixed tone arms, but good..
Quiet, easy, lots of options.

Micro Seika, is a great DD TT, and a much better tone arm..Few tweaks..

I have a TT project here.. 47lb alu platter with 6 pucks the machining done.. Any TT builders?
5 were made, one left, it had a flaw in a puck. (shot holder)

Regards..

Your C2600 has one of the best phono sections out there at any price point. Don't worry about that.

At your budget level, I suggest take a hard look at SOTA turntables. Their Sapphire is one of the best performers available. 100% made in USA, superior support and an unmatched value. Far superior to either Technics or Thorens from my perspective. 

It's your money so you have to make your own decisions. Have fun checking the alternatives over and let us know what you decide. Happy listening & have fun!

Mijo, please explain "Absolutely the Thorens if you don’t like listening to oscillating eddy currents and other direct drive artifacts."  I need to know what oscillating eddy currents sound like.BillWojo

I am interested in the oscillating eddy currents as well as I have a 1200G. Gosh, what am I missing?😂