Cartridge for Thorens TD 160?

[mmannaxx]

I am not sure many of the suggested cartridges are possible with the stock tp 16 tonearm. That tone arm only accepts cartridges which mount from the bottom. So without significant mods of some sort I think the only cartridges which will work are those made by Ortofon, the 2M series red, blue, bronze, and black since they mount from the bottom whereas none of the other suggested cartridges do.

 

[doctor fuse]

I am not sure many of the suggested cartridges are possible with the stock tp 16 tonearm. That tone arm only accepts cartridges which mount from the bottom. So without significant mods of some sort I think the only cartridges which will work are those made by Ortofon, the 2M series red, blue, bronze, and black since they mount from the bottom whereas none of the other suggested cartridges do.

You just have to pry the top plate off for a top mount cartridge. If the screws aren’t too high you can put the top plate back on after mounting.

 

[kbwhaaland]

Old Thorens standard 2mm screws from the bortom?
Works a charm with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95 series.

 

[Hoytis]

I am not sure many of the suggested cartridges are possible with the stock tp 16 tonearm. That tone arm only accepts cartridges which mount from the bottom. So without significant mods of some sort I think the only cartridges which will work are those made by Ortofon, the 2M series red, blue, bronze, and black since they mount from the bottom whereas none of the other suggested cartridges do.

You can use any cart you want with the TD160 headshell. Just pick up a pack of metric M2 screws (2mm) of varying lengths. I currently run Grado, and have mounted Stanton and VAS as well without any issue. Obviously, the wing-type cartridges that take the shortest screws are the easiest to mount, as opposed to longer screws that have to run through the entire body of the cart bottom up. But still can be done.

 

[Skate100]

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.

I've had a stock Thorens TD-160 with the stock TP-16 tonearms for 48 years. For the past 8 years I have been using a Grado Blue. When it came time to replace the stylus, Rich Grado recommend the 8mz stylus. I have never looked back. I even bought an extra 8mz in case they get discontinued. The Grado blue with the stock stylus was great. No complaints there. But when it came time to replace the stylus, the 8mz took it to the next level.

I know this post is 3 years too late. You will find lots of opinions on this tonearm and cartridge. All I can say is that the combination sounds incredible. Huge range, wide soundstage, incredible "punch" to bass and drums and amazing tracking as verified by the HIFI news test record. But of course any cartridge is only as good as the setup. azimuth, tracking force, vertical tracking angel and alignment. BTW, I do most of my turntable listening using headphones (Sony MDR-V6). I listen late at night, and I also find that these headphones really reveal the true nature of the sound for the critical listener.