Just ordered a Thorens TD 145

[bscepter]

I've always loved the look of these decks, and I ran across what looks like a clean one for $450 on eBay. The shipping was free, and it comes with an Ortofon Super OM 20 cart, so I'm really only paying about $300 or so for the TT itself. I currently have a Pioneer PL-510A and am looking forward to hearing the Thorens through my Marantz 2220B and Dynaco A25s. What do you guys think? Will I like what I hear?

 

[mprince]

I suspect you will like it a lot. One note of caution is to make sure the seller knows how to pack and ship it; there are threads here detailing proper packing that I would send links of to the seller. A lot of horror stories of nice turntables getting trashed by carelessness in this area, and from sellers who claim that they have shipped many tables successfully and do not take the advice or guidance provided.

 

[bscepter]

I suspect you will like it a lot. One note of caution is to make sure the seller knows how to pack and ship it; there are threads here detailing proper packing that I would send links of to the seller. A lot of horror stories of nice turntables getting trashed by carelessness in this area, and from sellers who claim that they have shipped many tables successfully and do not take the advice or guidance provided.

I asked specifically about packing, and he claimed (as you said) that he's shipped a bunch before. What can go wrong with poor packing?

 

[kmp14]

IWhat can go wrong with poor packing?

The worst thing that can happen is that the platter comes off and bangs around under the dust cover, possibly destroying everything. I know from experience.

Also a risk is if the tonearm is not properly secured and flies around during shipping. That would be bad too.

 

[stereofisher]

I asked specifically about packing, and he claimed (as you said) that he's shipped a bunch before. What can go wrong with poor packing?

Everything. Broken arms, smashed dust covers ruin bases. Equals a ruined turntable. Platters need to removed. Counter weight off the arm, dust covers shipped separately. On Duals, three boxes. One for the main unit, double boxed dust cover another box double box. Base with platter double boxed. Lots of padding. Spend $100 the last time. Get the picture?

Nice table though. Good luck.

 

[bscepter]

The worst thing that can happen is that the platter comes off and bangs around under the dust cover, possibly destroying everything. I know from experience.

Also a risk is if the tonearm is not properly secured and flies around during shipping. That would be bad too.

Welp, it's already shipped. I guess I'll find out...

 

[bscepter]

From the seller: "Yes I have shipped turntable before. I realize they require careful packing. I’m actually picking up supplies this afternoon after work so that I can start the careful process of removing the platter, the tonearm head & securing what needs to be secured. it will come properly packaged."

Fingers crossed....

 

[Blue Shadow]

That limited statement is in the right direction.

On a Thorens remove headshell, counterweight, lock and secure tonearm with twist tie
Remove outer platter and see if inner platter has a keeper system. My TD-160 does, limits removal to a quarter inch.
remove dust cover
Install sub chassis retaining bolts
Pack platter, counterweight below table
Pack headshell, alignment gauge separately to avoid stylus damage
Pack everything tight in Bo's and the doc can go on top if nothing moves
Make box damage proof and then double box.

We are waiting to see.

 

[gadget73]

I don't think my 160 has locking screws, but I have pushed down on the inner platter and stuck small bits of foam between the sub-chassis and top chassis to lock it up when I needed to transport it. It needs something done otherwise the suspension bounces around a lot. Removing the outer platter mostly takes care of it though.

Mine shows evidence of moving it poorly in the past. The arm rest was busted when I got it and the inside of the cover has scrapes in a few spots.

 

[turnitup]

I bought a 1228 Dual, they wrapped the turntable with the COVER ON very well, but didn’t lock down the table, the tone arm or anything. Everything was simply free-floating inside of the cover during shipping. It was not a pretty sight upon arrival...

 

[ZebraBlvd]

I have packaged and shipped 19 turntables to date (within the States and Internationally), with no injury to any of them. My money is on that yours will arrive safely, I base this on the reply you got back from the seller. He/She seems to understands the breakdown of a table for shipping. FWIW, I packed tables in a NEW corrugated box, and then floated that box in a larger box. Shipping was expensive, but was not an issues when a 1k or a $400 table arrived ready for assembly and playing enjoyment.

