I'm very new to the world of turntables and vinyl. I've been learning and collecting for a few years now and am looking to upgrade my turntable. I don't want one that is too expensive but I definitely want an upgrade that will last me long enough to where I will be able to afford some of the more expensive turntables. I've been looking to buy a vintage Thorens turntable, especially on ebay. I was originally looking at the TD 150 mkii but learned that I would likely need to add a bunch of mods for quality. Since I'm just starting to learn about the inner workings of turntables, I was leaning more towards the TD 160 since apparently it does not need mods (or as many mods). What do y'all think/do you have any advice for me? And how much is a reasonable price for the TD 160 if I'm on the right track? I'm seeing some on ebay that go for $600-700. Is that unreasonable or does it sound about right?
Buying Vintage (Thorens)
- Thread starter judygs
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Welcome to AK, Judy!
Do you have to shop online? Can you not find anything locally? Shipping is a risky scenario as turntables can easily be damaged if not packed correctly. Because of its suspension a Thorens is even more particular.
$600 to 700 for a TD-160 is also very much top dollar so it had better be pristine, include dustcover and a good cartridge. But it's a good table.
The suspension also makes placement of a Thorens a bit finicky. Solid floors, stable furniture or even wall mounting is often necessary to isolate the table from vibrations.
Do you have to shop online? Can you not find anything locally? Shipping is a risky scenario as turntables can easily be damaged if not packed correctly. Because of its suspension a Thorens is even more particular.
$600 to 700 for a TD-160 is also very much top dollar so it had better be pristine, include dustcover and a good cartridge. But it's a good table.
The suspension also makes placement of a Thorens a bit finicky. Solid floors, stable furniture or even wall mounting is often necessary to isolate the table from vibrations.
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grillebilly
Empty Head
I echo the above posts. Try to go local if at all possible.
There are others in the same family as the 160 that you may want to consider. The 145 and 146 come to mind, there are a few others as well, but I'm not that familiar with all the models.
I just looked at completed listings on Ebay and was shocked to see what they are selling for now. They definitely are carrying the brand tax like Pioneer and Marantz have. I have a 146 I paid $125 for it probably about 12 years ago.
There are others in the same family as the 160 that you may want to consider. The 145 and 146 come to mind, there are a few others as well, but I'm not that familiar with all the models.
I just looked at completed listings on Ebay and was shocked to see what they are selling for now. They definitely are carrying the brand tax like Pioneer and Marantz have. I have a 146 I paid $125 for it probably about 12 years ago.
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59volvo
Super Member
for a few dollars more...........
Not true..I have 2 Technics SL-1800MK2 tables and love them. I still own my TD-150 MK2, and and have owned about a dozen other Thorens. Prices on used Thorens tables have steadily risen over the last decade. Good Luck!But, most Thorens guys no like Technics.
Lapslah
Super Member
This statement is (I assume unintentionally) misleading. It's not true of all Thorens, and is certainly not limited to Thorens. More accurately, replace "a Thorens" in the above statement with "suspended turntables".
Beyond that, I agree with Montycat and others - try to find something locally. AK is rife with horror stories of beautiful tables destroyed by shipping. Even stout turntables are tricky to ship safely. And there's the added benefit of laying eyes and hands on it in person rather than buying sight-unseen from pictures on the 'net. As much as I love my Thorens, I'd advise you to keep an open mind. There are lots of quality vintage turntables, and if you happen upon a local gem, you don't want to pass it up just because it's not the model you were looking for. Keep your eyes open for a quality table in excellent condition; you just might end up with something great that you never expected.
I will add .02 here to say that I have bought one Thorens turntables from online and built another from parts sourced online. If the shipping can be done in original Thorens packaging and the seller knows enough to pack correctly, it can be done without issue. Also, I have owned more than a few turntables and none have made me happy the ways Thorens sprungies do. Easy to work on, just enough to adjust to keep the tinkerer happy, and outstanding sound. Just wonderful. There is no shortage of parts available, with the exception of motors, which can be hard to find and expensive to buy.
The TD-160, TD-150 and TD-145 are readily available and so are parts for them. If they appeal to you I say go for it, but make sure that whatever one you buy includes a good, smooth-running quiet motor, because that is the one part that will be a headache if you need to repair or replace.
The TD-160, TD-150 and TD-145 are readily available and so are parts for them. If they appeal to you I say go for it, but make sure that whatever one you buy includes a good, smooth-running quiet motor, because that is the one part that will be a headache if you need to repair or replace.
