Semi automatic - Thorens vs Rega vs

[Rolf Jansen]

Hi to all, this is my first post on audiokarma!

I've tried to find some related posts but didn't find something specific to my need.
I want to buy a decent turntable to play some of my old records and buy new records as well (haven't had a pickup for more the 10 years).

I almost went with a Rega Planar 2, but i've noticed the speed change is under the platter and sometimes I fall asleep listening to music so I am looking for a semi automatic or an automatic turntable close to the sound qualities of a Rega P2.
I've also found the Denon Dp 400 to be suited for the needs but I don't know how different is to the more renowned brands.

I've seen Thorens makes the td 240-2 but i don't know how it compares soundwise to the planar.
Other suggestions are welcome! Budget is around 600 euros. Cheers and sorry if it's offtopic.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

The Thorens is a Dual/Fehrenbacher made turntable, and for USA buyers, very overpriced. As in something over $1000. The only automatic today I'd really want to own would be the new Technics SL-1500C. Which can be had for the same price as that Thorens/Dual. It has auto lift at the end of the side. Alternatively, see if a Rega you like can be used with a Q-Up.

 

[Rolf Jansen]

I live in europe, so I can get a thorens without added fees.
Thank you for the Q-up tip! Wasn't aware there was something like this available.

 

[Chrisxo55441]

i have a 240-2 and i also have 3 technics 1700mk2 semi auto tables, the technics is my favorite table. i havent heard the new 1500C but it seems to be very similar to the 1700mk2 if i was looking for a new table which im not as i already have 10 that would be the one i would get. i really like my 240-2 though and i have an ortofon 2M bronze mounted on it and it truly sounds awesome. if you plan on swapping cartridges on it though i wouldnt recommend it , the headshell has no wires and they just stick out the end of the arm so you cant just swap them like a technics you have to unplug the wires get them through the hole of the headshell then feed them through the next one and attach them. they are very thin and i worry about them breaking so i just leave the 2M on it i have a 2M black stylus that i can swap also. there is also no VTA adjustment so i use a mat to get that right and the other thing i dont like is the platter turns very weak so it stops if you use a cleaning brush without a very light touch. it is a beautiful table and once its set up can sound great.

 

[tnsilver]

I live in europe, so I can get a thorens without added fees.

Good for you, and you should get a Thorens, preferably one of the superior SQ classic TD-150/160/125 series turntables. With your budget you can lay hands on a nice condition used TD-160 and afford an automatic tonearm lifter like this: https://www.turntablelab.com/produc...atic-tonearm-lifter-standard-height-low-model. You could fall asleep with no worry as the tonearm lifts at end of play. The platter keeps spinning, but who cares... Mine spin for weeks on occasions and with those low wattage motors and heavy platters - it's mostly inertia that does the job. Your instincts are right. Get a classic manual Thorens, install an arm lifter and enjoy both domains of superior SQ with the simplest mechanism - plus the perk of being able to doze off in front of the TT.

 

[Rolf Jansen]

Thank you guys! This forum looks livelier then I thought, I'm just getting into the joy of listening and seeing my fav records spinning inside my room.
Will take a look at some manual turntables, i'm a hobby musician /drummer and i prefer the sound quality over some automatic features.

 

[Chrisxo55441]

preferably one of the superior SQ classic TD-150/160/125 series turntables

i have a TD-160 its a very nice table but its not superior to my 1700mk2, i also have a Thorens TD-147 that is a semi auto and its sounds just as good as my TD-160 and i can doze off and have no worries. the OP could consider one of these as well

 

[tnsilver]

I don't want to get into this corny Technics vs. Thorens argument. You like your Technics - good for you. The rest is subjective. My experience is different. Way different! The TD-147, the successor of the TD-145 is no different than the TD-160 when it's well maintained, that is - other than the TA lift + auto shutoff feature. Unfortunately, the whole induction sensor and relay release TA lift electronics are regarded by many as overly engineered and vastly complex for the simple function it's designed to do. It also tends to introduce an annoying buzz into the audio signal when it's out of snuff with tired outdated semi-conductors. The 145/147 also usually render attempts to swap the stock tonearm painful and likely futile. That's why I did not include it in my recommendation above.

 

[OttOpixel]

Sony PS X50.

Really.

 

[Rolf Jansen]

Before closing this topic, I've found a Technics 1710 in my hometown for about 300 bucks. Seems to be in decent condition, would you recommend this over a new Thorens 240-2 or so? I'm thinking if newer digital boards get a better sound nowadays or not.

 

[Chrisxo55441]

the 1710 should be a pretty decent table i havent heard one in person but i do have a SL 1600 which is the full auto version and should be pretty close to it performance wise. the 1710 does not have the quartz locking or adjustable VTA that MK2 models do, but the 240-2 doesnt either. if the 1710 is in good shape then price wise its probably the one to get. i dont think sound wise there would be a big difference, belt versus direct drive i like both. 1710 is easier to swap carts. looks wise the 240-2 is better to me, if you have a significant other that may matter. new versus old you may get more life from the 240-2.

 

[Isaac C.]

The Thorens TD 145 is a wonderful vintage table with autolift and stop. It is basically a TD 160 but semiautomatic.

If you keep your eye out you can get a good one for around $500 or less.

