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Linn vs Thorens Smackdown. Who Will Win?

B

BennyES

Active Member
Hello everyone, I have the opportunity to buy a Thorens TD-160 Mark II with a White Chrome Base, and it also has a SME 3009 Series III Tonearm. The model is a Thorens TD 160 BC MkII. It is selling for 1,299.99 USD. I have linked it below. Is anything about it particularly rare or uncommon? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Thorens-TD...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Also, I have the chance to import a Linn LP12 from England that has a Valhalla, and an Ittok LVII tonearm. I have linked it below. With shipping included, it would cost me 1,922.78 USD. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Linn-LP-12...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Which one would be a better investment? Right now, I have a Technics SL Q2, and I want a belt drive, as my friend has an idler, and I prefer the sound of the Belt/Idler turntables. Help!!
 
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The Linn would be my chose, although I would look at other tables also. In this price range a Sota or VPI are two of many belt drives to look at. I’m not a fan of the Thorens table your looking at, cheap looking plinth and SME lll arm is limited to cartridge selection.
 
We’re not supposed to discuss pricing here so I won’t, except that LP12 prices vary a LOT based on the level of upgrades. I’m not an expert but that’s an older spec unit for sure. Big plus is that the Linn seller has the original packaging materials. The Thorens listing doesn’t say.
 
From those two models, definitely the Linn! The Ittok is an excellent arm! Make sure it passes the Linn Swing Test! Ittok has delicate pivot bearings. Here's an Ittok passing the Swing Test.

 
Ilikevinyl said:
From those two models, definitely the Linn! The Ittok is an excellent arm! Make sure it passes the Linn Swing Test! Ittok has delicate pivot bearings. Here's an Ittok passing the Swing Test.

Click to expand...
I’m worried about the Valhalla power supply on the Linn. I was reading that it can overheat
 
Ilikevinyl said:
From those two models, definitely the Linn! The Ittok is an excellent arm! Make sure it passes the Linn Swing Test! Ittok has delicate pivot bearings. Here's an Ittok passing the Swing Test.

Click to expand...


What do I do if the Ittok doesn’t pass the test?
 
BennyES said:
I’m worried about the Valhalla power supply on the Linn. I was reading that it can overheat
Click to expand...

If it goes bad I would get the Hercules II Mose power source.

Hercules%20II%20PCB%20and%20switch.jpg
 
I have no experience with the Thorens, except to note that in the 1970s I lusted after the TD-125.

I have a Linn LP12, bought in 1986. I went through three Valhalla boards over the years. They tend to self-destruct in time. I would be leery of buying an LP12 with Valhalla, unless you get a very, very, almost unimaginably good deal. Expect to replace the Valhalla soon. I currently have the latest version of the Lingo external power supply, which has worked very well other than the quirky operation of the power switch on the turntable. The Lingo replaced the third of the dying Valhallas. The Lingo, installed at Shelley's Stereo in L.A., cost $2500. I wouldn't spend such money if I didn't already own the LP12.
 
Ah, this is a classic debate really. Depending who you ask, the Thorens could be thought of as "the poor man's Linn", and the Linn might be considered by some to be "the rich man's Thorens", LOL.

But based on the two examples shown, I'd personally opt towards the Linn. The SME 3009 series III is an extra low mass tonearm that will limit your cartridge selection (the earlier series II arms can be more versatile, depending on the version).
 
The Hercules power supply is built and sold by a company called Mober headed by Edmund Chan. He sells them on Ebay and you can follow him on FB. Stamford Audio is a british boutique that carries Mober products.

Linn's K9 cartridge is basically a rebadged AT 95 iirc. The AT match well with the Ittok and are good starter carts for this deck/arm combo.
 
The Vahalla power supply is fairly easy to recap, and do a few upgrade to. Mine has been long lasting as well. Some earlier boards could use a few updates like the Zener diode.
 
A fairer comparison to the Linn would be a TD125MkII or TD126MkII IMHO. Between the two the op inquired about I would go with the Linn. FWIW
Regards,
Jim
 
Here is another Linn I am looking at. Does anyone know what cartridge is on it?
 

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