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Cartridge for Thorens TD 160?

A

andy6025

New Member
Hello,

I've inherited a Thorens TD 160 from my father. It needs a new cartridge. I looked on here and some of the suggestions for this particular turn table are just well beyond my price range (tbh I was kinda floored when I looked them up and they were $600). Is there something good someone could recommend for under $200, preferably closer to $100? I don't know anything about cartridges so any extra explanatory blurbs or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you very much.
 
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Ortofon Red, Denon DL110 and Sumiko Blue Point II in that price range.(used for the Sumiko)
Regards,
Jim
 
andy6025 said:
Hello,

I've inherited a Thorens TD 160 from my father. It needs a new cartridge. I looked on here and some of the suggestions for this particular turn table are just well beyond my price range (tbh I was kinda floored when I looked them up and they were $600). Is there something good someone could recommend for under $200, preferably closer to $100? I don't know anything about cartridges so any extra explanatory blurbs or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you very much.
Click to expand...

What cart is on it now?
 
If your TD160 has the stock TP16 arm, it is a medium-mass arm and so cartridge choice is quite flexible. And you don't need to pay $600 or even $200, if you don't want to.

The most economical option I'd consider is the AT-VM95E at well under $100 - don't be put off by the low price, as it's a very nice sounding cartridge. You could also consider cartridges higher up in the AT-VM95 range or could upgrade to one later from the VM95E by simply replacing the stylus.

The Denon DL-110 is also a nice suggestion, but it has become expensive - note that this is a high-output moving coil (MC) cartridge that can be used with a conventional moving magnet (MM) phono-stage, although you'll have to turn the volume up a little higher, and it has a non-replaceable stylus, so you'll have to replace the cartridge when the stylus wears out (probably after 700-800 hours).

Actually, the amount you want to spend on periodic stylus replacements may determine how much you should spend on your cartridge - in most case, a new stylus is a large fraction of the cost of a new cartridge.

Also, please answer the question about which cartridge, if any, is on the turntable now, as a new stylus may be all that's needed. Post a photo if you're unsure.
 
P.S. Have said all of the above, it is worth checking (posting a photo?) that the turntable has the stock arm, as the TD160 was often fitted with an alternative SME 3009 arm, possibly low-mass, for which the cartridge suggestions may be different.
 
Andy. Welcome to AK. As been asked, what cartridge is on there now? Chances are all you need is a new stylus. The TD160 is a very nice table, and benefits from a good cart. Is this your first turntable? If not, enjoy this step up.
 
ortofon super OM20 is $200, OM10 is $100, the OM carts are all the same body and the stylus are interchangeable, i have one on my TD160 that i swap between the 30 and 40 stylus. the 30 is my favorite but the price is around $300 now. you can get the 10 and then upgrade later if you like
 
andy6025 said:
Hello,

I've inherited a Thorens TD 160 from my father. It needs a new cartridge. I looked on here and some of the suggestions for this particular turn table are just well beyond my price range (tbh I was kinda floored when I looked them up and they were $600). Is there something good someone could recommend for under $200, preferably closer to $100? I don't know anything about cartridges so any extra explanatory blurbs or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you very much.
Click to expand...

Nagaoka MP-110? :)

https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=99693
 
The Grado Prestige line are still affordable, and my Grado Green (second cheapest model) sounded quite good on a Thorens 16p with the original TP16 arm. No Grado hum on it.

I haven't heard the new AT VM95 series, but it's forerunner, the AT95E, sounded like a mediocre CP player: not a fan at all.

As someone above asked, what cartridge is on there now? A photo woukd be helpful.
 
I use a Grado Black and haven't been happier...though did put a Grado Gold stylus on it recently...even better.
 
Audio Technica VM95ML. Microline stylus will last much longer than an elliptical and give you better high frequency details.
 
Its a shame the Grace F9E, The V-15 V mr and the Stanton 981 Hzl are no longer made or supported. So that leaves Ortofon MM.
 
I've used the bottom of the barrel AT3600 all the way up to a Benz Micro Wood SL, when I used to use a Throens TD160 mkI. That TP16 tonearm handled every one of them quite splendidly!
 
I like the dl110 on my td160 but it's gotten expensive. A mp110 gets you pretty close for alot less. That said, making sure the deck is in top shape (maybe even some mods as described on analog dept website), level on a sturdy wall shelf and proper alignment is equally important to get the most out of the cart. One of the best td160 I've heard is one I rebuilt for a friend in a solid wood plinth (engineered cherry flooring actually) with a mp110. Sounded fantastic.
 
I searched for a suitable cart for my TD166 MKII. The key for me was fairly high compliance. Vintage Shure and Empire carts sound great on the Thorens tables with the low mass tone arms. Big bucks wasn't the answer. I tried a $500 Goldring cart and it was not good at all.

For new carts the Ortofon OM series seems to be a great fit for the Thorens, and the closest sounding to the vintage Empire I settled on.
 
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