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Thorens TD-147 or Pioneer PL-610/630?

fazman

fazman

Active Member
I have a chance to pick up a Thorens TD-147 today...
I already have a Pioneer PL-610 and PL-630 which I think are the cats meow!
Just wondering... at the risk of having too many turntables hanging around, I was wondering if I can get some thoughts on the Thorens deck?
As I understand it this is a belt driven table is it not? Most likely will need the belt changed?
Can anyone coment on the performance of this unit?

I'll most likely get it anyway but some pre purchase advice would be appreciated...

Thanks in advance...
 
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Excellent TT
You are correct, it's belt driven. You might be lucky with the belt. When I bought my 145, the belt was still pretty good.
An OEM belt will cost you around 30.00$. You can get a belt for 10.00$ or so, but I'll not recommend it. This belt might not be the same diameter, same elasticity, etc...

You will find this TT a lot different from your Pioneer. Better, maybe not, very good, yes. Only you will be able to tell if you like it better, the same, or not worth your time. If you don't like it, it won't be hard to re-sale, lots of people like Thorens.

The 147 will compare well with the 145, and the 160 model, which are excellent TT.

If you need a new belt, you can order it from there...

www.qaudio.com/
 
A few site of interest

www.analogue-classics.com/html/thorens___overview.html

This one is from the 160 model, but ptretty well the same underneath except that the 147 has auto-lift at end of play.

http://livinginthepast-audioweb.co.uk/thorens160.php

This was the other place to buy an OEM belt, but unfortunately, they're no longer available.
You could send an eMail to make sure, if you have no luck with www.qaudio.com/

http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/1..._for_Thorens_Turntables-Turntable_Accessories

This one, excellent reading, info with almost everything you need to know about the Thorens

www.theanalogdept.com/index.html
 
thanks for the read moinau... excellent resources for belts too!
I'll see what she's all about... comes with original box and manual so that's kind of a bonus I suppose...
I know it will be hard to "dethrone" my Pioneers though...
 
Fazman, I can't speak to your Pioneers but I have a Thorens TD-147 and to me it is a solid, nice sounding and exceptionally beautiful table.

Here are a few notes that I have:

wow and flutter 0.04%
rumble -72db
tonearm TP 16 Mk 3, armwand TP 63
tonearm effective length 232mm
tonearm mass 7.5 grams (I've been told this means the tonearm is best matched with cartridges that have "high - medium compliance" suspensions)

I read somewhere that the 147 is considered basically a "super" TD-160 with auto lift. "The super 160 is in essence a standard 160 Mk2 with a larger more solid cabinet, damping material applied to underside of the motor plate and sub-chassis, a heavier bottom plate, and better hinges on the dustcover."

If it's functional and the price is fair, I don't think you can go wrong with this one. Original box and manual would seem to be a bonus if you anticipate resale at some time. You might want to make sure that the auto lift indeed works before purchase - that's a nice feature of this deck.

Mine didn't come cheap but I'm very glad that I have it.

Good luck!
 
The thing about having different TTs are, being able to enjoy music from different sources. If all your equipment all sound different, that is the way to go, according to me anyway.:D

I like Pioneer equipment. I've the SA-8800 amp, and I've just recently acquired the PL-115D, not in the same class as your PL-610 and 630, but nevertheless, I still think I'll like this TT when it's all put together properly and with the proper cart. Somebody just sent me a belt and an original head-shell to go with it.
I've different TTs, (Thorens, Realistic, Sony, Dual, Lenco) and enjoy them all, and I'm still looking for more.

Don't worry, you will like the Thorens, it is an excellent spinner.
 
Could someone post a pic of a TD147? Don't believe I've ever seen one.

Will agree with the statement that the vintage Thorens TTs are are excellent. If I was going to change to another vintage TT it would likely be a 145 or 126. Great TT/TA combinations.
 
