Rega Planar 2 vs Thorens TD-165
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captouch
Addicted Member
I don't know how close the Planar 2 and 3 are, but the TD-160 and 165 I understand are basically the same sound wise.
Here's a thread on the Planar 3 vs TD-160:
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=17973
Here's a thread on the Planar 3 vs TD-160:
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=17973
p.robustini
Active Member
I tried to find big sonic differences between a TD-165 and a 160. It is not easy. Probably they are very close.
The TD-160 is built better, with better wooden plinth, a better tonearm, a better motor and a more solid, metal subplatter.
Yet, if the TD-165 is in good working conditions, I would probably go for it: it has more character, more appeal than any Rega Planar 2 or 3.
I've been thinking of replacing my old Thorens TD-165 with a new Rega or Project - thank God I didn't! I would have regretted it for life! I replaced it, but with a TD-160! ;-)
It is also a matter of tastes and practicality: one may like the modern looks more or may have difficulties or lack the time and wish to do all the adjustments a Thorens suspended table needs to run at top performance. A Planar is more "plug and play"...
They are also two different approaches: rigid vs suspended plinth.
Although at the end it might actually be a "sidegrade" more than an upgrade, personally I would do it...
But I would not spend more than $200 for a TD-165 yet to be refurbished and adjusted!
The TD-160 is built better, with better wooden plinth, a better tonearm, a better motor and a more solid, metal subplatter.
Yet, if the TD-165 is in good working conditions, I would probably go for it: it has more character, more appeal than any Rega Planar 2 or 3.
I've been thinking of replacing my old Thorens TD-165 with a new Rega or Project - thank God I didn't! I would have regretted it for life! I replaced it, but with a TD-160! ;-)
It is also a matter of tastes and practicality: one may like the modern looks more or may have difficulties or lack the time and wish to do all the adjustments a Thorens suspended table needs to run at top performance. A Planar is more "plug and play"...
They are also two different approaches: rigid vs suspended plinth.
Although at the end it might actually be a "sidegrade" more than an upgrade, personally I would do it...
But I would not spend more than $200 for a TD-165 yet to be refurbished and adjusted!
I would consider the Planar 2 to be an upgrade over a TD-165, but when looking at turntables that are decades old, current condition may count for more than original design and performance. Can you audition the TD-165, comparing it to your Planar 2, prior to purchase?
melofelo
Addicted Member
The planar 3 with an rb300 on a wall shelf with the right cartridge makes for a pretty neutral listen (with the cartridge itself adding most of the discernible 'character'). Still , there is a lot to be said for a well aligned 3 point suspended especially if the arm itself is not quite in rb250 rb300 territory in terms of neutrality and/or construction.
I could quite happily live with any thorens turntable that allows a rega or linn or jelco built arm to be installed. And ,as a Rega Planar 3 + RB300 owner for 21 years and an Ariston RD60 Ariston Enigma (jelco built straight arm) owner for 27 years... I would recommend giving both the thorens and the rega a good listen before picking either...
You may like both..
I could quite happily live with any thorens turntable that allows a rega or linn or jelco built arm to be installed. And ,as a Rega Planar 3 + RB300 owner for 21 years and an Ariston RD60 Ariston Enigma (jelco built straight arm) owner for 27 years... I would recommend giving both the thorens and the rega a good listen before picking either...
You may like both..
