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

Hi all,

I've had my first turntable ever (a Michell Tecnodec purchased used with a Benz Glider medium ouput purchased new) for a couple of months now, and although it has sounded good at times and sometimes even great, overall it hasn't been what I've expected based upon the reputation that vinyl has over digital. Sometimes my table sounds smothered or rolled off in the highs, and sometimes I hear what I can best describe as noise/static/distortion on vocals when they get loud. Things have gotten a bit better with what I assume is break-in of the cartridge and some minor tweaking of VTA.

Yesterday, I purchased a well used Thorens TD 160 with an Audio Technica AT125LC. The cartridge is riding so low (I assume from use) that at times the body rubs on the record surface. I haven't had the time to do extensive direct comparisons, but the essence of what I expected from vinyl is here with the Thorens. An overall smooth, natural coherence that is emminently enjoyable to listen to. Natural, airy highs. Solid, but not overdone firm bass.

Again, I have not done direct comparisons, but I don't hear any of the downsided I heard with my Michell. There may not be quite the detail or soundstage width, but I feel like it's an overall more enjoyable listening experience.

I'd love input from the more experienced here to help me understand what's happening here.

Thanks much,
Paul
pj234
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
What would be the weakest point? The speaker or (pre)amp? Or both? Somehow he likes LaScala even though the strong trebles tires him sometimes.

Could you provide me sample system setup that may reveal the differences?
piedpiper
753 posts
 
Those electronics are not the most resolving, although pleasant. Obviously, the more attention to detail in a system, from the AC to the cables to the components within the electronics, etc., the more you'll hear. The other point to be taken here is that, if you don't/can't heart the differences on YOUR system than perhaps they are not important to you; just not to assume that they don't exist.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
OK.
I tried again with my friend's upgraded systems: McIntosh 275 and PrimaLuna ProLogue three, and Bellari VP129 tube preamp, still with Grado Gold.
Mine is ClearAudio MicroBasic phono preamp, still with AT125LC.

We tried a few different LPs -- Bach Toccata & Fugue by Ormandy/Philadelphia, LA4 Nauvoue Bach, Jim Hall Aranjuez concerto, and few other violin/cello concertos. Actually mine sounded better on all but T&F -- mine lacked a little bit on base and the sound lacked a little bit of detail with full orchestration.
But mine produced more pleasing highs and we felt little bit more liveliness.
Well, we did not swap the preamp. Bellari may be no match to ClearAudio preamp. The conclusion was that I would not need an upgrade for a while.
BTW, my system is Yaqin (YaOin?) MC10L tube integrated amp (made in China) and Taylo 7U.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
"The conclusion was that I would not need an upgrade for a while."

perfect!

The more resolving the system, the more each bit makes a difference and the more each difference seems to matter. Nothing wrong with enjoying what you have at whatever point your system is.
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