 

[DavidTT]

I just bought a TD-145 a couple of weeks ago from another AKer and love it. I don't love the auto stop and lift mechanism, which stopped working when I made a small VTA adjustment to the tonearm. Still, a really nice-sounding turntable that I'm planning to love as long as I can keep it running.

 

[Rolf Jansen]

Yes, I'll keep my eyes open for a deal on a vintage TT. The sl 1710 was already sold. But I saw a SL Q2 (180$) and a SL 1310 mk2 (350$) . I'm tempted to buy the Q2 as I think 1310 has more things that can go wrong being such an old TT.
Fluance RT85 seems good as well but I can't seem to find it anywhere on this planet

 

[Grenadeslio]

Yes, I'll keep my eyes open for a deal on a vintage TT. The sl 1710 was already sold. But I saw a SL Q2 (180$) and a SL 1310 mk2 (350$) . I'm tempted to buy the Q2 as I think 1310 has more things that can go wrong being such an old TT.
Fluance RT85 seems good as well but I can't seem to find it anywhere on this planet

Hard to beat this deal if it's still available.

 

[Rolf Jansen]

Also do you know a decent preamp for around 100-150$ to go with a Technics TT? I mainly listen to a lot of extreme metal and rock, and other times classical and oldies pop rock.

 

[Guest143]

Before closing this topic, I've found a Technics 1710 in my hometown for about 300 bucks. Seems to be in decent condition, would you recommend this over a new Thorens 240-2 or so? I'm thinking if newer digital boards get a better sound nowadays or not.

Good to hear that the SL1710 Techie has subsequently been sold. One of my TTs is an SL1700 which sounds great with an upgraded arm (see my avatar) but far from great with its own arm (dull, dark, and closed-in, with subdued trebles). If you want a semi-auto Techie like the SL1700, go for a Mk 2 version which will have a better (and better-sounding) arm, and which will improve even more with mods to said arm. But, as to whether the sound-quality will be as good as is possible at the price (your budget limit) I doubt that, though it's very decent. Still, if a Rega 2 suits you, then a Mk 2 SL Techie semi-auto with a good cart should tickle you pink - I'm sure.

I believe tnsilver (@ # 5) has offered you the very best advice, so far (not that others weren't great too). I'd go for the best-sounding TT for the money and add the tonearm lifter he suggested.

The Kenwood TT introduced at post # 15 is also potentially outstanding, if there are no hidden issues with it - seriously.

[Around 700 euro seems to be the norm, but I've also seen one or two of these advertized at prices between 1500 and 2000 euro, so the price of US$499 for this one seems to be a gift, if all else is good and if the shipping-charge is not 'padded.']

Cheers

 

[Grenadeslio]

Good to hear that the SL1710 Techie has subsequently been sold. One of my TTs is an SL1700 which sounds great with an upgraded arm (see my avatar) but far from great with its own arm (dull, dark, and closed-in, with subdued trebles). If you want a semi-auto Techie like the SL1700, go for a Mk 2 version which will have a better (and better-sounding) arm, and which will improve even more with mods to said arm. But, as to whether the sound-quality will be as good as is possible at the price (your budget limit) I doubt that, though it's very decent. Still, if a Rega 2 suits you, then a Mk 2 SL Techie semi-auto with a good cart should tickle you pink - I'm sure.

I believe tnsilver (@ # 5) has offered you the very best advice, so far (not that others weren't great too). I'd go for the best-sounding TT for the money and add the tonearm lifter he suggested.

The Kenwood TT introduced at post # 15 is also potentially outstanding, if there are no hidden issues with it - seriously.

[Around 700 euro seems to be the norm, but I've also seen one or two of these advertized at prices between 1500 and 2000 euro, so the price of US$499 for this one seems to be a gift, if all else is good and if the shipping-charge is not 'padded.']

Cheers

States free shipping.

I have one of these tables, it's the best I've ever owned. It's also semi auto, lifts the arm and shuts off at records end, just the cue mechanism is involved so no degradation to the SQ. The Technics SL1200MKII isn't even close to being in the same league.

 

[Guest143]

States free shipping.

I have one of these tables, it's the best I've ever owned. It's also semi auto, lifts the arm and shuts off at records end, just the cue mechanism is involved so no degradation to the SQ. The Technics SL1200MKII isn't even close to being in the same league.

Free shipping - my Gosh - didn't notice that. If I were the OP, I'd grab this one and RUN.

The Technics SL1200MKII isn't even close to being in the same league.

I don't doubt that either, based on my encounters with such Kenwoods in the past..

An absolutely RARE and outstanding bargain. Difficult to imagine another great offer such as this coming along any time soon.

Good of you to highlight it. Hope someone here benefits if the OP doesn't nab it.

Cheers.



PS
Just checked. Kenwood still available at the time of this edit, but for North-American buyers, only. OP's in Europe, I think.

 

[Grenadeslio]

Free shipping - my Gosh - didn't notice that. If I were the OP, I'd grab this one and RUN.



I don't doubt that either, based on my encounters with such Kenwoods in the past..

An absolutely RARE and outstanding bargain. Difficult to imagine another great offer such as this coming along any time soon.

Good of you to highlight it. Hope someone here benefits if the OP doesn't nab it.

Cheers.



PS
Just checked. Kenwood still available at the time of this edit, but for North-American buyers, only. OP's in Europe, I think.

My bad, glad I live here, picked mine up a few yrs ago with a Denon DL301 for less than $350 lol. And other than a few swirls in the dust cover it's absolutely pristine.