Saw the table today... Very nice condition! Gorgeous wood plinth on it. Aside from some light swirls on the dust cover (which could be buffed out) it looks to be in mint shape.
The seller is missing the power supply that is suppose to go with it but he says he has it somewhere. Not sure about a power supply???????? :scratch2:
I gave him an offer ( a more than fair offer I might ad...) and left it with him. He said he would do it but I want the power adaptor with it before I take it.
Also want to check all functions too before handing over cash.
I can't see it having any issues though as it looks well cared for...

I'll update if anything comes out of it....

Thanks for the responses guys.
 
The TD147 Jubilee

5547629513_6532f06d22_z.jpg





The TD147 is a replacement to the TD145. It was introduced in 1982. In 1983, the Jubilee TD147 was introduced. It was to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary.

The TD147
5547576213_240349de8a_z.jpg




TD147
MX117.MC7150 said:
Could someone post a pic of a TD147? Don't believe I've ever seen one.
Click to expand...
5548159682_29e55c5bb5_z.jpg
 
Something not right about your last. The power supply is inside the TT. They never came with extra power supply outside of the plinth.
Unless he had one made, maybe??? Strange to say the least.:scratch2:


fazman said:
Saw the table today... Very nice condition! Gorgeous wood plinth on it. Aside from some light swirls on the dust cover (which could be buffed out) it looks to be in mint shape.
The seller is missing the power supply that is suppose to go with it but he says he has it somewhere. Not sure about a power supply???????? :scratch2:
I gave him an offer ( a more than fair offer I might ad...) and left it with him. He said he would do it but I want the power adaptor with it before I take it.
Also want to check all functions too before handing over cash.
I can't see it having any issues though as it looks well cared for...

I'll update if anything comes out of it....

Thanks for the responses guys.
Click to expand...
 
This is what the inside of the 147 looks like, although this one is from the Jubilee. The normal TD147 has no dampening material and no extra heavy cabinetry like the Jubilee.
 

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fazman said:
Saw the table today... Very nice condition! Gorgeous wood plinth on it. Aside from some light swirls on the dust cover (which could be buffed out) it looks to be in mint shape.
The seller is missing the power supply that is suppose to go with it but he says he has it somewhere. Not sure about a power supply???????? :scratch2:
I gave him an offer ( a more than fair offer I might ad...) and left it with him. He said he would do it but I want the power adaptor with it before I take it.
Also want to check all functions too before handing over cash.
I can't see it having any issues though as it looks well cared for...

I'll update if anything comes out of it....

Thanks for the responses guys.
Click to expand...

I am not aware of any TD-147's with an external power supply, I have been known to be mistaken however. :D
 
Thorens 147 came with a 16v external supply(wall wart) I think DC. You could probably get a replacement at a decent electronics store. You can use a project speedbox that directly plugs in and make speed much more stable, but it costs $100. I use to have a 147. It was one of the nicest bet drives I have owned. I also have had the pl 630. They are both awesome and just a bit different. Make sure the end of play cuing works properly before you purchase. It takes quite a bit of fooling to get it to work properly if it is off. Also, you will need to spend quite some time setting the springs and leveling the platter to get the best out of it.
 
moinau said:
The TD147 Jubilee

5547629513_6532f06d22_z.jpg





The TD147 is a replacement to the TD145. It was introduced in 1982. In 1983, the Jubilee TD147 was introduced. It was to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary.

The TD147
5547576213_240349de8a_z.jpg




TD147
5548159682_29e55c5bb5_z.jpg
Click to expand...

the last picture is exactly how it looked. Same colour wood too... Nice. I will check the auto stop before purchasing... thanks guys!

also, it is possible to get a power supply at Radio Shack if this guy can't find it? Just want to make absolutely sure before going any further...
 
An external power supply is new to me for this model. I'm not saying they are wrong, but I would not know where to get one.
I have just learned something new. I'll research that a bit more, and let you know if I find anything on that.
 
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