Is Thorens a step up from Dual with the same cart?

[soma89]

Hello,
Right now I`m running a Dual 1019 with a V15 III and like the sound a lot.
I was just wondering.. is a Thorens (Something like a TD166, TD165, TD160..with a stock Thorens arm) going to be a step up in sound quality, if I use the same cart?

 

[pilotputz]

There really is something about Duals and high compliance carts like Shures.

I think you'd be hard pressed to beat the sound you have now. Don't get me wrong, Thorens is a great name in TTs, but pound for pound Dual is a strong contender: I don't know that you'd hear enough of a difference to make it worth all the effort and most likely extra money.

But that's just one man's opinion...

 

[spartanmanor]

There is more bang for your buck in a cart upgrade, IMO.

 

[Balifly]

So get the Thorens.
Let us know what you think after you have done the comparison test !!!

 

[KentTeffeteller]

A Thorens usually was an upgrade for higher end systems in the day. Although some audiophiles bought both, the Thorens for him, the Dual for wife and kids to use. How much of an upgrade depends on model and care of setup details. Some later era lower end Thorens were made by Dual/Fehrbacher in fact. The 1019 is one of the best classic Duals ever and superb when in good order. Back in the day, the closest equivalent in price in Thorens would be a TD 150.