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Seeking Turntable Advice

Hi TT mavens: I'm lookong for some turntable advice. Actually, it's for two stereo systems -- one is my son's and the other is mine.

In my son's case, his equipment is very basic, to wit: an ARC SP-9, a Crown DC-150A2, a pair of "starter" Rega speakers, an old CD player and my old Thorens TD 160 Mk II that I bought in the mid-70s. I need advice regarding the the Thorens TT.

Specifically, the TT has NEVER been serviced since I bought it, but it runs. There is a hum in one channel. My question is whether it makes sense to put any money into restoring the TD 160 or should I bronze and donate it a stereo museum?? If the former, are there any upgrades or improvements that I should think about? Also, any thoughts about who could do the work?? I live in the greater Philly area. If the latter, any suggestions for a new TT and cartridge for my son?? Perhaps a used Rega, e.g.,an old P1 or P2.

In my case, ironically, I have maybe 75 to 100 old records (many of which are scratched) that I acquired in the 70s and 80s. My system is centered around a CD player. I have tons of CDs, so I don't think I want to go crazy with a TT. By way of background, my rigs is made up of the following equipment: ARC Ref CD-7 CD player, an ARC Ref 3 preamp, an ARC VS 115 power amp and Paradigm S8s (v.2 with the Be tweeter - unreal!!) and the Paradigm Signature Servo sub.

Personally, although I like vinyl and am willing to buy more if I come a cross a great platter, I believe that CDs are here to stay. Further, I think that SACD or some other high-def digital format is coming. With that said, what advice do you have for me regarding a TT (used is ok) and cartridge. As regards a phono pre amp, I would like to stay with ARC, but can go cheap on a phono pre amp for the time being.

Sorry for the long message. Thanks for the advice!! BIF

bifwynne
sdgron
13 posts
 
I agree with Cio52 that Vinyl is a great value. I would also say with a good table in your price range, the sound will either rival of exceed your CD7. Until my table & Phono stage upgrade, I had a Rega P3-24 with the TT-PSU and used a Clearaudio Nano for the phono stage. I was very happy with the sound and would recommend that set-up as a great way to start. It was used in a system with an ARC Ref 3, VS-110 and Vandersteen Quatro speakers. I think you will end up enjoying Vinyl with either the Rega, or another table in that price range
cio52
121 posts
 
I've read good things about Rega, Musical Fidelity, Project, etc as great starter's. I'm using a moving magnet pickup and the phono stage in my preamp with great results. MM as you know is a great value but there are very good step up transformers/mc phono stages like Bob's Devices, Ortofon, Clear Audio and others. I use the Ortofon 2M Black.

Really don't know much about the value/expense of repairing the Thorens. If it has great vintage value then you might try Jerry Raskins Needle Doctor for repairs. I've done retail business with them and was satisfied with the service.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
Bifwynne - You should be able to pick up a used Rega P3 or P5 with the standard arm, a new Ortofon 2M Black cartridge, and any number of good used phono stages for your stated budget limit of $1.5K. Rega makes a good entry level SS phono stage. But if you really would like to try tubes without breaking the bank, the Jolida JD9 sounds better to my ear than the Rega phono stage, and the Jolida gives you greater flexibility in terms of cartridge selection.

I use the Jolida JD9 and an Ortofon 2M Black on my Linn LP12 and I am very pleased with the result.
shay123
72 posts
 
The hum in your sons thorens could just be a bad cartridge. Try a different cartridge and see if that helps. Also u need to check the ground from the turntable and make sure it is still attached to the preamp ground. If this doesnt solve it then u may have a loose connection in the tonearm or tonearm cable wire. You have a lot of good equipment. You really dont need to buy anything extravagant to enjoy it. If u decide to buy a new turntable the cheapest Rega is a very good sounding unit, I have heard it at a dealer. It also comes with a free cartridge to boot. I would stick with ARC gear for the phono preamp since u know u already like their gear. I hope this helps u out and I hope its a simple fix for the Thorens it would be a shame to get rid of it. Merry Christmas! Shay
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Bifwynne,
Shipping a table can be extremely difficult and getting it set up after can be a real art. Where are you located, as us about someone local for you.

For you, I'm a fan of used Sota tables. You can get a sapphire with arm and cartridge within your budget. The vacuum pump ones will run more. I'm using my Sota with a Cambridge 640 phono pre. Personally I think it's the best of the budget pre's. Getting proper alignment on your arm and cartridge is worth way more than a good pre.
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