How good is a well restored Thorens Turntable?

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I'm currently in the process of buying a couple of Thorens Turntables.

Actually, I'm been given a Thorens TD160 MKi
& buying a Thorens TD150 (made to compete against the Linn LP12)

Just wanted to know if there are any turntable restorers/specialist/enthusiasts on the forum?

& to see what your OPINION is regarding how a WELL restored Thorens compares to a Linn LP12.

Oh yeah, I'm already on the Vinyl Engine before someone suggests it.

Look forward to your replies.

 

[Anonymous]

Nobody ?

 

[Anonymous]

Back in the early eighties I upgraded from a td150 to an lp12 I can't remember the arm on the lp12 but it would have ben the cheapest linn arm availble at the time. I had a mayware unipivot arm on the td150. Although the lp12 did sound better to me the td150 was not far behind. The rest of my system which might have been a limiting factor was A&R A60 amp and mordent short pageant 2 speakers

 

[Anonymous]

Hey cooky,

Thanks for your reply.

I spoke to some other people that shared the same view: A Tone Arm Specialist & a Plinth Maker.

I'm looking forward to the project.

I'd like to get a Linn eventually, because it is a Linn, but I think this will be more enjoyable for now.

 

[Anonymous]

I have been down TURNTABLE street. E.g Linn LP 12/ Ekos, never liked it, Linn trade in dynamics for imaging, I liked thye Gyro dek, SME arm combo, and was not keen on the Orbe upgrade. I managed to aquire a Thorens TD160B MK2 on E bay, and an SME series111 arm, and delighted with the results. I have added some damping material underneath the chasis and also an SRM upgrade Ie. damping rings etc. My next step is to get a new plinth to finish it off. The thorns TD160 or 150 are the best. Lets face it the Linn was the copy.

 

[Anonymous]

Can you point me in the direction of a plinth maker. I can only see plinths for 150 etc. Soundsupports do a lovely one though £300 smakers is a lot.

Tim

 

[Anonymous]

I still have the TD160S I bought new in the early 1980s. It has an Audio Technica arm that cost about the same again as the turntable unit.

The 160S model with its important tweaks and heavy mahogany veneer plinth was regarded as within stone throwing distance of the LP12 at the time.

David