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Thorens TD 160-significant upgrade possible $1500?

Hi,
My current (budget) system includes a well sorted Thorens TD-160 with a Grade Blue cart. Amp is a Musical Fidelity A3.2 with a built in phono stage, and some Sonus Faber Concertino speakers.

If I had $1500-2000 to spend on a used TT and preamp, could I get a significant improvement in sound? I would be thinking along the lines of a VPI Scout and a $500 phono preamp (Parks Budgie?). For the time being, the MF A3.2 and speakers are likely not up for change.

I listen to mostly classic rock, alt rock, jazz, and folk. I'd like a little more energy and separation, if that makes sense.

thanks in advance
adnan
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"I listen to mostly classic rock, alt rock, jazz, and folk. I'd like a little more energy and separation, if that makes sense."

It it were my choice, I would do this: DV-P75 $900, DV-20x2 low output version $950 and a Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0 $300. It should be a big improvement for now, and if you want to upgrade your TT in the future, you can transfer all this over to something like a VPI Scout.
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
My opinion is that you have a good basic set-up. The weak link seems to be the Grado cartridge. Replacing it with a decent medium or high output moving could cartridge could be just what you're looking for with out breaking the bank.

A Denon DL-110 might be just the ticket. Your preamp has enough gain (might have to turn up the volume a little higher) to work just fine with the Denon. And it would give you plenty of money left over for a few turntable tweaks if you want.
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
"moving coil" not "moving could" Sary fir thet tyypings airor.
adnan OP
9 posts
 
Ok thanks! The view here seems to be to upgrade the cartridge first before going after a new turntable. This sounds good to me- does this mean that my Thorens 160 is a good enough platform to invent a new cartridge in?

thanks
metralla
945 posts
 
You did not mention the tonearm you have on your TD-160. I owned one back in 1982. I was using the original Garrott Brothers P77, one of the great moving magnet cartridges, on an Excel Unipivot arm.

I did replace it with a lightly used Linn Sondek and that was an upgrade, as one would expect - or at least hope. A lot of music in those TD-160s though.

Regards,
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