 

[bscepter]

Shipping was expensive, but was not an issues when a 1k or a $400 table arrived ready for assembly and playing enjoyment.

That's one of the reasons I didn't mind paying $450 for the table. Shipping was included in the price. Factoring in the decent cart, it seemed like a good deal. Like I said... fingers crossed...

 

[Blue Shadow]

we're pulling for ya...

 

[ranch 22b]

I don't have a TD-145 but do have a 147 and 125 MkII. They are both fine turntables. I suspect your 145 will be also.

When your 145 arrives (hopefully in great shape), I'd check to see if the inner platter spindle well has at least a little oil in it. It's easy. With the belt (and outer platter) removed, pull the inner platter straight up. As you do, the spindle will come right out of the well. Note that some Thorens turntables have a fitting on the underside to keep the inner platter in place. To remove the inner platter on those turntables, this fitting must be removed first.

Good luck!

 

[Blue Shadow]

To remove the inner platter on those turntables, this fitting must be removed first.

Good luck!

On my 160 Super the fitting just needs to be loosened and then sliding it to the side allows the inner platter to be removed.

 

[Isaac C.]

If the seller has not performed any maintenance, it might could benefit from oiling the main bearing and top and bottom motor bearings. I used 3 in 1 motor oil and it did the trick.

Also I did not realize this until recently, but the VTA can be adjusted by loosening the hex screw on the side and back of the tonearm base.

For alignment you can download and print a Thoerns Baerwald Arc Protractor to align the cartridge if it is not already close. The protractor has a stroboscope printed on it which can help give you an idea of the wow and flutter.

If you have any TD 145 questions feel free to message me.

Edit: Mother's Mag Aluminum polish works great on cleaning the aluminum chassis, platter, and tonearm. Apply to a mircofiber and gently rub in one direction until the paste darkens, then wipe off the excess. It's amazing how good it looks after a polish.

I have Dynaco A25s as well, the Thorens and Dynacos compliment one another very well IMO. My table has an Ortofon VMS 5e Mkii cartridge, personally I like Ortofons. I think it will be a big upgrade from the Pioneer.

 

[Isaac C.]

Here is the manual, hopefully it will be of use @bscepter:

 

[Isaac C.]

 

[bscepter]

If the seller has not performed any maintenance, it might could benefit from oiling the main bearing and top and bottom motor bearings. I used 3 in 1 motor oil and it did the trick.

Also I did not realize this until recently, but the VTA can be adjusted by loosening the hex screw on the side and back of the tonearm base.

For alignment you can download and print a Thoerns Baerwald Arc Protractor to align the cartridge if it is not already close. The protractor has a stroboscope printed on it which can help give you an idea of the wow and flutter.

If you have any TD 145 questions feel free to message me.

Edit: Mother's Mag Aluminum polish works great on cleaning the aluminum chassis, platter, and tonearm. Apply to a mircofiber and gently rub in one direction until the paste darkens, then wipe off the excess. It's amazing how good it looks after a polish.

I have Dynaco A25s as well, the Thorens and Dynacos compliment one another very well IMO. My table has an Ortofon VMS 5e Mkii cartridge, personally I like Ortofons. I think it will be a big upgrade from the Pioneer.

Awesome. Thanks.

This one’s coming with an Ortofon Super OM 20.

 

[gadget73]

I actually recently did some reading on my 160, and the factory manual gives info on the required oil. I forget what it called for, but of course its obsolete. Some research found that it crosses to a modern ISO 46 hydraulic oil. I got some from the bucket of hydraulic oil at work and re-oiled mine last week. Officially it should be an R&O 46 oil, what I have available is an AW46. Rust and Oxidation vs Anti Wear. The difference is the AW has a bit of zinc in it. I figured that won't bother anything so I went with it.