Thorens TD 166 MK II Suspension?

Who is Steve? Steve Hoffman?
I don't have a Crystal ball guys.

Before you give up on it, try it without any platter mat. Yes, right on the bare metal platter. Be sure to lower the arm first to compensate for the VTA difference. I have noticed the problem with the too fat spindle, but it only bothers me on a few records, so this never mattered too much. Also, are you sure you should judge it inferior without treating it to a better cartridge?

That Luxman deck is very well built. Sounds great. It's because the Lux decks were made with only a few of them being upgradable that they don't get much fanfare with the exception of a few models.
The Thorens sounds great. But I should take my records and play them on the bare metal platter? That won't solve anything except cause me to have to push the record further down on the spindle. I have a valuable record collection that I would like to keep nice.
I have records I would like to play without pushing them down on that half ass spindle.
I just find this recommendation odd. If anything you would want a thicker mat, and raise the arm. That makes more sense then the opposite.
And the stock Luxman arm has no plastic, and is excellent.
I will tinker with the Thorens a tad more, but I am not impressed. Thankfully I never spend anything on this stuff.
To each his own. The Luxman cost $15 with a perfect condition Grado Cartridge/Stylus. And doesn't bounce. Laughing.