I did intend to specify "Thorens TD-160" as that was the original poster's wished-for turntable. Yes there are many other suspended models that can be very sensitive to external vibration so it was a bit misleading and not all Thorens are suspended or in the same way. However there are other models with suspension that are lot less sensitive, most Dual for example plus a lot of early Pioneer, Sony and other brands.
milanomike
Well-Known Member
the only way I'd buy a top level turntable, Thorens or other brand on eBay, would be if it was local enough to pick up. Unless the seller is an audio dealer, poor packing can lead to big issues and many will not know how to pack the turntable. Good luck in your hunt.
My last 6 tables were all purchased and shipped through eBay, one the owner delivered himself. All arrived without issue and if there had been eBay's outstanding buyer protection policy would have covered me completely so no worries.
Of course the buyer must do their due diligence in communication with the seller before.
It's the largest market so eliminating them will severely limit your choice.
I should mention one is a pristine Thorens TD166MKII as you're looking at the brand. Great looking table that makes beautiful music and one of the more affordable models.
Pristine although the dust cover is cracked, doesn't affect the SQ. Currently not in use as I have a few others I prefer, not a knock on the Thorens.
Another pic of the TD166MKII off the internet, nice looking deck, end game for many.
Of course the buyer must do their due diligence in communication with the seller before.
It's the largest market so eliminating them will severely limit your choice.
I should mention one is a pristine Thorens TD166MKII as you're looking at the brand. Great looking table that makes beautiful music and one of the more affordable models.
Pristine although the dust cover is cracked, doesn't affect the SQ. Currently not in use as I have a few others I prefer, not a knock on the Thorens.
Another pic of the TD166MKII off the internet, nice looking deck, end game for many.
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truckrglenn
Lost
There's a beautiful TD 166 MKII from Russia on eBay now. Wish that I had the funds for it.
I don't have to shop online, I just am not near many stores that would sell those kinds of things. By locally do you mean in actual stores or is craigslist a viable option? Also, I'm not super set on a Thorens but since I was looking exclusively online it was one that I was most interested in.
Athalwolf
Addicted Member
Take Montycats advice and buy local. Every year here at AK there are threads of damaged and destroyed audio components. Here is one from an AK'er posted just a couple of weeks ago: https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-pack-a-500-turntable.937263/
Why put yourself through that if you can buy local? Especially if you can demo the table which is often the case. In addition you meet the seller in person and you can inspect the table closely.
If you live in the middle of nowhere with few prospects then I would suggest subscribing to AK. That will allow you to view the classifieds here at Bartertown which you do not have access to ATM. AK'ers will take the extra effort required for a safe journey of your table.
Craigslist is a good option because it's local. If you are going to someones house then bring a friend to be safe. Wear a mask and social distance if your area is not locked down. An excellent way to proceed would be to make a list of what's available locally and then post it here on Dollars and Sense. You will get lot's of good advice to help you in your search. Another good option is a local search at US Audiomart www.usaudiomart.com. Just set the filters to turntables and your state. Audiomart is also in Canada, the UK/Europe and Australia.
Some audio stores take trade ins from customers who are upgrading and others take equipment in on consignment. Check their websites.
And don't be in a rush and buy something too quick if the current local selection is sparse. Here's a table I bought locally through Canuck Audio Mart:
Why put yourself through that if you can buy local? Especially if you can demo the table which is often the case. In addition you meet the seller in person and you can inspect the table closely.
If you live in the middle of nowhere with few prospects then I would suggest subscribing to AK. That will allow you to view the classifieds here at Bartertown which you do not have access to ATM. AK'ers will take the extra effort required for a safe journey of your table.
Craigslist is a good option because it's local. If you are going to someones house then bring a friend to be safe. Wear a mask and social distance if your area is not locked down. An excellent way to proceed would be to make a list of what's available locally and then post it here on Dollars and Sense. You will get lot's of good advice to help you in your search. Another good option is a local search at US Audiomart www.usaudiomart.com. Just set the filters to turntables and your state. Audiomart is also in Canada, the UK/Europe and Australia.
Some audio stores take trade ins from customers who are upgrading and others take equipment in on consignment. Check their websites.
And don't be in a rush and buy something too quick if the current local selection is sparse. Here's a table I bought locally through Canuck Audio Mart:
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